Post by A on Jan 11, 2018 11:25:56 GMT -7
Fox News reported today that President Trump thinks he has the answer to the nations opioid crisis, but stated that he didn't think the country was ready for it yet. You can read the news report here.
While we don't know what President Trump's answer is to the opioid crisis, as Christians we already know what the ultimate answer is - the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Since Genesis 3, mankind has inherited a sinful nature with a bent toward sin, leading many to enslaved idol worship of drugs and alcohol. While 12-step programs and others like them can offer behavior modification so the addict stays sober, they can't offer what sinners really need which is a new heart. As Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3, "Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" This is the only true hope, to be born again by a saving faith in Jesus. The addict ultimately needs forgiveness of sin, not abstinence from alcohol or drugs. When we are born again we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who enables and prompts believers to live a holy life before God. As it is stated in Ephesians 5:18, "And do not get drunk with win, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit". As believers, we are to be filled with the spirit instead of filled with wine, in other words, to live a life in submission to the Holy Spirit instead of submission to deceiving idols.
Paul addressed the Corinthian church in this way in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11,
May we remember these words should we ever doubt the love and grace of God toward believers who struggle with addiction.
While we don't know what President Trump's answer is to the opioid crisis, as Christians we already know what the ultimate answer is - the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Since Genesis 3, mankind has inherited a sinful nature with a bent toward sin, leading many to enslaved idol worship of drugs and alcohol. While 12-step programs and others like them can offer behavior modification so the addict stays sober, they can't offer what sinners really need which is a new heart. As Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3, "Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" This is the only true hope, to be born again by a saving faith in Jesus. The addict ultimately needs forgiveness of sin, not abstinence from alcohol or drugs. When we are born again we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who enables and prompts believers to live a holy life before God. As it is stated in Ephesians 5:18, "And do not get drunk with win, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit". As believers, we are to be filled with the spirit instead of filled with wine, in other words, to live a life in submission to the Holy Spirit instead of submission to deceiving idols.
Paul addressed the Corinthian church in this way in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11,
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." [Emphasis mine]
