Is it okay for adults to experiment with THC products? Does legalization of marijuana help or hurt society? How do addiction biblical counselors lead the way in the fight against addiction to cannabinoid products? Why are hundreds of thousands of voters in favor of cannabis products in Florida?
There are several solid advent devotionals available, but none directed to those struggling with the heart desires rooted in addictive issues. Until now! With a biblical perspective that seeks to glorify God and keep Jesus Christ as the centerpiece of Christmas, Shirley Crowder and I wrote these meditations as an aid to help anyone join in worshipping God…
by Shaw, McMurry, and TAC Team “Well, she just hasn’t hit rock bottom yet. Let her go. She’s going to hit a rock bottom one of these days…” There are people who have false hope in that line of thinking. The “Hitting Rock Bottom” phrase is the idea that somebody is going to hit a…
By: Dr. Mark E. Shaw September has arrived again and during this #NationalRecoveryMonth you will be hearing lots of reminders about various pharmacological and therapeutic solutions. In today’s world, this is the main solution for the problematic behaviors of idolatrous “addiction.” But the current view of what is happening in recovery is short-sighted and here’s…
How do I Help Someone I love Who is Using Drugs or Alcohol? Am I Enabling? Is an Intervention Needed? What do I need to know about Vaping, Fentanyl and Addiction? How do I help my loved one or my fellow church member in an addiction? Why is there such a stigma in the Church…
Diving into Proverbs 29:25 – Part 2 Dr. Mark E. Shaw (with TAC TEAM) If I trust in Jesus as a Christian, doesn’t God say He will protect me from harm? Doesn’t God always protect His Children? I trust in Him so why are bad things happening to me? Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of mankind…
If fearing man is a snare what is the opposite…?
By Dr. Mark E. Shaw with TAC Team For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV)[1] The “hypostatic union” is a fancy name for the combined…
By Dr. Mark E. Shaw, with TAC TEAM The Addiction Connection released 35 podcasts in 2023. We started as a listener only podcast and now we have advanced to having videography at all our podcasts so you can listen and watch as I interact with guests. It’s a lot of fun! What were YOUR favorite…
by Shaw, McMurry, and TAC Team Whenever Jesus mentions drunkenness in the Bible, it’s important to take a good look at the context. Luke 21 is chocked full of warnings about the future, and this is one place Jesus brings up a warning about being drunk. Throughout this chapter, Jesus is speaking about the destruction…
by Shaw, McMurry, and TAC Team Video Gaming! Is it a disease—a disorder? Is it compulsive? Can we use the word “addiction” for excessive video game playing? Dr. Mark E. Shaw and CJ McMurry recently discussed these prevalent issues on TAC’s podcast and discerned for us the difference—it’s a problem of the heart. Referencing Dr….
Lou Priolo passed into glory today, as they say, and he could not be in a better place so I rejoice for his gain. I am confident that he is now with the Lord. “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”…
Photo by Matias North on Unsplash By Mark Shaw with TAC Team Alcoholism and addiction to substances: Is it a disease? A genetic pre-disposition? An allergy? What can you do about an addiction? Can self-improvement and self-esteem help? The hundred year old belief system of the twelve steps and disease concept is one that is…
By: TAC TEAM Dr. Kevin Carson recently sat down and took the pilot’s seat on The Addiction Connection Podcast turning the tables to ask Dr. Mark E. Shaw the frequently asked questions, apprehensions, and yes, even frustrations, that many local pastors have as they try to address the heart of addiction with those whom they…
Will a pill really be the answer for PTSD, depression, and addiction? Are mushrooms in a pill form going to help or hurt? What do Addiction Biblical Counselors think?
