The Addiction Connection Podcast

theaddictionconnection
  • 4.7 (25)
  • Christianity
  • Biweekly

"Connecting the Hope of the Gospel with the Heart of Addiction" – hosted by Dr. Mark E. Shaw, CJ McMurry, and Jim Quigley with new episodes weekly. Podcast Clips on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/tacpodcastclips Visit: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/

  1. 1d ago

    #385 - Why AA's 12 Steps Won't Restore Your Sanity | The Addiction Connection Podcast

    In this episode of The Addiction Connection, Dr. Mark Shaw unpacks John 3:16-21 to address one of the most controversial, yet biblically clear, truths in addiction recovery: the danger of the secular "Higher Power" concept. The 12-step model encourages individuals to choose any higher power—even a doorknob or a group—to be "restored to sanity." But biblically speaking, addiction isn't a loss of sanity; it is an issue of sin and idolatry. We weren't born sane and broken by substances; we were born in sin. Dr. Shaw explains why we don't need a vague higher power to restore our sanity, but the one true God to forgive our sins. True hope isn't found in mere sobriety, but in the saving power of Jesus Christ who came into the world not to condemn, but to save. Timestamps / Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to The Addiction Connection 00:22 - John 3:16: The True God vs. A "Higher Power" 00:54 - The Danger of Spiritual Lies in AA 02:11 - The Myth of Being "Restored to Sanity" 03:51 - Jesus Came to Save, Not Condemn (John 3:17) 05:01 - The Problem with Sobriety Without Salvation 06:36 - John 3:19: Why the World Hates the Light 09:29 - The True Hope of the Gospel in Recovery 11:06 - How to Support and Connect with TAC ☕ TAC Chapter House has officially launched! Pick up select books and premium whole-bean coffee. Every purchase is a practical way to help us bring the Hope of the Gospel to the Heart of Addiction: https://tac-chapter-house-2026.square.site/s/shop Mark E. Shaw, D.Min., founded The Addiction Connection in 2012 and is the author of 30 publications on addictions and biblical counseling. He serves as Nocatee Campus Pastor of Counseling at First Baptist Church Jacksonville (FL). Equip your church and ministry team with practical, Christ-centered counseling tools. 🔴🎓 COUNSEL MEMBERSHIP: Stream 133+ video workshops, TAC summit recordings, training sessions & much more: 👉 https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/bundles/counsel 🆘 NEED ADDICTION HELP & RESOURCES? Get Help Now: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/addiction-help/ Residential Programs: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/residential-programs/ Non-Residential Programs: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/non-residential-programs/ 🎙️ LISTEN TO THE TAC PODCAST (New Episodes Weekly): https://anchor.fm/theaddictionconnection 📖 ABOUT THE ADDICTION CONNECTION: Connecting the Hope of the Gospel with the Heart of Addiction. Website: https://theaddictionconnection.org Statement of Faith: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/statement-of-faith/ 🧑🏽‍💻🎉 Donate to The Addiction Connection: theaddictionconnection.org/give/ #BiblicalCounseling #AddictionRecovery #John316 #TheAddictionConnection #ChristianRehab #GospelTruth #12StepAlternative addiction recovery, biblical counseling, Dr Mark E Shaw, the addiction connection, 12 steps critique, AA alternative, idolatry and addiction, Christian rehab, higher power myth, gospel of Jesus Christ, sin vs disease model, Christian counseling, drug addiction hope, John 3:16 sermon, restored to sanity myth, secular recovery vs biblical recovery

