Just as I am whereever I am. Until a chance encounter with my moms old Bible opened my eyes. Yet, this is an occultic practice, which is a form of witchcraft. The Bible tells us to hate sin and evil, to cut it out of our life. 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. If you are a Christian in recovery and currently attending a twelve step program whether it be Alcoholics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, Hunger for Healing or any of the other assortment of spin off programs, please take the time to consider the following information. Relation of humility to sobriety. 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. Over the years, many celebrities have chosen to use their voices and their platforms to speak openly . It is strongly advised that they remain focused on themselves until their sobriety is strong. Isnt God sovereign? PDF An Analysis of Celebrate Recovery - cornerstonejh.com His moral teaching-most excellent. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was told to throw them away. 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. Some Celebrate Recovery groups offer childcare: "Celebration Place" for kids and "The Landing" for youth. To become truly sober, or sober-minded, is not just abstaining from toxic substances from the physical body, but also toxic doctrines from the mind/heart. No person has the same journey and everyone has something to recover from. Official page of Celebrate Recovery. 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. 23No one who denies the Son can have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. We all have issues that may be interfering with our fellowship . The ministry, started at Saddleback Church in the 1990s, announced the news of his death Tuesday (Feb. 23) on social media. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. 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. 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. Celebrate Recovery | Brookwood Church - Simpsonville SC There is a good, acceptable and perfect will of God. I see it as a ripe mission field to share my testimony and experience; to share the Word of God and what Jesus Christ has done for me. However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . Program helps heal 'hurts, hang-ups and habits' - USA TODAY Baker went on to study at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary and serve at Saddleback as volunteer, staff member, pastor, and elder as Celebrate Recovery grew across denominations and ministry networks. Dangers Celebrate Recovery Of [KNPJ4I] - agenti.mi.it Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Roughly in 2014, I was going through some books in our bookshelf, and my eyes came upon the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous), and an Alateen book that I had for quite a long time. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Ministries of CR - Celebrate Recovery Self-righteousness. Wow. The Celebrate Recovery Bible has been designed to work with the resources developed and tested in the national and international ministry of Celebrate Recovery. 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. Celebrate Recovery | Fellowship NWA Then, the seemingly virtuous entities would elbow them out with messages of comfort, information, adviceand sometimes just sheer nonsense.. Spirit Word Church (8.9 mi) 4849 South Lindbergh, St. Louis, Missouri 63126 United States. The lead woman was not there, and Yah instructed me where I needed to sit. Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor. 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! So much in Christianity today is not based on Christ's teachings as much as it's based upon the ideas and theories of mankind. Creation of C.R. (Acts 17:30) At such time we can no longer claim ignorance and will be held accountable to such. The Surprising Failures of 12 Steps - The Atlantic Then they can turn their lives over to this god as they understand him. WHY I REJECTED THE "RECOVERY" SYSTEM - ExDrunkard.com 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). I told her, I know, but it has nothing to do with with you telling me, but rather it was already the Fathers will for me not to come back after this. Anxiety causes us to waste precious energy dealing with past hurts hiding stuff and fear of being found inept kept me from present Hiding kept me Change can only happen in the present . Once those who were fully crucified with Christ, and their passions and desires of the flesh, they too were set free from drunkenness. 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. Importance of an open mind. While growing up, I was familiar with the term AA and Alanon, as my grandfather was an alcoholic, as well as other family members. 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 . Two members of that group William(Bill) Wilson, and Dr. Bob Smith came together in 1935 to officially start what is known as AA. for the living to the dead?(KJV). Exposing Recovery - THE WAY MINISTRY CHURCH Is Relapse Part of Recovery? | Gateway Foundation I appreciate you sharing your insight and the leading of the Lord that you have followed without wavering. 4. Recovery and Recovery Support | SAMHSA Celebrate Recovery - 12 Step Recovery Program - Grace Clarksville This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. Even the very symbol that is used on the AA book is very occultic, as seen from the pictures provided. Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. In fact, there are many programs and practices that may appear to be beneficial to the mind and body, yet when we test those practices against the word of God, they are proven to be false. I sat to the left of the CR group leader, which would mean that I would be the first to speak. Not only that, but these biblical comparisons are verses that are taken completely out of context, and have absolutely nothing to do with what they are trying to fit, it is like trying to fit a square peg into a round holeAnd just as like above, there is no mention of the these addictions being sin, but rather what is called: hangups, habits, and character defects; and of course no mention of repentance either. I couldnt wrap my mind around the Beatitudes being misrepresented in the steps of CR. Problems of intellectuality and self-sufficiency. He delivered me completely of alcohol, and a great many of other things. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.. This is what brings us to our Lord. True sobriety is not only having control over the body, but also the mind. Today, when individuals with mental and/or substance use disorders seek help, they are met with the knowledge and belief that anyone can recover and/or manage their conditions successfully. 