COVENANT MINDED MINISTRIES

Sex Education Defined 

Sex education is a broad term to describe education about human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health, emotional relations, reproductive rights and responsibilities, contraception, and other aspects of human sexual behavior.

Sex education may also be described as “sexuality education,” which means that it encompasses education about all aspects of sexuality, including information about family planning, reproduction (fertilization, conception, and development of the embryo and fetus, through to childbirth),

plus information about all aspects of one’s sexuality including: body image, sexual orientation, sexual pleasure, values, decision making, communication, dating, relationships, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and how to avoid them, and birth control methods.

Sex education may be taught informally, such as when someone receives information from a conversation with a parent, friend, religious leader, or through the media.

It may also be delivered through sex self-help authors, magazine advice columnist, sex columnist, or through sex education web sites.  Formal sex education occurs when schools or health care providers offer sex education.

Sometimes formal sex education is taught as a full course as part of the curriculum in junior high school or high school. Other times it is only one unit within a more broad biology class, health class, home economics class, or physical education class.

Some schools offer no sex education, since it remains a controversial issue in several countries, particularly the United States (especially with regard to the age at which children should start receiving such education, the amount of detail that is revealed, and topics dealing with human sexual behavior, e.g. Safe sex practices, masturbation, premarital sex, and sexual ethics).

The Value of Sex Education

Sex education is an educational tool designed to provide knowledge and awareness in the area of human anatomy, in particular, but not limited to sexual immorality and its consequences, in particular, STDs or STIs. 

Through sex education, many may be motivated to maintain their virginity and/or begin the practice of abstinence until marriage. 

Sex education appropriately taught promotes the establishment and maintenance of acceptable ethical and moral values.

Sex is holy and from the biblical prospective shouldn't be practiced until marriage.  Engagement is sexual activity prior to marriage is ungodly and full of consequences. 

Although the consequences may not come immediately or suddenly, they will come as wages of sin and violators will pay one way or another for their disobedience. 

Do not be deceived.  The wages of sin is death.  It is only by God's grace and mercy that those involved in sexual immorality are given repeatedly opportunities to get it right and not sin. 

Grace is not a license to sin, but rather, extended opportunities through Jesus to repent and be obedient to His word.

Those who reject God's commandment against sexual immorality, reject God and His Son Jesus Christ who died for our sins. Such rejection brings on the wrath of God (not necessarily death) against the children of disobedience. 

All disobediences have consequences, and one never knows how, when, or where these consequences will come; we just pray God's grace and mercy when they do come.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (Philippians 2:3)

Let each of you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5)

The Value of The Mind of Christ

Pride should never be a Christian's motivation for doing anything.  Some operate out of selfish ambition or conceit, wherein, only thinking of themselves and what's in it for them. 

All that a Christian does should be done in the power of the Holy Spirit, wherein, subjecting himself or herself to the mind of the Spirit, which is the mind of Christ.

When Christians evaluate themselves honestly, they allow themselves to be lead unto true humility, which enable them to hold others above themselves and valuing them over material possessions or personal plans. 

Honest evaluations of ourselves allow us to adequately determine the quality of our profession to the faith.

Right thinking produces right actions. All godly thinking begins with the renewing of the mind.  Our actions are the fruit of our deepest thoughts. 

Thinking and being like Christ are requirements not only for an individual, but also for the corporate body of believers.  Together, we need to think and act like One being, the Person of Jesus Christ.

Problems of the World Stem From Sin

All the problems of the world is sin.  The more those who are in the world and not of the world think and act like Christ, the less sin is manifested and the lesser the problems.

Research reflects that about 50% of the teenagers (every 5 out of 10) will have had sex by the 10th grade (age 15); and by the time they leave high school (age 18), 61% (a little over every 6 out of 10) of teens will have also left their virginity behind.

Young adults between 15 and 24 years old account for about 25% of sexually active people, but they come down with about 50% of all new cases of STDs each year, according to the CDC. 

The most common STDs in this age group (15 to 24) are HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.  Although you shouldn't be sexually active, if you are, you should be tested for these STDs at least once a year.

Anyone who has ever had genital contact with another person may have Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). 

Both men and women may get it and pass it on without knowing it.  Since there might not be any signs, a person may have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sex.

HPV Defined and Treatment

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that's passed on through genital contact (such as vaginal and anal sex).  It is also passed on by skin-to-skin contact. 

At least 50% of people who have had sex will have HPV at some time in their lives.  HPV is most likely acquired if you: (1) have sex at an early age, (2) have many sex partners, or (3) have a sex partner who has had many partners.

The primary safeguard against HPV is abstinence until marriage and choosing a marriage partner who has practiced abstinence.  

The secondary safeguard is abstinence and choosing a partner who has had no or few sex partners and is now practicing abstinence.

There are over 100 different types of HPV and not all of them cause health problems.  Some kinds of HPV may cause problems like genital warts, cervical cancer, or cancer of the vagina or vulva.  HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancers. 

HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts.  HPV types 6 and 11 cause 20-50% of vulvar cancers and 60-65% of vaginal cancers.

The Cure for HPV

There is no cure for HPV itself.  There are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause, such as genital warts, cervical changes, and cervical cancer.

There are many treatment choices for genital warts.  But even after the warts are treated, the virus might still be there and may be passed on to others.

If genital warts are not treated they may go away, stay the same, or increase in size or number, but they will not turn into cancer.

Vagina cancer is cancer if the vagina (birth canal). Vulvar cancer is cancer of the clitoris, vaginal lips, and opening to the vagina.  Both of these kinds of cancer are very rare.  Not all vagina or vulvar cancer is caused by HPV.

The HPV Vaccine "Gardasil"

The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) mimics the disease and creates resistance.  It is not a live or dead virus; it prevents infection with HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. 

Tests of Gardasil showed only minor problems.  Some people after receiving the vaccine had a headache, slight fever, nausea, or fainting.  Others had redness, bruising, pain, or swelling on their skin where they got the shot.

Gardasil has been approved by the FDA for girls and women ages 9 to 26. It is best to get the shot before the start of sexual activity. 

The vaccine is not recommended for women over age 26. Gardasil is administered in three stages; two months after the first shot and 4 months after the second shot.

Since the vaccine is new, more studies need to be done.  The FDA does not know if one who has taken the vaccine will need to have a booster after a couple of years. 

Again, the vaccine will not treat or cure HPV.  It may help people who have one type of HPV from being infected with the other types.  For example, if you have type 6, it may protect you from getting type 16.

Girls and women may still receive the HPV vaccine if they have already had genital warts, and HPV infection, or an abnormal Pap test in the past, but it will not treat or cure any of these conditions. 

The vaccine is meant to prevent infection from the four (4) types of HPV that cause most cases of genital warts and cervical cancer.

Statistics on HPV Infections

About 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection over the course of their lives, but Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is even more common.  Half (50%) of the women with BV don't have any symptoms and may never know they have it. 

Unlike BV and yeast infections, trichomoniasis is an STD and ranks as the third (3rd) most common vaginal infection.  At least 50% of sexually active women and men are infected with HPV.

Almost all cervical cancer tumors contain one of five high-risk types of HPV, which are strongly linked to cervical cancer.  But a weaken immune system, as may be caused by HIV, can also lead to the disease. 

Smoking can prolong periods of HPV infection, during which cervical cells become abnormal and potentially cancerous. 

Even secondhand smoke can increase the risk of cells becoming cancerous.  In women who don't smoke, cervical cell changes are moer likely to go away on their own.

Important sexual health information can only be provided through sex education as appropriately researched, discussed, and passed on.

Although there are various forms of contraceptives for the prevention of STDs or STIs, including HPV, there are none guaranteed and as sure as abstinence and premarital precautions. 

Condoms and other contraceptives may reduce some risk, but such practices do not eliminate risks associated with sexual contact.

Even if a man or woman practice abstinence up until the time of marriage and chooses a partner to marry who has practiced promiscuity or been involved with many sex partners, he or she could possibly subject himself or herself to HPV. 

Whoever you marry, you will be having sex with that person's previous sexual behavior practices, and vise versa.  So then, marriage has serious issues, and certain measures should be taken to ensure one's personal safety,

Casual sex and/or fooling around for the pleasure of it is not wise. When examining the risks and the possibilities of what could happen, the consequences are serious and deadly.  

However, the greatest risk is that of disobedience to God, first and foremost; after disobedience comes all these diseases.

Divine Cure for HPV is Available

Although there is no medical cure for HPV as of yet, a cure is always possible with God when one humble themselves and pray; seek His face; and turn from their wicked ways. 