  2. Oct 26

    #384 - Your Recovery Labels Determine Your Cure! | Dr. Mark E. Shaw

    Can an "alcoholic" be saved? It is a highly provocative question, but the answer fundamentally changes how we approach addiction. Dr. Mark E. Shaw tackles a controversial topic: why diagnosing addiction as a "disease" points people away from the only true cure. When you label yourself an "alcoholic" with a disease, you remove personal responsibility and the need for a Savior. But when you use biblical language — recognizing the struggle as drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18) or idolatry of the heart — it reveals a sin problem. And a sin problem has a definitive, glorious solution: the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ. Discover why language acts as a signpost in your recovery, and why biblical counseling pursues both inner heart transformation - and outer behavioral change. 0:00 Intro & The Controversial Statement 1:30 The Problem with the "Disease" Diagnosis 3:15 Ephesians 5:18 & The Biblical Diagnosis 4:45 Why Language is Never Neutral 6:15 Inner Heart Change vs. Outer Behavior 10:00 Reinterpreting the Language to Share the Gospel 12:15 Final Thoughts ☕ TAC Chapter House has officially launched! Pick up select books and premium whole-bean coffee. Every purchase is a practical way to help us bring the Hope of the Gospel to the Heart of Addiction: https://tac-chapter-house-2026.square.site/s/shop Mark E. Shaw, D.Min., founded The Addiction Connection in 2012 and is the author of 30 publications on addictions and biblical counseling. He serves as Nocatee Campus Pastor of Counseling at First Baptist Church Jacksonville (FL). Equip your church and ministry team with practical, Christ-centered counseling tools. 🔴🎓 COUNSEL MEMBERSHIP: Stream 133+ video workshops, TAC summit recordings, training sessions & much more: 👉 https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/bundles/counsel 🆘 NEED ADDICTION HELP & RESOURCES? Get Help Now: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/addiction-help/ Residential Programs: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/residential-programs/ Non-Residential Programs: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/non-residential-programs/ 🎙️ LISTEN TO THE TAC PODCAST (New Episodes Weekly): https://anchor.fm/theaddictionconnection 📖 ABOUT THE ADDICTION CONNECTION: Connecting the Hope of the Gospel with the Heart of Addiction. Website: https://theaddictionconnection.org Statement of Faith: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/statement-of-faith/ 🧑🏽‍💻🎉 Donate to The Addiction Connection: theaddictionconnection.org/give/ #BiblicalCounseling #MinistryLeadership #AddictionRecovery #MarkEShaw #PastoralCare #TACSummit #ChristianCounseling #ChurchMinistry #theaddictionconnection #sanctification #christianpodcast #12steps #alcoholicsanonymous

  3. Oct 19

    #383 - Beyond AA: The "Ministry of Condemnation" | Dr. Mark E. Shaw

    0:00 Intro / 2 Corinthians 3 2:00 Why AA is a "Ministry of Condemnation" 5:30 The Ministry of Righteousness & Reconciliation 7:15 Identity in Christ vs. Secular Labels 9:00 Final Thoughts & October Ministry Updates ☕ TAC Chapter House has officially launched! Pick up select books and premium whole bean coffee. Every purchase is a practical way to help us bring the Hope of the Gospel to the Heart of Addiction: https://tac-chapter-house-2026.square.site/s/shop Mark E. Shaw, D.Min., founded The Addiction Connection in 2012 and is the author of 30 publications on addictions and biblical counseling. He serves as Nocatee Campus Pastor of Counseling at First Baptist Church Jacksonville (FL). Equip your church and ministry team with practical, Christ-centered counseling tools. 🔴🎓 COUNSEL MEMBERSHIP: Stream 133+ video workshops, TAC summit recordings, training sessions & much more: 👉 https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/bundles/counsel 🆘 NEED ADDICTION HELP & RESOURCES? Get Help Now: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/addiction-help/ Residential Programs: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/residential-programs/ Non-Residential Programs: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/non-residential-programs/ 🎙️ LISTEN TO THE TAC PODCAST (New Episodes Weekly): https://anchor.fm/theaddictionconnection 📖 ABOUT THE ADDICTION CONNECTION: Connecting the Hope of the Gospel with the Heart of Addiction. Website: https://theaddictionconnection.org Statement of Faith: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/statement-of-faith/ 🧑🏽‍💻🎉 Donate to The Addiction Connection: theaddictionconnection.org/give/ #BiblicalCounseling #MinistryLeadership #AddictionRecovery #MarkEShaw #PastoralCare #TACSummit #ChristianCounseling #ChurchMinistry #theaddictionconnection #sanctification #christianpodcast #12steps #alcoholicsanonymous

