Casting Down Idols

Pastor Mike shares a recent sermon that he preached at Oakdale Baptist Church from James 2:14-26 entitled "Faith Without Works is Dead."  Many times people try to change in their own power. While some experience some degree of success with this approach to recovery, most do not. We need a power beyond ourselves to break free. God offers that through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Christianity i...

Pastor Dixon shares a recent sermon that he preached at Oakdale Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, N.C. from James 1. The truth of God does indeed set the captive free IF the captive is willing to listen and obey. When we apply God's truth to our lives we are then able to live in freedom.

The most important focus in our lives should be to build our relationship with God stronger. This is the most powerful weapon against relapse.  Relapse does not have to be part of your recovery! Don't expect to fail but expect to be victorious over temptation. Decide right now!

Living a captive to some addiction does not bring happiness or fulfillment in life. In fact, the exact opposite is true. If you find yourself at that place of despair and pain, bound by something other than God, what goals have you set before you to overcome it? Setting goals is not nonspiritual nor is it showing a lack of faith. God tells us as recorded in Proverbs 21:5, "The plans of the di...

Your brokenness doesn't have to be a bad thing if you surrender to God through it. Pastor Dixon shares how he attempted to quit his drug and alcohol abuse long before he came to Christ, only to fail each time. "It was not until I came to that place of brokenness when I realized I couldn't do it in my own power. I then surrendered to the One who can," says Pastor Dixon. You can...

Drawing from John 3 and Numbers 21 Pastor Dixon shows us how God provided for His people in the wilderness. Although the people did not deserve God's provision, God was gracious and good towards them anyway. God offers us all we need today to live out the Christian life as well. In fact, the biggest problem we have is our sin nature for which only God provides a cure.

Wouldn't you like to know what is on the mind of God? In this episode of the podcast Pastor Dixon reminds us that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. We do not need to remain who we were or even who we are. God desires to change us and to use us!

In this LIFE lesson Pastor Dixon discusses the purpose of emotions and how we so easily allow them to serve purposes in our lives for which they were never intended. If we are to continue in recovery, walking with God and bringing Him glory, we must deal with our emotions. A great practical biblical lesson that is helpful for you!!

Pastor Dixon, LCAS_A, shares biblical truth concerning our need for one another. We were created to be dependent creatures.  That is God's intent shown in creation.  We should also be aware of "triggers" around us that can help or hinder us.

This is Part 2 and the conclusion of Pastor Phillip Boseman's testimony. God is the God of another chance! If you stop trying to run your own life, surrender to God, He will give you a life that you never could imagine. We pray that you are encouraged and given hope through this story of grace and transformation! Pastor Mike Dixon; pastormike@obcbaptist.org, mikelifeaddictionrecovery@gmail.co...

This is part 1 of a 2 part episode of Pastor Phillip Boseman's testimony.  Pastor Boseman currently serves as Pastor of Mildred Baptist Church in Mildred, N.C. In this first part Pastor Phillip shares how he grew up in a good home, not a Christian home, but a home where he was loved and provided for. We are reminded that substance abuse issues can happen in any home!  His substance abuse issu...

In today's episode Justin Hipsky shares his testimony of how Christ has transformed his life.  From a street kid, gangster wanna be, drug addict and drunk, God has changed Justin. Today Justin reaches out to others who are struggling with the Hope of Jesus serving alongside Pastor Mike Dixon as a vital member of LIFE's leadership team(Life is an addiction recovery ministry which meets we...

Pastor Dixon reminds us that Jesus was tempted to sin just as we are. Temptation is not sin but it is when we give into the temptation that we fall. There is a way that we can be victorious over temptation. You do not have to give in! You can overcome and be victorious! email Pastor Dixon at pastormike@obcbaptist.org Facebook "Casting Down Idols" to retrieve notes at: https://www.faceboo...

In this episode Pastor Dixon challenges us to think right. Whatever you believe to be true, whether it is actually true or not, will determine your identity in your mind. Truth leads us to freedom. Lies place us in bondage.  Who you say you are and who God says you are may differ. Who will you believe, God or you? I'm going with God!

Pastor Dixon takes a look at the 12 steps that are most popular in recovery programs today. The history, formation, and usefulness of the 12 steps are discussed. The central question is, "How well do these line up with biblical teaching?"  

We want change! God desires to change us! Pastor Dixon discusses the biblical doctrine of repentance drawing truths from the life, failures, and change that took place in King David's life.  Psalm 51 is the Psalm of repentance that David wrote as he poured out his heart to God. Let's look to God for the change we desperately need to overcome the chains that bind us. Are you ready for las...

Biblical forgiveness is so difficult! It is unnatural and sometimes it feels impossible to achieve. Pastor Dixon teaches on this important biblical doctrine and shows how you can begin to walk in freedom over bitterness and hurt that has been inflicted upon you from a sinful world. Many people who struggle under addiction have deep seated pain and bitterness hidden within which has lead them to an...

Episode #4 is the first of a two part message on the two hinges on the door to recovery. Those two hinges are forgiveness and repentance. In this episode Pastor Dixon lays down some introductory principles like "Getting Your Big But Out of the Way" and believing what is true. The importance of forgiveness has 3 aspects; from God, from others, and from ourselves.

In this episode Pastor Dixon explains the first step in overcoming an addiction. Unless a person comes to this starting place there will be no recovery. We are also in need of a greater power than ourselves to overcome the grip of addiction. This power is available to you today!  Pastor Dixon draws from his personal experience as God's truth comes alive just for you. First things first! 

Pastor Dixon shares his testimony of how God delivered him from a life of drugs and alcohol abuse.  Once he surrendered to God, as a 27 year old man, God provided the power needed for lasting change. It is God's will to do the same for you!  This lifetime change requires you to take one day at a time, sometimes one step at a time, but God is faithful to bring you out of your addictions. 

Looking at addictions from a biblical perspective. Offering hope for change to those who struggle.