Celebrate Recovery meetings rarely focus on the fact that continuing to drink can result in death. Anything that impairs your mind, will also affect your spiritual wellbeing, and can lead into sinful choices. Too many pastors use an academic model in which they simply lecture their congregations. He has taught the Bible and preached in places as varied as Russia, Northern Ireland, Bhutan, and Egypt. Bakers ministry began in 1991 at Saddleback Church in California and has spread to 35,000 churches nationwide over the decades. 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. Who am I? This is why we are warned throughout the NT writings to not be deceived. The Bible tells us to hate sin and evil, to cut it out of our life. 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? 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. Meeting Time: Tuesday 7:00 PM. 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. Sustained and personal exertion necessary to conform to Gods will. So, it is important to keep ourselves pure from false doctrines and teachers. You made some really good points. I will also provide links at the very end, that I found helpful while doing my own research, that may help you as well. 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. 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. If God can work through the mouth of a mule he can work through anyone he chooses. I lived at AA and Alanon meetings for years and was helped tremendously and then almost completely stopped. Celebrate Recovery is for adults 18 years and older. God loves and sent His Son to die for us all. This program is being run at my home church and I love the church (Biblical teaching) and dont want it to feel awkward. Celebrate Recovery. This is a good read and that is what God has laid in my heart over the years of my addiction and recovery. They meet at Family Life Church on Monday nights at . Daly City Celebrate Recovery. It is based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory. Two members of that group William(Bill) Wilson, and Dr. Bob Smith came together in 1935 to officially start what is known as AA. (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. Substitution of A.A. as Higher Power. 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. What does the Bible say about addiction. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! 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. 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. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. It was then that woman after woman, that spoke after me, praised only the program. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 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. We will be held accountable for the truth that we were given, and at the expense of our flesh, rejected. 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. Required fields are marked *. Then they can turn their lives over to this god as they understand him. 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. Roadblocks of indifference and prejudice. I needed to see this. Strongs Concordance 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 . 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. 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. Pastor John was never content just to save souls. So, I was immediately led to Acts 2:38, and the Spirit had me to start at repentance. III. Celebrate Recovery Bible by Zondervan Staff (2007, Hardcover) (4) $9.99. Satan manifests as an angel of light, and his workers as ministers of righteousness(2 Cor 11:14). 20 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. apearlinthevineyard.com, 2018. 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 Celebrate Recovery is just another type ofSyncretism, as mixes Gods ways with heathen ways. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. Whatever my point of willingness to believe and have faith to walk in and with him is where he meets me. They have been talking up the step study lately and there is pressure to join. Forest Brook Community Church. 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. In some ways I understand and even believe what you say. Most people cannot stay sober or clean or free from any perversion for more than six months on average, only to "go back out". When someone is in AA, it is no different than someone being in Hinduism. So far this year we have raised over $20,000.00 for missions. 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). When I was very young in my faith and had little discernment into things and practices I was doing, I had gone to get a different kind of massage called a chakra massage. Action its keyword. 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. Download Celebrate Recovery and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. I dont go to CR meetings like I used to but at times I still go. However, unlike negative energy that simply attaches itself and hovers over us like a dark cloud, energetic parasites feed on our energy. I couldnt wrap my mind around the Beatitudes being misrepresented in the steps of CR. For more info click on church name after choosing a province or territory. They literally drain us and leave us feeling fatigued, unmotivated and even depressed. It is for people with hurts, habits and hangups they simply cannot overcome in their own strength. However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . Your daily news briefing from the editors of CT. Free Speech and Abortion Collide: Supreme Court Hears One of Its Biggest Cases of 2018, I Was the Proverbial, Drug-Fueled Rock and Roller, Christian Conservationists Sue to Protect Ghana Forest. However, the cost of sharing the truth with others, is rejection. 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. The actual definition given to Sober-minded means to abstain from wine. 22 Seriously Inspiring Quotes About Sobriety From Celebs Like Demi Lovato & Bradley Cooper. It is strongly advised that they remain focused on themselves until their sobriety is strong. 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. 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. What an amazing God. The program seems to tip-toe around sin and evil instead of calling it out as such. We believe in spreading the gospel throughout the whole world. The Celebrate Recovery Step Studies use the 12 Steps with their biblical comparisons and the eight principles that are based on the Beatitudes. Some people understand what weve been through and some do not. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Then, the seemingly virtuous entities would elbow them out with messages of comfort, information, adviceand sometimes just sheer nonsense.. Would you disagree that we should take God/YHWH at His Word if we profess to walk in His truth? Call us today at 800-256-3490 to begin your journey. 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. 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. Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Baker is survived by his wife and Celebrate Recovery cofounder, Cheryl; children Johnny and Jeni Baker and Laura and Brian Gibney; and their grandchildren. Those who profess to be a believer in Jesus/Yeshua should repent of any and all involvement, and get rid of any material associated, to include: books, chips, manuals, etc. I believe sin is a sicknesses. (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. People who have experienced this deep form of sin sickness God has used and helped people through these programs. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12-step program designed for all "hurts, hangups, and habits," including those caused by emotional, mental, and spiritual dysfunction.As one of the seven largest addiction recovery support programs, Celebrate Recovery is designed to be a confidential place where attendees can work through their "stuff" in a safe and God-honoring place. I was rejected by all those whom I shared the truth within CR that day, and I understood that would happen, because of what the Father had sent me to do. I will say too, that these programs do sometimes act as a religion and Ive seen that for myself, but just as when I go to church or study my Bible, I have to let God guide me away from the false preachings and allow Him to give the message that is meant for me. Many coming into AA are ready for a change in life spiritually; its a great harvest ground. a sermon that goes along with our Celebrate recovery ministry, covering the different steps. This is why I had thrown away the Blue Book, as well as an Alateen book I had aquired when I was younger. How should a Christian view addiction? Relation of humility to sobriety. Yet, this is an occultic practice, which is a form of witchcraft. This is why I stress within my blog that this is leading people to accept a different gospel. 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 He came to set the captives free! There is a good, acceptable and perfect will of God. 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. 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 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. Too many churches judge them for who and what they are instead of trying to help them. If you chose to eat ten candy bars every day and to never brush your teeth, they would start rotting out. I had provided her some more truth concerning Rick Warren, but ultimately she did not understand what my purpose was there, and told me that I could not come back to Celebrate Recovery. 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.. The Dangers of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and Celebrate Recovery. Hi Kellie, 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. 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! 3525. nph 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. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. This very much includes programs like AA/CR which do not have a grounding in the Bible at all. BE SOBER-MINDED. I understand how you could have mixed feelings about this, and I appreciate you sharing. Contemplative prayer, and other eastern meditation practices were, and are still very much part of AA. Its not my place to tell others what to do. 4. What does the Bible say about drunkards? This was actually the point of my blog post. Love that has no price tag. This is evident as you compare each step with the scriptures. Start your new life now! Willingness is the key. Worrying about the past and dreading the future makes us unable to live and enjoy God's plans for us in the present. Also on the part of forgiveness, we ar encouraged to also forgive God. I prayed about matters, and asked Him what His will was for me to do, and how to instruct this woman. Thanks for sharing brother. This is the very definition of deception, to appear one way, but with the intention to do another. Many of these events are documented in the books of the history of AA, as well as Wilsons official A.A. biography. Life's problems can be stumbling blocks or stepping stones. for the living to the dead?(KJV). 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. 15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. Many alcoholic/addicts are not ready for solid food 1Cor3:2, Heb5:14. Sam, thank you for commenting. Do not perceive yourself as lovable and worthwhile. If you are not familiar with Rick Warren and his apostasy, please check out the below 6 minute video from Good Fight Ministries, that exposes one aspect concerning Rick Warren : 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. This program is not something that you complete and then all of sudden, Hey, Im better. Baker immediately saw the need to connect the gospel with the recovery program he had gone through. The Celebrate Recovery Bible on Kindle, iBooks and Nook are also approved curriculum. At Landmark Recovery, we are happy to help you find a support system that meshes with your belief system. Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? (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? Once they are settled in their new . Pregnancy clinics are a crucial force in the pro-life movement, and the center of the argument before the justices today. This tried and proven recovery system uses the traditional methods of issue groups, sponsors, accountability partners, and community to build recovery for those struggling with addictive habits, codependency, childhood hurts, and other life experiences that affect our peace. Every meeting, except my last, I was always led to open my Word and read directly from it. Celebrate Recoverys 12-steps, are AAs 12-steps, but with a biblical comparison to each one. So, with my final mission in view, with bible in hand, I walked into Celebrate Recovery for the last time. uses the 12 Steps and its 8 Principles (supposedly based upon the Beatitudes - acronym spells "recovery") 1. 