Then God will hear from heaven; forgive them of their sin, and heal their bodies.  He's God and has right to do as He wills; and His will is that we be made whole.

Then He (Jesus) called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. (Luke 9:1)

He (Jesus) sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:2)

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; (Mark 16:17)

they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. (Mark 16:18)

No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; (Psalm 91:10)

For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11)

In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:12)

You shall tread on the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. (Psalm 91:13)

The Power of the Prayer of Faith

Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is anyone cheerful?  Let him sing psalms. (James 5:13)

Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.  And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:15)

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16)

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours; and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. (James 5:17)

And he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. (James 5:18)

Bringing Back The Righteous From Disobedience

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, (James 5:19)

let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:20)

Making Requests Known to God

Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. (John 9:31)

But without faith  it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He sis , and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Jesus said to him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, (John 5:22)

that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father.  He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. (John 5:23)

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. (John 4:23)

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6)

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (John 15:7)

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:8)

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27)

Power and Authority to Cure Diseases

Jesus demonstrated His power and authority over all demons that He also gave to believers who walk by faith in the Spirit; these same believers were given power and authority to cure diseases as did Jesus Himself. 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 81:21)

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, (Hebrews 3:1)

who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. (Hebrews 3:2)

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

The following represents historical healings performed by the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles, which we have as confident builders for our walk of faith in the Spirit.

So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; (Genesis 20:17)

The LORD will strike you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors, with the scab, and with the itch, from which you cannot be healed. (Deuteronomy 28:27)

The LORD will strike you in the knees and on the legs with severe boils which cannot be healed, and from the sole of your foot to the top of your head. (Deuteronomy 28:35)

So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed. (Joshua 5:8)

So they said, “If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty; but by all means return it to Him with a trespass offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why His hand is not removed from you.” (1st Samuel 6:3)

Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.’” (2nd Kings 2:21)

So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke. (2nd Kings 2:22)

So he (Naaman) went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. (2nd Kings 5:14)

And he returned to the man of God, he and all his aides, and came and stood before him; and he said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.”  (2nd Kings 5:15)

But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.  (2nd Kings 5:16)

And the LORD listened to Hezekiah and healed the people. (2nd Chronicles 30:20)

O LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me. (Psalm 30:2)

He sent His word and healed them,And delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20)

“ Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears heavy, And shut their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And return and be healed.” (Isaiah 6:10)

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Authority and Power Over All Demons and to Cure All Diseases

Jesus demonstrated His power and authority over all demons that He also gave to believers who walk by faith in the Spirit; these same believers were given power and authority to cure diseases as did Jesus Himself. 

The following represents historical healings performed by the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles, which we have as confident builders for our walk of faith in the Spirit.

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23)

Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. (Matthew 4:24)

Great multitudes followed Him --- from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. (Matthew 4:25)

And when He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. (Matthew 8:1)

And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." (Matthew 8:2)

Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed."  Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (Matthew 8:3)

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, pleading with Him, (Matthew 8:5)

saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented." (Matthew 8:6)

And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." (Matthew 8:7)

Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed so let it be done for you."  And his servant was healed that same hour. (Matthew 8:13)

Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. (Matthew 8:14)

So He touched her hand, and the fever left her.  And she arose and served them. (Matthew 8:15)

When evening had come, they brought to Him many who wre demon-possessed.  And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, (Matthew 8:16)

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses." (Matthew 8:17)

When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. (Matthew 8:28)

And suddenly they cried out, saying, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God?  Have You come here to torment us before the time?" (Matthew 8:29)

Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. (Matthew 8:30)

So the demons begged Him, saying, "If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine." (Matthew 8:31)

And He said to them, "Go."  So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine.  And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water. (Matthew 8:32)

So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. (Matthew 9:1)

Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed.  When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you." (Matthew 9:2)

But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins" --- then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." (Matthew 9:6)

And he arose and departed to his house. (Matthew 9:10)

Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men. (Matthew 9:11)

While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." (Matthew 9:18)

So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. (Matthew 9:19)

And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. (Matthew 9:20)

For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well. (Matthew 9:21)

But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour. (Matthew 9:22)

When Jesus came to the ruler's house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd waiting, (Matthew 9:23)

He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping."  And they ridiculed Him. (Matthew 9:24)

But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. (Matthew 9:25)

And the report of this went out into all the land. (Matthew 9:26)

When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy on us!." (Matthew 9:27)

And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to him.  And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"  Thye said to Him, "Yes, Lord." (Matthew 9:28)

Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith, let it be to you." (Matthew 9:29)

And their eyes were opened.  And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, "See that no one knows it." (Matthew 9:30)

But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country. (Matthew 9:31)

As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. (Matthew 9:32)

And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke.  And the multitudes marveled, saying, "It was never seen like this in Israel!" (Matthew 9:33)

But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons." (Matthew 9:34)

Now when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue. (Matthew 12:9)

And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand.  And they asked Him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" --- that they might accuse Him. (Matthew 12:10)

Then He said to them, "What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? (Matthew 12:11)

Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep?  Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." (Matthew 12:12)

Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand."  And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. (Matthew 12:13)

Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. (Matthew 12:14)

Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. (Matthew  15:21)

And behold a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!  My daughter is severely demon-possessed." (Matthew 15:22)

But He answered her not a word.  And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us. (Matthew 15:23)

But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24)

Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" (Matthew 15:25)

But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." (Matthew 15:26)

And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat crumbs which fall from their masters' table." (Matthew 15:27)

The Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith!  Let it be to you as you desire."  And her daughter was healed from that same hour. (Matthew 15:28)

So he (a certain lame man) gave them (Peter and John) his attention, expecting to receive something from them. (Acts 3:5)

Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6)

And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (Acts 3:7)

So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them --- walking, leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:8)

And all the people saw him walking and praising God. (Acts 3:9)

Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. (Acts 3:10)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Overview 

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States today.

More than 20 different STDs have been identified, and 13 million men and women are infected each year in the United States.

Depending on the disease, the infection can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs or the mouth; the infection can also be spread through contact with blood during sexual activity.

STDs affect men and women of all ages and backgrounds.

STDs have become more common, partly because young people are becoming sexually active at a younger age and are having multiple partners.

People can pass STDs to sexual partners even if they themselves do not have any symptoms.

Frequently, STDs cause no symptoms, especially in women.

Health problems from STDs tend to be more severe for women than for men.

Some STDs can cause pelvic infections that may lead to scarring of the reproductive organs, which can result in an ectopic pregnancy(a pregnancy outside the uterus) and infertility for women.

STDs in women  may be related to cancer of the cervix.

STDs can be passed from a mother to her baby before, during, or immediately after birth.

Because the method of becoming infected is similar with all STDs, a person can easily pick up more than one infection at a time.

Experts believe that having an STD that is not AIDS increases one's risk for becoming infected with AIDS.

Depending on the disease, STDs can be spread with any type of sexual activity.  STDs are most often caused by viruses and bacteria.

STDs and Symptoms

Common STDs have a variety of symptoms (if symptoms develop at all) and many different complications, including death. 

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection disease transmitted when people have sexual relations. It is the most common STD in the United States.

Among adults, about 5% of the population is estimated to be infected. Among sexually active adolescent females, about 10% are infected.

Infection with chlamydia is most commonly found among the following groups: young adults, people living in urban areas, African Americans, and those with lower social and economic status.

Chlamydia symptoms in women as reported by eMedicineHealth Practical Guide to Health are as follows:

No symptoms in 70-80% of cases (One study found that 3% of a sample of young adults 18-35 years had untreated chlamydia.)

Bleeding after sexual relations or between menstrual  periods;

Lower abdominal pain and burning pain during urination; and 

Discharge from the vagina.

Chlamydia symptoms in men as reported by eMedicineHealth Practical Guide to Health are as follows:

Like women, men who are infected may not show symptoms. Estimates of those with no symptoms range from 25% to 50% of infected men.

Discharge from the penis;

Pain, burning during urination; and 

Inflammation or infection of a duct  in the testicles, tenderness or pain in the testicles.

Genital herpes is a common, highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It is transmitted from one person to another during sexual activity.

Genital herpes causes blisters or groups of small ulcers (open sores) on and around the genitals in both men and women. It cannot be cured, only controlled.

Genital herpes is extremely widespread, largely because it is so contagious.

Carriers can transmit the disease without having any symptoms themselves of active infection.

As many as 50 million Americans are infected with the genital herpes virus, with about one million new infections each year.

As many as 80%-90% of those infected fail to recognize herpes symptoms or have no symptoms at all.

