Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
– II Corinthians 5:17
Ministry Contact
Christian Alternatives to Addiction(CAA) meets on Mondays at 7:00PM in the CPAC, you can also tune into our Facebook broadcast at 7:30 pm for the teaching.. CCA is a fellowship of men and women, who through the power of Jesus Christ seek freedom from the sin we call addiction. We believe a person can only be totally freed from this bondage through the power of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit and the application of His Word to our lives.
CAA is to:
1. Be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
2. Be dependent on the Holy Spirit for personal victory.
3. Apply Biblical Principles to every aspect of our lives.
4. Provide love and support to those seeking freedom.
5. Encourage one another through prayer.
CAA is open to those who:
1. Are seeking deliverance from their life-dominating sin
2. Have loved ones who are in bondage
3. Would like to learn more about victorious living through Jesus Christ
Some who attend this fellowship have been Christians for many years, while for others a relationship with Jesus is a completely new idea. Regardless of your situation you are welcome. We meet every Monday night.
CAA is not a program with programmed answers to the struggle of addiction. Rather we present a person, Jesus Christ, as the way to freedom (John 8:36). Many have come to us asking for direction for attaining personal victory. While we try to avoid giving a formula to freedom, here are some recommendations which we believe will be helpful in seeking to “lay aside the sin which so easily ensnares us” (Hebrews 12:1).
A personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ
To say this is a recommendation is to understate the case. The foundation for a life free of bondage is a personal relationship with God. The Bible reveals that human beings were originally created to be in fellowship with God. When sin entered the world this fellowship was broken resulting in a spiritual thirst for all. Ultimately, it is attempts to satisfy this thirst with anything other than God that is the source of addiction. Jesus declared that He was the way back to God (John 14:6) and that He had spiritual water to give to satisfy this spiritual thirst (John 4:14).
Consistent fellowship with other Christians
One consequence of being in bondage to sin is a sense of isolation. It naturally follows that if freedom is to be attained this must be reversed.
CAA is just one avenue where fellowship can occur. Because of the guilt and shame which accompanies addiction, many feel comfortable in such setting. However, participation in Home Fellowships, Women’s & Men’s Ministries, Retreats, etc., is also recommended.
Acquire a prayer partner
CAA does provide a setting for sharing in the group. However, there may be some things too uncomfortable or not appropriate for a group setting. For such things, a prayer partner is recommended. This would be someone with whom you are comfortable, who is of the same sex, and who is stable in their Christian walk. Ideally, this would be someone who attends CAA regularly, but others who fit the above criteria would be appropriate.
Regularly attend a church where Jesus is exalted and the Bible is taught and believed to be God’s Word.
In addition to fellowship in Group settings, it is important to be part of a local church. God’s plan is for His people to be part of a church where spiritual needs are met. CAA is not meant to replace the church, but to assist the church in meeting a specific need.
Read & Memorize God’s Word
Jesus stated,”Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” God has seen fit to preserve His Word in the Bible. Just as it would not be wise to go without physical nourishment, neither is it wise to go without spiritual nourishment from God’s Word. CAA has literature to assist in the daily reading of God’s Word as well as Scripture Memory tools.
Talk with God on a daily basis through prayer
The Bible teaches to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is simply talking to God as a trusted friend. With such a friend, freely sharing all thoughts and feelings is not difficult. The same should be true as a relationship with God is cultivated. Since He knows all things nothing will shock Him. We can bring all our burdens to Him knowing He will work on our behalf.
Minister to the needs of others
Self-centered thinking is yet another consequence of addiction which must be reversed. In Matthew 16:24-25 Jesus reminds us that if we desire to find life the way is through self-denial and losing our lives for the kingdom. There are many opportunities both at CAA as well as in the church and community to serve the practical needs of others.
These recommendations are not meant to be exhaustive but a starting point for those interested in a life of freedom. It is important that none of these become a legalistic burden. As has been stated, Jesus is ultimately the Way to freedom and should, as one writer aptly said, “Be the way to our devotions, rather than our devotions as the way to Jesus.” May He continue to bless us richly as we seek to walk in His ways.