  4. Oct 13

    #382 - Why "Recovery" Isn't Enough for Transformation | Dr. Mark E. Shaw

    0:00 Intro 2:00 Mark E. Shaw 9:00 End/Final Thoughts Is the ultimate goal just to get "clean and sober," or is there something far superior? In this episode of The Addiction Connection Podcast, Dr. Mark E. Shaw breaks down why Christians should view September as "National Transformation Month" rather than National Recovery Month. He explores the profound differences between working a secular recovery program and the biblical process of progressive sanctification. Discover why addiction is fundamentally a belief problem, why pulpits need to preach sanctification alongside salvation, and how the synergistic work of the Holy Spirit and the believer leads to true, lasting transformation. TAC Chapter House has officially launched! Select books, whole-bean coffee bags (& more) help support The Addiction Connection's ministry. Every bag purchased is a practical way to help us bring the Hope of the Gospel to the Heart of Addiction: https://tac-chapter-house-2026.square.site/s/shop Mark E. Shaw, D.Min., founded The Addiction Connection in 2012 and is the author of 30 publications on addictions and biblical counseling. He serves as Nocatee Campus Pastor of Counseling at First Baptist Church Jacksonville (FL). Equip your church and ministry team with practical, Christ-centered counseling tools. 🔴🎓 COUNSEL MEMBERSHIP: Stream 133+ video workshops, TAC summit recordings, training sessions & much more: 👉 https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/bundles/counsel 🆘 NEED ADDICTION HELP & RESOURCES? • Get Help Now: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/addiction-help/ • Residential Programs: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/residential-programs/ • Non-Residential Programs: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/non-residential-programs/ 🎙️ LISTEN TO THE TAC PODCAST (New Episodes Weekly): https://anchor.fm/theaddictionconnection 📖 ABOUT THE ADDICTION CONNECTION: Connecting the Hope of the Gospel with the Heart of Addiction. • Website: https://theaddictionconnection.org • Statement of Faith: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/statement-of-faith/ 🧑🏽‍💻🎉Donate to The Addiction Connection theaddictionconnection.org/give/ #BiblicalCounseling #MinistryLeadership #nationalrecoverymonth #AddictionRecovery #MarkEShaw #PastoralCare #TACSummit #ChristianCounseling #ChurchMinistry #Shorts tags

  5. Sep 28

    #381 - National Recovery Month: From Rebel to Surrendered | Dr. Mark E. Shaw

    0:00 Intro 2:00 Mark E. Shaw 9:00 End/Final Thoughts TAC Coffee Co. has officially launched! Now you can enjoy great coffee while supporting the ministry of The Addiction Connection. Every bag purchased is a practical way to help us bring the Hope of the Gospel to the Heart of Addiction. Order Today: https://bit.ly/TAC-COFFEE Stream the video library for the addiction counselor. COUNSEL — https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/ 🧑🏽‍💻🎉Donate to The Addiction Connection theaddictionconnection.org/give/ Mark E. Shaw, D.Min., is the author of 30 publications on addictions and biblical counseling. He serves as Nocatee Campus Pastor of Counseling at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville (FL). Bible study on handling God's truth 🎯. Join us as we explore faith in Jesus, what healing from an addiction really means, and reconstruct recovery using biblical principles. Focusing on how Jesus totally transforms a person, our discussion about mental health and substance use is from a biblical Christian perspective, providing hope through scripture-based solutions. Stream now for practical biblical wisdom on freedom from addiction. 🙏 COUNSEL: Stream all past workshop videos today — 🔴https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/ 🎧Listen to full podcasts (New Episodes Weekly): 🔴https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/theaddictionconnection Need Help Now? The Addiction Connection offers hope to those struggling with addiction. Start your search for biblical programs here. https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/addiction-help/ Find a Program Near You: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/residential-programs/ https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/non-residential-programs/ What We Believe: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/statement-of-faith/ tags addiction biblical counseling training resources Christian addiction rehab drug abuse healing from addiction relapse mental health alcoholism the consumption of alcohol care group study Family Help For Addiction (A Care Group Study) counselor training for addiction ministry leadership counselor training for addiction counseling techniques for addiction addiction resources addiction recovery addiction help podcast overcoming addiction bible based curriculum addiction counselor training 12 steps alcoholics anonymous big book the heart of addiction connecting the hope of the gospel counseling techniques for addiction addiction help podcast bible based curriculum curriculum planning for group teaching addiction counselor training self improvement addiction self-injury addiction recovery speakers dopesick hulu interview mark e shaw HHS addiction treatment

