3. Promote your Celebrate Recovery Chapter with a Full Color Vinyl Banner! I agree with much of what you say about the spiritual aspects of AA. Thanks for your post. To admit to be powerless over alcohol, does not address that it is a sin of drunkenness and a lust of the flesh, and needs to be repented of, as the Scriptures state, but rather that a combination of an allergy and mental obsession to bring a humility to sobriety. Turning our will over to Higher Power. The Birthright: Salvation and the Role of the Firstborn, Christmas Unwrapped: Why I No Longer Celebrate Christmas, The Deception of the New Age Awakening through DNA, Why I No longer Vaccinate: A Veterans Story. So, I hope that in sharing the truth with people within AA, you are not identifying with this. I lived at AA and Alanon meetings for years and was helped tremendously and then almost completely stopped. It is so deceptive and the transforming supernatural power of the Holy Spirit is not acknowledged but rather working on the 12 steps and how the steps helps us get out of our hurts, habits, and hang ups. Many alcoholic/addicts are not ready for solid food 1Cor3:2, Heb5:14. What is spiritual awakening? So, with my meetings with the woman I sponsored, I started out with repentance and I went through the 10 commandments, what sin is, and what it means to turn from sin. While your experiences, are your experiences, they should never override that of sound doctrine. I also believe in the deliverence of it. My faith was empowered, as I knew it was my time to speak His Words. 3. Many of these events are documented in the books of the history of AA, as well as Wilsons official A.A. biography. John was a great leader, and he will be greatly missed, but the impact of his faithful obedience will go on for generations, Ackerman wrote in tribute. Even if you do not believe God or His Word, consider this from the view of simple logic: how can a behavioral choice be a disease? Moving forward to my last few months at CR, Yah had revealed to me the full truth surrounding AA, as well as the foundation that Celebrate Recovery was built upon. Many seem to believe that as long as something appears good, and that someone is helped that it must be of God, when this is simply not true; while He can draw His own creation to Him, in whatever circumstance they are in, this does not mean that it is His perfect will for them to continue on in what they are doing or involved in. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to author and APearlinthevineyard.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Whatever my point of willingness to believe and have faith to walk in and with him is where he meets me. Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? I brought up that step three goes against the first two of the 10 commandments, and that there shall be no other gods before Him. 2) We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. When he hit his bottom, he began attending daily AA meetings, working through the steps, and finding hope in a God who loved him unconditionally. He instead, as is mentioned in the Big Book(pgs 12-13), made his own god, professed this god to be the Father of Lights and was led by this god-consciousness from within, and insisted that all he had to do was believe in a power higher than himself, and nothing else was required. Quoting from my blog: Many seem to believe that as long as something appears good, and that someone is helped that it must be of God, when this is simply not true; while He can draw His own creation to Him, in whatever circumstance they are in, this does not mean that it is His perfect will for them to continue on in what they are doing or involved in. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. See ya, Baker said. Much love to you Kellie and your endeavors . I am praying for God to show me what he wants me to do. (BSB), John 10:1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. This was a situation that I had never planned myself but was led through the Holy Spirit to go through and then lead others into the truths pertaining to these programs. Romantic relationships can be a great source of happiness in sobriety, but they can also be the source of great pain. And it really goes back to occultism, to Eastern mysticism, and so on.In a 12-Steps program, would it be AA, or some derivation of it within the church, you have not psychotherapists running these programs, but you have basically those who are in recovery.Now, as you said, I went through Celebrate Recovery, which is Rick Warren's program that . Celebrate Recovery is for adults 18 years and older. Download Celebrate Recovery and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Jesus said He came to bring a sword, not peace (Mat 10:34), this means that truth will divide, and the outcome may not be peaceful because of offense. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. This is why it is so important to know who we are listening to when it comes to worship music, and where that music is originating from. He wrote out a vision for what would become Celebrate Recoverys own version of the 12 steps, each one paired with a teaching from Scripture, and shared it with Rick Warren back in 1991. 4. Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Celebrate Recovery. There is a saying I have heard often, which goes something like this, Because Celebrate Recovery is based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and practiced in thousands of Christian churches without ever being questioned or held up to the light of scripture it is one of the most damaging forms of apostasy in the modern Christian church. We all have issues that may be interfering with our fellowship . You bring up several great points, ones that I became very familiar with while attending the program. 