Running Free

The 2010 Pure and Simple conference was an incredible, life-changing weekend on many levels. Before going into that, here is some background information on why this conference needed to take place.

The purity ministry is focused on the issue of sexual sin: what it is, how it impacts us and those around us, how we can break from it and what is the scope of its influence in our churches.

I don’t need to tell you that sexual sin has been a constant and pervasive problem throughout the history of man. You can read through the Bible and easily see how sexual sin has lead to all kinds of problems throughout the generations, especially for the people of God. There are numerous warnings to stay away from and/or flee sexual sin, because of its terrible consequences.

The problem is no different today. The pornography industry brings in billions of dollars every year by millions of people around the world, with many more viewing it without paying a penny. Aside from that many more view sexuality as a morally subjective and confusing topic. As such many practice sexually sinful behavior without knowing the consequences, or have any boundaries or limits, leading many to act in ways that are perverted and dangerous. For many the behavior is so constant that it has become an addiction, similar to alcoholism or drug abuse. Furthermore, as with any addiction the behavior is continued regardless of the consequences to themselves or others.

Unfortunately, this is not just the world’s problem; it also takes place in our churches. There are many Christians (including ministers and other leaders) whose lives have been impacted by sexual sin, and is destroying their faith, creating deep pockets of shame, fear, secrets, hopelessness and despair. Marriages are suffering, children are exposed to sex before they are ready and many have turned away from God. In other words sexual sin is a huge problem and it is not going away. We must confront this problem and the purity ministry is trying to do just that.

By the grace of God, sexual sin is coming into the light with more and more people taking the leap of faith to be open with their struggles with it. Consequently, they are experiencing the promise of 1 John 1:5-7: true fellowship with others and spiritual purification through Jesus’ blood.

This is what the Running Free conference was all about. Around 170 brave souls from all over the country – men and women, young and old, married and single – came to Lisle, Illinois for a weekend of fellowship, hope, spiritual renewal, biblical teaching, hearing the testimony of others,and for some, their last chance to remain faithful to God. It was an amazing time. For me, the conference was less about the lessons (which were all great) and more about the fellowship. The environment was one where deep openness was expected and welcomed with love, grace and acceptance, no matter how dark or ugly the sin may be. For some, this was the first time they revealed these dark areas of their lives to others and the tears were flowing all over the place.

Understand that these are your brothers and sisters in Christ experiencing this new found freedom. They are learning how to run free in a way that is truly miraculous and yet this was God’s desire for all of us from the very beginning. Of those that came about 12 came from Central Jersey (men and women, many for the first time). All came back with a hope for themselves that sexual purity is possible.

The purity ministry is not for some isolated minority in the church. It is for all of us. Even if sexual sin is not your personal struggle, you may know someone who does christian or non-christian. Perhaps you need guidance in how to reach out to them or how to encourage those who are ensnared to come into the light. You don’t have to walk around ensnared by sexual sin. You can be set free as Jesus promised (John 8:31-32). You are not alone in your struggle, nor do you need to suffer alone. God does not want you to live in fear or shame. This is what we have learned at this conference. If you are struggling with sexual sin, there is hope for you. God and his church need for you to come forward and get the help you need so you can run free, because the church will not be at its best if those in the
church do not trust and obey God in this crucial area.

There is much more to say and Lord willing this will be the first of many articles to be shared. I pray this will help encourage you to experience the incredible healing power of God over an area that the world has no clue how to achieve.

Thank-you and God bless.
Aaron and Theresa Clark

2010 Pure & Simple Conference Recordings