Pure Life Ministries - Dry Ridge, KY

One of the worst parts about addiction is the sinking feeling that you’ll never break free from the horrible cycle of sin. You start to wonder if there’s any way out at all. But many of the men who come through our Residential Program can point to a defining moment when God broke through the darkness and they knew they’d never be the same. These breakthrough moments happen regularly for men at Pure Life Ministries, and it’s the fifth reason our Residential Program works.

Resources we mentioned:

Pure Life Ministries Residential Program

At PLM, we have the ideal setup for men who want to break free from sexual addiction. A beautiful 45-acre campus that is separated from sources of temptation. And, we go straight to God's Word to find real answers for life’s deepest struggles. Plus, we have a team of men who have personally found victory over sexual sin and have been trained to help others walk that same path. But something still more is desperately needed. In today's episode, we'll look at the fourth reason why our Residential Program works: Because God is in this place.

Resources we mentioned:

Pure Life Ministries Residential Program

Ambitious athletes seek out a coach. Sick people find a doctor. New business owners get a mentor. Why?

Because they know they can’t get where they need to be on their own. And if this is true in sports, medicine and business, how much more necessary is it for those who want freedom from something as powerful as pornography? In this episode, we'll look at reason #3 our Residential Program is so effective at helping men overcome sexual sin: Because we provide true discipleship.

Resources we mentioned:

Pure Life Ministries Residential Program

Why is our Residential Program so effective at helping men break free from sexual sin? Because we lead people to the TRUTH—the only thing that has the power to bring people into real freedom. In this episode, we'll talk about some of the most common lies our Residential Program students are battling with, and we'll walk through the very truths that dismantle these lies.

Resources we mentioned:

Pure Life Ministries Residential Program
20 Truths that Helped Me in My Battle with Porn Addiction (Podcast Series) By Pure Life Ministries
10 Half-Truths that Keep Us Addicted to Porn (Podcast Series) By Pure Life Ministries

Compulsive porn users. Serial adulterers. Out-of-control spenders on sex. These are the kinds of men who enroll in our 9-month Residential Program, and for over 35 years we’ve been watching God radically transform these men. But why is our program so effective? In this short podcast series, we'll look at the top five reasons why so many men find a brand-new life at our Residential Program.

Resources we mentioned:

Pure Life Ministries Residential Program

Pride...it brought about the fall of Satan and put man at odds with God, resulting in the destruction of man. This is why the role of humility in a Christian's life can hardly be overestimated. Humility undoes the damage of the fall, and God becomes his protector and his friend.

Resources we mentioned:

Exposing the Root of All Sin (Podcast Series) By Pure Life Ministries
i: The Root of Sin Exposed (Book) By Steve Gallagher

Weston was only 4 years old when a friend introduced him to erotic images. Then, as a young teen, he discovered internet pornography. This set off a painful cycle of getting caught, making empty promises to change, and falling back to his sin. This all lead him to a place of utter hopelessness and even contemplating suicide. But when Weston came to Pure Life Ministries, he found true life through brokenness, godly sorrow and repentance.

When Chris looked at Marissa, he saw a woman who would help him control his lust. He saw someone who would help him achieve a prosperous life. When Marissa looked at Chris, she saw a man who would help her pursue the Lord, someone who would help her cultivate the kind of spiritual life she dreamed of having. One day, both of their dreams came crashing down. But this did not result in the destruction of their marriage. Instead, it brought about the creation of something unexpected. Something beautiful. Something brand new.

Sin always comes with painful consequences. Emotional, physical, or relational pain. And for many people, these consequences often stir up difficult questions. "If God loves me, why would He allow such hard consequences? Does this mean that God has forsaken me? Is there any way to move forward after this?" In today’s episode, we look to the Scripture to give biblical answers to some of these questions.

So, God calls you to preach to a tribe of cannibals. You move your family, learn their language—only to find they have no concern over sin, or judgment, or eternity. This was the dilemma Don Richardson found himself in as he sought to evangelize the primitive Sawi people. Thankfully, he pressed himself into entire dependence upon the Holy Spirit to show him how to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in this seemingly impossible context. And when God moved, He moved dramatically! In this episode, we’ll talk about why you should read “Peace Child” by Don Richardson.

Resources we mentioned:

Peace Child (Book) By Don Richardson
"Why You Should Read" (Podcast Series) By Pure Life Ministries

If you search "how to overcome sexual sin," you'll get a lot of different opinions. Some are totally secular while others are taken from Scripture—like being accountable, developing an unselfish lifestyle, or starting a prayer life. In today’s show, we’ll explore another powerful spiritual tool—fasting. We'll dive into why it works, how to approach it with the right heart, and offer practical tips to make it part of your walk.

