Hey guys!
The last episode of The Power of Purity Podcast was posted 5 months ago. That was episode 287.
Since then Tony has been on a sabbatical as he's been in personal counseling... and processing through the single most difficult and painful time period of his entire life. This has included his wife leaving him on July 6th, 2021... and her then subsequently filing for divorce.
In this episode Tony shares some updates of this profoundly difficult journey... some lessons he's learned along the way... and how he hopes to continue to move forward from this difficult chapter in his life.
What do we do with our pain and suffering when it seems unbearable?
What do we do when life seems overwhelming and unmanageable?
Is it possible to continue to be a man of purity... even when your life is shattered... and everything has changed?
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
1 And God spoke all these words: 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:1-3
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. II Corinthians 4:16-18
At the end of this episode Tony shares an EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!
God bless you... and welcome to Episode 288 of The Power of Purity Podcast!
This is episode 287 of The Power of Purity Podcast... and it's the FINAL EPISODE.
Hey guys... In this episode I (Tony) share what's going on in my heart... my life... and my situation that has led me to record the FINAL EPISODE of the podcast at this time.
If you've been following this podcast... I feel that I owe you an explanation... and I owe you complete honesty and transparency.
You've let me into your heart and life... you've listened to me... and you've allowed me to be part of your journey.
Thank you so much for this privilege... and it's something that I hold as sacred.
I pray the podcast has been a blessing and an encouragement to you... and I pray it will continue to be a resource for you into the future... as you continue to move forward on your journey of purity.
It has been my honor to be on this journey with you... and to serve you through this podcast.
Please pray for me... as I continue to pray for you.
Stay in the battle guys... it's worth it!
1 Some time later God tested He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Genesis 22:1-2
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 16:24-25
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:7-14
For I know the plansI have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
he Kingdom of God is upside down… inside out… backwards… and paradoxical!
In the first part of this episode Tony shares a letter from a listener… and announces that the LIVE Pathway to Purity Intensive Workshop is officially scheduled for next month!
Tony then shares an amazing and mysterious principal of God’s upside down Kingdom… the reality that GOD’S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN OUR WEAKNESS!
If you are struggling with your sexual gift in any way…
If you are struggling with internet pornography…
If you are acting out in violation of your confession of faith and your very own conscience…
If you are being controlled by sex instead of controlling sex…
There are two different ways to try to deal with this challenge:
(1) GET STRONGER (Let’s see how far this gets you!)
(2) GET WEAKER
The way of God… and the way of His Kingdom is this…
GOD’S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN OUR WEAKNESS!
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. II Corinthians 12:8-10
In this episode Tony shares about the fact that he is presently being chastened by God.
Did you know that God "spanks" his kids?
Sometimes when there's something in our heart and life that shouldn't be there...
When there's something in our heart and life that's "ugly"...
When there's something that we refuse to look at or deal with...
God finally says... "That's enough!"
The Lord isn't going to look the other way forever... and he's not going to let something remain that's not supposed to be there.
When God "spanks" us... it's not because he hates us.
It's not because he's mad at us.
It's not because he wants to hurt us.
IT'S BECAUSE HE LOVES US... and he want's his very best for us.
It's because he's about the business of conforming us more an more to the image of his Son... Jesus.
In this episode Tony talks about what it's like to be "spanked" by God... and he has a prayer request!
Hebrews 12:5-13
Jeremiah 28:11-12
Lamentations 3:1-33
John 15:1-2
Take heart... for whom the loves... he chastens!
Tony & Sheri have been married for 37 years... and they are a living miracle... because they went to hell and back in the early years of their marriage!
Over these years Tony & Sheri have been in and out of therapy together many different times... and the single longest period of therapy lasted for over 6 years straight.
At this time Tony & Sheri are back in therapy again... as they seek to continue working on their marriage to make it stronger... and better... and healthier than it's ever been before.
Tony believes it's a very good thing for therapists to go to therapy!
During the course of the most recent work they've been doing together... one of Sheri's complaints is that Tony doesn't listen very good... and that Tony has a tendency to "listen to respond" instead of "listening to understand".
As a result of this... Tony wrote a pledge to Sheri which he titled...
Tony's Listening & Validation Pledge To Sheri
In this series of episodes... Tony talks about this pledge... and what he's been learning about listening and validation.