  6. Sep 21

    #380 - National Recovery Month: From Despair to Gratitude | Dr. Mark E. Shaw

    0:00 Intro 2:00 Mark E. Shaw 9:00 End/Final Thoughts TAC Coffee Co. has officially launched! Now you can enjoy great coffee while supporting the ministry of The Addiction Connection. Every bag purchased is a practical way to help us bring the Hope of the Gospel to the Heart of Addiction. Order Today: https://bit.ly/TAC-COFFEE Stream the video library for the addiction counselor. COUNSEL — https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/ 🧑🏽‍💻🎉Donate to The Addiction Connection theaddictionconnection.org/give/ Mark E. Shaw, D.Min., is the author of 30 publications on addictions and biblical counseling. He serves as Nocatee Campus Pastor of Counseling at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville (FL). Bible study on handling God's truth 🎯. Join us as we explore faith in Jesus, what healing from an addiction really means, and reconstruct recovery using biblical principles. Focusing on how Jesus totally transforms a person, our discussion about mental health and substance use is from a biblical Christian perspective, providing hope through scripture-based solutions. Stream now for practical biblical wisdom on freedom from addiction. 🙏 COUNSEL: Stream all past workshop videos today — 🔴https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/ 🎧Listen to full podcasts (New Episodes Weekly): 🔴https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/theaddictionconnection Need Help Now? The Addiction Connection offers hope to those struggling with addiction. Start your search for biblical programs here. https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/addiction-help/ Find a Program Near You: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/residential-programs/ https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/non-residential-programs/ What We Believe: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/statement-of-faith/ tags addiction biblical counseling training resources Christian addiction rehab drug abuse healing from addiction relapse mental health alcoholism the consumption of alcohol care group study Family Help For Addiction (A Care Group Study) counselor training for addiction ministry leadership counselor training for addiction counseling techniques for addiction addiction resources addiction recovery addiction help podcast overcoming addiction bible based curriculum addiction counselor training 12 steps alcoholics anonymous big book the heart of addiction connecting the hope of the gospel counseling techniques for addiction addiction help podcast bible based curriculum curriculum planning for group teaching addiction counselor training self improvement addiction self-injury addiction recovery speakers dopesick hulu interview mark e shaw HHS addiction treatment

