addictions
The Lord came "To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." Isaiah 42:7
* Are you hurting?
* Do you have a hole in your heart that nothing seems to fill?
* Have you tried everything to fill it but have found yourself caught in a viscous trap of addiction?
* Are you sitting alone in darkness in the privacy of your own home?
Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life and have it to the full." John 10:10
When you know Jesus "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
What kind of bondage ties you down? Is it keeping you from going on in life?
Many people have been in one or more types of bondage listed above. Jesus has set them free from captivity to their addictions. You can be set free by the power of Jesus Christ.
Let us help you. Let Jesus help you. The TRUTH will set you free. Nothing is impossible with Jesus.
"What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27
"My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:15
**Pornography Addiction**
* Are you caught in the vicious web of pornography online?
* Find yourself compulsively buying magazines?
* Do you sneak around to get your "fix"?
Jesus can set you free from your addictions.
Pornography is very destructive to your sexual life. It creates objects of people and sends false messages about what is desirable. It will steal your pleasure when you are making love to your spouse. This addiction is so dangerous that people have been known to go to great lengths to cover up their habits. They lie to their spouses with excuses like working late at the office, running down to the store, etc.
The Bible is very specific about not entertaining lust in your heart for another person.
Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you, that whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
**Sexual Addiction**
We were created in the image of God. When you objectify a person you treat it as if it is a non-person, thereby rejecting God's creative power in their life.
Sexual addiction is one of the most powerful addictions known to grip people. 90% of all people addicted are men.
Sexual intercourse is a gift from God intended for marriage. Any sexual relation that is not in a loving, committed marriage is not profitable or good. Within the confines of a loving committed marriage, sexual intercourse is a beautiful act ordained by God.
God's first command to man was "to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth." Genesis 1:28 (NIV) "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'" God pronounced His creation as "very good."
The Bible clearly says that certain types of sexual activities are an abomination to God. Leviticus 18 focuses on unlawful sexual relations.
I Corinthians 6:13b-20 says, "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body... Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body?... Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
Ephesians 5:3 says, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity or of greed."
I Thessalonians 4:3-6 "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him."
Sexual addiction is a very destructive activity. Sexual activity becomes addiction when it is unmanageable. Over time it becomes destructive, and the severity of the activity will increase. The never-satisfying nature of sexual addiction indicates that the user isn't trying to find a satisfying sexual life, but trying to find an escape.
Sexual addiction includes masturbation, pornography, sexual intercourse, homosexuality, and various levels of perversion. In fact, one may be a sex addict and not have sex outside of marriage. It has a progressive nature to it. Your first step is acknowledging that you have a problem.
**Drug Addicitions**
* Do you need to get high to have a good time?
* Does taking drugs enable you to cope with life?
* Have you driven or gone to work while taking drugs?
* Do you need drugs to get by?
* Do you consider yourself a recreational drug user who has it under control?
* Which drugs do you struggle with? Pain killers, crack, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants? Even something as simple as sleeping pills can be addictive.
Jesus came to set the captives FREE. He does not want you to live in addiction to anything. He is all you need to get by. When Jesus is Lord of your life, your focus changes.
Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
Why are drugs so bad for us?
Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. When we introduce drugs into our system we tamper with our temple. Drugs are proven to reduce memory, destroy the brain, and to bring harm to our bodies. What may seem like a moment of pleasure now will catch up with you later. Your bodies begin to crave the drug. Numerous addicts have lost everything they possess in pursuit of a temporary high.
Give up the temporary, the material and depend upon Jesus. His Kingdom reigns forever and ever.
Want to stop the drug addiction?
Jesus can set you free from your addictions. You may still have times of temptation and will need to find a strong support team to give you strength when you feel like taking drugs.
* Do you need to get high to have a good time?
* Does taking drugs enable you to cope with life?
* Have you driven or gone to work while taking drugs?
* Do you need drugs to get by?
* Do you consider yourself a recreational drug user who has it under control?
* Which drugs do you struggle with? Pain killers, crack, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants? Even something as simple as sleeping pills can be addictive.