By the way... this topic is directly related to healthy sexuality in marriage... and if you listen to this series you'll discover some important insights that help us understand why better listening and better validation lead to to better sex!
Tony & Sheri have been married for 37 years... and they are a living miracle... because they went to hell and back in the early years of their marriage!
Over these years Tony & Sheri have been in and out of therapy together many different times... and the single longest period of therapy lasted for over 6 years straight.
At this time Tony & Sheri are back in therapy again... as they seek to continue working on their marriage to make it stronger... and better... and healthier than it's ever been before.
Tony believes it's a very good thing for therapists to go to therapy!
During the course of the most recent work they've been doing together... one of Sheri's complaints is that Tony doesn't listen very good... and that Tony has a tendency to "listen to respond" instead of "listening to understand".
As a result of this... Tony wrote a pledge to Sheri which he titled...
Tony's Listening & Validation Pledge To Sheri
In this series of episodes... Tony talks about this pledge... and what he's been learning about listening and validation.
By the way... this topic is directly related to healthy sexuality in marriage... and if you listen to this series you'll discover some important insights that help us understand why better listening and better validation lead to to better sex!
Tony & Sheri have been married for 37 years... and they are a living miracle... because they went to hell and back in the early years of their marriage!
Over these years Tony & Sheri have been in and out of therapy together many different times... and the single longest period of therapy lasted for over 6 years straight.
At this time Tony & Sheri are back in therapy again... as they seek to continue working on their marriage to make it stronger... and better... and healthier than it's ever been before.
Tony believes it's a very good thing for therapists to go to therapy!
During the course of the most recent work they've been doing together... one of Sheri's complaints is that Tony doesn't listen very good... and that Tony has a tendency to "listen to respond" instead of "listening to understand".
As a result of this... Tony wrote a pledge to Sheri which he titled...
Tony's Listening & Validation Pledge To Sheri
In this series of episodes... Tony talks about this pledge... and what he's been learning about listening and validation.
By the way... this topic is directly related to healthy sexuality in marriage... and if you listen to this series you'll discover some important insights that help us understand why better listening and better validation lead to to better sex!
In this episode Tony talks about one of the absolute power principles of sexual purity... the reality that you always have a choice!
Will you be tempted over and over again in this wounded... broken... and fallen world?
Yes!
Will you always have free will... and the power of choice... each and every time you are tempted?
Yes!
The concept of free will is absolutely amazing. In this grand experiment that God has launched by creating this universe... and by creating humanity... God took the most amazing risk when he decided to give us free will.
We are not robots.
We do not have to obey God.
We do not have to do the right thing.
We do not have to do what God ways.
We can do whatever we want to do... at any time... because we have the amazing capacity of free will.
In this series you'll discover many ideas and scriptures that affirm human free will... and the reality that...
You Always Have A Choice!
In this episode Tony talks about one of the absolute power principles of sexual purity... the reality that you always have a choice!
Will you be tempted over and over again in this wounded... broken... and fallen world?
Yes!
Will you always have free will... and the power of choice... each and every time you are tempted?
Yes!
The concept of free will is absolutely amazing. In this grand experiment that God has launched by creating this universe... and by creating humanity... God took the most amazing risk when he decided to give us free will.
We are not robots.
We do not have to obey God.
We do not have to do the right thing.
We do not have to do what God ways.
We can do whatever we want to do... at any time... because we have the amazing capacity of free will.
In this series you'll discover many ideas and scriptures that affirm human free will... and the reality that...
You Always Have A Choice!
Tony has some very exciting news to share with you in this episode!
You may already be aware of the fact that Tony presents a 3-day Intensive Workshop... and men have come to this intensive from around the country.
Because of the situation with Covid this past year... it has been very difficult for men to attend the intensive because of travel restrictions and social distancing issues.
Because of this... Tony decided to produce the 3-day intensive in video format... which means that you now have 2 different choices if you're interested in the intensive:
(1) You can travel to St. Louis to attend the intensive "live" when it is offered.
(2) You can now purchase the intensive and attend in the privacy of your own home at your own pace.
The Pathway to Purity Intensive Workshop will enable you to become the hero of the story that God has designed for your life!
· It will enable you to stop looking at Internet porn!
· It will enable you to make quality decisions at the moment of temptation!
· It will enable you to stop stealing orgasms apart from your wife’s knowledge or participation!
· It will enable you to honor both God and your wife… if you’re married… with the expression of your sexual gift!
· It will enable you to honor both God and your future wife… if you’re not married… with the expression of your sexual gift!
· It will enable you to control sex instead of being controlled by sex!
· It will enable you to pass a heritage of generational righteousness and blessing to your children and grandchildren instead of generational bondages and curses!
· It will enable you to be much more effective in the gifting… calling… and destiny that God has placed upon your life!
· It will enable you to sleep better at night because you’ll no longer be living in violation of your own conscience!
· It will enable you to take back the ground that the enemy has held in your heart and life for way too long!
· It will enable you to finally be the man of sexual purity that God is calling you to be!
· It will enable you to have a much better chance of hearing the 7 most important words you could ever hear… “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
In this session Tony introduces The Pathway to Purity Intensive Workshop!
The average person's step is between 2.1 to 2.5 feet long. This means the average person must take an estimated 2,000 steps to walk one mile.
2,000 steps.
1 step at a time.
Step... after step... after step... after step.
In much the same way... when a man decides to become a man of purity... he begins a long journey that will unfold 1 step at a time.
Step... after step... after step... after step.
What this means is that God will always have the "next step" that he has intended for your healing journey. As you're faithful to take the "next step" on that journey... God will bless you... and then lead you to the "next step"... and then the "next step"... and then the "next step".
In this episode you'll discover the importance of moving forward on that journey... one step at time.
In addition... Tony shares 3 important scriptures that affirm how important the "next step" of your journey really is!
Richard was a grown man.
He was a Christian.
He loved God and wanted to serve God.
He and his wife even went to Brazil for 11 years as missionaries to work with unreached people groups.
But something was wrong.
Something was wrong in his heart... and something was wrong in his marriage.
Richard knew that Jesus had promised life more abundantly (John 10:10)... but he also knew that he was not experiencing the abundant life that Jesus was speaking of.
Richard also thought it was strange that... for some reason... he had absolutely no memories before the age of 12.
Hmmmmm?
Eventually Richard began visiting with a Christian counselor... and that began a difficult journey that invited him to look more honestly at the things that had happened to him during his childhood than he ever had before.
Could the hurtful things that happened to Richard in his childhood still be affecting him as a grown man?
Could those hurtful things be affecting his ability to be present to his wife in the context of their marriage?
Could the hurtful things of his past be robbing him of the abundant life that Christ had planned for his life?
Richard's story is an amazing example of the healing we can experience through Christ... if we're willing to do the work we need to do in pursuit of that healing.
Richard has written a book about his healing journey entitled:
A Child of God's Delight... by John Gleason
(Please note that John Gleason is Richard's pen name)
Richard was a grown man.
He was a Christian.
He loved God and wanted to serve God.
He and his wife even went to Brazil for 11 years as missionaries to work with unreached people groups.
But something was wrong.
Something was wrong in his heart... and something was wrong in his marriage.
Richard knew that Jesus had promised life more abundantly (John 10:10)... but he also knew that he was not experiencing the abundant life that Jesus was speaking of.
Richard also thought it was strange that... for some reason... he had absolutely no memories before the age of 12.
Hmmmmm?
Eventually Richard began visiting with a Christian counselor... and that began a difficult journey that invited him to look more honestly at the things that had happened to him during his childhood than he ever had before.
Could the hurtful things that happened to Richard in his childhood still be affecting him as a grown man?
Could those hurtful things be affecting his ability to be present to his wife in the context of their marriage?
Could the hurtful things of his past be robbing him of the abundant life that Christ had planned for his life?
Richard's story is an amazing example of the healing we can experience through Christ... if we're willing to do the work we need to do in pursuit of that healing.
Richard has written a book about his healing journey entitled:
A Child of God's Delight... by John Gleason
(Please note that John Gleason is Richard's pen name)
Richard was a grown man.
He was a Christian.
He loved God and wanted to serve God.
He and his wife even went to Brazil for 11 years as missionaries to work with unreached people groups.
But something was wrong.
Something was wrong in his heart... and something was wrong in his marriage.
