While I want everyone to come to know Jesus Christ our Lord, it is ultimately their decision. We will be held accountable for the truth that we were given, and at the expense of our flesh, rejected. Thank you for sharing. Whatever my point of willingness to believe and have faith to walk in and with him is where he meets me. I also believe in the deliverence of it. AA was birthed out of what was known as the Oxford Group in the 1930s. 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). 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. The ministry has also expanded to serve the incarcerated, as the program became adopted by state prison systems in New Mexico, California, and beyond. 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. Some people understand what weve been through and some do not. Why must every A.A. hit bottom? 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. How should a Christian view alcoholics? 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. Elena, yes, thank you. There did not come a time when there was an exception for drunkenness. John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Celebrate Recoverys 12-steps, are AAs 12-steps, but with a biblical comparison to each one. People who have experienced this deep form of sin sickness God has used and helped people through these programs. Celebrating each milestone is encouraged, as long as you can find safe celebration activities! 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. During the worship time, I sat in the back reading my Word. It was designed as a program to help those struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups . They literally drain us and leave us feeling fatigued, unmotivated and even depressed. The magnificent reality. However, that is part of what it means to count the cost (Luke 14:28) of following Christ. We are all broken and in need of a Saviour; my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,. The Dangers of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and Celebrate Recovery. Eventually Baker considered himself a functioning alcoholic, turning his back on God and separating from his wife. 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. While your experiences, are your experiences, they should never override that of sound doctrine. God loves and sent His Son to die for us all. (1) The Bible declares that drunkenness is a sin but those in Recovery believe it to be a disease. 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. 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. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. 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. Too many churches judge them for who and what they are instead of trying to help them. Both were heavily involved in the occult, and many of the practices that were endorsed in Oxford Group, continued on with the establishment of AA. 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. 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. How should a Christian view addiction? About a year later, I was led to sponsor a woman, who was coming out of drug addiction. Much love to you Kellie and your endeavors . And Love indeed had a pricethe price that Yeshua paid with His own life. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. This is why we are warned throughout the NT writings to not be deceived. Search: Dangers Of Celebrate Recovery. 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. The most common reason why people relapse after a period of sobriety is that they become stuck in recovery. I have gone and still go to CR meetings. There were many practices/beliefs that I was led to not partake in. Celebrate Recovery has been a great program for me as well as thousands of others that need the love and support of others. It is mixing the Holy, and the profane. 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. 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). 8,093 talking about this. I dont go to CR meetings like I used to but at times I still go. A person could choose Buddha, Allah, Shati, Satan, as well as AA itself. Download Celebrate Recovery and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. I would like to also share a few things if you will so allow me.. Celebrate Recovery gives the support and love that so many churches fail at. For more info click on church name after choosing a province or territory. These were also women who professed His Name, one even ironically being from Saddleback. Galatians 6:1. 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. 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. Both men, who developed the 12-step program were directed by a spirit(demon) guide in their revelation. Negative and positive thinking. 27). We have all been lied to or deceived on some level or another, however once we know the truth, we are held accountable and can no longer hide under the mercy of the Father while we were in ignorance. 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 continue on with AA, and I am thankful for that. Compromise your own values and integrity to avoid . 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. This is the very definition of deception, to appear one way, but with the intention to do another. Pastor John was never content just to save souls. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Celebrate Recovery is a substance abuse recovery program based primarily on biblical teachings and the words and loving power of Jesus Christ. Life after the Military does not always make sense. I can assure you, that it is not the Holy Spirit. 7Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD(YHWH) your God. 4. (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. It will just be painful, like ripping into old wounds that Jesus has already healed. 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. And theres many avenues to recover. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. Celebrate Recovery is a ministry committed to seeing lives changed and healed through Christ. So, in that dim lit room, and with 10 women around the table, some of which, for the last 12 months I had cried and prayed for, my 5 minutes began. I do believe reaching others, Addicts, Alcoholics and whom so ever will through the church is the area of your calling. Celebrate Recovery roots the 12 steps in biblical principles, and its final step charges participants to use their recovery to spread the good news. See ya, Baker said. We are here for you online 24/7! 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. I was never once told that it was a sin. For myself, I had adopted those parts which seemed convenient and not too difficult; the rest I disregarded. (Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, pg.11). R 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. 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. 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. It is like taking a pile of poop, and placing the Bible on top. Since 2005 we have been to India five times to conduct pastors' conferences and to visit the orphanage we support in Machilipatnam. 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 . Turning our will over to Higher Power. Subscribe to CT A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. Many alcoholic/addicts are not ready for solid food 1Cor3:2, Heb5:14. First Unitarian Universalist Church & Center. 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. Celebrate Recovery has moved to Community of Hope Church on Thursdays at 6:15PM. 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. 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. The magnificent reality. 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. I believe sin is a sicknesses. So before I continue on with my story, I would like to go through some areas of AA. 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? People were healed and delivered from blindness, leprosy, epilepsy, demon-possession, sexual lusts and perversions, etc. | We have Graphic Designers to assist you | service@banners.com 1.866.419.SIGN. The ministry is "group based." All groups are gender specific and use the Small Group . Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor.. That is what is so amazing about God. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Every week we state that we make decisions based on the truth. 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. Then, the seemingly virtuous entities would elbow them out with messages of comfort, information, adviceand sometimes just sheer nonsense.. Philippians 2:13. Mental obsession plus physical allergy. St Boniface Church-Franciscans. Celebrate Recovery operates as an extension of Fellowship Bible Church, a unique congregation focused on healing. I choose to stand on the word regardless who believes or not. We admitted we were powerless over alcoholthat our lives had become unmanageable.Who cares to admit complete defeat? I have found that times when I am feeling too comfortable, that I am not growing or stepping out where I should be. Call us today at 800-256-3490 to begin your journey. Go and see for yourself. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. 3525 nph properly, to be sober (not drunk), not intoxicated; (figuratively) free from illusion, i.e. I am praying for God to show me what he wants me to do. Staff was great, attentive to our needs and" more. I needed to see this. They are drunk, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with intoxicating drink. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. It is a welcoming community and provided a perfect place for our retreat. (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. You don't have to face alcohol addiction alone, so give us a call today to get started at 888-448-0302. 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. How you define any program that has a veneer of righteousness connected to it, should be tested to the Word of God. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." We've been talking the last seven weeks about coming out of the dark, exposing our problems to the light of God's love, and . 2) We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 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. This is what He did for me, and through such, I am obliged to warn others. Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. Anything that impairs your mind, will also affect your spiritual wellbeing, and can lead into sinful choices. (RNS) John Baker, co-founder of Celebrate Recovery, an evangelical support group that helps people with "hurts, hangups and habits," has died. I sat to the left of the CR group leader, which would mean that I would be the first to speak. At Landmark Recovery, we are happy to help you find a support system that meshes with your belief system. There was only one woman after me, that was the program group leader for the night, that sat to my right, that proclaimed the Name Jesus, and what He had done for her. I then took out my bible and began to read until both I and my time was finished. My KJV Bible is all I need in this life plus my brothers and sisters in Christ. 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. If there is darkness in the AA program leading people astray, what better place to set up a lamp stand? Relation of humility to sobriety. 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. C. C.R. Contrary to what people think, this program is not only for people with alcohol and drug addictions. 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. My faith was empowered, as I knew it was my time to speak His Words. Celebrate Recovery IS: A safe place to share; A place of refuge; A place of belonging; A place to care for others and be cared for; A place where respect is given to each member; A place where confidentiality is highly regarded; A place to learn; A place to demonstrate genuine love; A place to grow and become strong again; A place for progress 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. 