However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . Amen brother, you are correct, we cannot be unequally yoked with unbelievers, or mixing light with darkness(2 Cor 6:14). I also believe in the deliverence of it. Here are ten common situations that are very dangerous to a person in recovery. While tens of thousands flocked to campus, school officials met in a storage closet to make decisions that would honor what is happening.. Do not perceive yourself as lovable and worthwhile. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? It was designed as a program to help those struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups . By working and applying these Biblical principles, we begin to grow spiritually. There were many practices/beliefs that I was led to not partake in. To discern good fruit you have to know if the doctrine, character, or practice, aligns with the word of God, and this should be your measuring line. During the worship time, I sat in the back reading my Word. You bring up several great points, ones that I became very familiar with while attending the program. (2 Cor 11:4-13), No where in the Bible does it say to go through a 12 step program to recovery, starting off with Accepting a Higher Power, but rather: Repent, be baptized for the remission of sins(Acts 2:38) and You shall have NO other gods before Me(Ex. We have also been to Indonesia twice . I believe sin is a sicknesses. I cannot guarantee that it wont be awkward, and you might even lose those you thought were your friends. When I was in CR (Celebrate Recovery) which I talk on within most of my post and testimony, is that God used me to bring His Light and truth to the darkness that both AA/CR have as a foundation. Many alcoholic/addicts are not ready for solid food 1Cor3:2, Heb5:14. How can I start a Celebrate Recovery Starting a Celebrate Recovery is an exciting step for your church! 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. Importance of an open mind. All those in A.A. are "recovering" alcoholics, who, according to A.A., never completely recover. 3525. nph For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. These were also women who professed His Name, one even ironically being from Saddleback. Wow. 7Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD(YHWH) your God. As they had all turned their backs on Yeshua/Jesus and His Word, they then had no problem turning their back on me. People were healed and delivered from blindness, leprosy, epilepsy, demon-possession, sexual lusts and perversions, etc. Galatians 6:1. A sister meeting called The Landing is available for students in grades 7 and up. Philippians 2:13. apearlinthevineyard.com, 2018. 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. (KJV), 1 John 2:22Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? The magnificent reality. It was still a deep tissue massage, which helped me to relax, and relive my sore muscles, however, I was engaging in a practice that is contrary to biblical practices. Like you mentioned, allowing God to guide you away from false teachings. While a lapse can be a single event such as a poor decision of going . That is what is so amazing about God. Romans 7:18. Forty years sober in AA.Yes,I believe everything you said about both programs.I Am a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am glad that you found this blog edifying. This program is not something that you complete and then all of sudden, Hey, Im better. Thank you for sharing, and I am glad that you have had your eyes opened to the deceptiveness of this program. 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. I am praying for God to show me what he wants me to do. Isnt God sovereign? Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Celebrate Recovery is simply AA but with a disguise of a false light, a false gospel and a false Jesus. Contemplative prayer, and other eastern meditation practices were, and are still very much part of AA. While your experiences, are your experiences, they should never override that of sound doctrine. What does the Bible say about drunkards? They meet at Family Life Church on Monday nights at . There were malign and mischievous ones of all descriptions, telling of vices quite beyond my ken, even as former alcoholics. (Mat 16:19-20). 20:2). 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. A.A. does not demand belief; Twelve Steps are only suggestions. God loves and sent His Son to die for us all. 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? The Bible tells us to hate sin and evil, to cut it out of our life. I lived at AA and Alanon meetings for years and was helped tremendously and then almost completely stopped. How should a Christian view alcoholics? Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. The Dangers of Dishonesty in Recovery. Perhaps if you took the time to look into this further, you might begin to see a lot of the deception surrounding this, as while I do appreciate your comment, and believe it to be sincere, the deception is still very strong. Gender-specific Groups meet for issues with anger, co-dependency, chemical addiction food addictions, sexual integrity, survivors of abuse, grief, and life issues. Admission of powerlessness is the first step in liberation. There is nothing greater than the blood of the Lamb, the true Creator of the Heavens of the earth, and the King of Kings Lord of Lords, Yeshua. 4. 23No one who denies the Son can have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. If God can work through the mouth of a mule he can work through anyone he chooses. Defiance is an out standing characteristic of alcoholics. 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. His moral teaching-most excellent. Creation of C.R. Many coming into AA are ready for a change in life spiritually; its a great harvest ground. St Boniface Church-Franciscans. 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? (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? 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. Romantic relationships can be a great source of happiness in sobriety, but they can also be the source of great pain. 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. 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. 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. Until a chance encounter with my moms old Bible opened my eyes. Call us today at 800-256-3490 to begin your journey. Hi Kellie, Now in over 35,000 churches. Mental obsession plus physical allergy. 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. A person can not only be intoxicated physically, but also spiritually: Isa 29:9Pause and wonder! uses the 12 Steps and its 8 Principles (supposedly based upon the Beatitudes - acronym spells "recovery") 1. Variety of ways to faith. I appreciate you sharing your insight and the leading of the Lord that you have followed without wavering. So before I continue on with my story, I would like to go through some areas of AA. Celebrate Recovery has moved to Community of Hope Church on Thursdays at 6:15PM. Problems of intellectuality and self-sufficiency. Is Celebrate Recovery a biblically sound program? 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. We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. The lead woman was not there, and Yah instructed me where I needed to sit. Bakers ministry began in 1991 at Saddleback Church in California and has spread to 35,000 churches nationwide over the decades. Celebrate Recovery has been a great program for me as well as thousands of others that need the love and support of others. 