Domingo 9 de Noviembre de 2025 | Vidas limitadas - Amy Carrillo

Introduction and Personal Journey

Speaker's Background

• The speaker expresses gratitude for the warm welcome and shares their personal connection to the church, which was their first home in Argentina.

• They recount arriving in Argentina on January 15, 2017, and how they quickly became part of the church community.

Message Introduction

• The speaker introduces the message titled "Vidas Limitadas" (Limited Lives), prompting the audience to think about someone they know who has struggled with addiction.

Concept of Limited Lives

Analogy with Super Mario Bros

• The speaker uses the game Super Mario Bros as an analogy, explaining that just like Mario has limited lives, individuals also face limitations when indulging in addictions or unhealthy behaviors.

• They emphasize that losing lives in the game parallels losing aspects of life due to addiction—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Consequences of Addiction

• The discussion highlights how addiction can lead to severe consequences, including death from accidents related to substance abuse.

• The speaker notes that some people may appear alive but are emotionally or spiritually dead due to their struggles with addiction.

Biblical Perspective on Obedience

Scriptural Reference

• A verse from Romans 8:1–13 is shared, emphasizing that living according to sinful nature leads to death while obedience through the Holy Spirit brings life.

Importance of Obedience

• The speaker stresses that many people avoid discussing addiction due to fear or lack of willpower, leading them into a slow decline rather than seeking help.

Role of Community in Prevention

Church's Role

• The speaker encourages the church community to be proactive in preventing addiction by supporting one another and spreading awareness without directly addressing addiction initially.

Definition of Addiction

• A definition from WHO describes addiction as a physical or psycho-emotional disease creating dependency on substances or activities.

Common Addictions Identified

Types of Addictions

• Various common addictions are listed beyond drugs and alcohol:

• Alcohol

• Illicit drugs

• Prescription medications

• Pornography

• Compulsive eating

• Compulsive gambling

• Technology-related addictions

This structured approach provides clarity on key themes discussed by the speaker while allowing easy navigation through timestamps for further exploration.

Understanding Addiction and Its Impact

The Prevalence of Pornography Addiction

• A significant 29% of individuals within churches are reported to be addicted to pornography, highlighting a common yet often unspoken issue.

• Many people feel ashamed or fearful of rejection when discussing their addiction, leading to silence around the topic.

The Nature of Addiction

• Different types of addictions (e.g., pornography vs. drugs) have varying impacts on individuals, but they share common consequences.

• Addictions provide temporary pleasure and satisfaction but leave behind feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression.

Recognizing the Cycle of Shame

• Individuals who do not acknowledge their addiction may not experience shame; they might believe that their behavior is beneficial.

Biblical Example: David's Struggles

• David is presented as an example; despite his honor towards God, he made significant mistakes in adulthood.

• His actions included committing adultery and orchestrating murder to cover up his sins, illustrating poor crisis management.

Factors Contributing to Addiction

• Various risk factors can lead someone into addiction; it’s essential to recognize that multiple causes exist rather than attributing it to a single factor.

• David's lack of support from family contributed to his struggles; he was overlooked by his father and brothers during critical moments.

Preventing Addiction in Communities

Importance of Prevention Strategies

• Prevention is crucial for addressing various forms of addiction including pornography, drugs, alcohol, and technology use among youth.

Practical Steps for Community Involvement

• Everyone shares the responsibility for prevention; community members can help reduce risks associated with substance use through proactive measures.

Affirming Identity and Value

• Emphasizing individual worth is vital. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17, belonging to Christ transforms one into a new creation.

Identity and Hope in Christ

The Importance of Identity

• Discusses the significance of identity, emphasizing that individuals are created by God with a purpose. Sharing this message can affirm others' identities.

• Highlights the current struggle many face in finding their identity through various religions or ideas, stressing that sharing God's hope is essential to prevent selfishness.

Affirming Others' Identity

• Suggests that knowing one's identity as a beloved child of God can help individuals resist temptations and make better choices, potentially preventing pain and trauma.

• Introduces practical examples like using biblical affirmations for children to reinforce their understanding of being created and forgiven by God.

Family Dynamics and Emotional Regulation

• Emphasizes the role of family supervision and clear boundaries in childhood development, referencing Ephesians 6:4 about nurturing children in God's discipline.

