Dealing With

Our Addictions

A Constructive Work Book

A Biblical Perspective on Victory over Addiction to Drugs, Smoking, Liquor, Pornography, or Gambling.

With Reformers Unanimous Excerpts by Steven Curington

By

Pastor Ed Rice

Good Samaritan Baptist Church

54 Main St Box 99

Dresden NY 14441

(315) 536-0878

www.GSBaptistChurch.com

A Biblical Perspective on Victory over Addiction to Drugs, Smoking, Alcohol, Liquor, Pornography, or Gambling. ... I have an addiction. Bible centered counsel on dealing with addictions following the Reformers Unanimous program to introduce you to the one who can provide freedom from ANY addiction, the Lord Jesus Christ. Eighty percent of the USA is struggling with addictions. He can change you.

The challenges before you continue throughout life and this is no time to draw back. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ:

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples (follower) indeed; And ye shall know te Truth (Jesus), and the Truth (Jesus) shall make you free.

Recall the steps to freedom from strongholds as follows:

1. Believe on Jesus

2. Continue (study) in my Word (Bible).

3. Follow Christ with your life (disciple)

4. Your knowledge of Jesus will increase.

5. Jesus (not you) will make your free.

God Bless you as you pursue Him

Pastor Ed Rice

Dealing with Addictions, A Bible Perspective.

This material is intended for someone who realizes their need to change and intends to do so. It uses the Bible teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ to bring about true reform in a persons life. Using the basic of the Reformers Unanimous program by Steven Curington, it is intended to move you towards a new relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. If the Bible is true, the He is the only foundation for true reform for your life. We guarantee that this approach to reform in your life will be effective. We guarantee it because He does.

This material is designed to provide a wealth of information at the beginning and five challenges per week. Don't get so overwhelmed by the beginning material that you don't get to the challenges. I put this material together to use in our ministry addressing problems of addictions, anger and depression, to be used in jails, prison, homes and Church. We always recommend that you pursue this material through our Baptist Church or an Independent Baptist Church of like faith and practice, but recognize that sometimes this preference is not available to students. Make it your goal to get into one of these KJV Bible Believing, Bible Preaching Churches for your full growth in Christ. Don't settle for an ecumenical church with an ecumenical bible.

As you pursue this study pursue the new relationship with the Word of Truth. He can change you . He can make your life new.

God Bless you in your pursuit

Pastor Ed Rice

Good Samaritan Baptist Church

The Five 'R's of Reformation

1. Recognize and Receive. Things are not right in my life and I need help. Recognize that the one who created you loves you more than anyone else in this world and wants to fix your mess if you will receive Him. The Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to seek and to save sinners. He will not only save your soul he will save your life and turn you around to where you can live joyful prosperous life with Him as your Lord. Believe Him, and become a believer. Trust him and become his disciple. Let him change your life so you can be conformed to his image, even so much so that you could be called a Christian, one who acts like Christ. If you want a new life, he can give you one. He said “He that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.” If you want to turn over a new leaf because of your problems, he will not help. But if you want a whole new life, a new direction in your life, a saviour who will reform you from the inside out, then you can call on him today.

2. Responsible Reporting. Three areas of accountability are 1) an accountability to God, Rom 10 says “That if thou shalt confess with thy moth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. .... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” You are accountable to believe and call upon your Lord Jesus Christ. 2) An accountability to God's Commandments, one of which states that you, as a believer, are to be accountable to a Pastor of a local Bible Believing Church. You should take this command very seriously and seek out such a Pastor. 3) Thirdly you need to be accountable to others for your progress and goals of change. This may be to a spouse or friend, especially another Christian. Ask them to ask about your progress, then report to them. If you receive Christ as your Lord and Saviour be sure to tell others. Jesus said “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”

3. Read Regularly. God told Joshua and tells us that “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” God wrote an owners manual for your life. When you recognize him as your owner and recognize that you need your life repaired you need to read his manual, the Holy Bible, regularly and “Study to shew yorself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed. Read to Read. Read to Feed. Read to Lead.

4. Recite Respectively. The Psalmist says “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” We need to memorize the Word of God. Paul wrote to the Church at Colosse and said “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in all psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Hebrews 4 says “For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the jounts and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Paul tells Timothy that “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” If you need your life to change memorizing your creators commands and principles is guaranteed to do the job. Memorize the Scriptures.

5. Reunion Revival. Gathering together with others of like mind is important. Hebrews 10 says 23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” Christians have been gathering together to sing hymns and read the Scriptures together on the first day of the week, the Lord's Resurrection day, Sunday's, for 1,975 years now. We are commanded to do so. We meet for accountability, for teaching, for encouragement, for edification (or building up in the faith) and we meet to fulfill the commission we have been given by the Lord Jesus Christ. You need to meet together for these same reasons. If your life is to change. It will require your attendance at Church and your attendance at these Bible Studies about your needed change.

