Elephant in the Basement

Hi – my name is Greg Grimstad and I’m the Grace Pastor here at Eagle Brook Church.  I want to give you a ‘heads up’ as we continue our Elephant in the Room series.  This weekend’s message is entitled – “There’s an Elephant in the Basement” and Pastor Bob Merritt will be speaking on some of those hidden issues that many are dealing with – focusing on pornography.  Parents – please note that this will be a PG-13 rated message – so it will not be appropriate for elementary aged kids.

Being in a ministry position that works closely with those who are hurting and struggling with life’s issues – I see the damage pornography does peoples lives.  Though this sin tends to be very private in nature – the destruction can become very public in the form of damaged marriages, families and careers – not to mention hurting one’s own walk with God.  What’s amazing is the level of escalation.  What I mean is nobody plans to become addicted to porn.  Like all addictions it starts small but can grow very quickly.  It may begin with a longer glance at someone at the gym, then fantasizing about a co-worker, to watching an inappropriate movie on cable, to spending hours online, to acting out.  In extreme cases this progression can happen for a person in as little as a week.           

I know not many people will want to tell their story when it comes to pornography, so use a fake name or no name at all (we’ll respect confidentiality), but I know there are many men, and families, who have been affected negatively because of their use of pornography.  I also know many men who have broken free from their struggle.  If you’re one of those people reading this, what would you say to those who think that viewing porn is not big deal?

By the way, for those who are struggling with pornography, as a church we are here to help both you and your marriage if this is an issue.   

If you are struggling with sexual purity, please call our confidential Elephant in the Basement hotline. The phone number is (651) 251-4141.

We will also be offering a class beginning on Tuesday, April 29 at 7pm. Please click here for more details and registration.