Richard knew that Jesus had promised life more abundantly (John 10:10)... but he also knew that he was not experiencing the abundant life that Jesus was speaking of.
Richard also thought it was strange that... for some reason... he had absolutely no memories before the age of 12.
Hmmmmm?
Eventually Richard began visiting with a Christian counselor... and that began a difficult journey that invited him to look more honestly at the things that had happened to him during his childhood than he ever had before.
Could the hurtful things that happened to Richard in his childhood still be affecting him as a grown man?
Could those hurtful things be affecting his ability to be present to his wife in the context of their marriage?
Could the hurtful things of his past be robbing him of the abundant life that Christ had planned for his life?
Richard's story is an amazing example of the healing we can experience through Christ... if we're willing to do the work we need to do in pursuit of that healing.
Richard has written a book about his healing journey entitled:
A Child of God's Delight... by John Gleason
(Please note that John Gleason is Richard's pen name)
We live in a culture that's highly sexualized.
We live in a culture that virtually worships sex.
We live in a culture where basically anything goes when it comes to sex.
All of this seems to send a message that there's no price to pay in exchange for such extreme sexual indulgence; no consequences; no reaping what you've sown.
But when we look into God's holy word... the bible... we see a very different story.
Over and over again... from story after story in the bible... whenever we see sexual sin... we see both God's displeasure... and God's judgement.
In this series of episodes Tony explores several different passages of scripture... as we see God's response to sexual sin in various situations.
The quest for sexual purity is an honorable...worthy... and wise pursuit... because...
God Will Judge Sexual Sin!
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man will reap what he sows. Galatians 6:7
We live in a culture that's highly sexualized.
We live in a culture that virtually worships sex.
We live in a culture where basically anything goes when it comes to sex.
All of this seems to send a message that there's no price to pay in exchange for such extreme sexual indulgence; no consequences; no reaping what you've sown.
But when we look into God's holy word... the bible... we see a very different story.
Over and over again... from story after story in the bible... whenever we see sexual sin... we see both God's displeasure... and God's judgement.
In this series of episodes Tony explores several different passages of scripture... as we see God's response to sexual sin in various situations.
The quest for sexual purity is an honorable...worthy... and wise pursuit... because...
God Will Judge Sexual Sin!
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man will reap what he sows. Galatians 6:7
We live in a culture that's highly sexualized.
We live in a culture that virtually worships sex.
We live in a culture where basically anything goes when it comes to sex.
All of this seems to send a message that there's no price to pay in exchange for such extreme sexual indulgence; no consequences; no reaping what you've sown.
But when we look into God's holy word... the bible... we see a very different story.
Over and over again... from story after story in the bible... whenever we see sexual sin... we see both God's displeasure... and God's judgement.
In this series of episodes Tony explores several different passages of scripture... as we see God's response to sexual sin in various situations.
The quest for sexual purity is an honorable...worthy... and wise pursuit... because...
God Will Judge Sexual Sin!
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man will reap what he sows. Galatians 6:7
NOTE - In this episode Tony considers the important distinction between the 2 major judgments spoken of in the bible...
(1) The Great White Throne Judgment - which is the judgment of non-believers. (Revelation 20:11-15)
(2) The Judgment Seat of Christ - which is the judgment of believers. (I Corinthians 3:11-15)
If you're a believer in Christ... and you struggle with sexual sin... you will NOT be judged for eternal salvation... because your eternal salvation was forever settled when you became a believer in Christ... but you will still be judged for the life that you've lived as a child of God!
We live in a culture that's highly sexualized.
We live in a culture that virtually worships sex.
We live in a culture where basically anything goes when it comes to sex.
All of this seems to send a message that there's no price to pay in exchange for such extreme sexual indulgence; no consequences; no reaping what you've sown.
But when we look into God's holy word... the bible... we see a very different story.
Over and over again... from story after story in the bible... whenever we see sexual sin... we see both God's displeasure... and God's judgement.
In this series of episodes Tony explores several different passages of scripture... as we see God's response to sexual sin in various situations.
The quest for sexual purity is an honorable...worthy... and wise pursuit... because...
God Will Judge Sexual Sin!
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man will reap what he sows. Galatians 6:7
Rollie's mother died when he was just a young boy.
He soon discovered masturbation... and he learned to comfort himself with this activity.
