They Gambled and Lost! Will You?

LOSERS

✘ Sue was a young girl who wanted to try pot “just once.” This is her second time in jail for drugs. Her future looks grim. She’s addicted!
✘ Dick went from beer to marijuana to cocaine. When leaving jail the last time, he told the chaplain, “I’m off drugs for good!” Three months later he overdosed and never recovered.
✘ Ted was an excellent college student who thought he could control his use of heavy drugs. He murdered someone while under the influence. He can’t remember doing it!
✘ Hazel was a 19 year old who tried to solve her problems with drugs. But addiction became her biggest problem. She died of an overdose.
✘ Joe ran with the “in” crowd in high school. They started mixing drugs with alcohol on weekends. He’s now doing 15 years for dealing drugs.

These cases come from a New York suburb's police files. Are they unusual? Hardly. The question is: Why do people gamble with drugs when the risks are so great? Some of the confusing and contradictory answers are: “to turn on,” “to turn off,” “to find myself” and “to escape.” The methods used to get high invariably lead to disappointing lows – sometimes even death!

WINNERS

✔ After two years of being a slave to heroin, Phil was ready to commit suicide. But God told him his misery was a result of his own sin. He confessed his sin to Jesus, experienced forgiveness and discovered that God really loved him. God’s power helped him break his habit and find peace.
✔ Ben's $100 a day habit was killing him. After trying several rehabilitation programs he found deliverance in the power of Jesus Christ who helps all who come to Him.
✔ Stuart says this about his Christian teen group: “We are from all walks of life. Some took drugs. Some were gang members. Some have been in jail. We all met Jesus and He changed our lives.”

The only way to enjoy this life – and the next – is by receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. When asked about the way to heaven, Jesus answered:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NKJV).

The way to heaven is not through rules, religious doctrines, good works or even self-control. The only way is Jesus Christ. He liberates those who give themselves to Him.