3 ; Recognize that Im not God. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.. I can assure you, that it is not the Holy Spirit. Celebrate Recovery founder John Baker, who turned his testimony recovering from alcoholism into a biblical 12-step program used by more than 7 million people, died unexpectedly on Tuesday at age 72. AA is a religion. The messiness of addiction is too much for many churches to handle. All things including our evil ways will work to the glory of God somehow, and that is something I do and must believe in my journey. They literally drain us and leave us feeling fatigued, unmotivated and even depressed. Romans 7:18. 1 Cor 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? About a year later, I was led to sponsor a woman, who was coming out of drug addiction. (Pgs 5-6), Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.Joy of living is the theme of the Twelfth Step. A. I needed to see this. This is what I encourage people to do with the writing of this blog, and not leading people blindly into a program that has led many to accept a false gospel. Wow. However, what is the true motive of this program, what is its foundation, and is it suitable for those who profess to be walking with Messiah? It was not until a few years ago that I really started to know the truth about AA, as well as other recovery groups with a foundation in AA, that even profess to be Christian alternatives. I know what you are implying with sin sickness as it has to do with things I already addressed in my blog and is a strong lie taught within AA/CR. a sermon that goes along with our Celebrate recovery ministry, covering the different steps. Official page of Celebrate Recovery. A person could choose Buddha, Allah, Shati, Satan, as well as AA itself. Many of C.R.'s teachings are constructed from eisegesis rather than exegesis - misusing Scripture with an erroneous hermeneutic. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! 314-607-8165. Some people understand what weve been through and some do not. Both alcohol and drugs impair judgment and control of the body. 1 Peter 1:13Therefore prepare your minds for action. There is simply no way to put into words how I love John and will miss this kind, creative, brilliant and faithful man., Evangelical leader Johnnie Moore, whose family previously belonged to Saddleback Church when living in California, remembered Bakers commitment to saving the lives of the people whom God loves., He became a doctor of hope for those whose lives were caught in vicious cycles of guilt, shame, and failure. 7Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD(YHWH) your God. While also providing a witness and a rebuke to the women leaders or the womens group, as it was preaching different gospel, and a different Jesus/Yeshua.. I appreciate you sharing your insight and the leading of the Lord that you have followed without wavering. Christian Fellowship has an active missions program. The Scriptures and the true gospel of salvation are very different then an all inclusive faith, of which all ways are acceptable. Luke 12:47And that servant, which knew his lords will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. I understand how you could have mixed feelings about this, and I appreciate you sharing. Are extremely loyal, remaining in harmful situations too long. Whether you choose a Christian rehab center that uses the Celebrate Recovery program or follow a different approach, you can find the help you need to live a sober life. Mark 14:38 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. A spiritual awakening or new state of consciousness are specific terms that are used within the New Age or occult. Is Celebrate Recovery a biblical program? I am so glad to hear of the insights that you have received from the Holy Spirit pertaining to this program. I have gone and still go to CR meetings. You may want to celebrate any, or all, of the following milestones in recovery: (Don't celebrate too much here because you are VERY much at risk still for relapse in the early days of recovery. 23No one who denies the Son can have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 3525 /nph (be sober, unintoxicated) refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled). Whether the battle is with addiction, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, consequences of bad choices, or any specific mental health issues, Celebrate Recovery saves lives. (Acts 17:30) At such time we can no longer claim ignorance and will be held accountable to such. This is why people become deceived and un-willing to accept that possibility. For those who would like more resources here are some links: http://www.anti-antichrist.com/soap/lanagan.html, http://www.psychoheresy-aware.org/aaroots.html, https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/ (Search for AA). It is for anyone who has a "hurt, hang-up, or habit" within the community at large or our own church body - not restricted to only people struggling with an addiction. However, what is the true motive of this program, what is it's foundation, and is it suitable for those who profess to be walking with Messiah? Perhaps, in learning these truths, God might want you to share this with others; and yes, while you are correct, it might, and probably will offend. Every meeting, except my last, I was always led to open my Word and read directly from it. We will