Refined By fire

Every Wednesday at 6:15 pm in the Christ Culture room on the top floor
Contact  Austin (ajkofford@gmail.com) or Joe (Joseph.Houben@ChristBaptist.church) for more information
Refined by fire is an addiction support group for men dealing with addictions to pornography, alcohol, drugs, and more.  Although many men have accepted the good news of Jesus, they've failed to overcome their addictions. Many of us have spent years trapped in a cycle of guilt and shame, feeling alone, hopeless, and far from God.

Talking about addictions can be difficult. These topics often feel taboo and too shameful to discuss, even in church. The leaders of this group have dealt with various addictions and often longed for a community of men who could relate. Our goal is to build that community. A place for men to be open, honest, and transformed through discussion and the Word of God.

Confronting your addictions is a trial by fire and a test of your faith. Just as raw  metals are more valuable after the fire, your faith grows stronger through these trials. Come, Let your faith and life be "Refined By Fire"

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)

The 5 Pillars of refined by fire

Conviction
The Word of God clearly addresses behavior such as sexual immorality, drunkeness, and idolatry, which encompasses all addictions. Numerous passages have convicted our hearts, and we've longed to be free.
Confession
James 5:16a says to confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Confessing to others is a bold act that uncovers secrets and starts the healing process. We must confess to God, people who can help/relate, and to those who we have hurt or may hurt. Making yourself vulnerable and confessing is difficult but leads to freedom.
Repentance
Jesus calls each of us to repent. We must turn from sin and toward God. This is acknowledging a need for forgiveness and goes hand in hand with confession.
Community
You are not alone. There are people who can relate and want to help. A community of men creates friendship, accountability, and support (Galatians 6:2).
Sanctification
If you know God, He will finish the work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6). We hope to be a part of that process. If you don't know Him yet, we want to introduce you.