This reform effort for your life will consist of several avenues of effort constructed around these 5 'R's of Reform. Foremost is the goal that you receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your life's Lord and your soul's Saviour. Any reform without Him dwelling within you is vain and temporary. If the Bible is true, it is your creator's manual for living your life and leaving this life guardianed in His care for all eternity. We believe every word is true. In this reform effort you will find 5 challenges to fulfill each week. You will find a help on defeating Satan's strongholds in your life. You will find a Journaling effort to mark and use the 5 means of communication that God has open for your improvement and victorious living. I trust that you will use each of these and find rich reward with your new Lord and Saviour.

Pastor Ed Rice

Taking Back A Stronghold

Read this Card Daily for 30 days memorize it's verses,

Five Elements of a Victorious Walk

1. Genuine Repentance (Psalm 51) Do you see sin as an affront to a holy God or just remorse over the consequences. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight..

2. Taking back ground (Eph 4:27) Ground is given by sinful acts. This gives Satan legal jurisdiction in our lives. Neither give place to the devil.

3. Tearing down strongholds (2Cor 10:3-5) These are false belief systems that provide the enemy an area to bring destructive attacks. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

4. Build towers of truth (Joh 8:32) these towers are a belief system based on the truth of God's Word And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

5. Taking every thought captive (Phil 4:8) This is God's standard for right thinking. If you do not take your thoughts captive, they will captivate you. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

My besetting Sin _________________________

My Stronghold Verse

1CO 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Place a check on each day you read this card, and an x for each commission of this besetting sin. Review this card with your Pastor weekly. Revenge each x each day.

Date _____________________

Distributed by Good Samaritan Baptist Church

54 Main St. Dresden NY www.GSBaptistChurch.com

Keep A weekly Journal

of these 5 Communication Techniques

The format of this journal is from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

1. Bible Reading. Scriptures you read each day and notes of their importance towards your reform. Note the time spent in reading each day. (Day 2-7 on back or in separate notebook following this format.).

Day 1 __________________________________________________

2. Teaching Received. Teaching that you sat under this week and notes of their importance towards your reform. Note the time spent as a disciple each day.

Day 1 __________________________________________________

3. Personal Prayer Time. Praise and Pray for Needs, Protection, and Other each day. Pray for forgiveness for wrong things I said or others said in my presence, things I thought, things, things I did or others did in my presence which offend my God and creator. Journal them and note the time I spent in prayer each day. (How many days does it take you to pray for an hour?)

Day 1 __________________________________________________

4. Time with Christian Friends. Questions for which you seek (or give counsel) Journal what you talk about to other Christians. Track time.

Day 1 __________________________________________________

5. Convictions and Leadings of the Spirit of God. God speaks to us through His Word, but if Christ dwells in you then he also speaks to you in a “Still small voice” and in our conscious when we speak or do wrongs. Note some ways in which the Holy Spirit has convicted or led you.

Day 1 __________________________________________________

Journaling Cont.

1. Bible Reading.

Day 2 __________________________Day 3___________________________

Day 4 __________________________Day 5___________________________

Day 6 __________________________Day 7___________________________

2. Teaching Received.

Day 2 __________________________Day 3___________________________

Day 4 __________________________Day 5___________________________

Day 6 __________________________Day 7___________________________

3. Personal Prayer Time.

Day 2 __________________________Day 3___________________________

Day 4 __________________________Day 5___________________________

Day 6 __________________________Day 7___________________________

4. Time with Christian Friends.

Day 2 __________________________Day 3___________________________

Day 4 __________________________Day 5___________________________

Day 6 __________________________Day 7___________________________

5. Convictions and Leadings of the Spirit of God.

Day 2 __________________________Day 3___________________________

Day 4 __________________________Day 5___________________________

Day 6 __________________________Day 7___________________________

The Strongholds Study Course

A Biblical Approach to breaking the chains of strongholds and addictions. By Steven Curington is used in this counseling/training with permission from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

Book One: Challenger Level, (A Note from Steve)

Welcome to Reformers Unanimous Strongholds Study Course. You Are beginning a journey that will doubtless lead to a new Freedom that you never thought possible. It is a freedom that is found in Jesus Christ. The Bible says that whom Jesus has set free, is free indeed. As you begin this handbook, allow me to personally guarantee that if you follow the steps that Christ laid out for freedom, you will be Reformed Unanimously from your strongholds and you will find that you are Free Indeed!