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. Thank you for sharing, and I am glad that you have had your eyes opened to the deceptiveness of this program. 36If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light. 8,093 talking about this. 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. Theyre always there to help somebody if theyre struggling. All rights reserved. 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? 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). What is spiritual awakening? Over the years, many celebrities have chosen to use their voices and their platforms to speak openly . 3. Some Celebrate Recovery groups offer childcare, Celebration Place for kids and The Landing for youth. What? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.. 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. We become free from our addictive, compulsive, and dysfunctional behaviors. I did not fully know why at that time, but I just did as the Spirit told me to do. 12 Steps and 8 Beatitudes; 2. As you can probably imaginethings did not go well for me after that. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Gal 5:19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. 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). I can assure you, that it is not the Holy Spirit. However, we are commanded within the Scriptures to Hold fast to sound doctrine(2 Tim 1:13) and Test all things, holding on to what is good(1 Thes 5:21). One of the worst things that an individual can do in early recovery is jump headfirst into romance. He shares in his testimony that he grew up a believer in a Baptist church but struggled with feelings of unworthiness. 1 Peter 1:13Therefore prepare your minds for action. Official page of Celebrate Recovery. Since 2005 we have been to India five times to conduct pastors' conferences and to visit the orphanage we support in Machilipatnam. 20:2). What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 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 we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. 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. 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. 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. (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. Admission of powerlessness is the first step in liberation. 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. Promote your Celebrate Recovery Chapter with a Full Color Vinyl Banner! While growing up, I was familiar with the term AA and Alanon, as my grandfather was an alcoholic, as well as other family members. A Believer cannot be equally yoked with unbelievers. All those in A.A. are "recovering" alcoholics, who, according to A.A., never completely recover. B. Go and see for yourself. I agree with what you are saying, in that we can lead those who are seeking, out of the dangers of AA. First Unitarian Universalist Church & Center. It is like taking a pile of poop, and placing the Bible on top. Celebrate Recovery is credited with helping destigmatize addiction among evangelicals and opening the church up as a safer place for recovery. It is based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory. About Of Dangers Recovery Celebrate During the worship time, I sat in the back reading my Word. We believe that this program targets the one thing that we all have in commonwe're all messed up in one way or another. 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. He partied in college at the University of Missouri and as an officer in the air force, and his drinking habit grew as his career in business took off in his 30s. 7Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD(YHWH) your God. They know that it worked for them, and thats the greatest story they have.. It is a bafflement that many professing believers would condone and endorse such a program knowing the full thoughts, intentions, and beliefs of AA and its origins. Im going through something similar at my job. Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? nph: to be sober, to abstain from wine. Embarrassed to receive recognition and praise, or gifts. 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. Self-righteousness. Once we have knowledge of the truth, then we are held accountable to that truth. Thanks for your post. 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. 2 Cor 11:13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. However, as she began the meeting, she had decided for the other group leader to go first who was sitting to my left. 1 bid. 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. I began slowly and shared about the woman Yah first had me sponsor, and I recited Acts 2:38, and I went through the 10 Commandments, and what sin is, and what repentance is. We all have issues that may be interfering with our fellowship . 4. 6 Mar 2015. 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. 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. AA was birthed out of what was known as the Oxford Group in the 1930s. 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. Thank you for your obedience. Meditate on this Scripture passage, and allow the Holy Spirit to bolden your faith and courage in Him to speak the truth: Joshua 1:9Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Philippians 2:13. This is what I did, as led by the Holy Spirit. 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. (Pg 5), Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.What can we believe in? I also know many who have never even tempted themselves ever again. The messiness of addiction is too much for many churches to handle. 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. I cannot guarantee that it wont be awkward, and you might even lose those you thought were your friends. Celebrate Recovery is a substance abuse recovery program based primarily on biblical teachings and the words and loving power of Jesus Christ. And I believe that somewhere in their journey and even the ones affected from their addiction that they hit a rock bottom. While there are many godly and well-meaning people involved at the local Celebrate Recovery, the message has been twisted. As above, I will be going through steps 1-3, and 12, and directly quoted from CR website: 1 ) We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
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