First Ohio Chapter of Addictions Victorious
Cornerstone Community Church in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, is pleased to become the first local church in our state to partner with Addictions Victorious. For several years, our hearts have been increasingly burdened by our culure’s misunderstanding of the problem of addiction and the skyrocketing statistics of death-by-overdose, specifically in our county, and we have prayed for the Lord’s guidance to minister effectively to those affected by addictions. This led us to partner with AV to reach out in love to those in our community with a Christ-centered addictions outreach.
AV’s GOAL
Our goal is to lead individuals that are entrapped with various addiction issues to Jesus Christ, who alone is able to provide complete pardon, deliverance, healing, and a transformed life. We also embrace loved ones and friends who find themselves on the other side of the addict’s destructive lifestyle.
WHY A CHRISTIAN RECOVERY GROUP?
Those familiar with secular programs may well ask this question. We believe that Jesus is the higher power!
“Therefore God has highly exalted him (Jesus) and bestowed on him tishe name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” —Philippians 2:9-11
We meet in His presence with other struggling addicts to discover what God’s word (the Bible) teaches about addiction issues. In a comfortable and confidential setting, we speak freely about our relationship with Jesus and explore our spiritual condition. Christians are not immune to addictive behaviors; isolation and hiding our problems from others adds to our shame and guilt burden which greatly hinders personal healing and spiritual growth. Those unfamiliar with the good news of the Gospel are encouraged to earnestly seek a personal relationship with Jesus through faith and repentance.
WHAT ARE OUR MEETINGS LIKE?
A warm and friendly atmosphere that provides loving support and fellowship. We engage in genuine confidential sharing and caring, coupled with the study of Scripture and intercessory prayer. We also encourage and assist one another with building healthy relationships and connecting with a local church thereby expanding the sphere of support resources to nurture ongoing accountability and spiritual maturity for the addict.
Newcomers are shown that:
- There is a vital spiritual element connected with their physical struggle.
- The addiction(s) that have them tightly bound are also symptoms of a deeper spiritual problem.
- Ultimate freedom, lasting change, and total serenity can only be totally obtained through the pathway of the heart (soul).
- Victory over the struggle with addiction is found by humbly surrendering their heart entirely to God’s amazing grace (gift) and through trusting fully in the redemptive work of Jesus. Through an understanding of the biblical perspective on addiction, anyone who struggles with addiction can learn how to let Jesus transform their heart from the inside as they “put off the old self and put on the new self …” —Ephesians 4:22-24
WHAT AV IS NOT
- Intended to replace or undermine any other Christian fellowship
- Connected to any one denomination
- A substitute for church involvement
- A professional therapy group
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
AV is for those desiring to be free from the bondage of any kind of addiction in their own life or a loved one or friend whose life is adversely impacted by the destructive consequences of addiction. Our meetings are open to men and women of all ages who are seeking lasting change in their lives. There are also AV groups that are focused on the loved ones and friends of addicts.
“Anyone in bondage to the rule of a substance, activity, or state of mind, which then becomes the center of life, defending itself from the truth so that even bad consequences don’t bring repentance, and leading to further estrangement from God.” Edward T. Welch, A Banquet in the Grave
Common addictions include such things as substances (alcohol and drugs), tobacco, sex, pornography, gambling, pleasure, food, sports, work, success…etc.
“But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” —Romans 6:17-18
THERE IS HOPE!
Addictions Victorious support group meets every Monday at Cornerstone Community Church (6:30-8:30 PM), east of Cleveland. Please help us spread the word to those who need hope. You may also connect to the “Addictions Victorious CLE” Facebook page.