27). I decided to leave after that, and not attend the meeting, and I didnt come back for a couple weeks. Prison Fellowship president James J. Ackerman collaborated with Baker to add Celebrate Recovery Inside to its curricula. It is no different than saying once a thief, always a thief, or once an adulterer always an adulterer. In such ways we want them to get sober in any way that works for them so not to affect others. It also anti-christ as it denies Yeshua/Jesus as the Only Way(1 Joh 2:22-23, Joh 14:6). A perpetual drunkard, is being in perpetual sin, and those who do so, do not inherit the Kingdom. 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. Just as I am whereever I am. Romans 12:1. 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.. Action its keyword. This is what He did for me, and through such, I am obliged to warn others. Too many churches judge them for who and what they are instead of trying to help them. Much love to you Kellie and your endeavors . So with that said, we all have to start somewhere and often its on the wrong path before we truly find our Lord. Dishonesty in recovery is dangerous because: It is a common relapse trigger. Christian Fellowship has an active missions program. I choose to stand on the word regardless who believes or not. It is a welcoming community and provided a perfect place for our retreat. The Bible tells us to hate sin and evil, to cut it out of our life. I fully agree! In other ways I know both programs have brought people into their recovery process and even drawn them to Jesus. 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. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Staff was great, attentive to our needs and" more. Eventually Baker considered himself a functioning alcoholic, turning his back on God and separating from his wife. Misuse of willpower. $5.16 shipping. 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. 48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. Just as those in Acts burned their magic arts, so should the Alateen/Alanon and AA books be destroyed. 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. What an amazing God. 1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if it is Gods will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Instead, they have turned to unconventional and esoteric sources in the hopes of finding what they seek in the ambiance of the mystical, magical and metaphysical.1 Given these tendencies, the Jesus of orthodox Christianity may seem inadequate. 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. Most people cannot stay sober or clean or free from any perversion for more than six months on average, only to "go back out". And it really goes back to occultism, to Eastern mysticism, and so on.In a 12-Steps program, would it be AA, or some derivation of it within the church, you have not psychotherapists running these programs, but you have basically those who are in recovery.Now, as you said, I went through Celebrate Recovery, which is Rick Warren's program that . Manny blessings, and I will be praying for you! The program seems to tip-toe around sin and evil instead of calling it out as such. R Some people understand what weve been through and some do not. 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. This is what brings us to our Lord. For some, this repentance is quickly and some it is slowly as God meets us with our willingness at whatever point we are in life. The magnificent reality. 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. Recognizing these dangers will help you avoid a possible problem in the future. Satan manifests as an angel of light, and his workers as ministers of righteousness(2 Cor 11:14). 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. 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 . We become free from our addictive, compulsive, and dysfunctional behaviors. 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. We will be held accountable for the truth that we were given, and at the expense of our flesh, rejected. for less than $4.25/month. The Birthright: Salvation and the Role of the Firstborn, Christmas Unwrapped: Why I No Longer Celebrate Christmas, The Deception of the New Age Awakening through DNA, Why I No longer Vaccinate: A Veterans Story. It is mixing the Holy, and the profane. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (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. Thank you, Patty for sharing your thoughts and comment on this matter. I say dont throw out the baby with the water. I take comfort in the thought that as John enters the presence of his Lord, he will hear the words, Great, Johnyou did it!. After I spoke, the atmosphere was so thick, you could have cut it with a knife. I have gone and still go to CR meetings. C. C.R. 8,093 talking about this. Celebrate Recovery Bible by Zondervan Staff (2007, Hardcover) (4) $9.99. Substitution of A.A. as Higher Power. What is spiritual awakening? 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. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. 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. Life after the Military does not always make sense. 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. According to the Scriptures Alcoholism is defined as drunkeness, so if you profess to be an alcoholic, or once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic, then you are stating to be a perpetual drunkard. 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. We are also told to test the spirits (1 Joh 4:1) as not all things that outwardly manifest as good or righteous will be so. (Pg 5), Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.What can we believe in? 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. 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. 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. I was a facilitator for CR at my church. 2) We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. To produce good fruit, a practice or program has to be sound in the word of God. 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. 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. Sustained and personal exertion necessary to conform to Gods will. Theyre always there to help somebody if theyre struggling. 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. It can come as a shock to many individuals to discover that the good times can also be a test as well. Live customer service hours are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM CST [email protected] Call Toll Free: 866.419.7446; Many of these events are documented in the books of the history of AA, as well as Wilsons official A.A. biography. 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 Celebrate Recovery, the levels of recovery are far worse. Is Celebrate Recovery a biblical program? The program addresses not just alcoholism and drug addiction, but codependency, depression, eating disorders, gambling, sexual addiction and sexual abuse. 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 also provide links at the very end, that I found helpful while doing my own research, that may help you as well. 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? Strongs Concordance Meeting Time: Tuesday 7:00 PM. John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Our staff is up-to-date and knowledgeable, and we are standing by to help you on your road to recovery. Worrying about the past and dreading the future makes us unable to live and enjoy God's plans for us in the present. 25 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. I would like to also share a few things if you will so allow me.. However, I knew what Yah had spoke to me, and He said that I shall be the first to speak. I am going to go through these areas, and will be sharing what I have learned, what I have personally gone through, and what the Lord, or YHWH, has shown me, through the guidance of His Spirit. So, below I have steps 1-3, and 12, all of which were quoted directly from 12-Steps and 12-Traditions. The Dangers of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and Celebrate Recovery. 20 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy.