So, now what about the 12 steps? If God can work through the mouth of a mule he can work through anyone he chooses. Official page of Celebrate Recovery. 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 Celebrate Recovery, the levels of recovery are far worse. I understand how you could have mixed feelings about this, and I appreciate you sharing. 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. Dishonesty in recovery is dangerous because: It is a common relapse trigger. And I believe that somewhere in their journey and even the ones affected from their addiction that they hit a rock bottom. Would you disagree that we should take God/YHWH at His Word if we profess to walk in His truth? I also know many who have never even tempted themselves ever again. 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. Do not perceive yourself as lovable and worthwhile. A Believer cannot be equally yoked with unbelievers. The group leader has been through step studies multiple times and still struggles with her problems. 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. 3525. nph So, below I have steps 1-3, and 12, all of which were quoted directly from 12-Steps and 12-Traditions. However, the cost of sharing the truth with others, is rejection. This program is being run at my home church and I love the church (Biblical teaching) and dont want it to feel awkward. True sobriety is not only having control over the body, but also the mind. 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.. The lead woman was not there, and Yah instructed me where I needed to sit. While there are many godly and well-meaning people involved at the local Celebrate Recovery, the message has been twisted. I previously completed step studies and attended CR as a participant. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing, and my life is unmanageable. That is what is so amazing about God. Romans 7:18. This very much includes programs like AA/CR which do not have a grounding in the Bible at all. We all have issues that may be interfering with our fellowship . During the worship time, I sat in the back reading my Word. It is for people with hurts, habits and hangups they simply cannot overcome in their own strength. Celebrate Recovery is for adults 18 years and older. Analyzing Celebrate Recovery (C.R.) As the story goes, Warren replied, Great, Johngo do it! and the program soon launched at Saddleback. Once they are settled in their new . 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. Sustained and personal exertion necessary to conform to Gods will. I dont doubt that God is using those willing, to draw people away from this into the truth. 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. Once we have knowledge of the truth, then we are held accountable to that truth. Do not take the writer of this piece or even my word. 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). 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. There were many practices/beliefs that I was led to not partake in. I agree with what you are saying, in that we can lead those who are seeking, out of the dangers of AA. My faith was empowered, as I knew it was my time to speak His Words. 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. 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. We all need to be encouraged from time to time, and I am thankful that this has helped you to be able to make some difficult decisions. 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. 7Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for 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. The program began in Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and is now used in churches around the world. 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. Hi Kellie, CR is for anyone with a hurt, habit or a hang up. We will be held accountable for the truth that we were given, and at the expense of our flesh, rejected. Creation of C.R. 1 Peter 1:13Therefore prepare your minds for action. 4 All rights reserved. He wanted to also save lives, now. 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. 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. The program seems to tip-toe around sin and evil instead of calling it out as such. I say dont throw out the baby with the water. And Love indeed had a pricethe price that Yeshua paid with His own life. Sam, thank you for commenting. Your email address will not be published. However, I have a slightly different view. Required fields are marked *. This is also used in such other passages like: 1 Peter 5:8Be sober-minded and alert. Admission of powerlessness is the first step in liberation. I take comfort in the thought that as John enters the presence of his Lord, he will hear the words, Great, Johnyou did it!. It is strongly advised that they remain focused on themselves until their sobriety is strong. I appreciate you sharing your insight and the leading of the Lord that you have followed without wavering. Relation of humility to sobriety. 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. Download Celebrate Recovery and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The Celebrate Recovery Bible on Kindle, iBooks and Nook are also approved curriculum. 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. A spiritual awakening or new state of consciousness are specific terms that are used within the New Age or occult. At Southside Baptist Church, the purpose of our Celebrate Recovery program is to both fellowship and celebrate God's healing power in our lives through 12 Steps and 8 Recovery Principles. 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. First Unitarian Universalist Church & Center. 35Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. It can come as a shock to many individuals to discover that the good times can also be a test as well. I needed to see this. Celebrate Recovery has been a great program for me as well as thousands of others that need the love and support of others. Jun 12, 2015 - Explore Raquel Aguillon's board "Celebrate Recovery ", followed by 229 people on Pinterest. This is why people become deceived and un-willing to accept that possibility. Just as those in Acts burned their magic arts, so should the Alateen/Alanon and AA books be destroyed. 314-267-4456. Likewise, the acceptance of false doctrine will also impair correct judgment and can lead to spiritual decay/death. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. 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. It wasnt until I became a facilitator that I began questioning the program. We become free from our addictive, compulsive, and dysfunctional behaviors. John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. While growing up, I was familiar with the term AA and Alanon, as my grandfather was an alcoholic, as well as other family members. Why must every A.A. hit bottom? From that point forward, I was actually prohibited from bringing or reading my Bible in the group. 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. 10h 30m. Once those who were fully crucified with Christ, and their passions and desires of the flesh, they too were set free from drunkenness. SPEAK TO SOMEONE TODAY. However, that is part of what it means to count the cost (Luke 14:28) of following Christ. 27). Celebrate Recovery Bible by Zondervan Staff (2007, Hardcover) (4) $9.99. I read this and the Spirit of God prompted to reply. 2. 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. About a year later, I was led to sponsor a woman, who was coming out of drug addiction. 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. Is Celebrate Recovery a biblical program? 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. Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? (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? 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. He wrote out a vision for what would become Celebrate Recoverys own version of the 12 steps, each one paired with a teaching from Scripture, and shared it with Rick Warren back in 1991. 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. Now in over 35,000 churches. When Jesus stated, By their fruit you will know them, (Mat 7:16) He was speaking about wolves who appear to be good through what they do, and what they teach, yet are false. Michelle, thank you for your thoughts and I am glad that you took time to read this. 4. 