All those in A.A. are "recovering" alcoholics, who, according to A.A., never completely recover. 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. 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. With the knowledge above, of these steps, how can we then take Scripture to pile over it? So, below I have steps 1-3, and 12, all of which were quoted directly from 12-Steps and 12-Traditions. Blind yourselves and be blind! Contrary to what people think, this program is not only for people with alcohol and drug addictions. 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). 3525 /nph (be sober, unintoxicated) refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled). 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.. (Pg 5), Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.What can we believe in? 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. The Scriptures and the true gospel of salvation are very different then an all inclusive faith, of which all ways are acceptable. How can I start a Celebrate Recovery Starting a Celebrate Recovery is an exciting step for your church! Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. It is so deceptive and the transforming supernatural power of the Holy Spirit is not acknowledged but rather working on the 12 steps and how the steps helps us get out of our hurts, habits, and hang ups. (Pgs 8-9). Barb, thank you for commenting! Many of these events are documented in the books of the history of AA, as well as Wilsons official A.A. biography. 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. 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. After the meeting was over, all the women left, did not say anything to me, just turned their backs and left. Needless to say, CR has had a major influence on the church. St Boniface Church-Franciscans. 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. During the worship time, I sat in the back reading my Word. Isnt God sovereign? Negative and positive thinking. Celebrate Recovery is a proven 25+ year old Christ-based 12-step program based on the Beatitudes. Thirty years ago John Baker turned the ruins of his life over to Jesus Christ and God transformed him from a driven businessman with an addiction to alcohol, a failing marriage, and alienated children to a Christ-follower with a passion to help others with their hurts, habits, and hang-ups through the principles of recovery, wrote Kay Warren, cofounder of Saddleback Church and a mental health advocate. Why must every A.A. hit bottom? 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. This is my concern also for you, in that you are highly esteeming a program over that of the Word, which is the same spirit that I encountered while attending my last day of CR. A Believer cannot be equally yoked with unbelievers. 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. 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). 60 Kearney Dr Ajax, Ontario, L1T 4N2 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. It is mixing the Holy, and the profane. Gender-specific Groups meet for issues with anger, co-dependency, chemical addiction food addictions, sexual integrity, survivors of abuse, grief, and life issues. This program is not something that you complete and then all of sudden, Hey, Im better. Recognizing these dangers will help you avoid a possible problem in the future. 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. The Celebrate Recovery Bible has been designed to work with the resources developed and tested in the national and international ministry of Celebrate Recovery. And I believe that somewhere in their journey and even the ones affected from their addiction that they hit a rock bottom. Strongs Concordance Both men, who developed the 12-step program were directed by a spirit(demon) guide in their revelation. I know it would offend the people in the program if I were to discount or question it or say my discomfort. Hi Kellie, Show me the Buddha worshiper or the person whos higher power is a rock, and I can pray that God will use me and give me the wisdom through His Spirit to share Gods Word and the Good News with that person. 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. (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. Before I go further, I want to share something on this topic. How shall we let God into our lives? 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. 1 Cor 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? 3525 nph properly, to be sober (not drunk), not intoxicated; (figuratively) free from illusion, i.e. This is what brings us to our Lord. Blessings! Satan manifests as an angel of light, and his workers as ministers of righteousness(2 Cor 11:14). Philippians 2:13. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Once we have knowledge of the truth, then we are held accountable to that truth. Variety of ways to faith. 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. Thanks for your post. I was immediately confronted after the meeting, and then again when I arrived the following week, as I was pulled aside by the lead woman of the group. Email vriggins@graceclarksville.com. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Anything that impairs your mind, will also affect your spiritual wellbeing, and can lead into sinful choices. (KJV), John 10:7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. If you need a program then check it out for yourself. 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. It is for anyone who has a "hurt, hang-up, or habit" within the community at large or our own church body - not restricted to only people struggling with an addiction. (Mat 16:19-20). The last thing I want to do is delve deeper into my issues/motivations/whatever. I prayed about matters, and asked Him what His will was for me to do, and how to instruct this woman. True sobriety is not only having control over the body, but also the mind. I say dont throw out the baby with the water. Never believe one persons opinion about something. John Baker continues to be the primary author of The Celebrate Recovery curriculum and materials (quoted from Wikipedia). Theyre always there to help somebody if theyre struggling. His efforts to make amends to his wife, Cheryl, as part of the 12 steps led to him attending Saddleback Church with her, hearing Rick Warren preach, and renewing their marriage vows in a span of months. While tens of thousands flocked to campus, school officials met in a storage closet to make decisions that would honor what is happening.. 