A.A. does not demand belief; Twelve Steps are only suggestions. Believing you are finally cured of your addiction. The desire of alcohol is a lust of the flesh. (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. 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. 314-607-8165. (Heb 10:26) God has grace and mercy for us when we are being led in ignorance, yet we are held to a higher standard when the truth of a matter is presented to us. I also believe in the deliverence of it. In some ways I understand and even believe what you say. Love that has no price tag. 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. Satan manifests as an angel of light, and his workers as ministers of righteousness(2 Cor 11:14). So, now what about the 12 steps? 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. Once a person has repented, turning from sin, they are no longer defined by that sin, but rather are set free, and become a new creation: 1 Cor 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? 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. Celebrate Recovery (CR) meets at 6 p.m. Saturdays at Good Shepherd Church, 2341 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, featuring dinner, a big meeting and small open share groups. The atmosphere had changed, and I could sense the Spirit strong with me, and guided my every step. Its not my place to tell others what to do. People who have experienced this deep form of sin sickness God has used and helped people through these programs. 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. It may use terms like god, creator, higher power, however, the god and creator that they speak is not that of Jesus/Yeshua. Both alcohol and drugs impair judgment and control of the body. The ouija board got moving in earnest. Before I go further, I want to share something on this topic. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. Theyre always there to help somebody if theyre struggling. 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? With the introduction of The Landing-God's vision for Celebrate Recovery is now complete!" -John Baker "The Landing provides a safe place for students to share about their hurts, hang-ups, and habits and learn to apply the Principles of Celebrate Recovery to help them break the cycle of dysfunction in their families." - Johnny Baker If I were to base my experience and how it made me feel as the only factors of judgement on such practice, I would consider it to be good. 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. I was at that time still in Active Duty military, and completing rehab was essential for me to continue to have a career at that time. Strongs Concordance What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? The Dangers of Dishonesty in Recovery. 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. I was also told that alcoholism is a disease, and that once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. While a lapse can be a single event such as a poor decision of going . While there are many godly and well-meaning people involved at the local Celebrate Recovery, the message has been twisted. 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. Baker, Celebrate Recovery Leader's Guide, 12). You bring up several great points, ones that I became very familiar with while attending the program. 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. And Love indeed had a pricethe price that Yeshua paid with His own life. Yeshua is still in the healing and deliverance ministry. This is why we are warned throughout the NT writings to not be deceived. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Too many churches judge them for who and what they are instead of trying to help them. Initially when I went through rehab, now over 13 years ago, I went briefly through AA(Alcoholics Anonymous) as it was a requirement of the rehabilitation program I was part of. It is based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory. They preached about their higher power being God or Jesus but seemed to have no faith that He could deliver her or anyone Without AA. I did not fully know why at that time, but I just did as the Spirit told me to do. The actual definition given to Sober-minded means to abstain from wine. Then, the seemingly virtuous entities would elbow them out with messages of comfort, information, adviceand sometimes just sheer nonsense.. I did not continue on with AA, and I am thankful for that. AA is a religion. I previously completed step studies and attended CR as a participant. Hi Kellie, "This is a great place to hold an event. This program is being run at my home church and I love the church (Biblical teaching) and dont want it to feel awkward. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. Hello Patrick, thanks for reading and commenting. The most common reason why people relapse after a period of sobriety is that they become stuck in recovery. 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. 4. Happy are those who know they are spiritutally poor. The one woman though, who had praised Jesus, wanted me to stay and chat with her for a little while. 12 Steps and 8 Beatitudes; 2. I believe that God has put me there for some reason so Im waiting on Him right now. The program seems to tip-toe around sin and evil instead of calling it out as such. Contact: Bob & Pam Bay. 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 prayed about matters, and asked Him what His will was for me to do, and how to instruct this woman. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Wilson was also not shy in expressing how he felt about Jesus/Yeshua Christ. Judge everything you think, say, or do harshly, as never "good enough." Are a perfectionist. Much love to you Kellie and your endeavors . 1 Cor 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? 3. B. With 40% to 60% of those with a substance use disorder who receive treatment relapsing within the first year, some people even refer to relapse as a natural part of recovery. So, I hope that in sharing the truth with people within AA, you are not identifying with this. 70 percent of the people that attend are not church members because they feel that the churches have let them down. I am a new creation in Christ and have left a lot behind, but this program keeps digging it back up and putting it in my face. I too may have mixed feelings about this post. Daly City Celebrate Recovery. Creation of C.R. