Reach: Addiction and Recovery

checklist

—communion - tell ushers to come in earlier

—announcement sheets - pass out (not core value sheets)

One of the privileges we have as a family of believers is celebrating the Lord’s Supper together that He gave us to remember what is of most importance.

If you did not pick up communion elements, would you raise your hand?

1 Corinthians 11:23–28 NIV

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.

Take a moment to examine yourself—before the Lord. and as we talk about reaching today—and particularly addiction and recovery—

The Bible constantly reminds us that our sin is not just about behavior modification—changing behavior or changing speech. those things are symptoms of a much deeper problem in our hearts. that out of the overflow of the heart, our mouths speak and we act.

so when we are examining ourselves, and confessing sin—don’t just do it at a surface level—get to the heart—why are you doing what you are doing? what are you looking for when you choose to go your way rather than God’s? why are you addicted to this behavior?

so would you ask the Holy Spirit right now to help examine yourself—confess it—for forgiveness and healing sake—and focus on God’s grace and mercy—He paid it all.

another element of the Lord’s Supper is not only do we examine our relationship with God, but with others.

Is there anyone we need to forgive? Anyone that we need to reconcile with? Take a moment to examine that before the Lord.

(Thank God for the resources)

introduction:

Good morning! We are in a short summer series—Basics-we are going back to the basics of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. These are our core values—but it’s not like we invented them.

And the one we are focusing on today—is “Reach Compassionately.” “Impacting people near and far with the reality of God’s love in Christ.”

And I have a couple of guests—they are not strangers to help us with this today—as we will specifically be applying it to the area of addiction and recovery.

Let me read a couple of passages to help set the tone.

Matthew 28:18–20 NIV

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

the idea of going—involves reaching to make disciples—followers of Jesus—all about King Jesus.

Matthew 9:35–38 NIV

35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

So I am here with 2 very special men.

Michael Baer is our Connections Pastor, married to Kim Baer, who leads Soar Counseling as a therapist to individuals, families, and youth (just across the street here). (show pic of Him and wife) Baer is also very instrumental in helping to lead an addiction and recover ministry called Brianna’s Hope.

Rene LeBlanc, married to Rina (pic). Rene is here on behalf of a ministry that is just starting called Crossroads Community.

So welcome.

We will get to your ministries in just a second.

Help us understand first of all-what is addiction—give us a definition.

Give us some stats—how bad is it nationally, statewide, and especially locally. (slides 7 - 12)

Baer, remind us what Brianna’s Hope is and it’s purpose. (show pic of logo)

Baer - When, where, and how do you meet? (show pic of BH time and location)

Baer - How is BH going? (celebrated 2 years in May!!)

Baer - What are some needs/requests for BH? (we still encourage people to get involved, and visit at least once) (show pic of BH Team Hope)

Rene, tell us what Crossroads Community is? (slides 1, 15-18, 19-20, 21-22)

Rene, what led you to start this? What is some of your story? (talk about the need again in Adams County)

Rene, How soon do you hope for this to begin?

Rene, How can we get involved?

this question for both: What are the causes of addictions? (i.e. trauma, pain, etc.) (sometimes we can lack empathy or compassion like Jesus has)

Do you think there are people in this room or online who are watching that currently struggle with addiction? What would you say to them?

what is the first step towards healing and recovery?

What encouragement or advice would you give towards someone who has a loved one experiencing addiction?

how does Jesus make a difference in addiction and recovery?

How can each of us practicing reaching and loving our neighbor who is facing addiction?

promo for Event - with Addison Agen, Gabe Bailey and Holly Wenger (slide 78)(video)

Pray for you and announce church support:

Ben Sprunger - 1st service

Brad Abnet - 2nd service