Dr. Mark E. Shaw was recently interviewed by “Community Bridge” on Family Radio. He joins us today to reflect on some of the topics covered in that conversation. An element of pinpointed discipleship. That’s what biblical counseling for addictions really is. Jenny Burkhiser, from Community Bridge on Family Radio, recently interviewed me on the problem…
by TAC TEAM If you attended the 7th annual Summit of The Addiction Connection held on August 3-5, 2023, in Cincinnati, OH, you were blessed with a God-glorifying, Christ-exalting event with like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ from around the U.S., Canada, and Mexico! But if you missed this event, then allow us to share…
Psychedelics? Like magic mushrooms and LSD of the 60’s – to “treat” people suffering from sadness that doesn’t get helped by current medicines? Are you serious? That was my first reaction when I read about the new “treatment” for human suffering and sadness. Mankind never ceases to try and invent empty solutions to the age-old…
By: Dr. Mark E. Shaw There is no need to follow the world’s example of counseling if you are a biblical counselor doing the strenuous work of addiction counseling. What do I mean? Traditional Counseling The world’s model of counseling pairs one counselor to work with one counselee or one family unit (such as a…
By TAC TEAM with Dr. Mark E. Shaw The death certificate from the coroner explains what physically happened – death occurred after this individual stopped breathing and cardiac arrest followed; fentanyl was found in his system, along with alcohol, and marijuana. But God’s perfect and righteous “Death Certificate” will say that we all died because…
Visit: https://discord.gg/mz3UwQhuwW
You’re not alone in addiction ministry! We’ve always been about relationships — And this will only help foster those. Now, join The Addiction Connection Discord server and network with the real people in TAC! It is open to everyone now — click the invite link in the image above, or here. If…
By Dr. Mark E. Shaw, with assistance from TAC TEAM “Is Addiction a Disease?” is one of the most commonly asked questions. In Part 1, Cassie[1] was told that her son has a brain disease that caused him to stay in his addictive lifestyle. At first it made her feel some relief that she was…
Cassie[1] was told that her son has a brain disease that caused him to stay in his addictive lifestyle. At first it made her feel some relief that she was not the cause of her son’s behavior. After all, she could not control what he did no matter what she said or did. She has…
By Dr. Howard Eyrich Featured image Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash I Samuel 7 Introduction Israel had become addicted to idolatry–foreign gods. Though “the word of Samuel came to all Israel” (4:1), (ESV*) they persisted in idolatry for the first twenty years of his prophetic ministry. It cost them dearly, as we saw in chapters 4-6….
Although some may find it surprising and unconventional to compare the Christian celebration of Easter to the Super Bowl, both hold enormous significance and provide unique opportunities for celebration and community-building among their respective audiences. Comparing Easter to the Super Bowl is an analogy that describes the significance and excitement of the Easter Celebration for…
-by Mark E. Shaw with T.A.C. Team LINK to full PODCAST #199 entitled “Wine is a Mocker” “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1, ESV) Human beings like to celebrate. We look for excuses to celebrate the “wins” and successes in life….
1. We Gathered What a blessing to gather with like-minded women and men at our 6th Annual TAC Leadership Summit to learn from, encourage, and connect with each other this year! To watch the sessions from past Summits, click here! SAVE THE DATE for next year: August 3-5, 2023 in Cincinnati, OH. 2. We Proclaimed Hope and Featured Addiction Ministries and Programs…
Earlier this year on 2-22-2022, we posted 22 ways to pray for TAC. God answered these prayers and some of them are ongoing so we are asking you to end the year 2022 by praying again for them. Join us in praying for God to be glorified in and through T.A.C. in the remainder of…
(written with the assistance of T.A.C. team) Our circumstances squeeze out what is already in our hearts. How are we dealing with stress in life? What do we do when life doesn’t go our way? Where do we go with our pain and suffering? Answers to these questions can show us what we are trusting in…
For over 10 years, The Addiction Connection has been offering genuinely biblical resources. In celebration of a decade in ministry, we want to share 10 ways we continue to Connect the Hope of the Gospel with the Heart of Addiction: 1. Free podcasts on current addiction topics, featuring leaders in addictions biblical counseling In Podcast #178, I interview a couple serving…
By TAC TEAM with Dr. Mark E. Shaw Our recent fictional scenarios explained that: John (age 36), Jake (age 15), and Donnie (age 21) are pursuing the best version of themselves today, but sadly, this could be their final day on earth. They may not be aware that fentanyl has tainted what they are about to use….