Jesus came to set the captives FREE. He does not want you to live in addiction to anything. He is all you need to get by. When Jesus is Lord of your life, your focus changes.
Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
Why are drugs so bad for us?
Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. When we introduce drugs into our system we tamper with our temple. Drugs are proven to reduce memory, destroy the brain, and to bring harm to our bodies. What may seem like a moment of pleasure now will catch up with you later. Your bodies begin to crave the drug. Numerous addicts have lost everything they possess in pursuit of a temporary high.
Give up the temporary, the material and depend upon Jesus. His Kingdom reigns forever and ever.
Want to stop the drug addiction?
Jesus can set you free from your addictions. You may still have times of temptation and will need to find a strong support team to give you strength when you feel like taking drugs.
**Alcohol Addiction**
* The abuse of alcohol is not a new phenomenon. People have been overindulging in spirits since the days of Noah.
* Are you concerned about your drinking habits right now or about someone else's?
* Have people made comments about your drinking?
* Have you awakened after a night of drinking, and had difficulty remembering anything?
* Have you promised yourself or your family to quit drinking but find yourself unable to keep the commitment?
* Is anyone in your family an alcoholic?
If you answered yes to any of these questions you may have an addiction.
Do you want to be free from alcohol addiction? Jesus can help set you free from all addictions.
Ephesians 5:18 says, "Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Jesus wants us to drown ourselves in the love of God. When we drink, we are trying to escape from something.
Nothing is impossible with God. If you truly want deliverance from your alcohol addiction it is possible. It may not be easy or come overnight, but God's hand is not so short that it cannot reach out and save you.
Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will give you strength as you renounce alcohol.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -John 14:6
**Gambling**
What do you consider Gambling?
* Going to the casino, betting at the races, playing the lottery?
Why do you gamble?
* To get ahead?
* For entertainment?
* As a way of living?
* To make the rent money?
* As a form of celebration?
Jesus says, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15
Don't let the idea of quick money compromise your values.
Jesus can set you free from your addictions. You may still have times of temptation and will need to find a strong support team to give you strength when you feel like taking a chance again.
The Nationwide Helpline for Gamblers is 1-800-522-2700.
**Eating Disorders**
* Is your eating out of control?
* Do you eat too much? Too little?
* Does food fill a void in your life?
* Do you eat even when you are full?
* When you look in the mirror what do you see?
The Lords says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, Before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5
You have a destiny and a purpose. Each of us has been created uniquely by God just the way we are. We may have different color skin, hair, or eyes but everyone was created to be a special child of God.
Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens; They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds." Luke 12:22-24
"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
Have you been eating to the glory of God? Is God glorified when you stuff yourself until you're uncomfortable, or when you deny food to the point of starvation?
**Internet Addiction**
* Do you find that your computer has become your best friend?
* Are you spending all your free time "surfing" the Net?
* Are you fascinated by sites which your conscious tells you are wrong?
* Has your family complained that they never see you? If you're married, does your wife feel that she is a web widow?
Are you interested is gaining freedom from your Internet addiction?
1. Your first step towards breaking free from the power of addictions is to admit that you are addicted and that you need help. Jesus says that when we confess ours sins He is just and faithful to forgive us our sins. I John 1:9
2. Your next step towards breaking free from the power of addictions is acknowledging Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This means that you believe that Jesus is the only Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary and died for your sins. John 3:16 says that "God so loved the World that He gave his one and Only Son that whoever believes on him shall have eternal life."
* Begin by praying the Prayer of Salvation. You may have tried prayer before and nothing happened. God's ways are not our ways. Sometimes God chooses to work slowly in our lives, "In His Time". Breaking free from addictions is rarely an over night miracle. Don't allow past failures to keep you from trying again.
I have personally led many people to God as they prayed a prayer similar to the following prayer. I invite you to pray this prayer with me now.
I have personally led many people to God as they prayed a prayer similar to the following prayer. I invite you to pray this prayer with me now...