Resources we mentioned:

The Crucified Lifestyle (Book) By Dustin Renz

Accountability is a big buzzword in addiction recovery circles, some even suggesting that it’s the main thing people need to find freedom. But Christians must carefully examine these things in the light of Scripture. In today's episode, we'll give a biblical answer to the question: “What role does accountability play in overcoming sexual sin?"

Resources we mentioned:

Pure Life Ministries Residential Program

There’s nothing wrong with feeling fear when real danger is present. But for some people (especially those who have been hurt) fear becomes a constant factor in their lives. Kathy Gallagher has a passion to help Christian women overcome fear by cultivating a heart of faith. In this episode, we’ll share with you the message she gave to the women at our 2016 Annual Conference called “Faith Over Fear.”

**Get all the details about our Annual Conference at conference.purelifeministries.org **

As we gear up for our 25th Annual Conference, we wanted to give you a taste of the kind of preaching you’ll enjoy if you join us on April 25th and 26th. In this message from the 2016 Conference, Steve Gallagher describes three primary qualities that every true citizen of God’s kingdom possesses, and urges us to make sure that we can say we have these qualities.

**Get all the details about our Annual Conference at conference.purelifeministries.org **

Repentance is so vital to the Christian life, that there will be catastrophic consequences if we neglect it. Without repentance, there’s no forgiveness, no cleansing, no salvation, and no sanctification. That’s why—for those who need it—repentance must not be put off even one more day. Don't miss the final episode in our series, “Rediscovering the Gift of Repentance.”

Related Resources:

The Walk of Repentance (Bible Study) By Steve Gallagher

Repentance is an ancient concept—one could say it is as old as sin itself. From the very beginning, whenever God's people have been separated from Him by sin, repentance has been the key to restoring their relationship with Him. In today’s show, we’ll explore repentance throughout the long history of God's dealings with Israel.

Related Resources:

The Walk of Repentance (Bible Study) By Steve Gallagher

Repentance and brokenness might seem negative...until you experience the spiritual benefits that flow from them. For example: a true fear of God that destroys the love of sin. A deep resolve to pursue restoration in our relationships. A zeal to be right with God, no matter the cost. In this show, we'll look at some of the beautiful fruits that come from repentance.

Related Resources:

The Walk of Repentance (Bible Study) By Steve Gallagher

According to Jesus, the pathway into the Kingdom of God is marked out by two inseparable things—genuine repentance from our sins and a real choice to put our faith and trust in Him. But, in our church culture, many seem to think that repentance is unnecessary as long as you "believe." In this episode, Steve Gallagher will address this fatal error by showing that there is no such thing as saving faith apart from repentance.

Resources we mentioned:

Pure Life Ministries Residential Program

Related Resources:

The Walk of Repentance (Bible Study) By Steve Gallagher

According to Jesus, everything that comes with eternal life—power over sin, a renewed heart, a changed life—comes through repentance. So what is going on with professing Christians who do not seem to have that kind of spiritual life? Is it possible that they have nothing more than a superficial repentance that leaves them unchanged and still dead in their sins?

Resources we mentioned:

The Walk of Repentance (Bible Study) By Steve Gallagher

No one will repent without being broken by the Holy Spirit's conviction over their sin. This requires courage, sincerity and a desperation to know the truth—even when the truth exposes the worst things about us. But, this is the only way to life. Every other path leads to death. In today’s show: The Valley of Decision.

Resources We Mentioned:

Pure Life Ministries Residential Program

Related Resources:

The Walk of Repentance (Bible Study) By Steve Gallagher

"You’re a good person." This is one of Satan's deadliest lies, because if we believe that we're good, we will never see our need for repentance. In the 2nd episode of our series, "Rediscovering the Gift of Repentance," we'll talk about why there is no such thing as a good person, and why everyone needs to repent.

Related Resources:

The Walk of Repentance (Bible Study) By Steve Gallagher

In light of God’s unlimited power and glorious redemption, why are our churches filled with men trapped in pornography? Why are marriages breaking apart at record rates? It’s because something crucial has been lost—something so vital that, without it, the power of God is rendered useless in our lives. In our latest series, "Rediscovering the Gift of Repentance," we’ll focus on the invaluable gift of repentance, the only vehicle we’ve been given to be saved from the power of sin and come back into God’s life-giving, life-changing presence.

