Addiction
- Thread starter aspen
- Start date
-
Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.
You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.
We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!
david - i was basing my statement about ignoring addicts within the church on the fact that no one has addressed this thread
FHII
Well-Known Member
- Apr 9, 2011
- 4,833
- 2,500
- 113
- Faith
- Christian
- Country
- United States
Sheesh Aspen... You only gave us about 7 hours! On a Sunday, no less!
Personally, I saw the thread and was thinking about it.... Certainly prayer from the saints (that is, the members of the congregation) and preaching (that is from the preacher) are needed and that should be a starting point. Even an addict is saved by grace, but such can have negative effects on the whole body, so it should be dealt with.
Personally, I saw the thread and was thinking about it.... Certainly prayer from the saints (that is, the members of the congregation) and preaching (that is from the preacher) are needed and that should be a starting point. Even an addict is saved by grace, but such can have negative effects on the whole body, so it should be dealt with.
That is what I was thinking. Members here do have lives outside of the Internet.FHII said:
...
Well, most members have lives. I wouldn't quite call what I have a "life".
A lot of churches now have 'redemption' groups...specifically designed to help those with addiction or perhaps to help overcome abuse in their lives. I think it's a wonderful thing and should be adopted by all Churches. Being saved does not mean that we are instantly released from these sins...sins we have or are committing, or sins committed against us. We have the power, now, to ultimately break free...and we have a new heart and should certainly want to break free...but at times we struggle and fall.
If every Christian is honest, we all have things we struggle with...things that make us stumble. Rather than frown and judge those with addiction, we need to gather around and share our own hardships. Support and share...both the residue of our former lives and the wonder of grace in our new ones.
If every Christian is honest, we all have things we struggle with...things that make us stumble. Rather than frown and judge those with addiction, we need to gather around and share our own hardships. Support and share...both the residue of our former lives and the wonder of grace in our new ones.
i think your post is brilliant Rach! yes, my city has a recovery focus church that is thriving. i attend it occassionally. the good news for me is that AA is very similar in structure to the Catholic Church - so it was a natural fit.
it was only later that i learned that AA is considered Pagan by many Protestant Churches because the third step is centered around surrendering to a higher power rather than the God of the Bible. IMO, i would not be alive today if not for AA so it is difficult for me to quibble over the generalities of a program that works.
so i am interested in other opinions.
it was only later that i learned that AA is considered Pagan by many Protestant Churches because the third step is centered around surrendering to a higher power rather than the God of the Bible. IMO, i would not be alive today if not for AA so it is difficult for me to quibble over the generalities of a program that works.
so i am interested in other opinions.
Um....wasn't AA formed by Christians? I had always understood it had, and that the 'higher power' was God. Clearly that didn't 'interpret' well for the many, many people who were not Christian and still needed help. And the bible itself says that we are to acknowledge the we are 'under', to a great extent, the government. I think it's beneficial (and perhaps this is why the program works well for everyone) that we all realise we are under authority...be it God or government. It's a small step towards realising we are not our own gods. Its humbling, and perhaps that's the intent of those who started the program.
But yeah....I had always thought (and heard) that the program was started by Christians. Usually you see things that are 'implemented' by pagans (and therefore are self serving and self worshipping) imploding or breaking down over time. AA seems to consistantly help people....just a thought.
But yeah....I had always thought (and heard) that the program was started by Christians. Usually you see things that are 'implemented' by pagans (and therefore are self serving and self worshipping) imploding or breaking down over time. AA seems to consistantly help people....just a thought.
Similar threads
