One of the sentences we often hear at Harvest USA is, “I’m really messed up—am I truly saved?” It usually accompanies a cry of despair amid the destructive and painful reality of sexual sins. The anguish this question expresses is familiar to many when life-dominating sexual sins take hold. The sorrowful assumption that there is no way out—and therefore no salvation—when entangled with sexual sins is understandable, because our human hearts are not inclined to see the light. Yet there is hope. In today’s episode Yohan Huh Prudente addresses the anxiety we feel about our salvation by calling us to gaze long and hard at Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life for struggling sinners. Click here to read today’s article.
How would you respond to a woman who came to you confessing a struggle with same-sex attraction? How can you be a sister to this woman? Tender confessions like these about same-sex attraction are happening more and more in the church. So in today’s episode, Women’s Ministry Director Caitlin McCaffrey offers nine things to consider as you walk with your struggling sisters in Christ. Click here to read the full article on our website.
Masturbation is just one of the host of sexual issues that impact women. In today’s episode, Women’s Ministry Director Caitlin McCaffrey shares common experiences women struggling with masturbation go through, why they often struggle deeply with shame, and how the gospel offers grace and hope. Resources mentioned in today’s episode: Raising Sexually Faithful Kids Video Course An Important Discussion for Parents to have with their Kids Solo Sex & The Christian Click here to read along with today’s episode.
Gay porn may be a difficult topic, but we cannot afford to look the other way. All pornography is sinful. All pornography is objectifying and dehumanizing. But if you’re a young man who finds yourself searching again and again for gay porn, whether or not you even think of yourself as “gay,” we need to take a careful, honest look directly at this particular sin struggle. We need to identify the stories that gay porn is telling and consider the better story we find in Scripture. Click here to read along on our website.
What could be better than someone saying I love you and want to marry you? Somebody saying it with all sincerity and knowing you as fully as possible before marriage. For those with past sexual sins, this will require challenging conversations about your past with the person you hope to marry. In today’s episode, Ellen Dykas explains how to begin talking about your sexual history and why it’s critical to discuss past and current sexual struggles before engagement and marriage. If you’d like to learn more, consider reading Ellen’s minibook, Your Dating Relationship and Your Sexual Past: How Much to Share. When you buy this minibook from Harvest USA, 100% of your purchase will benefit our ministry. Click here to purchase!
If it’s consensual, anything goes. This is the world’s view of sex and it’s called sex-positivity. Messages of self-expression and sexual freedom seek to sweep us and our children away. While the world believes that the Bible teaches a utilitarian, prudish approach to sex and accuses Christians of being shriveled and grumpy in our chastity, the Bible is not shy about sex, and biblical sexuality is joyous and healthful. In today’s episode, Amy Tyson offers three theological foundations that help us understand and teach our children the blessing and goodness of God’s positive design for sex and sexuality. Read the original article here.
Why is understanding God’s sovereignty in providence so critical to this journey for parents of children identifying as LGBTQ+? Because, when a parent learns that their beloved son or daughter is caught up in an LGBTQ+ identity, they realize that the journey they’re on may be long and hard. In today’s episode, Joy Worrell unpacks why God’s sovereignty is so critical to these parents, how it strengthens them in their journey, and how God intends to shape them and their relationship with him as he works through these painful circumstances. If you’re a parent struggling to navigate your child’s embrace of an LGBTQ+ identity, we would love to help. We offer both resources and support groups to come alongside you as you navigate this trial. Parents support group ➡️ https://harvestusa.org/get-help-for-yourself/parents-families/ Resources for parents ➡️ https://harvestusa.org/how-we-help/a-struggling-child/ Click to read this entire article on our website.
How does sexuality point to God’s love for you? That’s just one of the topics covered in our book “God, You & Sex: A Profound Mystery”. In today’s special episode of the Harvest USA podcast, we’re featuring a conversation between David White (former Harvest USA staff member and author of the book) and Ellen Mary Dykas as they discuss the content and purpose of the book. You can check out “God, You % Sex: A Profound Mystery” here: https://harvestusa.org/books/god-you-sex-a-profound-mystery/
Have you ever wondered, “Am I codependent or bad at relationships? Am I a toxic person?” While the Bible may not use the word “codependency” it does help us understand what unholy relational patterns look like. In today’s episode, Ellen Mary Dykas paints a picture of what relational idolatry looks like and shows us how Jesus models what right love in human relationships looks like while maintaining a supreme love for God. Read today’s article on our website.
The stories of Achan and David’s sin in the old testament offer a caution for us. Your curiosity can lead you down dangerous paths to sin and death. Often, curiosity about something or someone starts innocently. We don’t intend to get into an affair, or an addiction, or tangled up in a messy relationship or business dealing. But we see or think something, and—without stopping to check our hearts’ motivation or consider where that ‘innocent’ click, text, or encounter might lead—we pursue and take. In today’s episode, Ellen Dykas calls us to keep watch over our curiosity and guard our hearts from the temptations that could lead us astray from Jesus. Read today’s article on our website.