8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I take comfort in the thought that as John enters the presence of his Lord, he will hear the words, Great, Johnyou did it!. Too many pastors use an academic model in which they simply lecture their congregations. I would like to serve Him some other way, in another ministry. There were malign and mischievous ones of all descriptions, telling of vices quite beyond my ken, even as former alcoholics. Thank you, Patty for sharing your thoughts and comment on this matter. In other ways I know both programs have brought people into their recovery process and even drawn them to Jesus. Download Celebrate Recovery and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. 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. For myself, I had adopted those parts which seemed convenient and not too difficult; the rest I disregarded. (Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, pg.11). This is a good read and that is what God has laid in my heart over the years of my addiction and recovery. A.A. teaches that alcoholism is a disease for which there is no ultimate cure. This is why I had thrown away the Blue Book, as well as an Alateen book I had aquired when I was younger. 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. 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). 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. uses the 12 Steps and its 8 Principles (supposedly based upon the Beatitudes - acronym spells "recovery") 1. All rights reserved. Is Celebrate Recovery a biblically sound program? Also, by their fruits you shall know people. I read this and the Spirit of God prompted to reply. 10h 30m. 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. Baker immediately saw the need to connect the gospel with the recovery program he had gone through. I appreciate you sharing your insight and the leading of the Lord that you have followed without wavering. 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. Other than that they all denied Him, and His Word, and praised the 12-step program, based upon AA. In Celebrate Recovery, the levels of recovery are far worse. This is why people become deceived and un-willing to accept that possibility. I agree with much of what you say about the spiritual aspects of AA. Meeting Time: Tuesday 7:00 PM. 12 Steps and 8 Beatitudes; 2. Roadblocks of indifference and prejudice. 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. If God can work through the mouth of a mule he can work through anyone he chooses. 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. Its not my place to tell others what to do. These were also women who professed His Name, one even ironically being from Saddleback. Daly City Celebrate Recovery. Then they can turn their lives over to this god as they understand him. 314-267-4456. Category: Group Celebrate Recovery. Substitution of A.A. as Higher Power. (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. Thank you for sharing. 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 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. This is why I stress within my blog that this is leading people to accept a different gospel. 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. Worrying about the past and dreading the future makes us unable to live and enjoy God's plans for us in the present. 22 Seriously Inspiring Quotes About Sobriety From Celebs Like Demi Lovato & Bradley Cooper. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. Live customer service hours are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM CST [email protected] Call Toll Free: 866.419.7446; 4. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. 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. Baker was raised in Collinsville, Illinois. 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. 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. (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? C. C.R. Right relation to God. It is based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory. None of these women, spoke to me again, nor did I ever go back to Celebrate Recovery, as my assignment there was done. Action its keyword. Christian Fellowship has an active missions program. 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 understand how you could have mixed feelings about this, and I appreciate you sharing. 1 Peter 1:13Therefore prepare your minds for action. Judge everything you think, say, or do harshly, as never "good enough." Are a perfectionist. 6 Mar 2015. 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. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Your email address will not be published. God loves and sent His Son to die for us all. At Saddleback, it became the top outreach ministry, with 70 percent of participants coming from outside the church. What is spiritual awakening? 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. Dr. Clint Archer is a pastor of many years whose international ministry has taken him to 22 different countries so far. John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Sam, thank you for commenting. 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 Celebrate Recovery is just another type ofSyncretism, as mixes Gods ways with heathen ways. We are all broken and in need of a Saviour; my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. First Unitarian Universalist Church & Center. See more ideas about celebrate recovery, recovery, recovery quotes. The actual definition given to Sober-minded means to abstain from wine. 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. It was designed as a program to help those struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups . He told me exactly what would happen, and how it would play out. However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . What is spiritual awakening? See ya, Baker said. I have gone and still go to CR meetings. My KJV Bible is all I need in this life plus my brothers and sisters in Christ. The Celebrate Recovery Bible on Kindle, iBooks and Nook are also approved curriculum. It is no different than saying once a thief, always a thief, or once an adulterer always an adulterer. 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. The lead woman was not there, and Yah instructed me where I needed to sit. The group leader has been through step studies multiple times and still struggles with her problems. Celebrating each milestone is encouraged, as long as you can find safe celebration activities! There was initially some resistance, as I have witnessed with so many others, as this becomes a crucial point for many, as they take that step in obedience.