48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. Thank you for sharing, and I am glad that you have had your eyes opened to the deceptiveness of this program. This is what brings us to our Lord. 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 Sign up for our newsletter: Bauxite mining would threaten birds, plants, and clean water. 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 . AA is a religion. The actual definition given to Sober-minded means to abstain from wine. Eventually Baker considered himself a functioning alcoholic, turning his back on God and separating from his wife. 1 Cor 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Yeshua is still in the healing and deliverance ministry. I lived at AA and Alanon meetings for years and was helped tremendously and then almost completely stopped. Hello Patrick, thanks for reading and commenting. It also anti-christ as it denies Yeshua/Jesus as the Only Way(1 Joh 2:22-23, Joh 14:6). Contemplative prayer, and other eastern meditation practices were, and are still very much part of AA. 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? 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. 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. I also, have experienced Gods grace and mercy through the Holy Spirit through some churches I have encountered that was amazing. Galatians 6:1. Both alcohol and drugs impair judgment and control of the body. 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). It is a welcoming community and provided a perfect place for our retreat. Celebrate Recovery is a substance abuse recovery program based primarily on biblical teachings and the words and loving power of Jesus Christ. 23No one who denies the Son can have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. However, as she began the meeting, she had decided for the other group leader to go first who was sitting to my left. Please check directly with each church to find out if they are running during Covid-19. (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. I am only going to provide, and go over a few of the steps, as I think it would be to exhaustive to go over every single one. 22 Seriously Inspiring Quotes About Sobriety From Celebs Like Demi Lovato & Bradley Cooper. Manny blessings, and I will be praying for you! While tens of thousands flocked to campus, school officials met in a storage closet to make decisions that would honor what is happening.. III. 2 Cor 11:13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. I then took out my bible and began to read until both I and my time was finished. 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. Then, the seemingly virtuous entities would elbow them out with messages of comfort, information, adviceand sometimes just sheer nonsense.. At Landmark Recovery, we are happy to help you find a support system that meshes with your belief system. 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. Contact the group directly to see if these are offered. 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. I am so glad to hear of the insights that you have received from the Holy Spirit pertaining to this program. 1. B. Contact: Bob & Pam Bay. Go and see for yourself. Anything that impairs your mind, will also affect your spiritual wellbeing, and can lead into sinful choices. However, unlike negative energy that simply attaches itself and hovers over us like a dark cloud, energetic parasites feed on our energy. It is based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory. 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. 3525 /nph (be sober, unintoxicated) refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled). 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. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? This is what I did, as led by the Holy Spirit. 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. To produce good fruit, a practice or program has to be sound in the word of 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 . Celebrate Recovery operates as an extension of Fellowship Bible Church, a unique congregation focused on healing. The loss of a sense of brotherhood and the loss of being part of something important and bigger than myself can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, emptiness, boredom, anger, or loneliness. 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. The ministry is "group based." All groups are gender specific and use the Small Group . Barb, 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. Thank you for sharing. 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. In some ways I understand and even believe what you say. How should a Christian view addiction? 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. Dr. Clint Archer is a pastor of many years whose international ministry has taken him to 22 different countries so far. 3525 nph properly, to be sober (not drunk), not intoxicated; (figuratively) free from illusion, i.e. I was also told that alcoholism is a disease, and that once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. uses the 12 Steps and its 8 Principles (supposedly based upon the Beatitudes - acronym spells "recovery") 1. 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. Celebrate Recovery. TSF is the law of the land. 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. Too many churches judge them for who and what they are instead of trying to help them. Like you mentioned, allowing God to guide you away from false teachings. However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . And He came to set the captives free! Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor.. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 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. I couldnt wrap my mind around the Beatitudes being misrepresented in the steps of CR. In my mens small group I couldnt talk about my struggle, and at AA, I couldnt talk about my Savior, since the program speaks in more secular terms about a Higher Power, he told CT in 2016. A person could choose Buddha, Allah, Shati, Satan, as well as AA itself. Romantic relationships can be a great source of happiness in sobriety, but they can also be the source of great pain. They preached about their higher power being God or Jesus but seemed to have no faith that He could deliver her or anyone Without AA. In other ways I know both programs have brought people into their recovery process and even drawn them to Jesus. 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.. (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. 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. 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 . Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Thanks for sharing brother. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. C. C.R. Roadblocks of indifference and prejudice. (Luke 9:23) In such, our reward, or our treasures will be laid up greater in heaven. The one woman though, who had praised Jesus, wanted me to stay and chat with her for a little while. 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. 314-607-8165. Love that has no price tag. (Pgs 8-9). Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. 20 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. 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. from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of selfish passion, greed, etc.). 11AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.(KJV). To find a group near you go to group finder on our web page:. 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. 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. 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. His moral teaching-most excellent. Praise God for that revelation to you. 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. If so, then I challenge you to put your emotions aside from the program, and dig into the Word. 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. 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. God loves and sent His Son to die for us all. This program is not something that you complete and then all of sudden, Hey, Im better. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. I have gone and still go to CR meetings. for the living to the dead?(KJV). Compromise your own values and integrity to avoid . I also believe in the deliverence of it. The truth is that my life was saved. Ive seen Gods fruit in AA and CR as anything Good comes from God.