the breaking the chains seminar on dvd workbook sample

Breaking the Chains Seminar

The Biblical Provisions for AddictionSupplement to DVD’s

True & Lasting Freedom in Christ

Student Workbook

The

FREEINDEED

SESSION 6

Freedom from

ADDICTION

SESSION 2

The THOUGHTLIFE

How to Defeat

TEMPTATION

Walking by the

SPIRIT

Sanctifi cation and the Command to

SERVE

SESSION 1

SESSION 3

SESSION 4

SESSION 5

EFFECTIVEScripture Memory,

Assignments, Exercises,

Quizzes, Accountability,

Intensive, Emphatically Biblical

What is

ADDICTION?

WorkbookThe Breaking the Chains Seminar on DVD

page2

IntroductionIs freedom from addiction possible? Not abstinence—Freedom?

You bet it is—as long as you follow God’s biblical blueprint for living free in Christ.

You are about to experience an addictions curriculum unlike any other. This will be an exciting adventure of learning, challenge, and life-transformation.

You’ll discover the Scriptural perspective on addiction and you will learn the emphatically biblical principles that result in true and lasting freedom.

This is an intensive and rigorous curriculum you are undertaking. It is essential that you follow the seminar exactly as the instructions explain.

Ready to go? Great!

Thank you for choosing The Provision House Breaking the Chains Seminar on DVD.

You won’t regret it.

Executive Director Paul Stark

© 2012 by Paul Stark & Provision HouseAll rights reserved.Printed in USA.

Publication The Breaking the Chains Seminar on DVD and related products are published by Provision House

Product InquiriesPO Box 78512Charlotte, NC [email protected]

ReproductionNo part of The Breaking the Chains Seminar on DVD, including this publication, its related DVD’s, or any other related products, whether video, audio, or print, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—except for brief quotations in printed or online reviews, without prior written permission from Paul Stark and Provision House.

Scripture QuotationsUnless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations in this publication are from the New American Standard Bible © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.lockman.org)

The Breaking the Chains Seminar on DVD


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SEMINAR OVERVIEW The Scope, Sequence and Summary for each Session8

APPENDIX A & BYour Identity in Christ and The 20 Cans of Success37

INSTRUCTIONSAll you need to successfully complete the seminar10

ROAD MAPMaintain your freedom in Christ by knowing where you’re going40

CONTENTSOur Approach .....................................................4The Provision House Philosophy Explained

Your Instructor ...................................................7Meet Paul Stark

Seminar Overview and Schedule ............8The Scope, Sequence, and Summary for Each Session

Instructions ..........................................................10Everything You Need to Know to Ensure Success

Assignments for Each Session ...................11How to Complete Each Session

Session 1 ..............................................................12What is Addiction?

Session 2 ..............................................................16Freedom from Addiction

Session 3 ..............................................................20The Thought Life

Session 4 ..............................................................24How to Defeat Temptation

Session 5 ..............................................................28Walking by the Spirit

Session 6 ..............................................................32Sanctification and the Command to Serve

Appendix A ..........................................................36Who I am in Christ

Appendix B ...........................................................37The 20 Cans of Success

Appendix C ..........................................................38The Think-Feel-Do Progression

Appendix D ..........................................................38Examples of serving from the Bible

Appendix E ...........................................................39The Two Progressions of Temptation from Session 4

Appendix F ...........................................................39The Will of God Sequence from Session 4

Road Map ..............................................................40Planning Your Life’s Journey for a Free and Productive Life in Christ


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The approach to addictions has changed

dramatically over the past twenty-two years.

The publication of Dr. Herbert Fingarette’s

book, Heavy Drinking: The Myth of Alcoholism as a

Disease changed everything (University of California

Press, 1982). “[N]o leading research authorities

accept the classic disease concept . . . [and] No one

in the debate is seeking to resurrect the classic

disease concept” (pp. 3, 22). Despite this, “Almost

everything the American public believes to be the

scientific truth about addiction is false” (p. 1).

