I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, ) (1 Corinthians 16:15, KJV)
I started with that scripture because it is the basis for this book. Having been a drug addict for over twenty-five years, I realized the dedication, the unwavering attitude, the creative spirit, and the drive one needs to pursue his or her drug or alcohol addiction. So, in 1 Corinthians 16:15 the words addicted themselves to the ministry of the saint just jumped off the page and into my spirit. Thus, I realized as I studied the ministries of Noah, Abraham, Elijah, David, Paul, Peter―for sure Christ Jesus―these people were determined, no matter what, to finish their calling from God. They were extremely dedicated to the ministry of the saints.
Paul said this in the Bible:
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (2 Corinthians 11:24-27, KJV)
Now, to me that sounds like addiction―to occupy (oneself) with or involve (oneself) in something habitually or compulsively. This is how it is defined in the America Heritage Dictionary. So, prayerfully, you and I, after reading this book, can see that God expects us to be addicted to Him, His word, His son Jesus Christ, the work of the ministry―all of us; not just the pastor or the preacher, but all of us. It is a win-win situation for us. Blessings will flow and it will not be in vain.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58, KJV)
