How you ever fought with a hidden struggle, afraid to open up to anyone, and not sure if you ever could? 
In this episode of the Stand Up Dude  podcast, hosts Tim Bisagno and Stewart White dive deep with guest Evan Tonks, who shares his powerful journey of overcoming a 15-year addiction to pornography. Evan opens up about the shame and struggles he faced, emphasizing the transformative power of understanding one's identity in Christ. They discuss the importance of grace, the misconceptions surrounding holiness, and the need for open conversations about personal battles within the church. With a blend of humor and heartfelt insights, they highlight that true freedom comes from recognizing one's value in God's eyes and embracing His unwavering love.



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Music:
Theme Music: Prodigal - by Arrows in Exile 
Used with full permission from the author, Michael Blakley


TIMESTAMPS:
Introduction to the Podcast (0:00)
Evan shares how Jesus values our lives through His sacrifice.

Meeting Evan (0:10)
Stewart and Tim introduce Evan, recounting how they met him at a restaurant.

Evan's Unique Approach (2:06)
Evan discusses his mission to share Jesus' love with strangers, emphasizing relationship over doctrine.

Value of Identity in Christ (6:01)
Evan explains the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ for true freedom.

Struggles with Addiction (8:54)
Evan opens up about his 15-year battle with pornography addiction and its impact.

The Power of Love and Freedom (14:21)
Evan shares how experiencing God's unconditional love helped him overcome shame and addiction.

Breaking the Cycle (15:00)
Discussion on how church culture often leads to behavior modification rather than true healing.

Understanding Sin and Identity (18:02)
Evan discusses the misconception of sin, emphasizing identity in Christ over a sin-focused mindset.

Freedom from Sin (19:47)
Evan shares that being born again offers freedom from sin's control and a new level of choice.

Transformation through the Gospel (20:33)
The conversation highlights that the gospel is about transformation, not just forgiveness or salvation.

God's Love and Intimacy (20:39)
Evan expresses the profound nature of God's love and the importance of intimacy with Him.

Addiction as Worship (22:19)
Stewart discusses how addictions often stem from deeper heart issues and a desire for something beyond.

Intimacy Over Freedom (24:47)
Evan stresses that true freedom comes from knowing God intimately rather than treating Him as a genie.

Motivation in Faith (25:32)
Evan encourages focusing on knowing God rather than pursuing faith for personal gain or goals.

Value in God's Eyes (30:25)
Evan explains that one's worth is not tied to failures but rather God's unwavering love and desire for us.