You are beginning the Challenger section of your program. The Challenger is designed to sow you God's plan for building the foundation of your life. God said in the Bible that there was really no other foundation that any man could lay other than that which was already laid. The foundation which was already laid was Jesus Christ. God desires that everyone in His creation have a personal relationship with His son, Jesus Christ. It is the first step to freedom on earth and it also qualifies us for Eternal Life, which, obviously, is far more important. We will begin at this step, but first, we will show you God's design for Freedom. It is rather simple to understand and easy to apply when done with our whole hearts. It begins in the book of John, where Jesus said He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” When Jesus stated that He is the Truth, He was explaining that others may claim to have supernatural truth, but only He is capable of exposing rhe real Truth that comes from God. With this (Jesus is Truth) in mind, please read Christ's formula for Freedom from strongholds.

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples (follower) indeed; And ye shall know te Truth (Jesus), and the Truth (Jesus) shall make you free.

I have placed the steps to freedom from strongholds in bold print. They are as follows:

6. Believe on Jesus

7. Continue (study) in my Word (Bible).

8. Follow Christ with your life (disciple)

9. Your knowledge of Jesus will increase.

10. Jesus (not you) will make your free.

This challenge outlines step #1 in detail. This, friend, will be the most important step you will ever make with your life. Stay focused on why you are here. At first this may seem elementary, but as you progress through the program, you will see why God has brought you here. You want to change. Change begins with, you guessed it, CHANGE. You have tried, now let God. He is Able,

Steven Curington

President, Reformers Unanimous

The Challenges

The format of these challenges from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

Challenge 1 Reading lesson: John Chapter 1-7

To complete challenge 1, you must read John chapter 1 through 7. Below are spaces to list the topic of each chapter. Please fill these blanks in after you have completed each chapter.

Topic Chap 1 ____________________________________

Topic Chap 2 ____________________________________

Topic Chap 3 ____________________________________

Topic Chap 4 ____________________________________

Topic Chap 5 ____________________________________

Topic Chap 6 ____________________________________

Topic Chap 7 ____________________________________

Please list in your own words, how these chapters can be applied to you efforts to remain free from strongholds, (i.e. Habits or addictions that hold your life in bondage).

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 2 Memorize John 3:16

To keep God's Words before us as we strive to take control of a strong hold it is essential that we commit some verses to memory. These memory verses will address what Jesus Christ has done to save us from our sin nature and with commands and principles that God has given us to live by. It's best to write them out on a 3x5 card, carry it with us and recall the verse several times per day.

Memorize John 3:16

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Advanced students Memorize John 3:16,17,18, and 36

Please describe in your own words what this verse means to you.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Do you believe the above verse to be true?

Yes or No (Please circle one)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 2 SPECIAL

IS SMOKING OK?

Is smoking cigarettes a sin? For a Christian sin is missing the mark of your high calling. The Bible does not say “Thou shalt not smoke” but here are 3 things to consider.

1. Smoking harms your body and for a Christian the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit of God, and no longer just your business.

2. Smoking hold you in bondage and Christ came to deliver us from all bondage that we might be free.

3. Smoking harms your testimony for the Lord of your life. If anyone knows that Christians shouldn't smoke your unsaved friends know. They are watching to see if your Lord can set you free like He said. Because of point 1 and 2 smoking makes your testimony for Christ stink.

Memorizing His word can help. Learn to quote several of these verses before each cigarette and pray asking God to not let the cigarette to kill you, or your testimony, and asking if He could indeed set you free from smoke.

Memorize Bible Verses

1Cor 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 3 Attendance Requirement

In order to complete this challenge, you must attend a Sunday Morning Church Service (or Bible Study in your facility). Bring a Bible to this service and read it during the service even if they do not. The Lord Jesus Christ rose from the tomb on the Lords day, being the first day of the week, a Sunday. Christians have been gathering together on the Lord's day, singing psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs and reading the Holy Scriptures together for all these 1,975 years. You should as well.

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 4 Attendance Requirement

In order to complete this challenge, you must attend 2 Reformers Unanimous classes in a row. Your punctual attendance is an important discipline. Attending the next session provides one of the five communications necessary in dealing with this stronghold.

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Congratulations on completing Challenges 1-4! During the working of these challenges, you have studied, memorized and heard God's Word taught. Studying, memorizing and hearing the Word of God will increase your knowledge of God. If you increase your knowledge of God, it will be easier to have faith. The book of Romans states that, “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” It is easier to have faith in someone you know and trust. We will continue in this format throughout the rest of the course. Do not give up on your efforts to overcome your stronghold, although you have stumbled this week. God still loves you and wants to complete the change he has begun. If you would like to know more contact us.

Dealing With Life

WEEK #2 of

A Constructive Work Book

A Biblical Perspective on Victory over Addiction to Drugs, Smoking, Liquor, Pornography, or Gambling.

Reformers Unanimous by Steven Curington

Ministered By Pastor Ed Rice

Good Samaritan Baptist Church

54 Main St Box 99 Dresden NY 14441

(315) 536-0878 www.gsbaptistchurch.com

Before continuing in this series I would point out that success in your reformation is not found any program, it is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. This truth is made clear by examining the devotional for Christian Servants called “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. The June 1^st entry states:

June 1

The Staggering Question

He said to me, ’Son of man, can these bones live?’

—Ezekiel 37:3

Can a sinner be turned into a saint? Can a twisted life be made right? There is only one appropriate answer— "O Lord God, You know" ( Ezekiel 37:3 ). Never forge ahead with your religious common sense and say, "Oh, yes, with just a little more Bible reading, devotional time, and prayer, I see how it can be done."

It is much easier to do something than to trust in God; we see the activity and mistake panic for inspiration. That is why we see so few fellow workers with God, yet so many people working for God. We would much rather work for God than believe in Him. Do I really believe that God will do in me what I cannot do? The degree of hopelessness I have for others comes from never realizing that God has done anything for me. Is my own personal experience such a wonderful realization of God’s power and might that I can never have a sense of hopelessness for anyone else I see? Has any spiritual work been accomplished in me at all? The degree of panic activity in my life is equal to the degree of my lack of personal spiritual experience.

"Behold, O My people, I will open your graves...” ( Ezekiel 37:12 ). When God wants to show you what human nature is like separated from Himself, He shows it to you in yourself. If the Spirit of God has ever given you a vision of what you are apart from the grace of God (and He will only do this when His Spirit is at work in you), then you know that in reality there is no criminal half as bad as you yourself could be without His grace. My "grave" has been opened by God and "I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells" ( Romans 7:18 ). God’s Spirit continually reveals to His children what human nature is like apart from His grace. (Oswald Chambers)

As you continue in this reform effort understand that it is Christ working in you that causes the change, not your gritting your teeth and struggling for self reform. The journaling and the challenges which are pursued in this effort are intended to cause your trust in Him to enable the necessary changes in your life.

God Bless you as you pursue Him

Pastor Ed Rice

Keep A weekly Journal

of these 5 Communication Techniques

The format of this journal is from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

1. Bible Reading. Scriptures you read each day and notes of their importance towards your reform. Note the time spent in reading each day. (Day 2-7 on back or in separate notebook following this format.).

Day 1 __________________________________________________

2. Teaching Received. Teaching that you sat under this week and notes of their importance towards your reform. Note the time spent as a disciple each day.

Day 1 __________________________________________________

3. Personal Prayer Time. Praise and Pray for Needs, Protection, and Other each day. Pray for forgiveness for wrong things I said or others said in my presence, things I thought, things, things I did or others did in my presence which offend my God and creator. Journal them and note the time I spent in prayer each day. (How many days does it take you to pray for an hour?)

Day 1 __________________________________________________

4. Time with Christian Friends. Questions for which you seek (or give counsel) Journal what you talk about to other Christians. Track time.

Day 1 __________________________________________________

5. Convictions and Leadings of the Spirit of God. God speaks to us through His Word, but if Christ dwells in you then he also speaks to you in a “Still small voice” and in our conscious when we speak or do wrongs. Note some ways in which the Holy Spirit has convicted or led you.

Day 1 __________________________________________________

Journaling Cont.

1. Bible Reading.

Day 2 __________________________Day 3___________________________

Day 4 __________________________Day 5___________________________

Day 6 __________________________Day 7___________________________

2. Teaching Received.

Day 2 __________________________Day 3___________________________

Day 4 __________________________Day 5___________________________

Day 6 __________________________Day 7___________________________

3. Personal Prayer Time.

Day 2 __________________________Day 3___________________________

Day 4 __________________________Day 5___________________________

Day 6 __________________________Day 7___________________________

4. Time with Christian Friends.

Day 2 __________________________Day 3___________________________

Day 4 __________________________Day 5___________________________

Day 6 __________________________Day 7___________________________

5. Convictions and Leadings of the Spirit of God.

Day 2 __________________________Day 3___________________________

Day 4 __________________________Day 5___________________________

Day 6 __________________________Day 7___________________________

The Challenges

The format of these challenges from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

Challenge 5 Reading lesson: John Chapter 8-14

To complete challenge 5, you must read John 8-14. Below are spaces to list the topic of each chapter. Please fill these blanks in after you have completed each chapter.

