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This testimony highlights the radical power of God's grace to transform lives broken by addiction and criminality, using the framework of Ephesians 2 to illustrate the journey from spiritual death to new life in Christ. The speakers describe their individual struggles with methamphetamine and the failure of religious effort or self-discipline to bring true freedom, emphasizing that salvation is a gift received through faith rather than achieved through works. The narrative details their surrender to Jesus, the subsequent heart transformation, and the restoration of their family and identity, demonstrating that true change comes from knowing Christ rather than merely modifying behavior. The sermon concludes with a call to find one's identity in Christ, which serves as the foundation for healthy relationships, biblical marriage roles, and effective discipleship in addiction ministry.

The sermon examines the instruction in 1 Timothy 5 to avoid hasty ordination, emphasizing that time is the ultimate revealer of a person's true character and integrity. It argues that churches must prioritize godly character over natural ability when selecting elders to maintain the purity of the ministry and avoid sharing in the sins of unqualified leaders. The message further explores the biblical perspective on alcohol, distinguishing between its medicinal and social uses and the clear prohibition against drunkenness. While acknowledging the freedom of Christians to make personal choices regarding social drinking, the speaker offers a pastoral recommendation for abstinence based on the practical wisdom of avoiding an expensive, addictive neurotoxin. The central call is for believers to walk with a clear conscience, relying on the Holy Spirit rather than substances for peace and joy.

DR. EAMON WILSON Licensed Clinical Psychologist MDiv Westminster Theological Seminary

On this episode, Pastor Chuck and Dana continue their discussion on enabling and how it can actually be counterproductive to helping those we love who are trapped in addiction.

In "The Grace That Reaches Down," guest preacher Josh Thibodeau brought a hopeful reminder: whatever our struggles, we need the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Speaking in recognition of National Recovery Month, he widened our understanding of brokenness. Addiction may be visible, while pride, anger, fear, and the desire for control often remain hidden. Every heart needs the Savior. Drawing from Psalm 40:1–3, Josh described God's mercy toward those trapped in a pit they cannot escape themselves. The Lord hears our cries, lifts us from the mire, and establishes our feet upon solid ground. Healing begins as we honestly acknowledge our need, confess our sin, and depend upon Christ. His grace is sufficient, and His strength meets us in our weakness. Through the account of a mother and her son's struggle with addiction, Josh illustrated the freedom of surrendering our loved ones to God's care. The journey may be long and marked by setbacks, yet we can learn to trust the Lord through each uncertain step. Josh also challenged the church to live as salt and light. We are called to welcome hurting people, bear their burdens gently, support their families, and connect them with practical help and treatment resources. Compassionate presence can open doors that shame keeps closed. This message invites us to bring our struggles into the light and extend Christ's kindness to others. May our church become a place where weary people find loving companionship, hear the gospel, and discover hope in the grace that reaches down.

This sermon examines the concept of feminine ungodliness by contrasting the life of a godly woman with the sins of self-indulgence, idleness, and gossip found in 1 Timothy 5. A woman who pursues pleasure over God, lacks meaningful work, or engages in corrupting speech is effectively dead while living. Drawing on Old Testament examples and New Testament applications, the text warns against the modern manifestations of these sins, such as retirement hedonism, social media addiction, and the breakdown of the domestic sphere. It exhorts believers to recognize godliness through good deeds rather than mere profession of faith, urging women to embrace their God-given roles in marriage, childbearing, and household management. The sermon concludes by challenging the church to champion true femininity and local charity as a counter-culture to modern feminism and state welfare, emphasizing that a life of purpose and service is the path to spiritual vitality.

Theme: King Lemuel counsels regarding inappropriate and appropriate uses of alcoholic beverages. I. Inappropriate Use of Alcoholic Beverages A. The beverages 1. Wine [yayin]—clearly, an alcoholic drink 2. Beer [strong drink][shekar] B. Warning regarding their use 1. Drinking alcohol is not a sin 2. The warning is with regard to drunkenness C. Particularly, there are two reasons for the warning 1. Forgetting the law 2. Perverting the judgment of the afflicted Application A. Beware: Abuse of alcohol terribly afflicts our society B. Beware of the danger of alcohol 1. Drunkenness is a serious sin: Genesis 19:32-35 2. Giving over to wine is idolatry: Hosea 4:10-11; Psalm 4:7 3. Drunks don't go to heaven: Is. 5:11, 22; I Cor. 6:9f; Gal. 5:21 4. Don't drink if you can't handle it, or if you think it's a sin against God C. Do not let addiction keep you away from God's grace 1. Don't think that God couldn't possibly forgive you 2. Don't feel ashamed to come to church D. Repent of any idolatry in your life, including addictions 1. The message of the gospel is to repent—turn from your sin 2. And place your faith in Jesus, a willing and able Savior

The sermon explores the account of Jesus casting out a legion of demons from a man in the region of the Gadarenes, emphasizing the reality and severity of spiritual warfare. It contrasts the power of Christ over evil spirits with the pervasive influence of demonic forces in modern culture, specifically addressing issues such as abortion, drug addiction, and societal moral decay. The message highlights that Jesus actively seeks out those who are bound by darkness, offering liberation and restoration that leaves individuals permanently changed. It concludes with a call to remain steadfast in faith and prayer to prevent the return of evil influences, asserting that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ.