In 1956, Billy Graham held a crusade in London that resulted in thousands of people coming to Christ. The London Times, seeking to discredit the tremendous response and success of the revival, published this headline: “Billy Graham Has Sent England Back to the 1800s.”
When asked what he thought of the headline, Graham responded, “Well, I guess I failed. I wanted to send England back to the first century!”
We would all do well to replicate the church of the first century. They took their walks with Jesus very seriously, willing to die for their faith.
The God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) probably won’t ask you to give up your life for your faith. But he does expect you to give up your addiction for your faith.
Recovery Step: Are you willing to move forward into the past? Are you willing to give God your everything – including your addiction?
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