It would become a habit that was deeply embedded in his life... and it would eventually lead to a powerful sexual addiction that would control him for many years to come.
Although he didn't understand what he was doing at the time... he would eventually realize that his sexual addiction was rooted in the tragic story of that young boy's heart and life.
Over the years his sexual addiction compelled Rollie to act out in many increasing ways... including compulsive masturbation... pornography... the use of prostitutes... and having sex with literally hundreds of women.
After living for over 50 years without God... and serving the false idol of sex... Rollie knew that he had a gaping black hole in the middle of his soul... and one day he literally fell on his knees in his bedroom... crying out for God to save him.
God came into Rollie's life on that day in a dramatic and powerful way... and he quickly realized that if he was going to be a God follower... he could no longer do sex the way he had been doing sex for so long.
What would it mean for Rollie to bring his sexual gift under the authority of God... and for Rollie to do sex God's way... instead of Rollie's way?
Hear the amazing story of Rollie's metamorphose from his old self... to the new self.
Along the way Rollie has developed his own "battle plan" that helps him to avoid confronting sexual temptation... and his own "escape plan" that allows him to avoid acting out when he is confronted by sexual temptation.
Rollie has only been with God for a short time in his life... but it's amazing how far he's come in his walk of sexual purity.
Listen to Rollie's story... and you will be blessed!
Rollie's mother died when he was just a young boy.
He soon discovered masturbation... and he learned to comfort himself with this activity.
It would become a habit that was deeply embedded in his life... and it would eventually lead to a powerful sexual addiction that would control him for many years to come.
Although he didn't understand what he was doing at the time... he would eventually realize that his sexual addiction was rooted in the tragic story of that young boy's heart and life.
Over the years his sexual addiction compelled Rollie to act out in many increasing ways... including compulsive masturbation... pornography... the use of prostitutes... and having sex with literally hundreds of women.
After living for over 50 years without God... and serving the false idol of sex... Rollie knew that he had a gaping black hole in the middle of his soul... and one day he literally fell on his knees in his bedroom... crying out for God to save him.
God came into Rollie's life on that day in a dramatic and powerful way... and he quickly realized that if he was going to be a God follower... he could no longer do sex the way he had been doing sex for so long.
What would it mean for Rollie to bring his sexual gift under the authority of God... and for Rollie to do sex God's way... instead of Rollie's way?
Hear the amazing story of Rollie's metamorphose from his old self... to the new self.
Along the way Rollie has developed his own "battle plan" that helps him to avoid confronting sexual temptation... and his own "escape plan" that allows him to avoid acting out when he is confronted by sexual temptation.
Rollie has only been with God for a short time in his life... but it's amazing how far he's come in his walk of sexual purity.
Listen to Rollie's story... and you will be blessed!
Rollie's mother died when he was just a young boy.
He soon discovered masturbation... and he learned to comfort himself with this activity.
It would become a habit that was deeply embedded in his life... and it would eventually lead to a powerful sexual addiction that would control him for many years to come.
Although he didn't understand what he was doing at the time... he would eventually realize that his sexual addiction was rooted in the tragic story of that young boy's heart and life.
Over the years his sexual addiction compelled Rollie to act out in many increasing ways... including compulsive masturbation... pornography... the use of prostitutes... and having sex with literally hundreds of women.
After living for over 50 years without God... and serving the false idol of sex... Rollie knew that he had a gaping black hole in the middle of his soul... and one day he literally fell on his knees in his bedroom... crying out for God to save him.
God came into Rollie's life on that day in a dramatic and powerful way... and he quickly realized that if he was going to be a God follower... he could no longer do sex the way he had been doing sex for so long.
What would it mean for Rollie to bring his sexual gift under the authority of God... and for Rollie to do sex God's way... instead of Rollie's way?
Hear the amazing story of Rollie's metamorphose from his old self... to the new self.
Along the way Rollie has developed his own "battle plan" that helps him to avoid confronting sexual temptation... and his own "escape plan" that allows him to avoid acting out when he is confronted by sexual temptation.
Rollie has only been with God for a short time in his life... but it's amazing how far he's come in his walk of sexual purity.
Listen to Rollie's story... and you will be blessed!