The highest rates of infection are seen among the poor, those with less education, those using cocaine, and those with many sexual partners.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Most genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-2. HSV-1 is the usual cause of what most people call "fever blisters" in and around the mouth and can be transmitted from person to person through kissing.

Less often, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes infections through oral sexual contact. The genital sores caused by either virus look the same.

Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse and oral sex are the most common methods of spreading genital herpes.

Any type of skin-to-skin contact, however, is capable of spreading herpes.

People with herpes may spread the disease even if they do not realize they have an infection.

Furthermore, there is strong evidence that people with herpes can transmit infection even while their disease appears to be inactive and no sores can be seen.

Many people remember having an episode of genital herpes when it occurs. But as many as 90% of those infected fail to recognize the symptoms or have no symptoms at all.

It is not clear whether these people never had an initial herpes outbreak or whether they never noticed a mild infection.

They are contagious and may have additional outbreaks, nonetheless.

Genital Herpes symptoms as reported by eMedicineHealth Practical Guide to Health are as follows:

Cold sores in the mouth and genital sores;

Recurring outbreaks of blisterlike sores on the genitals;

Can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during birth; and

Reduction in frequency and severity of blister outbreaks with treatment but not complete elimination of infection.

Hepatitis is a general term that means inflammation of the liver. Inflammation of the liver can result from infection, from exposure to alcohol, certain medications, chemicals, or poisons, or from a disorder of the immune system.

Hepatitis A refers to liver inflammation caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

HAV is one of several viruses that can cause hepatitis and is one of the 3 most common hepatitis viruses in the United States. The other 2 are hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Unlike hepatitis B and hepatitis C, hepatitis A does not cause chronic (ongoing, long-term) disease.

Although the liver does become inflamed and swollen, it heals completely in most people without any long-term damage.

Once you have had hepatitis A, you develop lifelong immunity and cannot get the disease again.

Because of the way it is spread, the hepatitis A virus tends to occur in epidemics and outbreaks. As many as 1 in 3 people in the United States have antibody to HAV, meaning they have been exposed to the virus, but most do not become ill.

The number of cases of hepatitis A in the United States varies among different communities and has not been affected significantly by the introduction of the hepatitis A vaccine since the early 1990s.

Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This infection has 2 phases: acute and chronic.

Acute (new, short-term) hepatitis B occurs shortly after exposure to the virus.

A small number of people develop a very severe, life-threatening form of acute hepatitis called fulminant hepatitis.

Chronic (ongoing, long-term) hepatitis B is an infection with HBV that lasts longer than 6 months. Once the infection becomes chronic, it may never go away completely.

About 90-95% of people who are infected are able to fight off the virus so their infection never becomes chronic.

Only about 5-10 percent of adults infected with HBV go on to develop chronic infection.

HBV infection is one of the most important causes of infectious hepatitis.  People with chronic HBV infection are called chronic carriers.

About two-thirds of these people do not themselves get sick or die of the virus, but they can transmit it to other people.

The remaining one third develop chronic hepatitis B, a disease of the liver that can be very serious.

The liver is an essential organ that the body needs to stay alive. Its most important functions are filtering many drugs and toxins out of the blood, storing energy for later use, helping with the absorption of certain nutrients from food, and producing substances that fight infections and control bleeding.

The liver has an incredible ability to heal itself, but it can only heal itself if nothing is damaging it.

Liver damage in chronic hepatitis B, if not stopped, continues until the liver becomes hardened and scarlike.

This is called cirrhosis, a condition traditionally associated with alcoholism.

When this happens, the liver can no longer carry out its normal functions, a condition called liver failure. The only treatment for liver failure is liver transplant.

Chronic hepatitis B also can lead to a type of liver cancer  known as hepatocellular carcinoma.

Any of these conditions can be fatal. About 15-25 percent of people with chronic hepatitis B die of liver disease. Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world.

Worldwide, about 350 million people are chronic carriers of HBV, of whom, more than 250,000 die from liver-related disease each year.

In the United States, hepatitis B is largely a disease of young adults aged 20-50 years.

About 1.25 million people are chronic carriers, and the disease causes about 5000 deaths each year.

The good news is that infection with HBV is almost always preventable. You can protect yourself and your loved ones from hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B symptoms as reported by eMedicineHealth Practical Guide to Health are as follows:

Half of all people infected with the hepatitis B virus have no symptoms.

