Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.. Once we have knowledge of the truth, then we are held accountable to that truth. 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 . While a lapse can be a single event such as a poor decision of going . CR is for anyone with a hurt, habit or a hang up. This program is being run at my home church and I love the church (Biblical teaching) and dont want it to feel awkward. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. First Unitarian Universalist Church & Center. 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. I was immediately confronted after the meeting, and then again when I arrived the following week, as I was pulled aside by the lead woman of the group. I have found that times when I am feeling too comfortable, that I am not growing or stepping out where I should be. True sobriety is not only having control over the body, but also the mind. 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. And I believe that somewhere in their journey and even the ones affected from their addiction that they hit a rock bottom. 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. uses the 12 Steps and its 8 Principles (supposedly based upon the Beatitudes - acronym spells "recovery") 1. I decided to leave after that, and not attend the meeting, and I didnt come back for a couple weeks. 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. 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? 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. This is what I did, as led by the Holy Spirit. I did not fully know why at that time, but I just did as the Spirit told me to do. Contrary to what people think, this program is not only for people with alcohol and drug addictions. Bauxite mining would threaten birds, plants, and clean water. 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. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. I have yet to meet an alcoholic who can not relate to Proverbs 23:29-35 no matter what they believe in; its a great introduction for a drunk to the Word of God. Once those who were fully crucified with Christ, and their passions and desires of the flesh, they too were set free from drunkenness. 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. Both alcohol and drugs impair judgment and control of the body. 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). 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. However, I have a slightly different view. 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. Sam, thank you for commenting. I sat to the left of the CR group leader, which would mean that I would be the first to speak. 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. For myself, I had adopted those parts which seemed convenient and not too difficult; the rest I disregarded. (Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, pg.11). I prayed about matters, and asked Him what His will was for me to do, and how to instruct this woman. To find a group near you go to group finder on our web page:. Self-righteousness. A Believer cannot be equally yoked with unbelievers. Believing you are finally cured of your addiction. It is mixing the Holy, and the profane. Ive seen Gods fruit in AA and CR as anything Good comes from 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. There were many practices/beliefs that I was led to not partake in. I am praying for God to show me what he wants me to do. Once I was done with 6-7 weeks of rehab, I went back to my base in Italy, and continued on with a program through the military. The atmosphere had changed, and I could sense the Spirit strong with me, and guided my every step. A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. 48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. Our staff is up-to-date and knowledgeable, and we are standing by to help you on your road to recovery. During the times of Yeshua and the disciples, there was no need of recovery groups or reliance on a 12 step program, when they had the Word of God, and His Spirit. 3. A sister meeting called The Landing is available for students in grades 7 and up. You made some really good points. Thank you for sharing. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was told to throw them away. While I understand that you may feel comfortable at your current church, perhaps the Lord is encouraging you to take a step forward in faith and maturity and be out of your comfort zone. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if it is Gods will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 7Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD(YHWH) your God. 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 . 70 percent of the people that attend are not church members because they feel that the churches have let them down. Over the years, many celebrities have chosen to use their voices and their platforms to speak openly . Start your new life now! Having said that, this review (completed largely with the help of Matthew Mumma) will demonstrate that CR contains two major problems: (1) Though claiming to be biblically based, its teachings are often constructed from a misuse of Scripture and an erroneous hermeneutic. Baker is survived by his wife and Celebrate Recovery cofounder, Cheryl; children Johnny and Jeni Baker and Laura and Brian Gibney; and their grandchildren. 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. Dependence as a means to independence. It is a welcoming community and provided a perfect place for our retreat. People were healed and delivered from blindness, leprosy, epilepsy, demon-possession, sexual lusts and perversions, etc. If you chose to eat ten candy bars every day and to never brush your teeth, they would start rotting out. 