What is your story?
2007-03-13 06:34:48 · 22 answers · asked by Mike Honcho 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, I was into the whole scene, sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. I worshipped at those altars of false gods for more years than I care to remember.
Then I met Jesus Christ, in a dream. I dreamed I died, and was before Jesus. I couldn't look up, because I was sinful, and I could only see white light. For the first time I saw my sin as God sees it, and I was very ashamed. I knew that I was going to hell for all of eternity, and I knew that I deserved it, because I had rejected Jesus Christ. I was sobbing, and begging for mercy, I asked for another chance....
And I woke up. I accepted Christ right there, alone, in my bedroom. Many things I was set free of right then, some I struggled for years to overcome.
That dream changed my life. I had no doubt that God was real. I also knew the despair of facing an eternity in hell. I can't think of a worse nightmare.
I dedicated my life to tell others about Jesus, and became a missionary. God has always been faithful to me, even through the hard times, and I have never regretted giving my all to Him on that day. I am so grateful that God cared enough to reach out to a selfish drug addict, and pull me from that pit, and set me on another path. God is merciful. He can do the same for any of you that desire freedom too!
2007-03-13 06:53:48 · answer #1 · answered by HolyLamb 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
"There are six results of drinking alcohol and doing drugs:
1) Decreasing Wealth.
2) Increasing Quarrels.
3) Danger of Diseases.
4) Gaining an evil reputation.
5) Indecent exposure.
6) Ruining one's intelligence.
Source: Digha Nikaya 31. *Words of Siddhartha Gautama {The Buddha)."
In my former religion, it was viewed that drinking alcohol was alright as long as it did not cause another brother to stumble.
I was not an alcoholic in my former faith, but I did drink socially everytime their was any kind of occasion to, as did all my other brothers and sisters in the faith. It interfered with my reasoning capabilities, and I thought things, and spoke things that were harmful to others at times.
I have no other regrets in my former religion, for it taught me not to judge, criticize, or condemn others, but to love my enemies. It taught me that Love thinks no evil toward another person, and that love is very patient, kind, and forgiving.
In the philosophy of life I am a student of now, which you have read a scripture from on the disadvantages of drinking alcohol and doing drugs, I have skillfully learned that drinking alcohol is not necessarily a sin, but
is an unwholesome act - doing harm to myself. Alcohol, for me personally, altered my thoughts, and choices often, and by drinking I was unable to think, speak, and act mindfully. And insight could not be cultivated through the consumption of alcohol. This is simply my personal experience, and I am not saying it should be the conviction, or morally correct choice of action for others.
Thank You for giving me the opportunity to answer your question.
With Metta {lovingkindness & friendship).
2007-03-13 13:58:31 · answer #2 · answered by Thomas 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's because of Religion that I turned to drugs and alcohol. I use to be catholic, but now I know better. It wasn't until I stopped turning to the church for help and went to a rehab program that I was able to get cleaned up.
2007-03-13 13:44:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
AA's religion-based Twelve Steps to Recovery has indeed helped some alcoholics kick the bottle. However, it is important to point out that other approaches also can demonstrate a certain level of success, and some seem more successful than AA. So the answer to your query is yes, some folks have been helped through a religious approach...but that approach is by no means the only valid one.
2007-03-13 14:02:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Religion doesnt save people, religion isnt alive. Having a relationship with Jesus can help you get off drugs. Jesus came and died and asscended so that we may be saved from all forms of addictions, diseases, fears. He is the Bondage breaker. Jesus was the ultimate sacrafice for us so that we may be set free from all of our sicknesses and addiction and that we may be forgiven for all of our sins. Most christians are religious and seek only to go to church and believe in a religion so they have some hope in "maybe" going to heaven.. I want to encourage you and let you know that if you Believe and accept Jesus into your heart that you will be saved, that you will be healed because of his blood.. there is no maybe! There is one step that most religious people miss and thats why they dont recieve all the power of healing or all the other promises in the bible... they decide to do things there way and they decide to make the bible into a religion that fits there needs and makes them feel secure. Really to have a relationship with Jesus means that you would have to step outside of your comfort zone and believe in something that isnt tangable (so to speak), that is invisible. That stops alot of people from having an enriching and powerfull relationship with Jesus. It is easier to believe that if you just build an alter and do a few hail marrys and not eat meat on a certain day or pray a certain way that you will be fine and God will be pleased with you and bless you. God is more loving than that and more deeper than that, he's not some tyrant or dictator..he sent his Son to die so that we could be set free from sickness and addiction. Thats not a relationship,Jesus got mad at the pharsees and saducees for how religious they were. They were trying to condem Jesus for healing someone on sabbath... Matthew 12:9 . Check everything I have said with the bible and ask God to reveal himself to you and he will answer your question alot better than I can.
2007-03-13 14:11:28 · answer #5 · answered by Drew 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Surely it has, but the one that I know personally got it so bad, religion, that is, that I couldn't even stand to be around him and I am a fundie. But at least he did stay off the drugs.
2007-03-13 14:06:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It has helped my husband. He has done crack for years. He gave his life to the Lord and if he starts riding by the place where he gets it from He'll start praying and telling the devil he is a liar. Jesus always wins. If you are called by him the past is forgotten and he will take it from you. You may have to endure for a while but it gets easier and easier. But it wasnt relegion that helped him ger off of drugs. Religion is corrupt. But Jesus can do all things.
2007-03-13 13:39:13 · answer #7 · answered by stormyblythe 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Years ago, when the power of God (through the Holy Spirit) hit my life I threw it all away and walked away from the lifestyle, as well as many other people I know. I can say that it if it weren't for the delivering power of God I would be dead. I could not get free through my own will power or the world's systems. It took a tangible experience with God.
2007-03-13 13:39:23 · answer #8 · answered by 1sweet lady 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes. AA, and other similar 12-step programs use at least a "higher power" as a central part of the steps. They've helped LOTS of people.
2007-03-13 13:38:14 · answer #9 · answered by daisyk 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I have been healed but i'm still responsible for my actions it dosen't mean i can use when i want to...I stuggeled with AA and other self help groups but i'm not saying they didn't help...but the Word of God a personal relationship the Christ has giving me a new hope and a new understanding of my purpose in life. Thankyou for you question.
2007-03-13 13:40:12 · answer #10 · answered by jgmakeover 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