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. About a year later, I was led to sponsor a woman, who was coming out of drug addiction. Then they can turn their lives over to this god as they understand him. We are all broken and in need of a Saviour; my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,. I can assure you, that it is not the Holy Spirit. Just as I am whereever I am. This is what I did, as led by the Holy Spirit. 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. To find a group near you go to group finder on our web page:. 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 . 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. Baker immediately saw the need to connect the gospel with the recovery program he had gone through. I agree with what you are saying, in that we can lead those who are seeking, out of the dangers of AA. A person could choose Buddha, Allah, Shati, Satan, as well as AA itself. Are these 12 steps in alignment with the Scriptures? Once the flesh is crucified it will no longer desire it. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing, and my life is unmanageable. There is a saying I have heard often, which goes something like this, 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. I take comfort in the thought that as John enters the presence of his Lord, he will hear the words, Great, Johnyou did it!. This is also used in such other passages like: 1 Peter 5:8Be sober-minded and alert. Yet, this is an occultic practice, which is a form of witchcraft. The program began in Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and is now used in churches around the world. Celebrate Recovery is credited with helping destigmatize addiction among evangelicals and opening the church up as a safer place for recovery. (Pgs 8-9). (KJV), Leviticus 20:6And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. Thanks for your post. The ministry has also expanded to serve the incarcerated, as the program became adopted by state prison systems in New Mexico, California, and beyond. They'll say, "I don't know anybody that doesn't need recovery" where I often chimed in, "I don't know anyone who doesn't need Jesus." However, I have a slightly different view. Celebrate Recovery is a proven 25+ year old Christ-based 12-step program based on the Beatitudes. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Now in over 35,000 churches. Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. I have gone and still go to CR meetings. Plight of the disillusioned. Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Celebrate Recovery. Relation of humility to sobriety. Life's problems can be stumbling blocks or stepping stones. 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. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. And Sobriety in any sense is not just for the addict but also for the many afflicted by the addict, such as the one that died in an accident. You often find this within eastern religions and practices such as yoga and achieving a higher self or Christ-consciousness. They literally drain us and leave us feeling fatigued, unmotivated and even depressed. 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. This is an excerpt from one of my blogs The Deception of the New Age Awakening through DNA, The New Age movement is not a conspiracy but an eclectic configuration of spiritual seekers who have despaired of finding personal and cosmic satisfaction in either religious orthodoxies or secular materialism. 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. They know that it worked for them, and thats the greatest story they have.. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. 314-267-4456. Thank you for sharing. Gods Word is clear about trying to mix pagan worship or other religions with His. Celebrate Recoverys 12-steps, are AAs 12-steps, but with a biblical comparison to each one. For more info click on church name after choosing a province or territory. A perpetual drunkard, is being in perpetual sin, and those who do so, do not inherit the Kingdom. When Jesus stated, By their fruit you will know them, (Mat 7:16) He was speaking about wolves who appear to be good through what they do, and what they teach, yet are false. Lets help and love others walking in the calling he has for each of us individually not judging others and glorifying God, my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ in the process. The Scriptures and the true gospel of salvation are very different then an all inclusive faith, of which all ways are acceptable. I needed to see this. This very much includes programs like AA/CR which do not have a grounding in the Bible at all. Have been having more and more doubts about it as time has gone on. Wilson, or Bob for that matter, never professed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, never mentioned repentance, or that the only Way to the Father is through the Son. 1 Peter 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. It will just be painful, like ripping into old wounds that Jesus has already healed. As they had all turned their backs on Yeshua/Jesus and His Word, they then had no problem turning their back on me. 3 ; Recognize that Im not God. Your email address will not be published. My faith was empowered, as I knew it was my time to speak His Words. Prison Fellowship president James J. Ackerman collaborated with Baker to add Celebrate Recovery Inside to its curricula. Within AA, the introduction is similar in the person identifies as their addiction, My Name is, and I am a drug addict/alcoholic. Some people understand what weve been through and some do not. Meeting Time: Tuesday 7:00 PM. Is Celebrate Recovery a biblically sound program? Turning our will over to Higher Power. The Danger of Teaching Information Without Application By Rick Warren I believe the number one problem with preaching in America is its lack of application. So if I forgive God, then that makes Him limited and also makes mistakes? What does the Bible say about addiction. I was informed that the lead woman of the group would not be there(the same one who had pulled me aside), and that I would be speaking first when the group began. 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.