Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? Both men, who developed the 12-step program were directed by a spirit(demon) guide in their revelation. It's your choice. I dont doubt that God is using those willing, to draw people away from this into the truth. If I were to base my experience and how it made me feel as the only factors of judgement on such practice, I would consider it to be good. Once we have knowledge of the truth, then we are held accountable to that truth. 70 percent of the people that attend are not church members because they feel that the churches have let them down. Sustained and personal exertion necessary to conform to Gods will. If you are a Christian in recovery and currently attending a twelve step program whether it be Alcoholics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, Hunger for Healing or any of the other assortment of spin off programs, please take the time to consider the following information. Contact the group directly to see if these are offered. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. It may use terms like god, creator, higher power, however, the god and creator that they speak is not that of Jesus/Yeshua. Hi Kellie, We will be held accountable for the truth that we were given, and at the expense of our flesh, rejected. They literally drain us and leave us feeling fatigued, unmotivated and even depressed. Who am I? 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. It is based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory. They'll say, "I don't know anybody that doesn't need recovery" where I often chimed in, "I don't know anyone who doesn't need Jesus." This program is being run at my home church and I love the church (Biblical teaching) and dont want it to feel awkward. Dishonesty in recovery is dangerous because: It is a common relapse trigger. | We have Graphic Designers to assist you | service@banners.com 1.866.419.SIGN. As a result, people often walk out of worship services with their lives unchanged. Ive seen Gods fruit in AA and CR as anything Good comes from God. I was never once told that it was a sin. When someone is in AA, it is no different than someone being in Hinduism. Many of C.R.'s teachings are constructed from eisegesis rather than exegesis - misusing Scripture with an erroneous hermeneutic. If God can work through the mouth of a mule he can work through anyone he chooses. Thank you for your obedience. 1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if it is Gods will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. It can come as a shock to many individuals to discover that the good times can also be a test as well. One of my last few meetings, the Spirit had come upon me so strong during my 5 minutes(we were only ever allowed to speak for 5 minutes) of talking that I exposed and rebuked the lie of Alcoholism being a disease, confronting it as the sin of drunkenness, that the saying once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic is a lie from the pit of hell, and that the the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ can set us free from all bondage, and that His Word says that we no longer need to be identified with our sin, once it has been repented and been crucified with Christ. So with that said, we all have to start somewhere and often its on the wrong path before we truly find our Lord. Step Two is a rallying point to sanity. 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. 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. Gods Word is clear about trying to mix pagan worship or other religions with His. Ive been attending CR (and volunteering on the welcome team ) for about a year. Love that has no price tag. I did not understand that this was a New Age practice, which was to focus on specific auras coming from different points of my body. Required fields are marked *. Many of these events are documented in the books of the history of AA, as well as Wilsons official A.A. biography. Most people cannot stay sober or clean or free from any perversion for more than six months on average, only to "go back out". St Boniface Church-Franciscans. He shares in his testimony that he grew up a believer in a Baptist church but struggled with feelings of unworthiness. However, as she began the meeting, she had decided for the other group leader to go first who was sitting to my left. My KJV Bible is all I need in this life plus my brothers and sisters in Christ. Misuse of willpower. 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. I am glad that you found this blog edifying. I do believe reaching others, Addicts, Alcoholics and whom so ever will through the church is the area of your calling. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? I would like to also share a few things if you will so allow me.. It's important to realize relapse is more of a process as opposed to a mere lapse in judgment. Every meeting, except my last, I was always led to open my Word and read directly from it. 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. Substitution of A.A. as Higher Power. It wasnt until I became a facilitator that I began questioning the program. Within AA, the introduction is similar in the person identifies as their addiction, My Name is, and I am a drug addict/alcoholic. I would like to serve Him some other way, in another ministry. About Of Dangers Recovery Celebrate Our staff is up-to-date and knowledgeable, and we are standing by to help you on your road to recovery. This is all quite contrary to the Word of God, and is what is called anti-Christ. 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. Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor.. 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. Strongs Concordance Before I go further, I want to share something on this topic. Worrying about the past and dreading the future makes us unable to live and enjoy God's plans for us in the present. 2) We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! (KJV), John 10:7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. With Gods help, he showed again and again that those cycles can be broken, he said. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing, and my life is unmanageable. 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. 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. Today, when individuals with mental and/or substance use disorders seek help, they are met with the knowledge and belief that anyone can recover and/or manage their conditions successfully. We are all broken and in need of a Saviour; my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,. Willingness is the key. 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. 3. So, I was immediately led to Acts 2:38, and the Spirit had me to start at repentance. The Scriptures make it quite clear that these practices are contrary to the way of the Lord(YHWH). I dont go to CR meetings like I used to but at times I still go. Michelle, thank you for your thoughts and I am glad that you took time to read this. While tens of thousands flocked to campus, school officials met in a storage closet to make decisions that would honor what is happening.. TSF is the law of the land. (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. 1 Peter 1:13Therefore prepare your minds for action. I decided to leave after that, and not attend the meeting, and I didnt come back for a couple weeks. Many coming into AA are ready for a change in life spiritually; its a great harvest ground. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. Bakers ministry began in 1991 at Saddleback Church in California and has spread to 35,000 churches nationwide over the decades. How shall we let God into our lives? Wow. Dr. Clint Archer is a pastor of many years whose international ministry has taken him to 22 different countries so far. 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. 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. The topical groups vary by site, and some. A person can not only be intoxicated physically, but also spiritually: Isa 29:9Pause and wonder! 6 Mar 2015. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. So before I continue on with my story, I would like to go through some areas of AA. 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. Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? 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 . 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. Elena, yes, thank you. Bauxite mining would threaten birds, plants, and clean water. I also know many who have never even tempted themselves ever again. However, I have a slightly different view. (Acts 17:30) At such time we can no longer claim ignorance and will be held accountable to such. 23No one who denies the Son can have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 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). 48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. 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. (Pg 5), Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.What can we believe in? The magnificent reality. Thank you for sharing, and I am glad that you have had your eyes opened to the deceptiveness of this program. 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. 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. Embarrassed to receive recognition and praise, or gifts. The Scriptures and the true gospel of salvation are very different then an all inclusive faith, of which all ways are acceptable. 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. 27). Right relation to God. 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 agree with what you are saying, in that we can lead those who are seeking, out of the dangers of AA. 12For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD(YHWH): and because of these abominations the LORD(YHWH) thy God doth drive them out from before thee. 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. 314-267-4456. Promote your Celebrate Recovery Chapter with a Full Color Vinyl Banner! 20:2). Just as I am whereever I am. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Search: Dangers Of Celebrate Recovery. Meeting Time: Tuesday 7:00 PM. (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. What does the Bible say about addiction. (Luke 9:23) In such, our reward, or our treasures will be laid up greater in heaven. For more info click on church name after choosing a province or territory. Wilson was also not shy in expressing how he felt about Jesus/Yeshua Christ. I have gone and still go to CR meetings. It was designed as a program to help those struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups . Are extremely loyal, remaining in harmful situations too long. What an amazing God. Too many pastors use an academic model in which they simply lecture their congregations. How you define any program that has a veneer of righteousness connected to it, should be tested to the Word of God. Other than that they all denied Him, and His Word, and praised the 12-step program, based upon AA. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was told to throw them away. So, with my final mission in view, with bible in hand, I walked into Celebrate Recovery for the last time. If you need a program then check it out for yourself. (Pgs 8-9). Modesty of the HeartWhere is your Treasure? Staff was great, attentive to our needs and" more. 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. For those who would like more resources here are some links: http://www.anti-antichrist.com/soap/lanagan.html, http://www.psychoheresy-aware.org/aaroots.html, https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/ (Search for AA). None of these women, spoke to me again, nor did I ever go back to Celebrate Recovery, as my assignment there was done. Celebrate Recovery is for adults 18 years and older. Call us today at 800-256-3490 to begin your journey. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 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. Variety of ways to faith. (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? It will just be painful, like ripping into old wounds that Jesus has already healed. 3. 10h 30m. 1. Celebrate Recovery gives the support and love that so many churches fail at. 25 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! The ministry has also expanded to serve the incarcerated, as the program became adopted by state prison systems in New Mexico, California, and beyond. All those in A.A. are "recovering" alcoholics, who, according to A.A., never completely recover. Recovery is not a straight road or an easy fix. During the worship time, I sat in the back reading my Word. That is what is so amazing about God. 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. Galatians 6:1. 3 ; Recognize that Im not God. A perpetual drunkard, is being in perpetual sin, and those who do so, do not inherit the Kingdom. 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. I have found that times when I am feeling too comfortable, that I am not growing or stepping out where I should be. You don't have to face alcohol addiction alone, so give us a call today to get started at 888-448-0302. He has taught the Bible and preached in places as varied as Russia, Northern Ireland, Bhutan, and Egypt. I was also told that alcoholism is a disease, and that once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. Problems of intellectuality and self-sufficiency. 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. Or perhaps a sort of alternative that is more Christ centered such as Celebrate Recovery? Even the very symbol that is used on the AA book is very occultic, as seen from the pictures provided. Dependence as a means to independence. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. 4 Thank you for sharing. Likewise, the acceptance of false doctrine will also impair correct judgment and can lead to spiritual decay/death. 60 Kearney Dr Ajax, Ontario, L1T 4N2 A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. Celebrate Recovery is credited with helping destigmatize addiction among evangelicals and opening the church up as a safer place for recovery. It means that the individual is returning to old ineffective coping strategies for dealing with life. He told me exactly what would happen, and how it would play out. Baker was raised in Collinsville, Illinois. 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. Once they are settled in their new . $5.16 shipping. The one woman though, who had praised Jesus, wanted me to stay and chat with her for a little while. 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. Next, I moved on to being baptized, which both my husband and I were able to actually do for her. B. I couldnt wrap my mind around the Beatitudes being misrepresented in the steps of CR. The atmosphere had changed, and I could sense the Spirit strong with me, and guided my every step. 1 bid. The program began in Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and is now used in churches around the world.