Related Resources:

The Walk of Repentance (Bible Study) By Steve Gallagher

Darlene Deibler went to Indonesia to preach the gospel to cannibalistic tribes. But when war broke out, she found herself plunged into the horrors of a WWII prisoner-of-war camp. And yet, Darlene would spend the rest of her life telling about a God whose comfort outshined her sufferings, whose presence was more precious than her losses, and whose loving provision was as faithful as the morning sun.

Many people struggle to believe they can be free from sexual sin because even if they manage to avoid pornography, they’re still constantly being bombarded with sexual thoughts. In this episode, we’ll discuss why we should never use temptation as an excuse to stay in defeat, why the battle against lust is actually a positive thing, and the key to growing strong enough to stand firm when temptation arises.

What struggling men and women truly need is an intimate love relationship with God, because a deep, personal experience of God's love will break the hold of sin. Unfortunately, many people caught in sexual sin are uncertain whether God loves them. In this show, we’ll discuss what might block someone from experiencing a sense of God’s love and, more importantly, what can be done about it.

Resources We Mentioned:

Victory (Podcast Series) By Pure Life Ministries

When Jesus Christ came to earth, He brought deliverance for His people, though not immediately—it required waiting. This same spirit of waiting is required for those who are longing for freedom from sexual sin. In this non-traditional Christmas episode, we explore why waiting on God is essential for victory, common misconceptions about waiting, and why we can confidently trust that God will come and deliver if we truly wait on Him.

Most of the men who come to us for help have already taken a lot of steps to break free from sexual sin, but nothing has changed. This clearly shows it's not enough to take steps to find freedom. You’ve got to take the right steps. In this "Ask the Counselor" episode, we'll provide a biblical response to the question, "What's the first step to breaking free from sexual sin?"

Resources We Mentioned:

At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry (Book) By Steve Gallagher
Pure Life Ministries Residential Program

Should Christians watch movies or TV shows that contain inappropriate innuendos or sex scenes? In this episode, we’ll give you a straightforward response to that question, but we’ll also take a deeper look at what the Bible teaches about a more foundational issue: our interactions with the world.

Resources we mentioned:

At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry (Book) By Steve Gallagher

Scriptures we mentioned:

Proverbs: 4:23
Romans 13:14
Matthew 4:4
1 Corinthians 15:33
2 Timothy 2:19-22
Colossians 3:16
John 17:17
2 Corinthians 6:17-18
Psalm 115
2 Corinthians 3:15-18
1 John 2:15-17
Psalm 1

It can be difficult for even a sincere believer to know what’s right and wrong when everything around them is screaming out conflicting messages. But God has given us His Word to anchor us in the Truth. In this week’s episode, we look at key spiritual principles to guide you in your walk with the Lord amidst our immoral culture. Plus, we discuss how the motivation for living out those principles should come from our desire for Jesus.

Resources we mentioned:

Precept (Inductive Bible Studies)
e-sword (Bible Study Software)
Study Light (Bible Study Tool)
Pressing On Toward the Heavenly Calling (Bible Study) By Steve Gallagher

Compared to most of the world, Americans have greater opportunities for wealth and a pleasurable life. But in light of biblical warnings about riches, how should Christian couples view the American Dream? In the final episode of "On the Same Team," PLM graduates Stephen and Jubilee Howell talk about how their pursuit of the American Dream nearly led to their ruin, but how God gave them a new vision centered on building His Kingdom.

Related Resources:

Intoxicated with Babylon (Book) By Steve Gallagher

A God-filled marriage does not happen by accident. It is built on the foundation of ongoing repentance toward God and a spirit of humility towards each other. In Ep. 06 of our series, "On the Same Team," we'll be talking with PLM graduates Greg and Paloma about why it's been so important for both of them to remain aware of their own sin and their own great need for God.

Resources we mentioned:

The Story of Greg and Paloma (Testimony Video)
Rescued, Redeemed, Restored (Part 1) | Greg And Paloma's Story Of Hope (Podcast) By Pure Life Ministries
Rescued, Redeemed, Restored (Part 2) | Greg And Paloma's Story Of Hope (Podcast) By Pure Life Ministries
The Walk of Repentance (Devotional) By Steve Gallagher

When Nolan and Kendra Godfrey entered our counseling programs, they were ready to rid their marriage of sexual sin forever. But as they received biblical counseling, they realized that sexual sin was only a small part of their problem. What was far more destructive to both of them was their love of what the world offered. In Ep. 04 of "On the Same Team," we'll talk about why every Christian couple must vigilantly guard their hearts and minds from the spirit of this world.