Tough words for those indoctrinated in the

disease concept. But the fact remains, the disease

concept is an utterly discredited theory of addiction

(except among those who are part of the multi-

billion dollar recovery industry). Since Fingarette,

dozens of books and innumerable studies have been

published echoing the same factual conclusion.

Professors, researchers, scholars, authors,

and even residential and non-residential recovery

centers have adopted other philosophical

approaches to resolving addictions, but there is no

consensus among them as to what addiction is or

how to address it. The church has been particularly

slow in realizing that there are much better options

than the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Worse yet, the church has been virtually silent in

the discussion, offering no emphatically biblical

understanding of addiction. Hence, even the church

and Christian recovery ministries cannot agree

on what addiction is. Some scholarly study and

research is called for in an attempt to arrive at a

unified definition of addiction and, therefore, the

approach that should be taken in helping believers

find true and lasting freedom in Christ. That’s what

we are trying to accomplish at Provision House.

We believe that addiction is a spiritual

stronghold within which sin predominates. Two of

the effects of sin are that it enslaves (John 8:34)

and controls (Romans 6:12). We assert that failure

[A] biblical approach to addictions must “teach spiritual truth and disciplines. Instruction and life-on-life discipleship about how to do spiritual battle and fight the good fight for faith and obedience. This should include practical biblical teaching on sanctification and important concepts like putting off/putting on and renewing the mind. The [addicted person] must understand sin and sanctification”.

Seminary Professor Sam Williams, Ph.D.


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to recognize the fact that all addictions are also sin is to fail to consider the enslaving and controlling effects of

sin. To fail to consider the enslaving and controlling effects

of sin is to attempt to accomplish redemption, conversion,

and sanctification apart from Jesus Christ. Redemption in the

sense of liberating someone from enslavement. Conversion

in the sense of changing one’s direction and orientation in

life. And sanctification in the sense of a progressive change

in one’s behavior. Every approach to addiction attempts to

get a person out of their addictive behavior (redemption), get

them headed in a new direction (conversion), and engaged in a

continual process of change and growth (sanctification). These

are noble intentions to be sure, but extremely difficult to accomplish apart from a saving relationship with Jesus

Christ.

The pathways to addiction are as numerous, varied, and complex as the addicted individuals themselves.

To attempt to eradicate addictive behavior by resolving

issues of the past rarely succeeds. There need be no

reason for an addiction to have developed other than

a person simply made one or more bad decisions. In

fact, attempting to resolve relational issues, financial

issues, emotional issues, or other circumstantial issues

before ceasing the addictive behavior is likely to fail--the

addiction sabotages these efforts nearly every time. Once

the addiction is gone, a person then has the capacity to

deal with any residual issues that need to be addressed.

We encourage you to review this website

and its resources and see if you agree with us that

programs don’t set you free, mental health experts

don’t set you free, even ministries don’t set you

free. Jesus Christ sets you free. We will continue to

work very hard to not only help Christians find true

and lasting freedom from addiction in Christ, but

to help the church begin to understand addictions

from an emphatically biblical perspective.


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YOUR IN

STRUCTOR


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Paul, an

ordained minister, is founder and executive director of Provision House, and has been involved in addictions ministry since 1998. His approach to addictions started as research for a seminary thesis entitled, The Biblical Provisions for Addiction, and an irresistible call upon his life to fulfill this ministry.

He has conducted numerous Breaking the Chains seminars and workshops at churches and regional Christian conferences, and has applied the principles in several residential recovery ministries.

He also has an undergraduate degree in business and has attended two ATS accredited seminaries. He was Northeast Regional Manager for Gospel Light Publications, an international, non-denominational Christian education and book publishing organization. He also co-founded Techniscan Corporation in New Jersey.

Paul continues study and research for the purpose of further developing a biblical theology of addictions. He is also encouraging churches to consider addictions from a theological perspective and not merely medical, psychological, or sociological perspectives.