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. When someone is in AA, it is no different than someone being in Hinduism. 1 Cor 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? 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. 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? Ive experienced His amazing grace and mercy through both programs. It can come as a shock to many individuals to discover that the good times can also be a test as well. It is based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory. 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. Throughout scripture, Yeshua/Jesus tells us to not be deceived, and in order to obey that command, we have to be willing to test the practices, programs and doctrines we have accepted into our lives. Baker immediately saw the need to connect the gospel with the recovery program he had gone through. Bauxite mining would threaten birds, plants, and clean water. Yet, this is an occultic practice, which is a form of witchcraft. At Saddleback, it became the top outreach ministry, with 70 percent of participants coming from outside the church. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Celebrate Recovery is simply AA but with a disguise of a false light, a false gospel and a false Jesus. This is a dangerous form of denial. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. This is why people become deceived and un-willing to accept that possibility. Both alcohol and drugs impair judgment and control of the body. 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. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. Some Celebrate Recovery groups offer childcare, Celebration Place for kids and The Landing for youth. From that point forward, I was actually prohibited from bringing or reading my Bible in the group. Life's problems can be stumbling blocks or stepping stones. 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. In other ways I know both programs have brought people into their recovery process and even drawn them to Jesus. Romans 7:18. Colossians 2:8 states: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the . You bring up several great points, ones that I became very familiar with while attending the program. 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. 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. 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). God is good, all the time. (As well as: 1 Thes 5:6, 8, 2 Tim 4:5, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7). So, I kid you not, this woman looks at me, dead in the eye and says no, I think that Kellie should go first, I think she has something important to say. Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous. Blessings! It is no different than saying once a thief, always a thief, or once an adulterer always an adulterer. Celebrate Recovery Bible by Zondervan Staff (2007, Hardcover) (4) $9.99. 20 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. Admission of powerlessness is the first step in liberation. The Celebrate Recovery Step Studies use the 12 Steps with their biblical comparisons and the eight principles that are based on the Beatitudes. 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. 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. Hello Patrick, thanks for reading and commenting. Variety of ways to faith. This is why I stress within my blog that this is leading people to accept a different gospel. BE SOBER-MINDED. 3. 12 Steps and 8 Beatitudes; 2. John Baker continues to be the primary author of The Celebrate Recovery curriculum and materials (quoted from Wikipedia). Both founders, Bill Wilson, and Bob Smith were heavily involved in practicing necromancy, performing seances, using the Ouija board, seeking spirits, and allowing a practice in the occult called automatic writing. Romantic relationships can be a great source of happiness in sobriety, but they can also be the source of great pain. Self-righteousness. It is strongly advised that they remain focused on themselves until their sobriety is strong. 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. Are extremely loyal, remaining in harmful situations too long. I also, have experienced Gods grace and mercy through the Holy Spirit through some churches I have encountered that was amazing. Do not take the writer of this piece or even my word. It also anti-christ as it denies Yeshua/Jesus as the Only Way(1 Joh 2:22-23, Joh 14:6). I prayed about matters, and asked Him what His will was for me to do, and how to instruct this woman. 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. We must be a willing vessel to share the truth with others, even at the cost of suffering, for if we dont, then we are not picking up our cross. Alcoholism is not a disease. 20:2). Celebrate Recovery is credited with helping destigmatize addiction among evangelicals and opening the church up as a safer place for recovery. 3525. nph 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. Praise God for that revelation to you. 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. First Baptist Church of Arnold (10.7 mi) 2012 Missouri State Road, Arnold, Missouri 63010 United States. It becomes an addiction because the flesh craves it. Modesty of the HeartWhere is your Treasure? The Scriptures and the true gospel of salvation are very different then an all inclusive faith, of which all ways are acceptable. 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. 2 Cor 11:13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son. Once they are settled in their new . Strongs Concordance Our staff is up-to-date and knowledgeable, and we are standing by to help you on your road to recovery. 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). So, it is important to keep ourselves pure from false doctrines and teachers. He told me exactly what would happen, and how it would play out. 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.
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