Sep 11
1997
Restoration Through Forgiveness
“Restoration Through Forgiveness” explains that everyone has painful memories affecting their present, yet true healing comes by embracing biblical forgiveness. The article teaches that forgiveness sets you free from bitterness and emotional bondage, allowing God to restore relationships and spiritual health. Drawing from Paul’s words in Philippians and supported by other scriptural examples, it highlights that forgiveness is done through God‘s enabling power, not forgetting the past but moving forward in freedom, wholeness, and renewed purpose as you press on toward God’s calling.
Stephen Black's testimony traces a journey from childhood molestation and early exposure to pornography through years of homosexual relationships, depression, and suicidal thoughts. After his little brother's death and a series of divine interventions, Stephen surrendered his life to Jesus Christ on February 6, 1983. Through pastoral discipleship, healing from sexual abuse, and complete surrender to Christ, he found lasting freedom — eventually marrying Robin, becoming a father, and dedicating his life to ministering that same freedom to others through First Stone Ministries.
“The Truth about Sexual Sin” outlines the devastating impact of sex outside of marriage, challenging media myths that ignore real consequences like heartbreak, disease, distrust, addiction, and shattered dreams. Pratney details seven reasons for sexual purity: preventing unwanted pregnancies, protecting against diseases, emotional disappointment, broken trust, diluted intimacy, addictive behaviors, and divorce. He affirms that only God’s design—sex within lifelong marriage—leads to true freedom, healing, and love, urging readers to pursue spiritual restoration and avoid the pain of sexual sin.
“Relinquishment: What Does It Really Mean To ‘Let Go’?” examines the challenging journey of giving up control over loved ones and outcomes, using biblical examples like Hannah and Abraham. The article clarifies that true relinquishment is not abandonment but trusting God’s sovereignty. It outlines key steps—facing limitations, releasing expectations, giving freedom of choice, and embracing emotional freedom. Ultimately, relinquishment brings deeper security in God, liberates us from guilt, and enables healthier, more compassionate relationships rooted in faith.
“Knowing God” examines the difference between awareness of God and truly knowing Him through relationship and obedience. Drawing from Scripture, Farrell Fisher explains how knowing God brings understanding, changing lives and priorities—from self-centeredness and religious routine to devotion and holiness. The article warns against superficial faith and highlights the joy, spiritual assurance, and strength available to those who seek God wholeheartedly, follow Jesus as Lord, and live in daily fellowship with Him through the Holy Spirit.
Winkie Pratney's article challenges readers to view the Bible not as just another book but as a living, divinely inspired text. He points out that the Bible frequently asserts its own divine origin, with phrases like "God said" appearing numerous times throughout its pages. Pratney also notes the Bible's remarkable consistency and the profound influence it has had on individuals and cultures throughout history. He encourages readers to engage with the Bible not merely as literature but as the living Word of God, capable of transforming lives when approached with a sincere heart.
Bob Davies spent decades hiding same-sex attraction behind Christian service — Bible school, missions work, and ministry involvement — before finally surrendering his struggle to God and joining Love In Action near San Francisco. Through accountability, honest confession, same-sex affirmation, and the unconditional love of his church community, Bob experienced deep healing. His story culminates in a God-directed marriage to Pam, whose prayers for her future husband began the very month Bob yielded his sexual struggles to the Lord.
“The Great Falling Away!” by Milton Green confronts the alarming spiritual condition within modern churches. Despite outward signs—growth, supernatural gifts, evangelism—Green reveals a hidden crisis: many have departed from true faith, embracing worldly values and sinful lifestyles. He warns that the church displays a form of godliness but lacks true power, evidenced by rampant immorality and spiritual emptiness. Green urges believers to recognize apostasy, pursue heartfelt repentance, and seek restoration, so Christ’s followers can reflect holiness and authentic transformation.
David Kyle Foster's testimony is one of the most dramatic shared through First Stone Ministries. Raised by a stern, emotionally distant father, David's pain drove him through suicide attempts, years of male prostitution on Sunset Boulevard, a stint as a film actor, and involvement in a false religious cult. After supernatural encounters with God's love — culminating in salvation at the Garden of Gethsemane — David experienced complete transformation and eventually founded Mastering Life Ministries, dedicating his life to bringing sexual healing to others.
“Hurt and Bitterness” explores how unaddressed hurts, often rooted in childhood, can develop into bitterness and rebellion, poisoning relationships and personal well-being. Winkie Pratney explains that bitterness grows when pain is not met with forgiveness, leading to isolation, open defiance, and destructive behaviors. Drawing from biblical principles and practical examples, the article reveals steps to break the cycle: honestly admit hurt, forgive both others and oneself, and seek emotional healing in God. Restoration comes through daily choices to let go and embrace grace.