He and his wife Rosangela live in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Their daughter, son-in-law, and grandson live in Florida.

Our approach to helping Christians fi nd true

and lasting freedom from addiction is

neither medical, psychological, nor

sociological. It is theological.

SEMINAROverview and ScheduleTeaching the Biblical Provisions for Addiction


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How you define addiction determines the approach

you will take in seeking freedom. This emphatically biblical approach represents an exposition of relevant scriptures resulting in the inevitable conclusion that addiction is a spiritual stronghold due to the enslaving and controlling effects of habitual sin. A brief survey of the numerous competing definitions of addiction is covered. The more like Christ we are, the more power we have over temptation and sin. Hence, Christlikeness is the goal for every student. Proverbs 5:22, John 8:34, Romans 6:12, 16, 8:29, 2 Peter 2:19, Matt 5:6, Acts 8:23.

This session is primarily an explication of the

Romans 6 theology that the believer is free from the controlling power of sin. The nature and effects of sin are covered. Students learn that they are not powerless over sin. Rather, sin has been made powerless over them. This passage demonstrates that it is well within the ability of the believer to stop any addictive behavior. This teaching is prerequisite to breaking free from addiction. Students who apprehend this truth are well on their way to true and lasting freedom from addiction. John 8:32, Romans 6:1-8:2, Galatians 5:1, 13, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Do you want to change? Do you want to change

biblically? If so, what is the biblical prescription for change? The biblical prescription for change is the renewing of the mind, but how is that accomplished? Further, what does it mean to take a thought captive and how is that done? These topics and others are answered in this session. The Think-Feel-Act progression is explained. Romans 12:2, 13:14, 2 Corinthians 2:11, 10:3-5, Ephesians 4:27, 1 Chronicles 21:1, Acts 5:1-5, 1 Kings 22:21-22, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2, Proverbs 23:7.

Session 1 Session 2 Session 3

The scope, sequence, and summary for each seminar session

Programs don’t set you free. Jesus sets you free.


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Behind all sin lies temptation. Many fail

in their battle against sin because they attempt to eradicate the sin rather than respond biblically to the temptation. Some Christians are looking for a way to avoid or “escape” temptation. Others are attempting to resist it. Neither of these responses is the biblical teaching on how to deal with temptation. This session is a deep and thorough discussion of temptation, its characteristics, and the biblical instruction for responding to it. 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:2-4, 14-15, 1 Peter 1:6, 4:1, 12-13.

There is a difference between breaking

free and remaining free from addiction. Walking by the Spirit is the key to remaining free, and is more about personal activity than personal spirituality. Scripture teaches that freedom is to be acted upon to ensure continuing spiritual formation. We are not to pour all our energy into resisting temptation. Rather, we are to use our time engaged in activities that contribute to spiritual growth. How we occupy our time determines if we will live in freedom. Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 5:15-18, Col. 3:1-2, 1 Peter 2:16.

The reason that Christians relapse is because they

dry up spiritually. But actively serving God precludes a stale and impotent Christian life. Sanctification is incomplete without the essential component of service. None of us become what God created us to be without doing what He created us to do. We are created and saved to serve. Unless and until you discover and live out what it is that God put you here for, you will never find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in life--you will always be frustrated. Galatians 5:13, John 15:1-17, Romans 6:19, Ephesians 2:10, 4:11-16, Titus 2:14, James 2:22.

Session 4 Session 5 Session 6


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Instructions1. Student Advisor/Encourager or Group LeaderEach student is strongly urged to enlist the help of an advisor/encourager whose primary purpose is to encourage you throughout the seminar. While this role may be filled by a group leader [if the seminar is being taken in a group setting], we recommend an individual advisor/encourager for each student. This will ensure adequate time for frequent discussion and support during the seminar and continued availability of the advisor/encourager following your successful completion of the seminar.