Topic Chap 8 ___________________________________

Topic Chap 9 ___________________________________

Topic Chap 10 __________________________________

Topic Chap 11 __________________________________

Topic Chap 12 __________________________________

Topic Chap 13 __________________________________

Topic Chap 14 __________________________________

Please list in your own words, how these chapters can be applied to you efforts to remain free from strongholds. ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 6 Memorize John 8:31,32

To keep God's Words before us as we strive to take control of a strong hold it is essential that we commit some verses to memory. These memory verses will address what Jesus Christ has done to save us from our sin nature and with commands and principles that God has given us to live by. It's best to write them out on a 3x5 card, carry it with us and recall the verse several times per day.

Memorize John 8:31,32

31 ¶ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Please describe in your own words what this verse means to you.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Do you believe the above verse to be true?

Yes or No (Please circle one)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 7 Memorize John 14:6

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Please describe in your own words what this verse means to you.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Do you believe the above verse to be true?

Yes or No (Please circle one)

Student Challenge Complete____________________Date ________

Challenger's Check _________________________Date __________

Challenge 7 SPECIAL Memorize

Concerning Pornography

Job 31:1 ¶ I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? 2 For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? 3 Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? 4 Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps? 5 If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; 6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.

Please describe in your own words what this verse means to you.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Student Challenge Complete____________________Date ________

Challenger's Check _________________________Date __________

Challenge 8

Are there a lot of people you know who are enslaved by the temptations of this world? God encourages us to pray for one another. Below is a chart of blanks. Try to think of as many people as you can who are struggling with a stronghold. Write their first name only in the blank listed below. Ask God to help you remember as many people as possible. When you attend class this week, your counsel leader will pray for these people with you. It will be the beginning of a prayer list that will take your focus off of yourself and put it on the needs of others. (Don't worry you can still pray for God to help you, too!)

______________ ______________ ______________

______________ ______________ ______________

______________ ______________ ______________

______________ ______________ ______________

Also evaluate your prayer journal in this challenge. How are you doing at journaling the five communication techniques that God has for you? _______________________________

How much time did you spend in each this week?

1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 4. _____ 5. _____ Total _____

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Congratulations for finishing the second week of these exciting challenges. May God Richly Bless in the renewal of your mind. Keep Going for him. .... Pastor Rice

The challenges before you continue throughout life and this is no time to draw back. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ:

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples (follower) indeed; And ye shall know te Truth (Jesus), and the Truth (Jesus) shall make you free.

Recall the steps to freedom from strongholds as follows:

1. Believe on Jesus

2. Continue (study) in my Word (Bible).

3. Follow Christ with your life (disciple)

4. Your knowledge of Jesus will increase.

5. Jesus (not you) will make your free.

God Bless you as you pursue Him

Pastor Ed Rice

Dealing With Life

WEEK #3 of

A Constructive Work Book

A Biblical Perspective on Victory over Addiction to Drugs, Smoking, Liquor, Pornography, or Gambling.

Reformers Unanimous by Steven Curington

Ministered By Pastor Ed Rice

Good Samaritan Baptist Church

54 Main St Box 99 Dresden NY 14441

(315) 536-0878 www.gsbaptistchurch.com

As you continue in this reform effort understand that it is Christ working in you that causes the change, not your gritting your teeth and struggling for self reform. The journaling and the challenges which are pursued in this effort are intended to cause your trust in Him to enable the necessary changes in your life. Remember his promise in 2Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

God Bless you as you pursue Him

Pastor Ed Rice

A Journal of 5 Communication Techniques

The format of this journal is from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

1. Bible Reading.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat ____________________________________

2. Teaching Received.

Lesson1 _________________________________

Lesson2 _________________________________

Lesson3 _________________________________

3. Personal Prayer Time.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat ____________________________________

4. Time with Christian Friends. AND

5. Convictions and Leadings of the Spirit of God.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat _____________________

The Challenges

The format of these challenges from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

Challenge 9 Reading lesson: John 15-21

Below are spaces to list the topic of each chapter. Please fill these blanks in after you have completed each chapter.

Topic Chap 15 ___________________________________

Topic Chap 16 ___________________________________

Topic Chap 17 __________________________________

Topic Chap 18-__________________________________

Topic Chap 19 __________________________________

Topic Chap 20 __________________________________

Topic Chap 21 __________________________________

Please list in your own words, how these chapters can be applied to you efforts to remain free from strongholds.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 10 Memorize John 15:5,7

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Please describe in your own words what this verse means to you.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Do you believe the above verse to be true?

Yes or No (Please circle one)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 11

Attendance Requirement

In order to complete this challenge, you must attend 2 Reformers Unanimous classes in a row. Your attendance will require that you arrive3 before the start of the program. Punctuality is a very important form of discipline. You will be required to stay until fellowship time begins.

Also evaluate your prayer journal in this challenge. How are you doing at journaling the five communication techniques that God has for you? _______________________________

How much time did you spend in each this week?

1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 4. _____ 5. _____ Total _____

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 12

Service Opportunity

To successfully complete this challenge, you must request an opportunity for service in the Church that you have been attending. It can be any form of service that the Pastor considers a sacrifice of your time.

Type of Service chosen by Pastor _____________________________

Pastors Signature _____________________________

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 13

Attendance Requirement

To complete this challenge, you must attend a local church Sunday Evening service in your community. The church you attend must comply with the standards that God has outlined in the Bible. He requests that we worship at a Bible believing, Bible teaching church that teaches salvation through Grace and not by works. Baptism is taught as a sign of obedience and not a requirement for Heaven. They must believe the Bible is the Word of God and is without error, preserved as such for the believer.

Church Attended ______________________ Date______

Topic of Sermon_________________________________

Our Church is in agreement with the standards listed above.

Pastor's Signature ________________________________

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Congratulations for finishing the third week of these exciting challenges. Challenge 14-17 are before you. The challenges are designed to get more challenging and continue to bring about His reformation of your life. May God Richly Bless in the renewal of your mind. Keep Going for him. .... Pastor Rice

Dealing With Life

WEEK #4 of

A Constructive Work Book

A Biblical Perspective on Victory over Addiction to Drugs, Smoking, Liquor, Pornography, or Gambling.

Reformers Unanimous by Steven Curington

Ministered By Pastor Ed Rice

Good Samaritan Baptist Church

54 Main St Box 99 Dresden NY 14441

(315) 536-0878 www.gsbaptistchurch.com

As you continue in this effort and read, ponder and memorize these scriptures Christ will gain some inroads into your life. If you are not yet a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ you will discover enough about him to learn that you can trust him with your soul and call upon him according to the scriptures. Then trust him to save your life from addictions, habits and sins. If you are a believer, who has already called upon him to save your soul, your discipleship in these scriptures will enable you to trust him to save your life. You can be saved from addictions, habits and/or sins that hold you in bondage. A salvation wherein you can be 'free indeed.” Begin this week by reading a devotional about our sin by Oswald Chambers.

God Bless you as you pursue Him

Pastor Ed Rice

June 23 "Acquainted With Grief"

(From “My Utmost for His Highest”, by Oswald Chambers)

He is . . . a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief —Isaiah 53:3

We are not "acquainted with grief" in the same way our Lord was acquainted with it. We endure it and live through it, but we do not become intimate with it. At the beginning of our lives we do not bring ourselves to the point of dealing with the reality of sin. We look at life through the eyes of reason and say that if a person will control his instincts, and educate himself, he can produce a life that will slowly evolve into the life of God. But as we continue on through life, we find the presence of something which we have not yet taken into account, namely, sin— and it upsets all of our thinking and our plans. Sin has made the foundation of our thinking unpredictable, uncontrollable, and irrational.

We have to recognize that sin is a fact of life, not just a shortcoming. Sin is blatant mutiny against God, and either sin or God must die in my life. The New Testament brings us right down to this one issue— if sin rules in me, God’s life in me will be killed; if God rules in me, sin in me will be killed. There is nothing more fundamental than that. The culmination of sin was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and what was true in the history of God on earth will also be true in your history and in mine— that is, sin will kill the life of God in us. We must mentally bring ourselves to terms with this fact of sin. It is the only explanation why Jesus Christ came to earth, and it is the explanation of the grief and sorrow of life.

A Journal of 5 Communication Techniques

The format of this journal is from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

1. Bible Reading.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat ____________________________________

2. Teaching Received.

Lesson1 _________________________________

Lesson2 _________________________________

Lesson3 _________________________________

3. Personal Prayer Time.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat ____________________________________

4. Time with Christian Friends. AND

5. Convictions and Leadings of the Spirit of God.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat _____________________

The Challenges

The format of these challenges from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

Challenge 14 Reading lesson: Romans 1-6

To complete Challenge 14, you must read Romans 1-6. Below are spaces to list the topic of each chapter. Please fill these blanks in after you have completed each chapter.

Topic Chap 1 ___________________________________

Topic Chap 2 ___________________________________

Topic Chap 3 __________________________________

Topic Chap 4-__________________________________

Topic Chap 5 __________________________________

Topic Chap 6 __________________________________

Please list in your own words, how these chapters can be applied to you efforts to remain free from strongholds.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 15 Memorization

(In order to complete this challenge, you may memorize these verses one at a time and have each one initialed on the side until you have memorized all four)

Memorize Romans 3:10

10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Memorize Romans 3:23,24

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Memorize Romans 5:8

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Please describe in your own words what this verse means to you.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Do you believe the above verse to be true?

