"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
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.