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. It becomes an addiction because the flesh craves it. So, it is important to keep ourselves pure from false doctrines and teachers. 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. (Pgs 8-9). I also believe in the deliverence of it. It means that the individual is returning to old ineffective coping strategies for dealing with life. (KJV), When we choose the difficult path, which often leads to affliction, we are choosing to partake in the sufferings of Christ, and this is part of what it means to pick up our cross daily. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? It is like taking a pile of poop, and placing the Bible on top. He shares in his testimony that he grew up a believer in a Baptist church but struggled with feelings of unworthiness. My KJV Bible is all I need in this life plus my brothers and sisters in Christ. It also anti-christ as it denies Yeshua/Jesus as the Only Way(1 Joh 2:22-23, Joh 14:6). However, the cost of sharing the truth with others, is rejection. First Baptist Church of Arnold (10.7 mi) 2012 Missouri State Road, Arnold, Missouri 63010 United States. I then took out my bible and began to read until both I and my time was finished. For example, as I mentioned in my post, I would not partake in the worship: I attended CR for a year, and during that time I was instructed by the Spirit to not partake in the worship, as the music and worship came from Saddleback. John touched more people with the healing power and grace of Jesus Christ than anyone else that I have ever known personally and one of those lives was mine, wrote Celebrate Recoverys national director and national training coach Mac and Mary Owen. My faith was empowered, as I knew it was my time to speak His Words. Philippians 2:13. 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. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. Action its keyword. I encourage you to speak up and speak what the Holy Spirit has laid on your heart. Structured as an ongoing 52-week program, The Landing aims to help hurting teenagers get closer to Jesus as they learn key principles based on the Beatitudes to live a . If so, then I challenge you to put your emotions aside from the program, and dig into the Word. 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. Admission of powerlessness is the first step in liberation. This is evident as you compare each step with the scriptures. The Celebrate Recovery Bible has been designed to work with the resources developed and tested in the national and international ministry of Celebrate Recovery. How should a Christian view alcoholics? (As well as: 1 Thes 5:6, 8, 2 Tim 4:5, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7). Hi Kellie, 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. It isnt just the impact he had on individual lives but on all of those who loved those who decided to walk into a Celebrate Recovery meeting.. 2 Cor 11:13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. This is a process of maturity and growth in the Lord. Category: Group Celebrate Recovery. So, now what about the 12 steps? 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. 1 Cor 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? I also know many who have never even tempted themselves ever again. Bakers ministry began in 1991 at Saddleback Church in California and has spread to 35,000 churches nationwide over the decades. 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. However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . Recovery is not a straight road or an easy fix. 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. I was a facilitator for CR at my church. Plight of the disillusioned. My grandfather passed before I was born, so while I did not know him, I was told he was an alcoholic and was involved in AA. People who have experienced this deep form of sin sickness God has used and helped people through these programs. In such ways we want them to get sober in any way that works for them so not to affect others. John Baker continues to be the primary author of The Celebrate Recovery curriculum and materials (quoted from Wikipedia). Contemplative prayer, and other eastern meditation practices were, and are still very much part of AA. This immediately goes against the first 2 of the 10 commandments, as it promotes the worship of any or all other gods, and idolatry(Ex 20:3-6). This is all quite contrary to the Word of God, and is what is called anti-Christ. That is what is so amazing about God. This is why we are warned throughout the NT writings to not be deceived. 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. Celebrate Recovery Bible by Zondervan Staff (2007, Hardcover) (4) $9.99. 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. What does the Bible say about drunkards? I am glad that you found this blog edifying. 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. We believe in spreading the gospel throughout the whole world. Staff was great, attentive to our needs and" more. 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 . Love that has no price tag. I also would not introduce myself as a recovering alcoholic, but rather a recovered alcoholic, as to speak the former would be a lie against the work of the Holy Spirit in my life (1 Cor 6:9-11). Who am I? Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. 60 Kearney Dr Ajax, Ontario, L1T 4N2 So, I dont think we really have differing views on this, as you can be led into a church, program or group to share the truth of Gods Word, without necessarily being a partaker in it. 