North River Chemical Recovery Graduation December 2nd 2015 Introduction Marius Vorster Adam DeLeon

–John eldredge, “Waking the dead” “The story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears you.” –John eldredge, “Waking the dead” That quote is referring to the enemy: Satan and His Angels 3 Ways He Attacks Brokenness- that make us feel as though something very basic is broken, or not quite right, inside us. Trauma- by events we witnessed, or unspeakable things done to us. This can make us feel very “young” or immature, or panicky or “frozen” in certain situations. Wounds Intentional with hurtful words or actions by someone Unintentional: Being “missed” or misunderstood, not included, dismissed. Self-Inflicted by our own sin and rebellion This feels just like you would think…… The Enemy knows where those wounds are in our heart, because he was there when we were wounded. Where do we turn when we feel these things? Habitual Sins provide temporary relief from the pain that brokenness, trauma, and wounds cause. gluttony (using food) Smoking and other kinds of tobacco immoral relationships, a drivenness in our careers, entertainment (Movies and TV), Alcohol and other drugs.

"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you." Luke 15:17-18 NIV When we turn to God and are baptized, we are forgiven. But after a while,we may begin to reach for relief as we did before, thinking we can control them. We feel ashamed, embarrassed, perhaps mad at God for not taking these desires away. The Enemy does not give up on us easily. When that happens, it does not mean We never became a Christian We didn't really repent We begin to think we have a bad heart, terrible and unbiblical.

"The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; -Luke 4:18 NKJV We need Healing The cross absolutely gives us forgiveness of our sins. Why this verse? Why one of his first sermons? He came to Heal our broken hearts. To set us free. When alcohol and other drugs are abused and we become powerless over them, the consequences of these particular addictions are unique, and those very consequences can result in even a deeper powerlessness and create a vicious cycle. That's why we have a dedicated Chemical Recovery Ministry. Environment: Safe place Open and honest Journal Learn to Label our emotions accurately how to manage them. Break up into men and women's groups to promote honesty. We support each other and pray together for specific needs and for healing. We text each other during the week for encouragement and help in spiritual warfare.

 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. Adam and Marius Coming to our Chemical Recovery group for quite a while, Both of them over 9 Mos. of Continuous Sobriety More than just stopped using Hard work Dug Deep in hearts, minds, and character Comfortable in their sobriety. Sometimes the picture overcoming addiction is incorrect Gutting it out, or a stronger willpower. Not sobriety. Willpower says "I can use alcohol and drugs", Sobriety says; "I am so glad, I don't have to use alcohol and other drugs to deal with my life.” Both of these men have had profound on-going consequences because of alcohol and other drugs. It has been privileged to witness how they have grown spiritually and emotionally as they continue to deal with their emotions and those on-going consequences. They now have the expectation, and are allowing Jesus to come in and heal those broken places in their hearts. Because of their humility and commitment to allow God to change them from the inside out, they have begun to make an impact on other members of the CR group, other brothers and sisters in Christ, and people where they work and go to school. The Enemy has not ignored their growth, and there have been attacks. They have been learning how to successfully fight off the enemy consistently. They have become aware of how the Enemy will come at them. I am proud to call them both by brothers and allies in that on going war against the Enemy. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11

Ring Presentation “But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet." Luke 15:22 NIV These rings are a gift from your family and friends for you. I'm going to give them a chance to share a few words, now. Marius Adam Get to know them. Ask them to share more of their story. Everyone knows someone who has struggled with alcohol and other drugs, and everyone can relate to that feeling of powerlessness, if not alcohol and other drugs, we all have been "addicted" to some sin.

Join us on Sundays 12:30 PM Room 201 in the FLC If you would like to know more, come and join us on Sunday's after church service at 12:30 in the FLC, Room 201. We are hoping to offer some classes on Chemical Dependency and Recovery in the new year. Watch the bulletin for those dates and plan to attend, so that everyone can be equipped to help people who are hurting from addiction, and are looking for help. Tom has asked me to say a prayer.