Symptoms develop within 30-180 days of exposure to the virus.

The symptoms are often compared to flu.  Most people think they have flu and never think about having HBV infection.

Other symptoms are appetite loss, feeling tired (fatique), nausea and vomiting, Itching all over the body;

Pain over the liver (on the right side of the abdomen, under the lower rib cage);

Jaundice (a condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow in color);

Urine becomes dark in color (like cola or tea); and

Stools are pale in color (grayish or clay colored).

Many types of acute viral hepatitis have the above similar symptoms (hepatitis A, hepatitis C).

Fulminant hepatitis is an unusual illness. It is a severe form of acute hepatitis that can be life threatening if not treated right away.

These symptoms, which are reflected as following develop very suddenly.

Mental disturbances such as confusion, lethargy, extreme sleepiness or hallucinations (hepatic encephalopathy);

Sudden collapse with fatigue; jaundice, swelling of the abdomen, prolonged nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration.

If you have been vomiting repeatedly, you may notice these symptoms:

Feeling tired or weak; feeling confused or having difficulty concentrating; headache, not urinating, irritability; 

Symptoms of liver failure may include the following:

Fluid retention causing swelling of the belly (ascitesa) and sometimes the legs; weight gain due to ascites; persistent jaundice; loss of appetite, weight loss, wasting; vomiting with blood in the vomit; bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum or blood in the stool; and

Hepatic encephalopathy (excessive sleepiness, mental confusion, and in advanced stages, development of coma).

Hepatitis C virus: A single-stranded RNA virus in the Flaviviridae family that causes hepatitis C. Abbreviated HCV.

The HCV genome contains some 10,000 nucleotides and encodes a single polyprotein of 3,000 amino acids.

HCV was discovered in 1989. Before that time, hepatitis C was referred to as non-A, non-B hepatitis.

Inflammation of the liver caused by infection with HCV is referred to as hepatitis C.

If the inflammation is not reversed, it becomes chronic (ongoing, long term) and can cause chronic liver disease, which can be serious or even fatal.

At least 75% of people infected with hepatitis C develop chronic hepatitis C. 

If the disease progresses to the point at which the liver begins to fail (end stage liver disease), the only treatment is liver transplantation.

Hepatitis C is an increasing public health  concern in the United States and throughout the world.

HCV is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in the United States and the most common cause of chronic viral hepatitis. 

It is believed to be the cause of about 15-20% of all cases of acute (new, short term) viral hepatitis and half of all cases of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and liver cancer.

About 4 million people in the United States have antibodies to HCV, meaning they have been infected with the virus at some point; as many as half (50%) of them do not know they have the infection.

Gonorrhea is one of the most common diseases passed from one person to another during sexual activity.

The overall rate of gonorrhea is now increasing, after a steady decline for the past two decades, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported notifiable disease in the United States.

The CDC estimates that approximately 700,000 new gonorrheal infections occur yearly in the U.S., only about half (50%) of which are reported to the CDC. 

 More than 5% of people between the ages of 18 and 35 have an infection with gonorrhea that they do not know about.

New strains are more easily spread and are resisting treatment even with strong antibiotics.

Infection with gonorrhea is more common in certain groups of people. The highest reported infection rates occur in the following groups:

Adolescents and young adults; people (often poor) living in urban areas and Southern states; African Americans; and drug users.

Gonorrhea is caused by the Neisseria  gonorrhoeae bacteria. The infection is transmitted from one person to another through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual relations.

Men have a 20% chance of getting the infection by having sexual relations with a woman infected with gonorrhea.

Women have a 50% chance of getting the infection by having sexual relations with a man infected with gonorrhea.

An infected mother may transmit gonorrhea to her newborn during vaginal childbirth.

Gonorrhea symptoms as reported by eMedicineHealth Practical Guide to Health are as follows:

Symptoms may appear within 2-10 days after exposure to an infected person-even longer for women (up to 3 weeks).

Gonorrhea symptoms in women as reported by eMedicineHealth Practical Guide to Health are as follows:

No symptoms 30-40% of the time;

Gonorrhea may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (a serious medical condition that can lead to infertility);

Infection and irritation of the cervix;

Need to urinate often;

Itching  and burning of the vagina, usually with a thick yellow/green discharge;

Infection and irritation of the vagina (this is how the infection usually appears in children who may be victims of incest); and

Bleeding between menstrual periods.