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. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. The phrase do not throw out the baby with the bathwater, with regards to programs and practices like AA/CR, is overriding several biblical commands to come away from such. So, if you are sharing the truth about Gods Word, and how it contradicts the doctrine and spiritual application within AA, then great, but I am not sure how they would allow that to continue if the leaders of AA became known you were speaking out against the program. Recovery is a term that primarily denotes a process of physical healing. Alcoholism is not a disease. We become free from our addictive, compulsive, and dysfunctional behaviors. Top 10 Best Celebrate Recovery in San Francisco, CA - Yelp We admitted we were powerless over alcoholthat our lives had become unmanageable.Who cares to admit complete defeat? Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered ministry of discipleship and healing designed to help adults and families overcome different struggles in life as they grow together in a relationship with God. (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. Do not take the writer of this piece or even my word. About a year later, I was led to sponsor a woman, who was coming out of drug addiction. I know, for me, it wasn't hard to recite the 12 steps in solidarity at a . The only way for that to happen is through repentance of these programs/doctrines. Substitution of A.A. as Higher Power. Action its keyword. This very much includes programs like AA/CR which do not have a grounding in the Bible at all. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Michelle, thank you for your thoughts and I am glad that you took time to read this. 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. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. So, now what about the 12 steps? This is a good read and that is what God has laid in my heart over the years of my addiction and recovery. Celebrate Recovery Victory Worship Center 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 . Giving that asks no reward. Once the flesh is crucified it will no longer desire it. 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 . And theres many avenues to recover. It becomes an addiction because the flesh craves it. This is evident as you compare each step with the scriptures. To find a group near you go to group finder on our web page:. The Saddleback Church pastor developed the popular Christ-centered 12-step program for hurts, habits, and hang-ups., Image: Courtesy of Saddleback Church / Edits by Christianity Today. Step 12, not only speaks of New Age enlightenment, but blasphemes the true free gift, that of salvation, as well as the responsibility for a believer to share and take the gospel message to all, not the AA message. It is mixing the Holy, and the profane. St Boniface Church-Franciscans. It reminds me of a favorite passage of mine: Hebrews 11:25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. "A Way Which Seemeth Right" | thebereancall.org Celebrate Recovery on the App Store $5.16 shipping. Just as those in Acts burned their magic arts, so should the Alateen/Alanon and AA books be destroyed. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! III. (KJV), Isaiah 8:19And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? Many alcoholic/addicts are not ready for solid food 1Cor3:2, Heb5:14. Go and see for yourself. We believe in spreading the gospel throughout the whole world. 3. So, with my final mission in view, with bible in hand, I walked into Celebrate Recovery for the last time. Celebrate Recovery at Family Life Church is a Christ Centered program that uses valuable principles to help free us from the effects of our hurts, habits, and hang ups. The Danger of Teaching Information Without Application - Pastors.com 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). 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. Philippians 2:13. 12) Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and practice these principles in all our affairs. John Baker continues to be the primary author of The Celebrate Recovery curriculum and materials (quoted from Wikipedia). Many coming into AA are ready for a change in life spiritually; its a great harvest ground. I understand how you could have mixed feelings about this, and I appreciate you sharing. A.A. does not demand belief; Twelve Steps are only suggestions. Any spiritual experience that is not vetted through the written word, and the Spirit of Truth, could lead a person down a path of destruction. I hope you consider and pray on the things I have brought up, and really examine this program to see if it truly aligns with the word of God. Defiance is an out standing characteristic of alcoholics. BE SOBER-MINDED. 8,093 talking about this. 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. He shares in his testimony that he grew up a believer in a Baptist church but struggled with feelings of unworthiness. So before I continue on with my story, I would like to go through some areas of AA. Many of C.R.'s teachings are constructed from eisegesis rather than exegesis - misusing Scripture with an erroneous hermeneutic. Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? I then took out my bible and began to read until both I and my time was finished. (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. However, that is part of what it means to count the cost (Luke 14:28) of following Christ. Is Celebrate Recovery a biblical program? - The Addiction Connection (RNS) John Baker, co-founder of Celebrate Recovery, an evangelical support group that helps people with "hurts, hangups and habits," has died. (KJV), Deuteronomy 18:10There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 1 Founded 25 years ago by pastor Rick Warren and the Saddleback Church in California, it started with just 43 people but now has groups in 29,000 churches all over the globe with more than 3.5 million . Do not perceive yourself as lovable and worthwhile. 6 Mar 2015. 314-267-4456. Celebrate Recovery West Palm - Good News Christian News Is Celebrate Recovery a biblically sound program? 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." Manny blessings, and I will be praying for you! Dishonesty in recovery is dangerous because: It is a common relapse trigger. How you define any program that has a veneer of righteousness connected to it, should be tested to the Word of God. I know it would offend the people in the program if I were to discount or question it or say my discomfort. 34The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Call us today at 800-256-3490 to begin your journey. 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.