Dear God, I acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe that He was born of the Virgin Mary. I believe that He died on the cross, that His blood was shed for my sins and that He arose from the dead. I confess that I have disobeyed your commandments. I ask you to forgive me for these sins. I now ask Jesus to come into my heart. Be my Savior. Be my Lord. Be my soon coming King. I will do my best to obey your teachings as recorded in the Bible. Thank you, in Jesus name. Amen.
Repentance
Jesus came to call us to repentance for our sins. When you repent, you turn from going away from God, to going toward God where you seek to do His will and not your own.
When you repent you make a 180 degree turn. Some people say that you turn over a new leaf.
Born Again
We must be born of the Spirit and take on the Spirit or nature of God.
When we came into this world we were born of the flesh, like our parents. All people are descendants of Adam and Eve who sinned in the garden of Eden. Because of their sin we are born with the same sinful, lustful nature which desires the things of this world more than the things of God.
We are all sinners because we disobey God's laws as written in the Holy Bible. We may try to obey but within ourselves we cannot successfully obey. The spirit of Satan influences us to disobey God. When we give in to Satan and he causes us to sin, we have guilt, anger, greed, hatred, pride, jealousy and bitterness. This is often a source of unhappiness as we disappoint ourselves and hurt other people. Many times this is the root cause of depression and an unfulfilled life which escalates as we perpetuate the cycle, seeking happiness and finding none. Sin destroys us and leads to destruction in an eternal Hell.
While talking with Nicodemus, Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" John 3:3.
Scriptures
Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." John 10:10, 11. Jesus wants you to have a life of peace. Peace comes from allowing Jesus to live within our hearts. Disobedience to the Word of God destroys this peaceful, full life that Jesus provided for us. Sin separates us from the presence of God.
John 3:15-18 says, "That everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of Gods one and only Son."
The Way of Salvation
Salvation is not merely a one-time experience. It is an experience which places you on the Christian faith journey - the Way of Salvation. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is your first step on the trip. As you read your Bible you will grow spiritually. Find some good Christian people to associate with. Begin to attend a Bible believing church. Learn how to witness to others telling them about your new relationship with Jesus. The goal of the Christian life is not getting into Heaven; that is the reward. The goal is to continually become more like Jesus Christ and for your personal relationship with Him to grow deeper.
3. Pray with us out loud, now.
* Dear Jesus, I confess that I am weak right now. I repent of my sins and ask you to forgive me for them. I ask you to help me begin again. I confess that I am in bondage and ask that by the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus that you set me free. Thank-you for freedom.
4. Resolve in your heart to do whatever is necessary to gain freedom: therapy, small groups discussions, deliverance, rehabilitation.
5. Resist the Devil. The Bible says, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7 Whenever you feel the old temptations arising again pull out your Bible and begin to read God's word. Pray saying, "Jesus I need your help right now. Satan, I command you by the blood of Jesus Christ to cease and desist." Do not allow your mind to entertain unclean thoughts or thoughts about your addiction. When they come into your mind immediately divert your attention. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
6. You will need support from a local church. Most churches with large congregations will provide free counseling to help deliver you from addictions. Jesus can set you free from your addictions. You may still have times of temptation and will need to find a strong support team to give you strength when you feel like taking drugs. There are several ways you might go about finding a support group.
a. One source of help in most areas is the Yellow pages of your local telephone book. If you look under Drug Addiction and Treatment you should be able to find treatment centers and support groups.
b. Another source of help will be churches in your community. If you attend church contact your minister and tell him/her how you are struggling and that you need help. If he/she does not provide help contact some of the larger congregations in your area and ask who does have support groups for addictions.
c. Christian Recovery International provides information on finding support groups through Internet sources.
d. Overcomers Outreach Network will help you find meetings in your area.
7. Find a mentor or someone to whom you can be accountable. Anytime you are struggling this is the person you will call and get prayer support. A true friend will be someone you can call any time for help and who will listen to you.
8. Breaking addictions is not an easy over-night task. God is mighty to deliver you but you have established bad habits which will take time to be broken. Satan does not want you to be free. The good news is that God is sovereign and mighty. He will deliver you.
9. Email me, and I will put you on my prayer list. Jesus Cares... I care about you!
In Christ's Loving and Open Arms,
John J. McCall
* Are you hurting?