Ravi Zacharias was the well known and respected Christian apologist who founded the RZIM (Ravi Zacharias International Ministry). Ravi was involved in Christian apologetics for over 40 years... and wrote over 30 Christian books... including the Gold Medallion Book Award winner entitled... Can Man Live Without God? Ravi was also the host of the popular radio program... Let My People Think.
Following his death on May 19th, 2020... a number of high-profile Christians posted messages praising Zacharias for his ministry and influence... including football superstar Tim Tebow... popular Christian artist Lecrae... and Vice President Mike Pence.
Before his death... several accusations of sexual misconduct were leveled against Ravi... which he always vehemently denied. After his death the number of accusations escalated... until the governing board of RZIM hired an independent firm to do a complete investigation of these allegations... pledging to disclose the results with complete honesty and transparency.
That 12 page report was published on February 9th, 2021... and the final sentence of the report said this...
We are confident that we uncovered sufficient evidence to conclude that Mr. Zacharias engaged in sexual misconduct.
In this episode Tony shares 6 observations to be considered in the shadow of this sad situation.
Ravi Zacharias was the well known and respected Christian apologist who founded the RZIM (Ravi Zacharias International Ministry). Ravi was involved in Christian apologetics for over 40 years... and wrote over 30 Christian books... including the Gold Medallion Book Award winner entitled... Can Man Live Without God? Ravi was also the host of the popular radio program... Let My People Think.
Following his death on May 19th, 2020... a number of high-profile Christians posted messages praising Zacharias for his ministry and influence... including football superstar Tim Tebow... popular Christian artist Lecrae... and Vice President Mike Pence.
Before his death... several accusations of sexual misconduct were leveled against Ravi... which he always vehemently denied. After his death the number of accusations escalated... until the governing board of RZIM hired an independent firm to do a complete investigation of these allegations... pledging to disclose the results with complete honesty and transparency.
That 12 page report was published on February 9th, 2021... and the final sentence of the report said this...
We are confident that we uncovered sufficient evidence to conclude that Mr. Zacharias engaged in sexual misconduct.
In this episode Tony shares much of the report outlining the sexual misconduct of Ravi Zacharias... and in the next episode (267) Tony shares 6 observations to be considered in the shadow of this sad situation.
Sierra Michaelis is 26 years old.
She was raised in a very small town in northern Missouri.
She played college basketball for 4 years at the University of Missouri (MIZZOU)... on a full ride scholarship.
She's now a middle school teacher... and a high school basketball coach.
When Sierra was a senior in high school she had her first romantic relationship with another female... and went on to live as a gay person for the next many years.
Sierra was essentially raised in church... and always considered herself a Christian. As the years unfolded she had a growing sense that the way she was living her life was not what God wanted her to do... but she struggled deeply with the thought of surrendering that part of her life to God.
She told God over and over again... "Not yet God. I'm not ready to give this part of my life to you."
"Not yet God."
"Not yet God."
"Not yet God."
Then on January 1st, 2020... something very significant happened in her heart... and her life... and in her relationship with God.
Listen to Sierra's journey... and be blessed as you hear the story of what it looks like for a person to bring their life... and their sexual self... into surrender and submission to God!
7 A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his feet as he was reclining at the table. 8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” 10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. Matthew 26:7-10
Sierra Michaelis is 26 years old.
She was raised in a very small town in northern Missouri.
She played college basketball for 4 years at the University of Missouri (MIZZOU)... on a full ride scholarship.
She's now a middle school teacher... and a high school basketball coach.
When Sierra was a senior in high school she had her first romantic relationship with another female... and went on to live as a gay person for the next many years.
Sierra was essentially raised in church... and always considered herself a Christian. As the years unfolded she had a growing sense that the way she was living her life was not what God wanted her to do... but she struggled deeply with the thought of surrendering that part of her life to God.
She told God over and over again... "Not yet God. I'm not ready to give this part of my life to you."
"Not yet God."
"Not yet God."
"Not yet God."
Then on January 1st, 2020... something very significant happened in her heart... and her life... and in her relationship with God.
Listen to Sierra's journey... and be blessed as you hear the story of what it looks like for a person to bring their life... and their sexual self... into surrender and submission to God!
7 A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his feet as he was reclining at the table. 8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” 10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. Matthew 26:7-10