The advisor/encourager should be someone you know well, trust to keep your issue(s) confidential, not a relative, and of the same gender. Your advisor/encourager is urged to download the free Student Advisor’s Manual from the Provision House website. It contains many very helpful suggestions for ensuring your success. Advisors/Encouragers should not assume they already know how best to help you, particularly those who have never experienced what you have. In our live seminars, students who did not have an advisor/encourager experienced only about a 30% success rate.

2. DVD’sThere is a DVD corresponding to each session. The DVD is to be watched before completing any other activity in this seminar. Each session contains 6 principles. The principles appear on full, 2-page spreads. Sessions 3 & 4 contain blank graphics pages. These are pages with graphics from the DVD’s that the student might like to fill in themselves either while watching the DVD or at a later time.

3. Scripture MemoryThere is at least one memory verse or passage to be memorized for each session. Other verses or passages may be assigned at the discretion of the student advisor/encourager or group leader.

4. QuizzesEach session in the workbook contains a quiz. Each quiz is simply the principles from the session but in the form of questions plus the memory verse(s). The quiz is to be taken after viewing the DVD and attaining proficiency of the principles in the workbook. While the quiz may be studied in advance, the quiz should be taken “closed book¤. Mastery of the principles should be demonstrated through quiz performance before proceeding to the next session. Evaluation of your quiz and session proficiency should be conducted by your advisor/encourager or group leader.

5. ExercisesEach session in the workbook contains an Exercise section. It is recommended to complete the exercises before taking the quiz. While the quizzes are designed to reinforce retention of the material, the exercises are designed to prompt deep and serious reflection on your relationship with God. You should review your answers with your advisor/encourager or group leader.

6. Church AttendanceYou are required to attend church as least weekly, but preferably as often as possible. If mid-week services or classes are offered, it is strongly recommended you attend.

7. Road MapYour workbook includes a Road Map for maintaining your Freedom. This tool is designed to assist you and your advisor/encourager or group leader in resolving any remaining personal issues that resulted from the addictive behavior. Any other tool which accomplishes the same goal can be used as long as it is understood that unresolved personal issues, such as financial or relational damage, can sabotage your freedom if not effectively and successfully dealt with.

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ASSIGNMENTS for each session

Answer the Quiz Questions2

Let Your Advisor Quiz You3

In order to maximize your retention of the teaching, it is important to let your advisor/

encourager quiz you on the principles.

4

Give lots of thought to your writing. This is the time to think deeply about where

you’ve been and where you’re headed.

Complete the Exercises

Reviewing the exercise questions will enable your advisor/encourager to offer helpful

feedback for further reflection.

Discuss the Exercises5

Memorize the assigned scripture(s) in each session.

Memorize6

Firmly reinforcing the truth about who you are as a child of God ensures that your

behavior will be consistent with your new creation identity.

Master Appendix A7

Master Appendix B8

Is there anything God hasn’t given you that you need in order to live a godly life? No! So,

can you succeed? Absolutely!

10

While not a requirement, the value of reviewing the principles and content of

each session’s DVD will strengthen you even more.

If you progress through this seminar without ever having a question, then something’s

wrong. Your advisor is there for you—so ask!

Prepare your Questions11

Review, Review, Review!9

How many chances do you think you’re going to get at this? Now is the time to

buckle down and commit like never before.

Watch the DVD Again

Don’t just answer the questions. Sink the principles deep into your heart. Get serious.

Watch The Session DVD1


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Session 1

hat is Addiction?


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The goal is Christlikeness

Principle 1 Addiction is a Spiritual Stronghold

within which sin predominates

Sin Enslaves

Three ways to be like Christ: Thought,

Word and Deed

Sin Controls

Principle 2

Principle 3

Principle 4

Principle 5

Principle 6

The more like Christ we are, the

more power we have over Temptatation and Sin


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QUIZSECTION

Complete the quiz questions to reinforce the principles taught in the session

1. What is the biblical defi nition of addiction given in this session?

2. What are two e� ects of habitual sin?

3. What is the goal for this seminar?

4. What two things do you have more power over as a result of being more like Christ?

5. How many ways are there to be like Christ? Name them.

6. Write out and memorize John 8:34.

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EXERCISESECTION

1. Whose job is it to renew your mind, yours or God’s. Whose job is it to transform you, yours or God’s? Who goes fi rst, you or God?