• Explains how parents act as regulators for children's emotions, highlighting the importance of teaching self-regulation to prevent future issues related to emotional control.

Demonstrating Love and Support

• Stresses the biblical commandment to love one another (John 13:34), noting that showing love helps individuals feel valued and supported.

• Points out that listening to others’ problems can alleviate their burdens, encouraging a culture of care within communities.

Encouraging Growth and Setting Goals

• Advocates for creating opportunities for personal growth by supporting others in their endeavors, whether spiritual or professional.

• Discusses the importance of setting simple life goals, suggesting a step-by-step approach to achieving dreams while ensuring practicality.

Understanding Addiction and Its Prevention

The Importance of Simple Goals

• Recognizing the need for simple, short-term goals is essential for individuals who struggle with managing their aspirations, particularly in social contexts like dating.

Identity and Self-Esteem

• Acknowledging one's identity in God can foster a strong self-esteem that may help prevent addictions. This perspective emphasizes the role of faith in personal development.

Role of Community Support

• Engaging with others through listening and serving can be a beautiful way to support those at risk of addiction. It highlights the importance of community involvement without requiring specialized training.

Understanding Addiction

• The term "addiction" derives from Latin, meaning "not speaking," which reflects how many addictions remain unspoken and hidden within individuals, leading to internal struggles.

The Dangers of Silence

• Silence can be an enemy for those trapped in addiction; sharing experiences and seeking help are crucial steps toward recovery. Personal anecdotes illustrate the necessity of breaking this silence.

Power of Words Against Darkness

• Speaking about addiction can diminish its power; it brings light to darkness and disrupts negative patterns. This process is seen as both spiritual and practical in combating addiction.

Holistic Nature of Addiction

• Addiction affects multiple aspects: emotional, relational, psychological, physical, and spiritual. Addressing these dimensions requires comprehensive strategies beyond just professional help.

The Process of Falling into Addiction

Stages Leading to Dependency

• Individuals often enter addiction through curiosity or peer pressure, initially experiencing sporadic use without recognizing long-term consequences.

Escalation to Dependence

• As usage continues, individuals may experience a euphoric phase characterized by dopamine spikes; however, this pleasure diminishes over time as tolerance builds.

Recognition of Struggle

• Romans 7:19–20 illustrates the internal conflict faced by those struggling with sin or addiction—desiring good but succumbing to harmful behaviors due to human nature's flaws.

Crisis Phase in Addiction

• Eventually, users face a crisis where achieving pleasure becomes increasingly difficult as their brains adapt to constant stimulation from substances or behaviors associated with their addiction.

Understanding Addiction and Its Consequences

The Nature of Addiction

• Addiction is likened to a dark forest, where individuals delve deeper into darkness as they seek to recapture initial feelings of pleasure, making it increasingly difficult to escape.

• As dependency grows, individuals often become dishonest with themselves and others, claiming they can control their consumption when in reality they cannot.

Self-Deception in Addiction

• Addicts frequently lie about their usage, convincing themselves that they are fine or that one more instance won't hurt, despite the clear consequences of their actions.

• Personal experiences may resonate with these behaviors; many people might recall similar responses from those struggling with addiction.

Biblical Insights on Sin and Freedom

• Romans 8 discusses the struggle against sinful nature and emphasizes the importance of living according to spiritual guidance for true life.

• God desires for us to live in freedom and light rather than succumbing to sin which leads us away from Him.

Supporting Those Struggling with Addiction

• Active listening is crucial; many individuals do not even question why they engage in substance use. Deep conversations can help uncover underlying issues.

• Nonjudgmental support is essential; judgment can hinder open communication and discourage individuals from seeking help.

Patience and Affirmation in Recovery

• Patience is vital when supporting someone battling addiction. Many will experience repeated failures before achieving success.

• Affirming an individual's worth helps combat distorted self-perceptions caused by addiction. Reminders of love and forgiveness are important.

The Role of Prayer and Community Support

• Prayer plays a significant role in spiritual battles against addiction; it’s essential for both the individual struggling and their families who endure pain due to addiction.

• Community support systems are necessary for those without family or friends nearby. Churches can provide networks of care for those affected by addiction.