If both spouses truly want to be united and devoted to one another, how do they walk out that desire? What specific things should they be doing (and NOT doing)? In Ep. 03 of "On the Same Team," Jeff and Rose Colón share some of their extensive counseling experience with us as they talk about the biggest challenges that couples seeking restoration will have to navigate.

Resources we mentioned:

From Ashes to Beauty (Book) By Jeff Colón

In Ep. 02 of our series, "On the Same Team," we continue our conversation with Pure Life founders Steve and Kathy Gallagher. Like so many couples, Steve and Kathy’s marriage had been utterly shattered by pride, selfishness and infidelity. But when they were both broken over their own sin, something beautiful began to happen. They became unified and devoted in a way they never had before.

It's time for Ep. 01 of our new series, "On the Same Team!" In this series, we'll be interviewing six couples. Each of them have had to fight their way out of the horrors of sexual sin and have found out that there is tremendous spiritual strength when they are truly united with their spouse. In this episode, Steve and Kathy Gallagher kick things off by talking about why husbands and wives have to be on the same page spiritually.

Resources we mentioned:

When His Secret Sin Breaks Your Heart (Book) By Kathy Gallagher

Those that genuinely surrender to God are the ones that obtain victory over sin. They surrender to Him because they trust Him. And they trust Him because they believe that He is good. In this episode, we look at one of the most attacked attributes of God: His goodness.

Resources we mentioned:

Victory (Podcast Series) By Pure Life Ministries
Living in Victory through the Power of Mercy (Book) By Steve Gallagher

When God's people are inflamed with love for Jesus and a zeal for His Kingdom, Satan's master plan for humanity is presented with a massive threat. But the enemy won't go down without a fight. In this show, we'll look at one of his most effective counterattacks—fostering a church culture that is full of apathy.

Resources we mentioned:

Babylon: The Seat of Satan's Power (Podcast Series) By Pure Life Ministries
Intoxicated with Babylon (Book) By Steve Gallagher

In 1966, a British girl named Jackie Pullinger stepped for the first time into "The Walled City." This small Hong Kong district was a place of horrors—sewage ran through the streets, prostitution, drug use and lawlessness were rampant. But where the darkness seemed impenetrable and all-powerful, God used an unlikely woman to bring many souls into God's marvelous light. In this episode we review Jackie's autobiography, "Chasing the Dragon."

Resources we mentioned:

Chasing the Dragon: One Woman's Struggle Against the Darkness of Hong Kong's Drug Dens (Autobiography) By Jackie Pullinger

Have you ever had someone tell you to bounce your eyes or snap a rubber band on your wrist when you're struggling with lust? These are secular techniques that are supposed to help us change the way we respond to sexual temptation. But Scripture never tells us to merely modify our behaviors. Instead, it tells us that we must crucify our sinful natures through repentance and allow our hearts to be transformed by grace.

In recent years, many have claimed that brain science is giving us cutting edge insights into the nature of porn addiction—and how to help addicts. But is understanding how porn affects the brain really one of the secrets to getting free, or just another half-truth that keeps many locked in their addiction? Plus, we'll talk with Steve Gallagher about why he determined not to use the principles of psychotherapy at Pure Life Ministries.

Resources mentioned:

20 Truths that Helped Me in My Battle with Porn Addiction (Study Journal) by Steve Gallagher

Many people say that the road to addiction begins with negative childhood experiences. They also claim that we have to "work through" our past if we want a happy future. In today's show, Steve Gallagher shows why that is just another half-truth that keeps people locked in addictive behaviors.

Resource we mentioned:

The Walk of Repentance (24 Week Bible Study) By Steve Gallagher

One of the most important lessons we must learn in the Christian life is that we cannot allow our feelings to control us. This is even more vital for those battling their way out of sexual addiction. In this episode, we tackle another half-truth that keeps people addicted to porn: “I can’t change my feelings.” Plus, one of our staff members will talk about how living by his feelings led him to ruin, but living by faith led him into life.

If you’ve been around sexual addiction recovery for any length of time, you’ve probably heard someone say: "Once an addict, always an addict." Is that really true, or is that just another half-truth that keeps people addicted to pornography? In today’s show, Steve Gallagher looks at some of the core beliefs of the 12-step systems of recovery, and then compares those with what the Bible teaches about overcoming sin. Plus, one of our staff members shares why he can say (after 17 years of freedom), "I am no longer an addict!"