2. Do you have an authentic “hunger and thirst” to live a godly life or do you really prefer to continue your present lifestyle? Is your answer honest?

3. Do you agree with Paul’s defi nition of addiction given on the DVD? Why or why not?

4. Do you believe that your addictive behavior was sinful activity? Explain.

5. Do you agree that the positive emphasis of growing into increasing Christlikeness makes more sense than pouring all your energy into resisting temptation? Explain.

Complete the Exercises and discuss them with your advisor at your next meeting

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I Am Accepted

John 1:12

John 15:15

Romans 5:1

1 Corinthians 6:17

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

1 Corinthians 12:27

Ephesians 1:1

Ephesians 1:5

Ephesians 2:18

Colossians 1:14

Colossians 2:10

I Am Secure

Romans 8:1-2

Romans 8:28

Romans 8:31-34

Romans 8:35-39


Colossians 3:3

Philippians 1:6

Philippians 3:20

2 Timothy 1:7

Hebrews 4:16

1 John 5:18

I Am Significant

Matthew 5:13-14

John 15:1,5

John 15:16

Acts 1:8

1 Corinthians 3:1


2 Corinthians 6:1

Ephesians 2:6

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 3:12

Philippians 4:13

“The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!”

From “Victory Over the Darkness” by Dr. Neil T. Anderson. Used by permission.

I am God’s Child.

I am Christ’s Friend.

I have been justified.

I am united with the Lord and am one spirit with Him.

I am bought with a price; I belong to God.

I am a member of Christ’s Body.

I am a saint.

I have been adopted as God’s child.

I have access to God through the Holy Spirit.

I have been redeemed and forgiven.

I am complete in Christ.

I am free forever from condemnation.

I am assured all works together for good.

I am free from any charge against me.

I cannot be separated from the love of God.

I am established, anointed, sealed by God.

I am hidden with Christ in God.

I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected.

I am a citizen of heaven.

I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.

I can find grace and mercy in time of need.

I am born of God; the evil one cannot touch me.

I am the salt and light of the earth.

I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.

I am a personal witness of Christ’s.

I am God’s temple.

I am a minister of reconciliation for God.

I am God’s co-worker (1 Corinthians 3:9).

I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.

I am God’s workmanship.

I may approach God with freedom and confidence.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Appendix A

Who I Am in CHRIST


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1. Why should I say I can't when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)

2. Why should I lack when I know that God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)

3. Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

4. Why should I lack faith to fulfi ll my calling knowing that God has allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

5. Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God (Psalms 27:1 & Daniel 11:32)

6. Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when He that is in me is greater that he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)

7. Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always leads me in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14)

8. Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it (1 Corinthians 1:30 & James 1:5)

9. Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God's loving kindness, compassion and faithfulness, and have hope (Lamentations 3:21-23)

10. Why should I worry and fret when I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)

11. Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is (Galatians 5:1)

12. Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8:1)

13. Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matthew 28:20 & Hebrews 13:5)

14. Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad luck when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law that I might receive His spirit (Galatians 3:13-14)

15. Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)

16. Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody can be against me when God is for me (Romans 8:31)

17. Why should I feel worthless when Christ overcame sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21)

18. Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His indwelling Spirit (1 Cor. 14:33 & 2:12)

19. Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ (Romans 8:37)

20. Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)

From Victory Over the Darkness, by Dr. Neil T. Anderson. Used by permission.

The 20 Cans of Success

Appendix BWorkbookThe Breaking the Chains Seminar on DVD

page37

You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you. John 15:16.

…so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…. Colossians 1:10.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Eph. 2:10.

