Sue was a young, pretty girl who tried “grass.” Sue had been in jail twice now for drugs, and is hooked!

Dick started on Marijuana, then on to heroin. Upon leaving jail, he grasped the hand of the Chaplain and told him, “No more drugs for me!” Three months later he was found dead on his apartment roof. He died of an overdose.

Bill has been on drugs for the past seven years. After being in several drug programs he is unable to function properly without outside help. While on the Methadone program he took certain types of pills which put him into a coma. He may not pull through.

Ted was a college student — a whiz kid. He went from pot, to pills, to hard stuff, to L.S.D. He was charged with murder under the influence of drugs. He didn’t mean to do it!

Hazel was a 19 year old girl with problems. Her main problem was drugs. After being released she was found dead of an overdose.

Joe started his drugs in high school. All the “in” boys and girls were on grass, pills, and occasionally a few drinks to go with it. His parents found out, moved to another school area; he turned pusher. He was sentenced to more than 15 years in a state prison.

Are these exceptional cases? Hardly. Hundreds or even thousands of similar cases could be cited.

Gene Krupa, a retired drummer musician, said he could name at least a hundred musicians with great talent whose careers have been ruined by the use of drugs. Certain drugs make you feel creative, but in reality only hamper your actual performance.

It all boils down to this: drug use is a risk nobody has to take. Why gamble when the risks are so great?
“What can I do for kicks?” is the big question of the “now” generation. Perhaps you, like many others, feel you need to get “turned on.”

Consider the following actual histories:
Two years on heroin and experimenting with L.S.D., Phil was near the end of his rope. He was ready to commit suicide, but he saw clearly that his misery was a result of his own sin. He repented, confessed his sin to Jesus Christ and received Him as Saviour. He discovered that God really did love him and experienced His forgiveness. The drug habit of past years was broken. The peace that he always looked for came into his life.

Ben was sick, frustrated and using between $25 and $100 a day to support his habit. After trying all rehabilitation programs without receiving the help he needed, Ben found deliverance in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ who wants to help all who are in need.

Of course, you don’t have to be a drug addict to discover the peace, satisfaction and joy of knowing Jesus Christ.

Arnold, a 16 year old high school student, came to know Jesus Christ personally. “I’m forever enjoying the Lord,” he writes, “and have led others to Christ. What a thrill!”

Stuart, a teenager, represents a Christian young people’s group. He reports, “We consist of teenagers from all walks of life. “Some took drugs, some were street fighters, gang leaders, etc. Also we came from mixed religious backgrounds: Catholic and Protestant. But we all have repented and received the Lord Jesus Christ, who has changed our lives. Now we are real Christians and we have the Lord.”

The only sure fire way to full enjoyment in this life, as well as in the next, is by receiving Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord of your life. When a man by the name of Thomas asked Jesus about the right way, He answered, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” (John 14:6). The right way is not a set of rules or religious doctrines or even self-control by will power. It is a Person — Jesus Christ. He liberates, lives in, enlightens and loves those who give themselves to Him.

Does it last? Yes it does! Numerous testimonies could be given to show that those who have followed Jesus Christ never regret it. The wonderful thing about becoming a child of God is that it never comes to an end — not even at death. In fact death is only a door into greater and more perfect peace, joy and satisfaction in God’s rapturous presence.

The Bible, which is God’s communication to us, declares, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). “The Blood of Jesus Christ His (God’s) Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).

Why not repent of your sins, your habit, your hang-ups, and receive Jesus Christ as Saviour, and then ask Him to set you free by His love and power? Because if He sets you free, you will really “be free.” (John 8:36).