* Do you have a hole in your heart that nothing seems to fill?
* Have you tried everything to fill it but have found yourself caught in a viscous trap of addiction?
* Are you sitting alone in darkness in the privacy of your own home?
Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life and have it to the full." John 10:10
When you know Jesus "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
What kind of bondage ties you down? Is it keeping you from going on in life?
Many people have been in one or more types of bondage listed above. Jesus has set them free from captivity to their addictions. You can be set free by the power of Jesus Christ.
Let us help you. Let Jesus help you. The TRUTH will set you free. Nothing is impossible with Jesus.
"What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27
"My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:15
**Pornography Addiction**
* Are you caught in the vicious web of pornography online?
* Find yourself compulsively buying magazines?
* Do you sneak around to get your "fix"?
Jesus can set you free from your addictions.
Pornography is very destructive to your sexual life. It creates objects of people and sends false messages about what is desirable. It will steal your pleasure when you are making love to your spouse. This addiction is so dangerous that people have been known to go to great lengths to cover up their habits. They lie to their spouses with excuses like working late at the office, running down to the store, etc.
The Bible is very specific about not entertaining lust in your heart for another person.
Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you, that whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
**Sexual Addiction**
We were created in the image of God. When you objectify a person you treat it as if it is a non-person, thereby rejecting God's creative power in their life.
Sexual addiction is one of the most powerful addictions known to grip people. 90% of all people addicted are men.
Sexual intercourse is a gift from God intended for marriage. Any sexual relation that is not in a loving, committed marriage is not profitable or good. Within the confines of a loving committed marriage, sexual intercourse is a beautiful act ordained by God.
God's first command to man was "to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth." Genesis 1:28 (NIV) "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'" God pronounced His creation as "very good."
The Bible clearly says that certain types of sexual activities are an abomination to God. Leviticus 18 focuses on unlawful sexual relations.
I Corinthians 6:13b-20 says, "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body... Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body?... Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
Ephesians 5:3 says, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity or of greed."
I Thessalonians 4:3-6 "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him."
Sexual addiction is a very destructive activity. Sexual activity becomes addiction when it is unmanageable. Over time it becomes destructive, and the severity of the activity will increase. The never-satisfying nature of sexual addiction indicates that the user isn't trying to find a satisfying sexual life, but trying to find an escape.
Sexual addiction includes masturbation, pornography, sexual intercourse, homosexuality, and various levels of perversion. In fact, one may be a sex addict and not have sex outside of marriage. It has a progressive nature to it. Your first step is acknowledging that you have a problem.
**Drug Addicitions**
* Do you need to get high to have a good time?
* Does taking drugs enable you to cope with life?
* Have you driven or gone to work while taking drugs?
* Do you need drugs to get by?
* Do you consider yourself a recreational drug user who has it under control?
* Which drugs do you struggle with? Pain killers, crack, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants? Even something as simple as sleeping pills can be addictive.
Jesus came to set the captives FREE. He does not want you to live in addiction to anything. He is all you need to get by. When Jesus is Lord of your life, your focus changes.
Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
Why are drugs so bad for us?
Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. When we introduce drugs into our system we tamper with our temple. Drugs are proven to reduce memory, destroy the brain, and to bring harm to our bodies. What may seem like a moment of pleasure now will catch up with you later. Your bodies begin to crave the drug. Numerous addicts have lost everything they possess in pursuit of a temporary high.
Give up the temporary, the material and depend upon Jesus. His Kingdom reigns forever and ever.
Want to stop the drug addiction?
Jesus can set you free from your addictions. You may still have times of temptation and will need to find a strong support team to give you strength when you feel like taking drugs.
* Do you need to get high to have a good time?
* Does taking drugs enable you to cope with life?
* Have you driven or gone to work while taking drugs?
* Do you need drugs to get by?
* Do you consider yourself a recreational drug user who has it under control?
* Which drugs do you struggle with? Pain killers, crack, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants? Even something as simple as sleeping pills can be addictive.
Jesus came to set the captives FREE. He does not want you to live in addiction to anything. He is all you need to get by. When Jesus is Lord of your life, your focus changes.
Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10
Why are drugs so bad for us?
Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit. When we introduce drugs into our system we tamper with our temple. Drugs are proven to reduce memory, destroy the brain, and to bring harm to our bodies. What may seem like a moment of pleasure now will catch up with you later. Your bodies begin to crave the drug. Numerous addicts have lost everything they possess in pursuit of a temporary high.
Give up the temporary, the material and depend upon Jesus. His Kingdom reigns forever and ever.
Want to stop the drug addiction?
Jesus can set you free from your addictions. You may still have times of temptation and will need to find a strong support team to give you strength when you feel like taking drugs.
**Alcohol Addiction**
* The abuse of alcohol is not a new phenomenon. People have been overindulging in spirits since the days of Noah.
* Are you concerned about your drinking habits right now or about someone else's?
* Have people made comments about your drinking?
* Have you awakened after a night of drinking, and had difficulty remembering anything?
* Have you promised yourself or your family to quit drinking but find yourself unable to keep the commitment?
* Is anyone in your family an alcoholic?
If you answered yes to any of these questions you may have an addiction.
Do you want to be free from alcohol addiction? Jesus can help set you free from all addictions.
Ephesians 5:18 says, "Do not get drunk on wine which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Jesus wants us to drown ourselves in the love of God. When we drink, we are trying to escape from something.
Nothing is impossible with God. If you truly want deliverance from your alcohol addiction it is possible. It may not be easy or come overnight, but God's hand is not so short that it cannot reach out and save you.
Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will give you strength as you renounce alcohol.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -John 14:6
**Gambling**
What do you consider Gambling?
* Going to the casino, betting at the races, playing the lottery?
Why do you gamble?
* To get ahead?
* For entertainment?
* As a way of living?
* To make the rent money?
* As a form of celebration?
Jesus says, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15
Don't let the idea of quick money compromise your values.
Jesus can set you free from your addictions. You may still have times of temptation and will need to find a strong support team to give you strength when you feel like taking a chance again.
The Nationwide Helpline for Gamblers is 1-800-522-2700.
**Eating Disorders**
* Is your eating out of control?
* Do you eat too much? Too little?
* Does food fill a void in your life?
* Do you eat even when you are full?
* When you look in the mirror what do you see?
The Lords says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, Before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5
You have a destiny and a purpose. Each of us has been created uniquely by God just the way we are. We may have different color skin, hair, or eyes but everyone was created to be a special child of God.
Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens; They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds." Luke 12:22-24
"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
Have you been eating to the glory of God? Is God glorified when you stuff yourself until you're uncomfortable, or when you deny food to the point of starvation?
**Internet Addiction**
* Do you find that your computer has become your best friend?
* Are you spending all your free time "surfing" the Net?
* Are you fascinated by sites which your conscious tells you are wrong?
* Has your family complained that they never see you? If you're married, does your wife feel that she is a web widow?
Are you interested is gaining freedom from your Internet addiction?
1. Your first step towards breaking free from the power of addictions is to admit that you are addicted and that you need help. Jesus says that when we confess ours sins He is just and faithful to forgive us our sins. I John 1:9
2. Your next step towards breaking free from the power of addictions is acknowledging Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This means that you believe that Jesus is the only Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary and died for your sins. John 3:16 says that "God so loved the World that He gave his one and Only Son that whoever believes on him shall have eternal life."
* Begin by praying the Prayer of Salvation. You may have tried prayer before and nothing happened. God's ways are not our ways. Sometimes God chooses to work slowly in our lives, "In His Time". Breaking free from addictions is rarely an over night miracle. Don't allow past failures to keep you from trying again.
I have personally led many people to God as they prayed a prayer similar to the following prayer. I invite you to pray this prayer with me now.
I have personally led many people to God as they prayed a prayer similar to the following prayer. I invite you to pray this prayer with me now...
Dear God, I acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe that He was born of the Virgin Mary. I believe that He died on the cross, that His blood was shed for my sins and that He arose from the dead. I confess that I have disobeyed your commandments. I ask you to forgive me for these sins. I now ask Jesus to come into my heart. Be my Savior. Be my Lord. Be my soon coming King. I will do my best to obey your teachings as recorded in the Bible. Thank you, in Jesus name. Amen.
