In this episode, we sit down with Warren and Greg from the Empty Chair Endeavor to talk about losing a loved one to addiction. Most of us don't really know what to do or how to care for someone who loses a loved one, but the content in this conversation offers ancient wisdom that is also very practical for loving people well in this season.

https://www.emptychairendeavor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/EmptyChairEndeavor/

This month we are chatting about how relapsing does not have to be an inevitable part of everyone’s journey to sobriety. We also talked about the role of NA/AA meetings.
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Questions:
1. What are the main pitfalls that lead to falling away from Jesus and relapse?
2. Do I have to work the steps, a program, or attend meetings for the rest of my life?
3. Will I never be able to go around friends or family that drink or use? What about holidays, birthday parties etc.
4. What are some things to do to ensure I never relapse?
HOT BUTTON:  Tune in to find out!!

In this episode we take a discuss the joy and beauty that is found in following Jesus!
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Questions:
1) Now that I am free from the bondage, why do I need to fill myself up with the Lord?
2) What is the difference in joy found in earthly things versus joy found in Jesus?
3) What are some practical ways that I can enjoy the presence of God?
4) What do I do if I am a believer and have experienced the joy of the Lord but it has become ritualistic or mundane?
Hot Button Question: Tune in to find out!
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Resources:
To Hell with the Hustle: https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Hustle-Reclaiming-Overworked-Overconnected/dp/0718039203/ref=sr_1_2?gclid=CjwKCAjwiY6MBhBqEiwARFSCPpN8AvMQsiw_J12EyBFMyk4bVjVxnrhnUq6srBWaJgWdm2n6zGNBHxoCh1AQAvD_BwE&hvadid=534602751252&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010612&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=7100537697530627782&hvtargid=kwd-1393231686155&hydadcr=7660_9903399&keywords=book+to+hell+with+the+hustle&qid=1636045444&sr=8-2
Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Elimination-Hurry-Emotionally-Spiritually/dp/0525653090/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=CjwKCAjwiY6MBhBqEiwARFSCPgfB1OTQPI3tWRE9pU-zWeCzYvevgAIczuaH8Icr6TlVYlypupP00BoCCZMQAvD_BwE&hvadid=345591381293&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010612&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7038732261690351626&hvtargid=kwd-810588877357&hydadcr=17836_10948727&keywords=the+ruthless+elimination+of+hurry&qid=1636045450&sr=8-1

One of the most important aspects of living in freedom is dealing with our past. Rather than just sweeping it under the rug or putting the proverbial monster in the closet and hoping it stays there, we must address our past. We don’t have to remain enslaved by sin and haunted by shame. In this episode we offer a pathway forward of how to live in forever freedom from the past. It won’t be easy, but it is worth it!
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Questions:
1. How do we deal with guilt and regret?
2. Is it important for me to discuss all the things that I have done or that were done to me? How can not dealing with my past affect my sobriety and life of freedom?
3. How do I deal with the past? How do I consistently take thoughts captive?
How can my reputation, hurt, shame, etc., be used by Jesus to give me purpose in life?
HOT BUTTON... (Tune in to find out)!
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Resources:
www.chrisdewministries.com
www.chrisdewministries.com/addiction
www.chrisdewministries.com/book

We are convinced that one of the biggest catalysts or hindrances to living a life of forever freedom is romantic relationships. They can bless or they can destroy! In this episode, we take a deep dive into some specific questions surrounding this topic that are sure to shed light on things that aren't normally talked about in Christian circles. Parental discretion is advised.
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Questions:
1) What role do romantic relationships play in your freedom journey?
2) How long should someone wait before getting involved in a romantic relationship?
3) How transparent should we be in relationships regarding our sinful past?
4) Is masturbation okay?
HOT BOTTON: ...listen to find out
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Resources:
www.chrisdewministries.com
www.chrisdewministries.com/addiction
www.chrisdewministries.com/book

“The opposite of addiction is not sobriety; the opposite of addiction is connectedness.” -Johann Hari
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In this episode, we discuss the importance of community and offer practical steps on how to pursue godly community. We look at it from a theological, scientific, and practical lens, all pointing to the reality that if we are going to live in forever freedom, we need other people. 
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Questions:
1) Why is community important for a person struggling with addiction?  Even those who don’t?
2) What types of relationships should we seek? Why are each of these important? 
3) How do we tell the difference between healthy relationships in a community and unhealthy ones?
4) If I go to church on Sunday, serve, and tithe, is that operating in the fullness of what the Christian life is supposed to be?
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HOT BUTTON: (Listen to find out)
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References: https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrong?language=en
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Resources
www.chrisdewministries.com
www.chrisdewministries.com/addiction
www.chrisdewministries.com/book

We are back for season 2 of The Real Answer to Addiction Podcast! This season is titled, “Freedom Chats.” In each episode, Josh and Chris will give real hope and practical help for those seeking to live in forever freedom from anything hindering you from experiencing the abundant life God has for you! Each episode will consist of four questions and one surprise “hot button” question.
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Show Notes: In this episode, we talk about why identity is vital to our freedom journey because what we do and how we live flows out of who we are.
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1) Why is knowing who you are important?
2) What does it mean to be a “sinner saved by grace?” Is that accurate?
3) How do people misunderstand their identity and use grace as a scapegoat to continue living in sin? 
4) Why is Identity so important to spiritual growth?
5) HOT BUTTON: Should a person who is in Christ identify as an addict?
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References: https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/sacred-schizophrenia
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www.chrisdewministries.com
www.chrisdewministries.com/addiction
www.chrisdewministries.com/book

On this episode, we sat down with Josh Talley to hear his story of deliverance from addiction and healing from liver cancer. Josh was the first person to ever show up at NewSpring Recovery and is now going into ministry, teaching and helping lead recovery ministries.