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the fl esh, but through love serve one another. Gal. 5:13.

...that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:17.

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. James 1:22.

But the one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an e� ectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does. James 1:25.

...faith without works is useless. James 2:20.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another.... 1 Peter 4:10.

Examples of Serving from the Bible


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Appendix C

The Think-Feel-Do Progressionfrom Session 3

Appendix D

FILL IN THE BLANKS AS THEY APPLY TO YOU

The Will of God Sequencefrom Session 4

The Two Progressions of Temptationfrom Session 4


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Appendix E

Appendix F


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Quiet Time

Bible reading & study, prayer, and meditation are all essential ingredients of spiritual formation. DECIDE what you will be studying. We recommend using a study guide recommended by your advisor or church. However, immediately following completion of this curriculum, it would be wise to at least include review of one principle a day in order for biblical, life-transforming truth to become lodged deep within your soul. DESIGNATE when you will do this. We recommend every morning before you start your day. DETERMINE where you will have your quiet time. This should be a place where others know what you are doing and where you will not be disturbed.

Scripture Memory

“Your word I have treasured in heart that I may not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). DECIDE what verses you will memorize. We recommend regularly returning to the memory verses of this seminar, but don’t stop there. God will give you verses of special significance as you read and study, but you can always consult your advisor. DESIGNATE when you will do this, perhaps during your quiet time. DETERMINE how often you will do this? Everyone’s different, so just do what you can--maybe start with one verse per week.

Church

Worship is another indispensible ingredient for spiritual formation. DECIDE which church you will join if you are not already a member. DESIGNATE when you will attend every week--which service time and whether you will attend evening services, if offered. DETERMINE whether there are mid-week teaching classes you can attend. The Bible says to continue to “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Fellowship

This is often one of the key spiritual disciplines that is neglected. DECIDE what action you can take to get involved with other believers. Spiritual formation only occurs in the context of the mutual and corporate growth of the whole body of believers (Ephesians 4:11-16). DESIGNATE when you will do this. Try to connnect with others in mid-week study groups, men’s groups, women’s groups, couple’s groups, or at worship services. Lots of options to develop friendships exist, but you must seek them out. DETERMINE where you are most comfortable and with whom you most enjoy spending time. Plug in and stick with it!

Relationships

Think of your spouse, children, parents, and friends. DECIDE what you need to do to begin the process of healing, restoration, and forgiveness. DESIGNATE when you will do this. Often, family members need a long time to forgive. You need to be patient. With time, they’ll come around as they realize you are serious about living a godly lifestyle. DETERMINE where and in what way relationships have been damaged. Usually it’s in the area of trust. In your case, it is likely that trust must be earned, not granted--and that can take a long time.


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DESIGNATE2

Serving

You were created and saved to serve. DECIDE to make it your primary objective to discover God’s purpose and plan for your life. DESIGNATE the means by which you will do this. You can use spiritual gift questionnaires. These are not magical, flawless tools for determining your spiritual giftedness. They measure your interest and motivation in common areas of service. The theory is what motivates you in life is powered by your giftedness. DETERMINE where you will serve. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you [place into you] the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Then ask yourself, “If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you do with your life for God?”. God wants you to know His will for your life. It’s not a matter of solving a puzzle or searching for clues. Ask Him. He’ll tell you.

Time with your Advisor

Your advisor should be there for you after completing this seminar, not just during it. DECIDE what the nature of your contact will be. What will you talk about? What will their role be in helping to facilitate your continual spiritual formation? DESIGNATE when you will meet--which day(s) and at what time. This should be a firm schedule you both commit to. Every person is different and requires a different level of discipleship. So, DETERMINE how often you will meet. Your advisor is strongly encouraged to download the free Student Advisor’s Manual from our website. It contains incredibly helpful ideas that, if used, will benefit you greatly and equip your advisor to maximize their role.

