Q162_101626 Rom. 9;16 God Is Saving Me, Not Me

Q162_101626 Rom. 9;16 God Is Saving Me, Not Me

What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? For Colin Cook, it’s centred on a very specific conviction: "God is saving me, not me." This episode of *How it Happens with Colin Cook* blends Bible teaching from Romans 9 with a heartfelt update about the long-running radio programme coming to an end after 29 years.

You’ll hear Colin talk about addiction in broad terms – alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, and even obsessive worry – and how he sees all of them as expressions of the "bondage of our human nature." His answer isn’t self-help or sheer willpower, but the mercy and compassion of God shown through Christ.

Drawing on Paul’s writing, he explains that God’s "election" isn’t about choosing some for heaven and others for hell, but about picking people and groups as "vessels of mercy" so they can show that mercy to everyone else. Colin stresses that, as go Israel, so goes the world: the way God forgives Israel is the way God forgives the world.

Referencing Ezekiel and Romans, he argues that God’s purpose is to save, not reject, and that harsh theology which paints God as cruel has "seriously impugned the character of God." For anyone stuck in shame or fear about their addiction, his message is that God’s grace "is beyond anything this world can offer" and that salvation doesn’t depend on strong will or perfect discipline.

Alongside the teaching, Colin shares his gratitude for a loyal radio audience and the Christian station team who’ve journeyed with him for decades.

Though the radio broadcast is ending, he notes that his voice and gospel message will continue on other media and in his book *God’s Unbreakable Oath*, focused on how God "will redeem all the world." If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by addiction or failure, could this perspective – that God is saving you, not you – offer a different kind of hope?