Resources Available

• Local groups like "Un paso a la vez" offer support every Saturday at 18:00, providing hope for families and individuals facing challenges related to addiction.

Four Steps to Finding Freedom in Christ

Introduction to the Concept of Freedom

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding what it means to lack freedom and expresses a willingness to support those seeking liberation.

Recognizing Personal Struggles

• The speaker introduces four steps aimed at personal growth and overcoming harmful habits, which may not necessarily be addictions but can still negatively impact daily life.

Step 1: Acknowledgment

• Recognition is crucial; acknowledging problems or sins that hinder spiritual progress is the first step toward healing.

• Reference to Acts 3:19-20 highlights the need for repentance, which involves not just recognition but also a change in behavior.

Step 2: Seeking Help

• After recognizing one's condition, it's essential to seek help from others, whether through prayer or by confiding in trusted individuals like friends or leaders.

• Galatians 6:2 encourages mutual support within the community, emphasizing that helping each other carries blessings for both parties involved.

Step 3: Taking Action - Fleeing from Temptation

• The necessity of fleeing from toxic relationships or habits is discussed. The speaker shares a personal experience about leaving a career due to its negative influences on their recovery journey.

• An example from Joseph's story illustrates the importance of making difficult choices for one's well-being and spiritual health.

Step 4: Returning Home

• Although not fully elaborated upon in this section, returning home symbolizes coming back to one’s roots or faith after facing struggles. This step likely involves reconnecting with God and community for support.

The Prodigal Son: A Journey of Return

The Importance of Returning to God

• The narrative of the Prodigal Son illustrates how, when we stray from God and follow our sinful desires, we can feel distant from home. However, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms.

• The son returns to his father, acknowledging his mistakes: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you." This recognition is crucial for repentance and returning home.

• Upon the son's return, the father celebrates with a feast, symbolizing joy in heaven when a lost soul repents and comes back to life through Christ.

Seeking Help and Finding Hope

• Individuals are encouraged to reflect on unresolved issues or habits that hinder their lives. They should seek help not only from God but also from wise individuals around them who can support their journey.

• Recap of four essential steps: recognize your situation, seek help, flee from sin, and return home. These steps are vital for personal transformation.

Community Support and Prevention

• The speaker emphasizes the church's role in providing hope and support for those struggling with addiction. Open discussions about these topics can foster an environment where individuals feel safe to share without judgment.

• Many people living on the streets suffer due to substance abuse; approximately 80% are affected by addiction-related issues. There’s a call for community involvement in helping these individuals regain their lives.

Taking Action Towards Freedom

• Emphasis on being proactive as a church community—preventing addiction through daily interactions that affirm individuals' worth and potential dreams.

• Encouragement for attendees to think about their own struggles or someone they know who needs freedom. Prayer is suggested as a means of seeking liberation from bondage.

Commitment to Change

• Attendees are invited to make a commitment with God towards change today—a day marked by action rather than mere intention. Verbalizing struggles is highlighted as an important step toward healing.

• Personal testimony shared about seeking help after years of struggle; highlights the importance of community support in overcoming challenges and finding hope in God's promises.

Prayer for Freedom and Hope

The Importance of Hope

• The speaker expresses initial fears about not marrying, not having a family, and failing to achieve personal goals. However, they found hope through someone who listened and supported them.

God's Promise of Freedom

• Emphasizes that where the Spirit of God is present, there is freedom. This includes breaking generational chains or personal struggles that seem insurmountable.

Seeking Help in Recovery

• Acknowledges the necessity of external help from professionals when dealing with addictions. It all begins with making a decision to seek change.

Prayer for Liberation

• The speaker prays for physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological freedom for individuals facing various challenges, including addiction. They encourage courage in seeking help.

Embracing Second Chances

• Highlights God's nature as one who offers second chances regardless of past mistakes. The message conveys that God welcomes everyone back with love and without judgment.

Transformation Through Inner Change

• Stresses that true transformation comes from within the heart through repentance and surrendering burdens at the altar.

Commitment to Support Others

• Calls for committed individuals to support those in need of hope and freedom within the community. Expresses gratitude for having hope amidst struggles.

Acknowledgment of Divine Presence

• Concludes by recognizing God as essential to life and light amid darkness, reinforcing reliance on divine strength for overcoming life's challenges.