By TAC TEAM with Dr. Mark E. Shaw Part 3 of 3 John, Jake, and Donnie are all in danger of dying in the fentanyl epidemic, but how will we pursue them and what message are we going to proclaim to them? Harm reduction methods say: “Be safe!” “Take care!” “Use with a buddy who…
By TAC Team with Dr. Mark E. Shaw (Part 2 of 3) In our part 1 post, you read the fictional scenarios about: John (age 36) is seeking same high from his usual drug of choice from one of his usual dealers. Jake (age 15) is trying out a new vape for the first…
by TAC TEAM with Dr. Mark E. Shaw Part 1 (of 3) John (age 36) is seeking the same high from his usual drug of choice from one of his usual dealers. Jake (age 15) is experimenting with vaping for the first time. His friend at school gives it to him so he can “stay focused” as he…
This article was written with assistance from TAC team Why Does Relapse Occur? Someone with six years of sobriety said he returned to his addictive choices. There were no physical reasons like cravings or withdrawal for his return. Clearly, his physical body was clean and free from the physical entanglements of addiction so why did…
Commissioned Addictions Biblical Counselor, Shirley Crowder, teaches about an eternal focus by encouraging us with this thought: “As Christ followers, we have the promise, and the hope, and the assurance that we will spend eternity in heaven with God the Father… and with the Son.” -Shirley Crowder, The Addiction Connection Podcast #156. Praise: A Purposeful…
By Dr. Mark Shaw Desperation.[1] That’s what seems to be driving the three persons who have submitted to a surgical brain procedure called DBS to potentially solve their cravings for illicit drugs. DBS stands for Deep Brain Stimulation: a nickel sized hole is cut into the top of the head and a millimeter wide wire…
By TAC Team Are you afraid of death? What about the fear of a loved one’s death? You are not alone. Fear is rampant through our country and our world. COVID-19 did not ease our troubled minds any. And if someone you care about is using a substance like Methamphetamines, alcohol, or opioids, then you…
-by TAC TEAM The founder of The Addiction Connection, Dr. Mark E. Shaw, hosted Oliver Underwood of The Damascus House on TAC’s podcast entitled “Habakkuk and Addiction” (#149). Underwood leads a men’s residential program for addiction that is recommended by The Addiction Connection. Discussing historical context and verses from Habakkuk, Dr. Shaw and Underwood, who…
Is there anything practical in the Bible to address addiction? What does God’s Word tell us about our modern world’s various modes of getting drunk (pills, fentanyl, weed, heroin, alcohol, etc)? Dr. Shaw hosted Oliver Underwood of The Damascus House on TAC’s podcast entitled “Habakkuk and Addiction” (#149). Underwood leads a men’s residential program for…
It’s Christmas Eve and yet I cannot get over the fact that fentanyl is reportedly the #1 killer for people ages 18-45 according to the CDC. People seek their usual drug of choice only to discover too late that it was fentanyl laced—that’s what is killing more people than COVID-19, suicide, and car accidents. Does…
Guest Post by Josh Brunk, Executive Director of Village Mercy Ministries “Addicts make the best evangelists.” This was my introduction to Dr. Mark Shaw when he visited The Mission House in Port Orchard, Washington. He spoke this to encourage those of us in the six-month program to not set our sights too short and stop…
Hey Friends, Wow! “Best Summit yet!” is what we heard often and we agree. Jesus was glorified, relationships were forged, and we renewed our enthusiasm for reaching the lost with the hope of the gospel. Long-time friends of TAC had the opportunity to meet some of you for the very first time in person. What…
Pastor Steve Covington of Through the Gate, a women’s residential addiction program, joins Dr. Mark E. Shaw on The Addiction Connection’s first podcast of the year. (Listen now!) 2 Corinthians 5:17 states: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV) About…
So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10:31 For years Mark has been asked by countless people, “When are you going to do a group study for addiction that is consistent with the Bible?” He would always answer, “I’m working on it,” but…
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