"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death
through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all
sinned . . . But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died
by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the
gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to
the many!" (Rom 5: 12,15, NIV2)
No one can appreciate this truth
more than those who were once addicted to drugs of any kind. You have
probably heard about Teen Challenge, created by David Wilkerson. It all
started in New York City, and before David knew it, these centers spread
like wildfire, not only in the States, but in 93 foreign countries as
well. Those who are addicted and yearn for freedom come to these
centers, where most of them find freedom through the reality of Jesus
the Christ. A study in 1974, completed by NIDA claimed an 86% overall
success rate after 7 years of graduation.
A few weeks ago, a team
from Teen Challenge came to our church. They got up at 4:30 a.m. to make
the trip, all exited to share what they had found in the One who
promised: "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John
8:36, NIV). They couldn't wait to testify about what Jesus had done for
them. An older gentleman used to take his 3-year old daughter in the car
when he went to pick up his drugs, so he could hide them under her car
seat. A young man used to steal morphine from his mom who was dying from
cancer. Another young man confessed he beat his younger brother so that
he could steal his money for drugs. His brother was terrified of him and
didn't know what to do about it. All of those who presented at our
church used to sell drugs to younger kids in order to have enough money
to purchase their own drugs.
Then suddenly, they all stood still
and screamed out: "The truth--We are now free!"
It all changed
once they discovered freedom in Christ. In tears, the father of that
3-year old daughter held her in his arms, asking her forgiveness, which
she gladly gave. The beaten up brother is now proud of his brother, as
he is a very different man now. The mom who had cancer passed away,
never knowing what really happened to her son. How proud she would have
been if she were still among us. One of this young man is now preparing
himself to join Hill Song in Australia and be part of the ministry.
God's grace is quite evident in their lives, as they were genuinely
smiling, madly in love with the One who rescued them.
If you have
never experienced victory, be aware that you, too, could experience
complete freedom. God's grace is free for the taking, as our Lord and
Master is madly in love with each one of us. You too can be free!
Visit
Teen Challenge site if interested
Rob Chaffart
