Casting Down Idols

Pastor Mike shares a recent sermon that he preached at Oakdale Baptist Church from James 2:14-26 entitled "Faith Without Works is Dead."  Many times people try to change in their own power. While some experience some degree of success with this approach to recovery, most do not. We need a power beyond ourselves to break free. God offers that through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Christianity is not about religion but it is about a real relationship with God. Do you have that kind of faith? A living, life changing faith?

Pastor Dixon shares a recent sermon that he preached at Oakdale Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, N.C. from James 1. The truth of God does indeed set the captive free IF the captive is willing to listen and obey. When we apply God's truth to our lives we are then able to live in freedom.

The most important focus in our lives should be to build our relationship with God stronger. This is the most powerful weapon against relapse.  Relapse does not have to be part of your recovery! Don't expect to fail but expect to be victorious over temptation. Decide right now!

Living a captive to some addiction does not bring happiness or fulfillment in life. In fact, the exact opposite is true. If you find yourself at that place of despair and pain, bound by something other than God, what goals have you set before you to overcome it? Setting goals is not nonspiritual nor is it showing a lack of faith. God tells us as recorded in Proverbs 21:5, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those who are hasty, surely to poverty." There are many in the Bible who had goals like Noah building the Ark or Nehemiah leading in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.  What goals have you set before you?  Are those goals in agreement with what God says?

Your brokenness doesn't have to be a bad thing if you surrender to God through it. Pastor Dixon shares how he attempted to quit his drug and alcohol abuse long before he came to Christ, only to fail each time. "It was not until I came to that place of brokenness when I realized I couldn't do it in my own power. I then surrendered to the One who can," says Pastor Dixon. You can praise God even in times of trouble if you stand upon biblical truth. God transforms all things that happen in the lives of His people into good things in our lives. You can trust Him. He knows what He is doing.

Drawing from John 3 and Numbers 21 Pastor Dixon shows us how God provided for His people in the wilderness. Although the people did not deserve God's provision, God was gracious and good towards them anyway. God offers us all we need today to live out the Christian life as well. In fact, the biggest problem we have is our sin nature for which only God provides a cure.

Wouldn't you like to know what is on the mind of God? In this episode of the podcast Pastor Dixon reminds us that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. We do not need to remain who we were or even who we are. God desires to change us and to use us!

In this LIFE lesson Pastor Dixon discusses the purpose of emotions and how we so easily allow them to serve purposes in our lives for which they were never intended. If we are to continue in recovery, walking with God and bringing Him glory, we must deal with our emotions. A great practical biblical lesson that is helpful for you!!

Pastor Dixon, LCAS_A, shares biblical truth concerning our need for one another. We were created to be dependent creatures.  That is God's intent shown in creation.  We should also be aware of "triggers" around us that can help or hinder us.

This is Part 2 and the conclusion of Pastor Phillip Boseman's testimony. God is the God of another chance! If you stop trying to run your own life, surrender to God, He will give you a life that you never could imagine. We pray that you are encouraged and given hope through this story of grace and transformation!

Pastor Mike Dixon; [email protected], [email protected]