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). 3 ; Recognize that Im not God. To find out if these will be offered at your group, please call the contact number. apearlinthevineyard.com, 2018. They have been talking up the step study lately and there is pressure to join. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. Do not take the writer of this piece or even my word. Official page of Celebrate Recovery. Isnt God sovereign? From that point on, I cannot recall all that I spoke, however, I remember the power of the Holy Spirit was so strong, that not only did I literally believe that time was stopped for me to speak, but I could feel all the demons around me being held back and I was engulfed in this protective shell. Baker was raised in Collinsville, Illinois. (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. Whatever my point of willingness to believe and have faith to walk in and with him is where he meets me. 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. 4 Here are ten common situations that are very dangerous to a person in recovery. Yes, you are correct in that we should never simply believe anyones word at something, and I am not offended if you do not believe my testimony. 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. Ive experienced His amazing grace and mercy through both programs. He delivered me completely of alcohol, and a great many of other things. 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. This was all completely orchestrated by Yah, and He even told me that I was going to be her sponsor before she asked, however I not knowing the truth about AA, or the 12 steps, I was a little confused with the strong caution and hesitation with not only AA, but the 12 steps. The Scriptures make it quite clear that these practices are contrary to the way of the Lord(YHWH). (Mat 16:19-20). 8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. $5.16 shipping. Do not perceive yourself as lovable and worthwhile. 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? 3525 /nph (be sober, unintoxicated) refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled). It's your choice. I lived at AA and Alanon meetings for years and was helped tremendously and then almost completely stopped. Your email address will not be published. As they had all turned their backs on Yeshua/Jesus and His Word, they then had no problem turning their back on me. Celebrate Recovery is a substance abuse recovery program based primarily on biblical teachings and the words and loving power of Jesus Christ. Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, NOR DRUNKARDS, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 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. A person could choose Buddha, Allah, Shati, Satan, as well as AA itself. No Celebrities Except Jesus: How Asbury Protected the Revival, After Pushing for UMC Unity, Former Bishop Joins New Denomination, The Kings College Faces Threat of Closure, Southern Baptist Convention Disfellowships Saddleback Church, With Gossip of the Gospel, the Church Grows in Nepal. During the past 25 years, some 20,000 churches in the United States have reportedly used CR, with some 2.5 million people having completed the program. 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. 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. Daly City Celebrate Recovery. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. The ouija board got moving in earnest. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Roadblocks of indifference and prejudice. Every week we state that we make decisions based on the truth. 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 bring up several great points, ones that I became very familiar with while attending the program. Both men, who developed the 12-step program were directed by a spirit(demon) guide in their revelation. However, I knew what Yah had spoke to me, and He said that I shall be the first to speak. Strongs Concordance I agree with what you are saying, in that we can lead those who are seeking, out of the dangers of AA. Romantic relationships can be a great source of happiness in sobriety, but they can also be the source of great pain. Creation of C.R. There is a good, acceptable and perfect will of God. Email vriggins@graceclarksville.com. And theres many avenues to recover. (Acts 17:30) At such time we can no longer claim ignorance and will be held accountable to such. for less than $4.25/month. This is also used in such other passages like: 1 Peter 5:8Be sober-minded and alert. While there are many godly and well-meaning people involved at the local Celebrate Recovery, the message has been twisted. (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. This is a dangerous form of denial. The group leader has been through step studies multiple times and still struggles with her problems. BE SOBER-MINDED. During the worship time, I sat in the back reading my Word. What does the Bible say about addiction. 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. The only way for that to happen is through repentance of these programs/doctrines. Title: Celebrate Recovery 1 CelebrateRecovery! 2) We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This is what He did for me, and through such, I am obliged to warn others. The lead woman was not there, and Yah instructed me where I needed to sit. A. 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. a sermon that goes along with our Celebrate recovery ministry, covering the different steps. I dont agree with that. Have been having more and more doubts about it as time has gone on.

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