be held accountable for the truth that we were given, and at the expense of our flesh, rejected. Analyzing Celebrate Recovery (C.R.) If you have a drinking problem in 2014, or a drug problem, or a gambling problem, your medically, socially, culturally, and politically mandated solution is a set of 12 . I know several people who were addicts and now can occasionally partake in rare occasions because they no longer want the life they had before . Like you mentioned, allowing God to guide you away from false teachings. It is based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory. The ministry is "group based." All groups are gender specific and use the Small Group . We will all stand before the judgement seat of the Lord, and give an account of our lives. It is no different than saying once a thief, always a thief, or once an adulterer always an adulterer. Misuse of willpower. Problems of intellectuality and self-sufficiency. Also on the part of forgiveness, we ar encouraged to also forgive God. Have been having more and more doubts about it as time has gone on. Instead, they have turned to unconventional and esoteric sources in the hopes of finding what they seek in the ambiance of the mystical, magical and metaphysical.1 Given these tendencies, the Jesus of orthodox Christianity may seem inadequate. Blind yourselves and be blind! Also, by their fruits you shall know people. They meet at Family Life Church on Monday nights at . Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. I did not continue on with AA, and I am thankful for that. Celebrate Recovery is a substance abuse recovery program based primarily on biblical teachings and the words and loving power of Jesus Christ. This very much includes programs like AA/CR which do not have a grounding in the Bible at all. Through much prayer, and acquiring the Fathers will, the Spirit instructed me when I needed to go back, to finish what He had begun in me. For myself, I had adopted those parts which seemed convenient and not too difficult; the rest I disregarded. (Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, pg.11). It's important to realize relapse is more of a process as opposed to a mere lapse in judgment. When I was in CR (Celebrate Recovery) which I talk on within most of my post and testimony, is that God used me to bring His Light and truth to the darkness that both AA/CR have as a foundation. Philippians 2:13. You made some really good points. Thank you for sharing, and I am glad that you have had your eyes opened to the deceptiveness of this program. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. This is a process of maturity and growth in the Lord. Love that has no price tag. Would you disagree that we should take God/YHWH at His Word if we profess to walk in His truth? Even the very symbol that is used on the AA book is very occultic, as seen from the pictures provided. John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . Pregnancy clinics are a crucial force in the pro-life movement, and the center of the argument before the justices today. First Unitarian Universalist Church & Center. His moral teaching-most excellent. I sat to the left of the CR group leader, which would mean that I would be the first to speak. Celebrate Recoverys 12-steps, are AAs 12-steps, but with a biblical comparison to each one. Daly City Celebrate Recovery. Or perhaps a sort of alternative that is more Christ centered such as Celebrate Recovery? If God can work through the mouth of a mule he can work through anyone he chooses. I was not her sponsor for too much longer after that, as Father had other plans for me, and later led me to go to a program called Celebrate Recovery. Thanks for sharing brother. 10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.(KJV). They didnt attend any program, they just hit their rock bottom which is only decided by the individual suffering addiction. Recognizing these dangers will help you avoid a possible problem in the future. Next, I moved on to being baptized, which both my husband and I were able to actually do for her. It is a tactic of the enemy within the thoughts of men to say well, how can this be bad, if I have seen good in it. Because even darkness can appear as something good, that is why Eve took a bite of the forbidden fruit. Sam, thank you for commenting. This is why we are warned throughout the NT writings to not be deceived. Elena, yes, thank you. Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? The magnificent reality. Spirit Word Church (8.9 mi) 4849 South Lindbergh, St. Louis, Missouri 63126 United States. Im going through something similar at my job. A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. Pastor John was never content just to save souls. This is what brings us to our Lord. So if I forgive God, then that makes Him limited and also makes mistakes? It is like taking a pile of poop, and placing the Bible on top. His whole purpose of me going there was to gain insight into these areas, help those who He placed across my path, and then expose and confront the lies of it. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. I know it would offend the people in the program if I were to discount or question it or say my discomfort. Willingness is the key. Call us today at 800-256-3490 to begin your journey. I confronted her on the involvement of Rick Warren, AAs non biblical stance and that basically she and others are leading people astray and that they should be presenting the gospel of sin, repentance and being set free from bondage. I choose to stand on the word regardless who believes or not. Rom 6:23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord(BSB), Mark 16:15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature(KJV), 1 Cor 6:20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods(KJV). Giving that asks no reward. 