Repentance
Jesus came to call us to repentance for our sins. When you repent, you turn from going away from God, to going toward God where you seek to do His will and not your own.
When you repent you make a 180 degree turn. Some people say that you turn over a new leaf.
Born Again
We must be born of the Spirit and take on the Spirit or nature of God.
When we came into this world we were born of the flesh, like our parents. All people are descendants of Adam and Eve who sinned in the garden of Eden. Because of their sin we are born with the same sinful, lustful nature which desires the things of this world more than the things of God.
We are all sinners because we disobey God's laws as written in the Holy Bible. We may try to obey but within ourselves we cannot successfully obey. The spirit of Satan influences us to disobey God. When we give in to Satan and he causes us to sin, we have guilt, anger, greed, hatred, pride, jealousy and bitterness. This is often a source of unhappiness as we disappoint ourselves and hurt other people. Many times this is the root cause of depression and an unfulfilled life which escalates as we perpetuate the cycle, seeking happiness and finding none. Sin destroys us and leads to destruction in an eternal Hell.
While talking with Nicodemus, Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" John 3:3.
Scriptures
Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." John 10:10, 11. Jesus wants you to have a life of peace. Peace comes from allowing Jesus to live within our hearts. Disobedience to the Word of God destroys this peaceful, full life that Jesus provided for us. Sin separates us from the presence of God.
John 3:15-18 says, "That everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of Gods one and only Son."
The Way of Salvation
Salvation is not merely a one-time experience. It is an experience which places you on the Christian faith journey - the Way of Salvation. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is your first step on the trip. As you read your Bible you will grow spiritually. Find some good Christian people to associate with. Begin to attend a Bible believing church. Learn how to witness to others telling them about your new relationship with Jesus. The goal of the Christian life is not getting into Heaven; that is the reward. The goal is to continually become more like Jesus Christ and for your personal relationship with Him to grow deeper.
3. Pray with us out loud, now.
* Dear Jesus, I confess that I am weak right now. I repent of my sins and ask you to forgive me for them. I ask you to help me begin again. I confess that I am in bondage and ask that by the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus that you set me free. Thank-you for freedom.
4. Resolve in your heart to do whatever is necessary to gain freedom: therapy, small groups discussions, deliverance, rehabilitation.
5. Resist the Devil. The Bible says, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7 Whenever you feel the old temptations arising again pull out your Bible and begin to read God's word. Pray saying, "Jesus I need your help right now. Satan, I command you by the blood of Jesus Christ to cease and desist." Do not allow your mind to entertain unclean thoughts or thoughts about your addiction. When they come into your mind immediately divert your attention. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
6. You will need support from a local church. Most churches with large congregations will provide free counseling to help deliver you from addictions. Jesus can set you free from your addictions. You may still have times of temptation and will need to find a strong support team to give you strength when you feel like taking drugs. There are several ways you might go about finding a support group.
a. One source of help in most areas is the Yellow pages of your local telephone book. If you look under Drug Addiction and Treatment you should be able to find treatment centers and support groups.
b. Another source of help will be churches in your community. If you attend church contact your minister and tell him/her how you are struggling and that you need help. If he/she does not provide help contact some of the larger congregations in your area and ask who does have support groups for addictions.
c. Christian Recovery International provides information on finding support groups through Internet sources.
d. Overcomers Outreach Network will help you find meetings in your area.
7. Find a mentor or someone to whom you can be accountable. Anytime you are struggling this is the person you will call and get prayer support. A true friend will be someone you can call any time for help and who will listen to you.
8. Breaking addictions is not an easy over-night task. God is mighty to deliver you but you have established bad habits which will take time to be broken. Satan does not want you to be free. The good news is that God is sovereign and mighty. He will deliver you.
9. Email me, and I will put you on my prayer list. Jesus Cares... I care about you!
In Christ's Loving and Open Arms,
John J. McCall
posted by Alicia Beth @ 8:26 PM
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