Curriculum Review

For varying amounts of time, most students find it extremely valuable to return periodically to the curriculum materials as a refresher. DECIDE which sessions were most relevant and helpful to you and concentrate on those. DESIGNATE how often you will do a review--daily, weekly, monthly? DETERMINE how much further study and review is necessary to master the principles.

AFinal Word

DECIDE, DESIGNATE, & DETERMINE. These are the three guidelines we offer for every challenge you must now face. There’s one more word, though, we should add: PRIORITIZE. Important matters, if neglected , could sabotage your freedom. These include financial, work, health, and legal matters. As you think about all that may lie ahead, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. So, don’t think about everything. Prioritize what needs to be done first. However, even that first thing can be overwhelming. So, don’t focus on the entire first thing. Focus only on the first step of the first thing. That you can handle. Approach every issue systematically and incrementally and you will gradually resolve every discouraging and distressing consequence of past behavior.

Another area to watch carefully is your family relationships. While you may be enjoying wondrous and glorious freedom, your family may be walking on pins and needles, just waiting for you to fall. Stay cool. If you let them get under your skin, it could sabotage your freedom.

Finally, there is an enemy of your soul who wants to lure you back into his realm of harmful, spiritual strongholds. If you’re only going to grow stronger, he’ll take his best shot soon at bringing you down. If you don’t continue growing stronger, he’ll wait until you relax and let your guard down. Then he’ll bring the full force and fury of hell against you. But because Christ in you is greater than he is (1 John 4:4), all you have to do is continue growing into increasing Christlikeness and you’ll never fall into his grip again.

DECIDE1

DETERMINE3


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Provision HousePO Box 78512Charlotte, NC 28271Tel: 704-332-6112Web: www. provisionhouse.org Email: [email protected]

May 2012

Is Freedom from Addiction Possible?Not abstinence–Freedom? You bet it is—as long as you follow God’s biblical blueprint for living free in Christ.

You are about to experience an addictions curriculum unlike any other. This will be an exciting adventure of learning, challenge, and life-transformation.

You’ll discover the Scriptural perspective on addiction. And you will learn the emphatically biblical principles that result in true and lasting freedom.

Ready to go? Great!

Thank you for choosing The Provision House Breaking the Chains Seminar on DVD. You won’t regret it.

“When my recurring trouble with addiction to pornography came to a crisis point, I sought help from The Breaking the Chains Seminar o¢ ered by Provision House. I found there a series of teachings specially suited to my particular need which ran deeper than anything I had ever encountered. The instruction was biblical and comprehensive in its treatment of spiritual strongholds, and gave me the tools and ammunition I needed to successfully deal with my problem. I enthusiastically recommend Paul Stark and Provision House for anyone who is struggling with an addiction and desires a cogent, scriptural solution.” —Jim, Charlotte, NC

“Provision House is an oasis in the desert for those who struggle with addictive behaviors and really desire to live a free and productive life in Christ.”

—Dr. Neil T. Anderson, Author, Victory Over the Darkness and Freedom from Addiction

“Paul Stark’s seminar and ministry dealing with addictions from a Christ-centered, biblically based approach has had an 84% success rate. As former director of counseling at Hickory Grove Baptist Church and founder and director of Healing the Hurt Ministries, I highly recommend Provision House to those coping with addictions of any kind.”

—Dr. James H. Ballard, Author, Healing the Hurt and Facing the Pain of Past and Present

“I could not believe it when I started reading Paul’s philosophy on addiction. I realized that everything he said refl ected a great deal of my own personal struggles with 12-step recovery. I praise God for your work in His service. It is a valuable ministry and the need is great.”

—Randy Hill, Support Group Leader, Country Church, Corpus Christi, TX

“I truly believe Paul is gifted through Christ to help people fi nd freedom. His compassion is seen right away. My behavior has totally changed because of how he presents this ministry. He never once came across as judgmental. His work, I feel, is truly Christ ordained. I thank the Lord.”

—Breaking the Chains Seminar Student

the breaking the chains seminar on dvd workbook sample

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