Casting Down Idols
Through the Power of the Gospel
by
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There is much discussion today within psychology concerning addictions. Many refer to addictions as a disease or sickness. Some experts have concluded that addictions have much to do with the predisposed personality of an individual to become an addict. Are certain people genetically prone to become addicts? The truth is that addicts come from all walks of life including white collar, blue collar, and every other color of collar known to man. In other words, addictions are no respecter of persons. Some studies reveal that nearly 30% of all Americans will at some point in their lifetime become dependent on some substance. Many more will become addicted to spiritual idols. Whether the addict is a doctor, a farmer, a homeless person, or a man, woman, or young person there is always a common characteristic; there is a deep longing within the heart to worship. Within the heart of every person is the need to worship. This is the purpose for which we were created. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all for the glory of God." We are created to worship God. If we fail to worship the One true God then we worship a false god, an idol. Everyone will worship something or someone. The problem is that an idol can never deliver in filling the void within a person's heart. A false god only brings false hopes. So many habitual patterns of sin bind men and women in bondage. God has provided a plan of deliverance for us. We can live victorious Christian lives free from the idolatry of addictions. There is a way out. Gods way!
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About the Book
Addictions—to drugs, alcohol, pornography, nicotine, caffeine, gambling, shopping, internet surfing (Webaholism), and much more—control lives. These lifestyle sins rob people of the lives God intended for them.
Jesus promised in John 10:10 that He had come to give abundant life. This abundant life cannot be realized when there are patterns of habitual sin controlling the heart. The Bible calls these patterns idols, and the problem is actually a worship disorder. We were created to worship only God, so when we begin to worship at another altar, we allow demonic bondage into our hearts. How can people overcome these addictions that grip so tightly? The author presents a clear biblical presentation, along with his personal life experiences, to help you cast down those idols once and for all. You can live a victorious Christian life!
About the Author
Michael R. Dixon is the pastor of Oakdale Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He is also the founder and director of L.I.F.E. Ministries, and addiction recovery ministry which operates out of Oakdale Baptist Church. Michael also served for ten years as the executive director and lead counselor of Hope Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit biblical counseling center in Kinston. His education includes an associate of arts in religion and a bachelor of science in church ministries from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Michael also earned a master of divinity with biblical counseling degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Pastor Dixon is also an Associate Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist through the N.C. Professional Board. Known for his expository preaching style and biblical counseling ministry, Michael enjoys teaching, preaching, and expounding the Word of God. This book is a result of what God has accomplished in the author's life. Before surrendering to Christ, Michael lived life on a downward spiral, abusing drugs and alcohol. This book was born out of his personal experience of deliverance through the Gospel of Christ. However, the main thrust of this book is not experiential in nature but scriptural. The author applies the truth of God to overcoming addictions. It is God who created us. It is God who knows how we are to live. Michael tells his story, offering hope to others struggling in the spiritual idolatry of addiction. There is a way out of the bondage. The author's life testifies to the truthfulness of God's Word. Michael and his wife, Melissa, have three daughters and two grandchildren; they live in Nash County, North Carolina.