  7. Sep 14

    #379 - National Recovery Month: From Victim to Responsible | Dr. Mark E. Shaw

    0:00 Intro 2:00 Mark E. Shaw 9:00 End/Final Thoughts TAC Coffee Co. has officially launched! Now you can enjoy great coffee while supporting the ministry of The Addiction Connection. Every bag purchased is a practical way to help us bring the Hope of the Gospel to the Heart of Addiction. Order Today: https://bit.ly/TAC-COFFEE Stream the video library for the addiction counselor. COUNSEL — https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/ 🧑🏽‍💻🎉Donate to The Addiction Connection theaddictionconnection.org/give/ Mark E. Shaw, D.Min., is the author of 30 publications on addictions and biblical counseling. He serves as Nocatee Campus Pastor of Counseling at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville (FL). Bible study on handling God's truth 🎯. Join us as we explore faith in Jesus, what healing from an addiction really means, and reconstruct recovery using biblical principles. Focusing on how Jesus totally transforms a person, our discussion about mental health and substance use is from a biblical Christian perspective, providing hope through scripture-based solutions. Stream now for practical biblical wisdom on freedom from addiction. 🙏 COUNSEL: Stream all past workshop videos today — 🔴https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/ 🎧Listen to full podcasts (New Episodes Weekly): 🔴https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/theaddictionconnection Need Help Now? The Addiction Connection offers hope to those struggling with addiction. Start your search for biblical programs here. https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/addiction-help/ Find a Program Near You: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/residential-programs/ https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/non-residential-programs/ What We Believe: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/statement-of-faith/ tags addiction biblical counseling training resources Christian addiction rehab drug abuse healing from addiction relapse mental health alcoholism the consumption of alcohol care group study Family Help For Addiction (A Care Group Study) counselor training for addiction ministry leadership counselor training for addiction counseling techniques for addiction addiction resources addiction recovery addiction help podcast overcoming addiction bible based curriculum addiction counselor training 12 steps alcoholics anonymous big book the heart of addiction connecting the hope of the gospel counseling techniques for addiction addiction help podcast bible based curriculum curriculum planning for group teaching addiction counselor training self improvement addiction self-injury addiction recovery speakers dopesick hulu interview mark e shaw HHS addiction treatment

  8. Sep 7

    #378 - National Recovery Month: From Consumer to Giver | Dr. Mark E. Shaw

    0:00 Intro 2:00 Mark E. Shaw 7:00 End/Final Thoughts TAC Coffee Co. has officially launched! Now you can enjoy great coffee while supporting the ministry of The Addiction Connection. Every bag purchased is a practical way to help us bring the Hope of the Gospel to the Heart of Addiction. Order Today: https://bit.ly/TAC-COFFEE Stream the video library for the addiction counselor. COUNSEL — https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/ 🧑🏽‍💻🎉Donate to The Addiction Connection theaddictionconnection.org/give/ Mark E. Shaw, D.Min., is the author of 30 publications on addictions and biblical counseling. He serves as Nocatee Campus Pastor of Counseling at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville (FL). Bible study on handling God's truth 🎯. Join us as we explore faith in Jesus, what healing from an addiction really means, and reconstruct recovery using biblical principles. Focusing on how Jesus totally transforms a person, our discussion about mental health and substance use is from a biblical Christian perspective, providing hope through scripture-based solutions. Stream now for practical biblical wisdom on freedom from addiction. 🙏 COUNSEL: Stream all past workshop videos today — 🔴https://theaddictionconnection.thinkific.com/ 🎧Listen to full podcasts (New Episodes Weekly): 🔴https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/theaddictionconnection Need Help Now? The Addiction Connection offers hope to those struggling with addiction. Start your search for biblical programs here. https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/addiction-help/ Find a Program Near You: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/residential-programs/ https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/non-residential-programs/ What We Believe: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/statement-of-faith/ tags addiction biblical counseling training resources Christian addiction rehab drug abuse healing from addiction relapse mental health alcoholism the consumption of alcohol care group study Family Help For Addiction (A Care Group Study) counselor training for addiction ministry leadership counselor training for addiction counseling techniques for addiction addiction resources addiction recovery addiction help podcast overcoming addiction bible based curriculum addiction counselor training 12 steps alcoholics anonymous big book the heart of addiction connecting the hope of the gospel counseling techniques for addiction addiction help podcast bible based curriculum curriculum planning for group teaching addiction counselor training self improvement addiction self-injury addiction recovery speakers dopesick hulu interview mark e shaw HHS addiction treatment

See All (386)

4.7
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

"Connecting the Hope of the Gospel with the Heart of Addiction" – hosted by Dr. Mark E. Shaw, CJ McMurry, and Jim Quigley with new episodes weekly. Podcast Clips on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/tacpodcastclips Visit: https://www.theaddictionconnection.org/

Information

You Might Also Like