Resources we mentioned:

20 Truths that Helped Me in My Battle with Porn Addiction (Study Journal) By Steve Gallagher

The incredible truth about God's love is that it is unconditional. This is incredibly liberating for some, and it sets them free from striving to earn God's favor. But many others use this reality as a license to continue their perilous descent into the depths of sin. Thanks for joining us for the third episode in our series 10 Half-Truths that Keep Us Addicted to Porn, as we dissect the statement, "God loves me just the way I am."

Jesus promised us that the truth would set us free. He made no such promises about half-truths. In this episode, Nate Danser examines Scripture to find out why “I can’t get free unless God chooses to set me free” is a half-truth with no power to deliver people from porn addiction. And, one of our residential counselors will talk about how that very half-truth crippled his efforts to break free from pornography. And of course, we’ll look at the full truth that has power to set anyone free!

Our mission at Pure Life Ministries is simple. Show men and women why they're addicted to porn and then show them the way out. One of the reasons multitudes are addicted is because they’ve been deceived by half-truths. In 10 Half-Truths that Keep Us Addicted to Porn, we’ll look at deceptions that keep people in bondage to sin, but more importantly, we’ll use God’s Word to reveal the powerful truths that will set them free. This week: Sexual Pleasure is the Most Important Thing in Life.

Resources we mentioned:

20 Truths that Helped Me in My Battle with Porn Addiction (Study Journal) By Steve Gallagher
The Walk Series (Devotionals) By Steve Gallagher

Sexual intimacy can be really complicated, especially for those who are dealing with the aftermath of sexual sin. In today’s episode, Jeff and Rose Colón talk about the biblical principles that will transform the marriage bed from a place of awkwardness, fear, and lust into a place of deep intimacy, trust and purity.

Resources we mentioned:

Intended for Pleasure (Book) By Ed Wheat, M.D.
Ashes to Beauty (Podcast Series) By Pure Life Ministries

Some say that if you want to discover the roots of addictive behavior, you have to look at a person’s childhood, because the data shows that if a child’s father doesn’t give them the love they need, they can have real problems later in life. But does that mean that a father's failure to love causes a person to become an addict? In today’s show, we'll discuss what the Bible teaches about why we do what we do, and how to deal with our own bad choices.

Resources we mentioned:

Leaving Yesterday Behind: A Victim No More (Book) By Bill Hines
Responding Biblically to Your Past (Article) By Steve Viars
Bitterness: The Root That Pollutes (Booklet) By Lou Priolo

In the second episode of our Freedom from Porn series, we asked the question, "What Role Does Brokenness Play in Freedom from Porn?" We looked at brokenness from a biblical perspective, how God uses it, and heard testimonies of how godly brokenness leads to freedom and life.

Resources we mentioned:

i: The Root of Sin Exposed (Book) By Steve Gallagher
Freedom from Porn (Podcast Series) By Pure Life Ministries

In this Timeless Truths segment: In order to overcome a porn addiction, a person needs far more than a superficial change in their lifestyle. They need genuine ongoing repentance in their life.

Resources we mentioned:

20 Truths that Helped Me in My Battle with Porn Addiction: A 40-Day Study Journal (Book) By Steve Gallagher
20 Truths that Help in the Battle with Porn Addiction (Video Series) By Pure Life Ministries

The statistics concerning men addicted to pornography and other illicit sexual sins are staggering. 64% viewing porn at least monthly. 36% of young men watching it at least daily. 35% of men admitting that they are having an affair. The worst part? These statistics are not from unbelievers—but from people professing to be followers of Jesus. This is the first episode in The Church Addicted—a series of shows where we look at how these statistics became the Church's reality.

Resources we mentioned:

The Church Addicted (Podcast Series) By Pure Life Ministries

In this Timeless Truths segment: If we want to overcome porn addiction, we're going to have to face an even stronger enemy—the love of pleasure.

Resources we mentioned:

20 Truths that Helped Me in My Battle with Porn Addiction: A 40-Day Study Journal (Book) By Steve Gallagher
20 Truths that Help in the Battle with Porn Addiction (Video Series) By Pure Life Ministries

As a young boy, Andrew van der Bijl longed for adventure, satisfaction, and purpose. That longing would take him places that drove him nearly to madness. But God used Andrew's suffering and disappointment to make him willing to surrender everything to God. And that's when God opened the door for an adventure that Andrew never could have imagined. In this episode, we'll talk about "Why You Should Read God's Smuggler".

Resources we mentioned:

God's Smuggler (Book) By Brother Andrew