1. Some Celebrate Recovery groups offer childcare, Celebration Place for kids and The Landing for youth. Here are ten common situations that are very dangerous to a person in recovery. Anything that impairs your mind, will also affect your spiritual wellbeing, and can lead into sinful choices. By working and applying these Biblical principles, we begin to grow spiritually. Right relation to God. That is what is so amazing about God. I am going to go through these areas, and will be sharing what I have learned, what I have personally gone through, and what the Lord, or YHWH, has shown me, through the guidance of His Spirit. Whatever works to get them there or even the ones affected. He wanted a specifically Christian addiction recovery group, so with the support of Rick Warren, Celebrate Recovery began as a ministry of Saddleback Church under Bakers leadership in 1990. The truth is that my life was saved. A person can not only be intoxicated physically, but also spiritually: Isa 29:9Pause and wonder! In other ways I know both programs have brought people into their recovery process and even drawn them to Jesus. (Mat 16:19-20). I also, have experienced Gods grace and mercy through the Holy Spirit through some churches I have encountered that was amazing. Other than that they all denied Him, and His Word, and praised the 12-step program, based upon AA. 1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if it is Gods will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Bakers ministry began in 1991 at Saddleback Church in California and has spread to 35,000 churches nationwide over the decades. Creation of C.R. Likewise, the acceptance of false doctrine will also impair correct judgment and can lead to spiritual decay/death. I did not understand that this was a New Age practice, which was to focus on specific auras coming from different points of my body. He delivered me completely of alcohol, and a great many of other things. 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines. I understand that people, even those like myself, have been helped through these programs, however, the ultimate purpose of these programs are to lead people to dependency on the program itself, which is why in the 12th step of the AA program it teaches to: 12) Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Joy of living is the theme of the Twelfth Step. No person has the same journey and everyone has something to recover from. Continued on with my story above, I started to attend Celebrate Recovery(CR), as prompted by the Spirit, even with the knowledge that it was a program that was directly tied to Rick Warren and Saddleback church: John Baker was an alcoholic and staff member of Saddleback Church who began healing through Alcoholics Anonymous. Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor. Its not my place to tell others what to do. 1 bid. And theres many avenues to recover. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was told to throw them away. I am glad that you found this blog edifying. Leviticus 19:31Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD(YHWH) your God. A perpetual drunkard, is being in perpetual sin, and those who do so, do not inherit the Kingdom. We have also been to Indonesia twice . In my mens small group I couldnt talk about my struggle, and at AA, I couldnt talk about my Savior, since the program speaks in more secular terms about a Higher Power, he told CT in 2016. Galatians 6:1. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. How should a Christian view addiction? I cannot guarantee that it wont be awkward, and you might even lose those you thought were your friends. It can come as a shock to many individuals to discover that the good times can also be a test as well. It was still a deep tissue massage, which helped me to relax, and relive my sore muscles, however, I was engaging in a practice that is contrary to biblical practices. 27). This is the very definition of deception, to appear one way, but with the intention to do another. Celebrate Recovery roots the 12 steps in biblical principles, and its final step charges participants to use their recovery to spread the good news. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It is strongly advised that they remain focused on themselves until their sobriety is strong. Just as those in Acts burned their magic arts, so should the Alateen/Alanon and AA books be destroyed. God is good, all the time. He shares in his testimony that he grew up a believer in a Baptist church but struggled with feelings of unworthiness. If you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, please call: 911 - Emergency or 988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 1-800-273-8255 HELP IS AVAILABLE. Subscribe to CT 20:2). 3525. nph I sat down with my bible on my lap, that I could not open, but with Scripture memorized, and words that I knew to speak. Once they are settled in their new . Some Celebrate Recovery groups offer childcare: "Celebration Place" for kids and "The Landing" for youth. Negative and positive thinking. Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. When I was in rehab, a young girl left AMA and a few people and counselors had no hope for her because she wanted to immerse herself in God and leave what didnt work for her. Then they can turn their lives over to this god as they understand him. AA was birthed out of what was known as the Oxford Group in the 1930s. The program seems to tip-toe around sin and evil instead of calling it out as such. The Scriptures make it quite clear that these practices are contrary to the way of the Lord(YHWH). What does the Bible say about drunkards? What followed was the fairly usual experienceit was a strange mlange of Aristotle, St. Francis, diverse archangels with odd names, deceased friendssome in purgatory and others doing nicely, thank you! I went on to expose AA and the 12-steps. (Pg 5), Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him.Step Three is like opening of a locked door. Over the years, many celebrities have chosen to use their voices and their platforms to speak openly . Contact: Bob & Pam Bay. The Participant Guides are designed to create movement through the steps as each person is on a healing journey that creates new understanding and hope through the work of the Holy Spirit, and not . We believe that this program targets the one thing that we all have in commonwe're all messed up in one way or another. People who have experienced this deep form of sin sickness God has used and helped people through these programs. The one woman though, who had praised Jesus, wanted me to stay and chat with her for a little while. As such, the potential for a relapse to occur is very high. Most people cannot stay sober or clean or free from any perversion for more than six months on average, only to "go back out". During the worship time, I sat in the back reading my Word. Lost faith found in A.A. With maturity comes discernment, and with discernment comes an understanding that just because something may have been beneficial, or helpful, does not mean that it is sanctioned by God. It wasnt until I became a facilitator that I began questioning the program. Every week we state that we make decisions based on the truth. They have been talking up the step study lately and there is pressure to join. From my experience and understanding, the reason why many people have a difficult time coming away from these programs/doctrines is because there is a spiritual bond(stronghold) that has taken place and it must be broken. You said, Why do we need 12 steps when the only step our Saviour has told us to do is repent and turn away from sin/evil. One of my last few meetings, the Spirit had come upon me so strong during my 5 minutes(we were only ever allowed to speak for 5 minutes) of talking that I exposed and rebuked the lie of Alcoholism being a disease, confronting it as the sin of drunkenness, that the saying once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic is a lie from the pit of hell, and that the the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ can set us free from all bondage, and that His Word says that we no longer need to be identified with our sin, once it has been repented and been crucified with Christ. Since 2005 we have been to India five times to conduct pastors' conferences and to visit the orphanage we support in Machilipatnam. How can I start a Celebrate Recovery Starting a Celebrate Recovery is an exciting step for your church! This program is being run at my home church and I love the church (Biblical teaching) and dont want it to feel awkward. The loss of a sense of brotherhood and the loss of being part of something important and bigger than myself can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, emptiness, boredom, anger, or loneliness. When we have the fear of the Lord, we fear less of how others might react, and more on doing what is right before Him. At Saddleback, it became the top outreach ministry, with 70 percent of participants coming from outside the church. The program seems to tip-toe around sin and evil instead of calling it out as such. "This is a great place to hold an event. I know, for me, it wasn't hard to recite the 12 steps in solidarity at a . There was initially some resistance, as I have witnessed with so many others, as this becomes a crucial point for many, as they take that step in obedience. Being a light, means exposing the darkness, not partaking in it, otherwise that light itself would become dark: Luke 11:33No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. From that point forward, I was actually prohibited from bringing or reading my Bible in the group. 12 Steps and 8 Beatitudes; 2. Meeting Time: Tuesday 7:00 PM. How you define any program that has a veneer of righteousness connected to it, should be tested to the Word of God. Jesus must be rescued from a pedestrian and parochial orthodoxy that demands he monopolize the deity.. Title: Celebrate Recovery 1 CelebrateRecovery! To discern good fruit you have to know if the doctrine, character, or practice, aligns with the word of God, and this should be your measuring line. We admitted we were powerless over alcoholthat our lives had become unmanageable.Who cares to admit complete defeat? According to Step 3, it is like opening a door, however is going in another way other than Yeshua (Joh 10:7), as a person submits to a higher power. The program began in Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and is now used in churches around the world. Then, the seemingly virtuous entities would elbow them out with messages of comfort, information, adviceand sometimes just sheer nonsense.. Forest Brook Community Church. Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? Within AA, the introduction is similar in the person identifies as their addiction, My Name is, and I am a drug addict/alcoholic. After the meeting was over, all the women left, did not say anything to me, just turned their backs and left.