By TAC Team: summarized, and paraphrased from Miss Shirley Crowder and Dr. Mark Shaw’s Podcast Conversation about the book EASTER: Meditations for Addict, available at Amazon here
April 2022 – Podcast #156 “Easter- Week 6”
Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
In short, yes, Jesus did rise from the dead in bodily form! Each person must choose whether to believe that fact for themselves. Investigate Jesus’ bodily resurrection if you don’t believe it. Historical evidence and logic will help you. Start with this sermon by Brad Bigney.
“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” –(Matthew 28:6) (ESV)
Why Does Jesus’ Resurrection Matter for Somebody with Substance Abuse Problems?
Quite simply, the same power that God demonstrated in raising Jesus from the dead is the same power that can transform anyone’s dead heart, and that includes someone who is in substance abuse or addicted to anything! God gives them a new heart that is alive with new desires! (Ezekiel 37:14)
Are you Saying that Addicted People Must not be Christians?
I am saying that addiction is an outward manifestation of what is going on in the heart desires of a person. Addictions biblical counselors start with the heart level—the desires. God transforms hearts, which is why the biblical approach to addiction treatment is the only one with lasting change that matters for eternity.
This power to transform comes only from the Holy Spirit who dwells in believers in Christ Jesus, according to Romans 8:11 which says:
“If the Spirit of him who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” That transforming power of the Holy Spirit lives inside a born again, addicted (or once addicted) person.
Jesus defeated death!
God’s word paints a clear, simple picture. Jesus is not in the tomb. This event was prophesied many years before it came into fruition. When Christians say, “He is Risen!” it is a proclamation. A proclamation of confidence declaring, “He is risen indeed!” We know it to be true because God has revealed it to us. When other religions talk about their leaders, we can go to their tombs and see where they were buried. Christianity is different. He did not stay in the tomb. He is risen indeed!
(Listen to the entire podcast here or find it on YouTube.)
EASTER: Meditations for Addicts was written by Dr. Mark E. Shaw and Shirley Crowder and is part of a series along with the book ADVENT: Meditations for Addicts. Shirley is a co-founder of this ministry with Dr. Shaw and serves as The Addiction Connection’s Vice President. She is a gifted writer and speaker and teaches women all over the country.
The Addiction Connection is Here for You!
The Addiction Connection is a network of ministries who offer hope in Jesus for those struggling with addiction of any kind. Our network of encouraging resources, ministries, and biblical programs that stretch across America and the world will always point people to truth in Jesus Christ for answers.
Quick Links
- Looking for biblical addiction training? Find out about our 4-6 month Commissioning Program HERE.
- Here is a list of people we have trained in biblical addiction counseling through our Commissioning Program who you can reach out to for hope and help.
- Need a Biblical Residential Program? Here are some we recommend.
- Need a Biblical Non-Residential Program? Here are the ones we’d recommend.
- Are you a leader who wants to help addicts? Check out this disciple-making curriculum we created just for you entitled Next Steps: Be TRANSFORMED.
- Looking for additional resources, courses, curriculum? Find out more HERE.
- Are you more of a podcast-listener-while-you-get-things-done? The Addiction Connection Podcast is just for you!