When a man makes promises he cannot keep and continues down the path of sexual addiction, his life begins to unravel. He cannot simply plateau at an acceptable level of dabbling in forbidden sex for one simple reason: wrong sexual pleasure never satisfies. Yesterday's five minutes of soft porn becomes today's hour of hardcore, and, while the future is unpredictable, one certainty remains - his addictive behavior will escalate.
The Pursuit of Porneia is a review of the culture of sexual addiction and a biblical pathway to recovery. The book highlights the work of 423 Men, an addiction recovery program based on Solomon's 3,000-year old mandate recorded in Proverbs 4.23:
"Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." The Pursuit of Porneia is not about stopping the addict's bad sexual behavior. It's about helping him discover the reasons for his bad sexual behavior. The intended byproduct of both the book and 423 Men is sexual sobriety, but that is not the focus of recovery. The program is designed, rather, to help members find out why they do what they do. This journey of self-discovery is the starting point for a man trying to wrench himself free from the spirit of porneia and its destructive grip.
A man caught in the web of sexual addiction must find the courage and humility to seek help and address the underlying negative emotions which have historically contributed to his addictive pattern of relapse. He can overcome sexual sin, but he cannot do it alone. He needs Jesus and his brothers in recovery.
There is hope.
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"Dave's Scriven's work with 423 has been the single most effective tool for sexual healing in our church, bar none. Hundreds of men have discovered freedom like never before. Not surprisingly, it's also one of the best spiritual formation tools I know of. Men come as sex addicts in isolation; they leave as disciples of Jesus in community."
John Mark Comer
Pastor for Teaching and Vision Bridgetown Church and author of
Garden City "Dave Scriven's book
The Pursuit of Porneia... comes from his experiences of leading 423 groups for years in the hand to hand combat of setting men free from the grip of sexual bondage. I love Dave's passion and honesty concerning the battles he has personally fought and won. I highly recommend this critical combat document. It is one of the best practical applications of the Pure Desire materials I have developed over the years."
Dr. Ted Roberts
Pure Desire Ministries International and author of
Pure Desire and
Seven Pillars of Freedom "
The Pursuit of Porneia is the right book for the right time. It uncovers the devastating effects of pornography on individuals and their relationships without pulling any punches, yet it offers hope for a way of escape. Speaking as one who has broken free of pornography's bondage, Dave Scriven offers a firsthand view of both the despair of addiction and the joy of freedom that can be found. Straightforward, insightful, and thought-provoking, this book is essential reading for anyone struggling with or who knows someone struggling with pornography."
Dr. Deborah J. Miller
Principal Westside Christian High School
"Dave's heart and insights are invaluable, timely, and a necessary resource for equipping men to walk in holiness.
The Pursuit of Porneia demonstrates that purity is not only necessary for spiritual maturity, but is the catalyst for discovering and unpacking our God given potential. Saturated in Scripture, deeply practical and personal, this book is a must read for any man desiring a closer walk with Jesus."
Dominic Done
Lead pastor Westside A Jesus Church
About the AuthorDave Scriven oversees 423 Men, a ministry of 423 Communities, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded at Westside - A Jesus Church, formerly called Solid Rock in Tigard, Oregon. Over 600 men and women have actively participated in 423 Communities for sexual recovery since its inception in September, 2009.
Mr. Scriven is a former Presbyterian minister with an M. Div. from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and an M. A. in Bible from St. Thomas Aquinas Institute, Iowa, both earned in 1977. He commonly speaks on the subject of sexual recovery and leadership development in communities of faith. 423 Men currently hosts twelve groups in five locations, including Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, and Van City Church in Vancouver, Washington, with an active weekly attendance of over 140 members. Dave has seven children and six grandchildren. He is widowed and resides with his two teenagers in Beaverton, Oregon.
Mr. Scriven and his team are enthusiastically available to serve your church and they may be reached at:
Email: info@423communities.org
Website: www.423communities.org
Confidential Phone: (503) 898-0423
Mail: PO Box 1055, Beaverton, OR 97075