Yes or No (Please circle one)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 16

Witnessing Opportunity

In order to complete this challenge, you must write the circumstances of your life that led you to seek God's help. This is called a testimony. In Revelation, God said He uses 2 things to help people overcome the Devil. One is the Blood of the Lamb (Jesus) and the other is the believer's testimony. You may not be a believer quite yet, but there is a distinct pattern that led you to where you are today. Please share the pattern with us below. It could be useful to others someday. If you need more space, you may include a separate sheet of paper.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 17

(In order to complete this challenge, you may memorize these verses one at a time and have each one initialed on the side until you have memorized all four)

Memorize Romans 5:12

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Memorize Romans 6:1,2

1 ¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Memorize Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Please describe in your own words what this verse means to you. ______________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Do you believe the above verse to be true?

Yes or No (Please circle one)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Congratulations for finishing the 4th week of these exciting challenges. There are 25 challenges in this Challenger level of the Reformers Unanimous effort and you have completed 17 of them. There are two more weeks in this Challenger level in learning to let Christ deal with your addictions and letting Christ into your life. Remember what we started out to do: John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples (follower) indeed; And ye shall know te Truth (Jesus), and the Truth (Jesus) shall make you free.

I have placed the steps to freedom from strongholds in bold print. They are as follows:

1. Believe on Jesus

2. Continue (study) in my Word (Bible).

3. Follow Christ with your life (disciple)

4. Your knowledge of Jesus will increase.

5. Jesus (not you) will make your free.

Keep Going for Him and He will Reform your life.

May God Richly Bless in the renewal of your mind.

Pastor Rice

Dealing With Life

WEEK #5 of

A Constructive Work Book

A Biblical Perspective on Victory over Addiction to Drugs, Smoking, Liquor, Pornography, or Gambling.

Reformers Unanimous by Steven Curington

Ministered By Pastor Ed Rice

Good Samaritan Baptist Church

54 Main St Box 99 Dresden NY 14441

(315) 536-0878 www.gsbaptistchurch.com

The challenges before you

God Bless you as you pursue Him

Pastor Ed Rice

A Journal of 5 Communication Techniques

The format of this journal is from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

1. Bible Reading.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat ____________________________________

2. Teaching Received.

Lesson1 _________________________________

Lesson2 _________________________________

Lesson3 _________________________________

3. Personal Prayer Time.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat ____________________________________

4. Time with Christian Friends. AND

5. Convictions and Leadings of the Spirit of God.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat _____________________

The Challenges

The format of these challenges from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

Challenge 18 Reading lesson: Romans 7-12

To complete Challenge 18, you must read Romans 7-12. Below are spaces to list the topic of each chapter. Please fill these blanks in after you have completed each chapter.

Topic Chap 7 ___________________________________

Topic Chap 8 ___________________________________

Topic Chap 9 __________________________________

Topic Chap 10-__________________________________

Topic Chap 11 __________________________________

Topic Chap 12 __________________________________

Please list in your own words, how these chapters can be applied to you efforts to remain free from strongholds.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 19 Memorization

(In order to complete this challenge, you may memorize these verses one at a time and have each one initialed on the side until you have memorized all four)

Memorize Romans 8:1

1 ¶ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Memorize Romans 10:9,10

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Memorize Romans 10:13

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Please describe in your own words what this verse means to you.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Do you believe the above verse to be true?

Yes or No (Please circle one)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 20 Attendance Requirement

To complete this challenge, you must attend a local church Mid-Week service in your community. The church you attend must comply with the standards that God has outlined in the Bible. He requests that we worship at a Bible believing, Bible teaching church that teaches salvation through Grace and not by works. Baptism is taught as a sign of obedience and not a requirement for Heaven. They must believe the Bible is the Word of God and is without error, preserved as such for the believer.

Church Attended ______________________ Date______

Topic of Sermon_________________________________

Pastor's Signature ________________________________

(Pastor's signature signifying agreement with standards above)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 21 Attendance Requirement

In order to complete this challenge, you must attend 2 Reformers Unanimous classes in a row. Your attendance will require punctual attendance is an important discipline. Attending the next session provides one of the five communications necessary in dealing with this stronghold.

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 22 Essay Report

To complete this challenge, you must write a 100 or more word essay on what you believe Romans chapter 6 means to a new believer. You may use any study material necessary to complete your report. We suggest a concordance and King James Version Study Bible. If you would like to borrow some materials for this challenge, you may request them from your counsel director. Pray before you begin that God would give you wisdom in discerning the meaning of these verses. You should conclude your essay with a explanation of how you can apply this chapter to your life. This challenge must be digned by the Program Director.

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Congratulations for finishing the 5th week of these exciting challenges. The next 3 challenges will complete the Challenger Level When you complete them you may ask about pursuing the next book, the Transformer Level. The last three challenges of this level are significant and life changing. May God Bless you as you pursue them.

Pastor Rice

Dealing With Life

WEEK #6 of

A Constructive Work Book

A Biblical Perspective on Victory over Addiction to Drugs, Smoking, Liquor, Pornography, or Gambling.

Reformers Unanimous by Steven Curington

Ministered By Pastor Ed Rice

Good Samaritan Baptist Church

54 Main St Box 99 Dresden NY 14441

(315) 536-0878 www.gsbaptistchurch.com

The challenges before you continue throughout life and this is no time to draw back. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ:

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples (follower) indeed; And ye shall know te Truth (Jesus), and the Truth (Jesus) shall make you free.

Recall the steps to freedom from strongholds as follows:

1. Believe on Jesus

2. Continue (study) in my Word (Bible).

3. Follow Christ with your life (disciple)

4. Your knowledge of Jesus will increase.

5. Jesus (not you) will make your free.

God Bless you as you pursue Him

Pastor Ed Rice

A Journal of 5 Communication Techniques

The format of this journal is from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

1. Bible Reading.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat ____________________________________

2. Teaching Received.

Lesson1 _________________________________

Lesson2 _________________________________

Lesson3 _________________________________

3. Personal Prayer Time.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat ____________________________________

4. Time with Christian Friends. AND

5. Convictions and Leadings of the Spirit of God.

Sun ____________________________________

Mon ____________________________________

Tue ____________________________________

Wed ____________________________________

Thr ____________________________________

Fri ____________________________________

Sat _____________________

The Challenges

The format of these challenges from Reformers Unanimous www.reformu.com

Challenge 23 Reading lesson: Romans 13-16

To complete Challenge 18, you must read Romans 13-16. Below are spaces to list the topic of each chapter. Please fill these blanks in after you have completed each chapter.

Topic Chap 13 ___________________________________

Topic Chap 14 ___________________________________

Topic Chap 15 __________________________________

Topic Chap 16-__________________________________

Please list in your own words, how these chapters can be applied to you efforts to remain free from strongholds.

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 24 Essay Report

To complete this challenge, you must write a 100 or more word essay on what you believe Romans chapter 8 means to a new believer. You may use any study material necessary to complete your report. We suggest a concorfance and King James Version Study Bible. If you would like to borrow some materials for this challenge, you may request them from your counsel director. Pray before you begin that God would give you wisdom in discerning the meaning of these verses. You should conclude your essay with a explanation of how you can apply this chapter to your life. This challenge must be signed by the Program Director.

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Student's Signature)

Challenge Complete_________________________Date __________

(Challenger's Signature)

Challenge 25 Final Challenge

Using this Handbook of Challenges, you have memorized and read many verses. You were asked if you believed these verses to be true. If you answered yes to all these verses memorized, then you may continue on to your final challenge. If you answered no to any of the questions, then you should see your counsel director to have the verses better explained. Your Program Director is available to discuss these questions. It's a great way to receive wise counsel form God's people.

In answering yes to your belief in the memorized verses, you have come to the following conclusions in your recovery process:

1. That God sent His Son that we may believe on Him for eternal life. John 3:16

2. That if you follow the principles laid out by Jesus, He will make you free. John 8:31,32

3. That Jesus is the only Way, Truth, and Life that leads to God. John 14:6

4. That we are sinners and there is not one who can do right in the eyes of God. Romans 3:10

5. We have a judgment of death death passed, at birth, because of our sin nature. Romans 5:12, 6:23

6. God has a gift of salvation from the penalty of sin. It is freely given with the belief in your heart on Jesus Christ's sacrificail death and His miraculous ressurrection from the dead. Romans 8:1, Romans 10:9-10

With these important truths hidden in your heart and accepted as fact, you need tocall upon the name of the Lord and confess Him with tou mouth (Romans 10:9-10). Having done this, your soul will be saved from sin's power and you will receive the gift of eternal life.

If you believe in your heart that the above verses are true and have accepted Jesus as your personal saviour, please sign below and place the date that this took place. If it was in the past, feel free to estimate the date as best you can. If it was upon completion of this handbook, it is imperative that you see your counsel director as soon as possible. He or she will show you what God means by confessing with your mouth the Lord Jesus. It is a very important step that should never be overlooked. You are now our brother or sister in Christ.

Name _________________________________

Date of Salvation ________________________

You will now graduate to phase two of the Strongholds Study Course. The next level is the Transformer. Congratulations.

Congratulations for finishing the complete Challenger Level. Please ask about pursuing the next book, the Transformer Level. May God Bless you as you pursue Him.

Pastor Rice

A weekly Journal of 5 Communication Techniques

A Journal is not a diary, record specific events used to track progress, not dreamy thoughts oft life