"Once an Addict, Always an Addict"? The Gospel Says Otherwise

Is addiction a disease you're stuck with forever or is real change actually possible? Pastor Dan Jarms and biblical counselor Brian Sayers challenge the narrative that you're defined by your addiction, unpacking what the science actually says about the disease model, why the Bible's language of slavery and bondage is more honest and more hopeful than you might expect, and what the gospel offers that no rehab program or recovery group can. If you or someone you love is caught in a cycle that feels impossible to break, this episode is for you.In this episode:

• Why the "disease model" of addiction is more complicated than you've been told
• What the Bible actually says about addiction (and why the names matter)
• The gospel as real power for real change not just forgiveness
• The "hurts and hungers" driving addictive behavior
• Practical steps for restructuring your life toward freedom

Featured Resources:

• Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave by Ed Welch
• Help! I'm Addicted by Jim Berg
• Passions of the Heart by John Street

Join us for Sunday services at 8:30 and 10:30 am at 440 W. Cora in Spokane, WA. Learn more about our church here.

If you are not in Spokane, find a gospel-centered church here.

Brian Sayers

Brian is the Pastor of Counseling & Equipping at Faith Bible Church. He is passionate about the local church, and equipping the saints to effectively serve one another. Before coming to Spokane, he spent 14 years serving God's people as a pastor in rural New England (Vermont & New Hampshire).

View Resources by Brian Sayers

Dan Jarms

Dr. Dan Jarms is lead pastor at Faith Bible Church in Spokane Washington, as well as associate dean at The Master's Seminary in Spokane. He has been married for over 30 years to Linda, and has three adult children. He earned his B.A. in English at the Master’s College, B.Ed. at Eastern Washington University, M.Div and D.Min in Expository Preaching at The Master’s Seminary. His other interests include NCAA basketball, woodworking, and art.

View Resources by Dan Jarms