Gonorrhea symptoms in women as reported by eMedicineHealth Practical Guide to Health are as follows: 

Pain or burning during urination in most men;

Thick, yellow penile  discharge 50% of the time;

Inflammation or infection of a duct in the testicles;  

Infection or inflammation of the prostate;

Irritation of the mucous membranes in the eyes of new-born babies (if not treated, can cause blindness);

Gonococcal throat infection should be considered in people who complain of sore throat and have other signs of gonococcal infection.

Throat infections from gonorrhea are transmitted through oral sex but occur without any other symptoms in less than 5% of people infected with gonorrhea. 

Rectal pain or discharge can be a sign of infection of the prostate and is transmitted through anal intercourse.

Syphilis (pronounced SIF-uh-lus) is an infectious, often STD caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. The bacteria penetrate chafed skin or the mucous membranes.

This highly infectious disease may also be passed, but much less often, through blood transfusions or from mother to fetus in the womb. 

Without treatment, syphilis can cause irreversible damage to the brain, nerves, and body tissues.

Transmission most often occurs when one person comes into contact with lesions on an infected person through sexual activity.

Men are more vulnerable to contracting syphilis than women.

The active disease is found most often among men and women aged 15-39 years.

Syphilis symptoms as reported by eMedicineHealth Practical Guide to Health are as follows:

Syphilis may progress through 3 distinct stages. Sometimes not all 3 may be evident.

The primary phase usually starts with a sore at the site of infection. The sore or lesion is called a chancre (pronounced shanker).

This sore usually appears as a craterlike lesion on the male or female genitals, although any part of the body is at risk.

Anyone who touches an infected sore can transmit the infection. This initial lesion develops 3-4 weeks after infection and heals spontaneously after 1 week.

Though the sore goes away, the disease does not.  It progresses into the secondary phase.

The secondary phase may develop 4-10 weeks after the chancre. This phase has many symptoms, which is why syphilis is called the great pretender.

It may look like a number of other illnesses. This phase of syphilis can go away without treatment, but the disease then enters the third phase.

These are the most frequently reported symptoms of the secondary phase: fever, joint pain, muscle aches, sore throat, flulike symptoms, headache, patchy hair loss, swollen lymph nodes, decreased appetite, and whole-body rash (usually involving the palms and soles)

The Latent (dormant) phase: The early latent phase (first 1-2 years) is characterized by occasional relapses back to symptoms of the secondary phase of syphilis.

More than 2 years after the start of the latent phase, you may have no symptoms and are generally not infectious. However, you can still transmit the infection from mother to fetus or through blood transfusions.

About a third of people with latent syphilis will progress after many years (or decades) into tertiary syphilis. During this phase, the heart, brain, skin, and bones are at risk. Luckily, with the advent of penicillin, this phase is very rarely seen today.

Congenital syphilis occurs after a fetus is infected in the womb. This form of syphilis causes teeth abnormalities, bone problems, liver/spleen/kidney enlargement, brain infection, failure to thrive/poor growth, swollen lymph nodes, yellow skin (jaundice), low blood counts, and skin rashes.

Power and Authority to Cure All Diseases Continued

But the Lord said to him (Ananias), "Go, for he (Saul) is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. (Acts 9:15)

For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:16)

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 9:17)

Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once, and he arose and was baptized. (Acts 9:18)

So when he had received food, he was strengthened.  Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. (Acts 9:19)

Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. (Acts 9:32)

There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. (Acts 9:33)

And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.  Arise and make your bed."  Then he arose immediately. (Acts 9:34)

So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:35)

At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas.  This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she had did. (Acts 9:36)

But it happened in those days that she became sick and died.  When they had washed her, they laid her in the upper room. (Acts 9:37)

And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. (Acts 9:38)

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. (Acts 9:39)

But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. (Acts 9:40)

Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (Acts 9:41)

And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. (Acts 9:42)

So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. (Acts 9:43)

The Apostle Paul's Ministry on the Island of Malta

Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. (Acts 28:1)

And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. (Acts 28:2)

But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. (Acts 28:3)

So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” (Acts 28:4)

But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. (Acts 28:5)

However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. (Acts 28:6)

In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. (Acts 28:7)

And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. (Acts 28:8)

So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. (Acts 28:9)

They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary. (Acts 28:10)