As the story goes, Warren replied, Great, Johngo do it! and the program soon launched at Saddleback. About a year later, I was led to sponsor a woman, who was coming out of drug addiction. Once those who were fully crucified with Christ, and their passions and desires of the flesh, they too were set free from drunkenness. It is for people with hurts, habits and hangups they simply cannot overcome in their own strength. As you can probably imaginethings did not go well for me after that. 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. (KJV), Deuteronomy 18:10There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. Roadblocks of indifference and prejudice. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. 2) We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 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. The Dangers of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and Celebrate Recovery. 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. His moral teaching-most excellent. Your email address will not be published. 12For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD(YHWH): and because of these abominations the LORD(YHWH) thy God doth drive them out from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 he hit his bottom, he began attending daily AA meetings, working through the steps, and finding hope in a God who loved him unconditionally. Modesty of the HeartWhere is your Treasure? for the living to the dead?(KJV). I would like to also share a few things if you will so allow me.. When I was in rehab, a young girl left AMA and a few people and counselors had no hope for her because she wanted to immerse herself in God and leave what didnt work for her. 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. A.A. teaches that alcoholism is a disease for which there is no ultimate cure. 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. 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). AA was birthed out of what was known as the Oxford Group in the 1930s. It's important to realize relapse is more of a process as opposed to a mere lapse in judgment. 12 Steps and 8 Beatitudes; 2. While growing up, I was familiar with the term AA and Alanon, as my grandfather was an alcoholic, as well as other family members. So far this year we have raised over $20,000.00 for missions. I see it as a ripe mission field to share my testimony and experience; to share the Word of God and what Jesus Christ has done for me. 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. 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." In such ways we want them to get sober in any way that works for them so not to affect others. Many alcoholic/addicts are not ready for solid food 1Cor3:2, Heb5:14. Jesus must be rescued from a pedestrian and parochial orthodoxy that demands he monopolize the deity.. SPEAK TO SOMEONE TODAY. 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. Romans 12:1. 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? 6 Mar 2015. 3) We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God. 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. Once we have knowledge of the truth, then we are held accountable to that truth. 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. Sustained and personal exertion necessary to conform to Gods will. 20:2). 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. With maturity comes discernment, and with discernment comes an understanding that just because something may have been beneficial, or helpful, does not mean that it is sanctioned by 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. 35Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. 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. 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 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. Your First Step to Celebrate Recovery: How God Can Heal Your Life by John Baker. Negative and positive thinking. While your experiences, are your experiences, they should never override that of sound doctrine. Sam, thank you for commenting. He delivered me completely of alcohol, and a great many of other things. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. This is a process of maturity and growth in the Lord. 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. R So, it is important to keep ourselves pure from false doctrines and teachers. God loves and sent His Son to die for us all. I cannot guarantee that it wont be awkward, and you might even lose those you thought were your friends. 3 ; Recognize that Im not God. At Saddleback, it became the top outreach ministry, with 70 percent of participants coming from outside the church. apearlinthevineyard.com, 2018. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. Needless to say, CR has had a major influence on the church. Elena, yes, thank you. 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 is credited with helping destigmatize addiction among evangelicals and opening the church up as a safer place for recovery. None of these women, spoke to me again, nor did I ever go back to Celebrate Recovery, as my assignment there was done. (Pg 5), Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.What can we believe in? 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. 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. The atmosphere had changed, and I could sense the Spirit strong with me, and guided my every step. I encourage you to speak up and speak what the Holy Spirit has laid on your heart. Some Celebrate Recovery groups offer childcare, Celebration Place for kids and The Landing for youth. 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. Much love to you Kellie and your endeavors . The Celebrate Recovery Bible on Kindle, iBooks and Nook are also approved curriculum. If you need a program then check it out for yourself. 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. Action its keyword. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. 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. Love that has no price tag. You often find this within eastern religions and practices such as yoga and achieving a higher self or Christ-consciousness. 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 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. Blind yourselves and be blind! 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. Whatever works to get them there or even the ones affected. Eventually Baker considered himself a functioning alcoholic, turning his back on God and separating from his wife. "This is a great place to hold an event. (Pg 5), Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him.Step Three is like opening of a locked door. 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). A perpetual drunkard, is being in perpetual sin, and those who do so, do not inherit the Kingdom. I also believe in the deliverence of it. Create a safe place for hurting teenagers to overcome life's challenges by launching a Celebrate Recovery ministry-The Landing-for the students in your church, with the The Landing: Celebrate Recovery for Students Kit.. Luke 12:47And that servant, which knew his lords will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. Ive seen Gods fruit in AA and CR as anything Good comes from God. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Blessings! 22 Seriously Inspiring Quotes About Sobriety From Celebs Like Demi Lovato & Bradley Cooper. True sobriety is not only having control over the body, but also the mind. About Of Dangers Recovery Celebrate 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. Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? AA/NA holds people in bondage, making them think they are free. Romantic relationships can be a great source of happiness in sobriety, but they can also be the source of great pain. Christian Fellowship has an active missions program. 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.. Yes, God can and does help people through the church and power of the Holy Spirit with repentance. 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. While I want everyone to come to know Jesus Christ our Lord, it is ultimately their decision. Thank you for sharing, and I am glad that you have had your eyes opened to the deceptiveness of this program. 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. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. a sermon that goes along with our Celebrate recovery ministry, covering the different steps. 25 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. 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. 8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 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. What does the Bible say about addiction. A sister meeting called The Landing is available for students in grades 7 and up. He told me exactly what would happen, and how it would play out. Both alcohol and drugs impair judgment and control of the body. I would like to serve Him some other way, in another ministry. Mental obsession plus physical allergy. 23No one who denies the Son can have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. It was designed as a program to help those struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups . 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. Celebrate Recovery. 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. 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. Thank you, Patty for sharing your thoughts and comment on this matter. 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. 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. 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. 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. They didnt attend any program, they just hit their rock bottom which is only decided by the individual suffering addiction. 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 . Structured as an ongoing 52-week program, The Landing aims to help hurting teenagers get closer to Jesus as they learn key principles based on the Beatitudes to live a . I am a new creation in Christ and have left a lot behind, but this program keeps digging it back up and putting it in my face. To produce good fruit, a practice or program has to be sound in the word of God. You made some really good points. Love that has no price tag. Next, I moved on to being baptized, which both my husband and I were able to actually do for her. 2. Too many churches judge them for who and what they are instead of trying to help them. 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 is like taking a pile of poop, and placing the Bible on top. 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. So, now what about the 12 steps? 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 before I continue on with my story, I would like to go through some areas of AA. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. (1) The Bible declares that drunkenness is a sin but those in Recovery believe it to be a disease. So, with my final mission in view, with bible in hand, I walked into Celebrate Recovery for the last time. First Baptist Church of Arnold (10.7 mi) 2012 Missouri State Road, Arnold, Missouri 63010 United States. My KJV Bible is all I need in this life plus my brothers and sisters in Christ. CR is for anyone with a hurt, habit or a hang up. Believing you are finally cured of your addiction. 60 Kearney Dr Ajax, Ontario, L1T 4N2 Happy are those who know they are spiritutally poor. However, I have a slightly different view. 4 10h 30m. The ministry is "group based." All groups are gender specific and use the Small Group . I have yet to meet an alcoholic who can not relate to Proverbs 23:29-35 no matter what they believe in; its a great introduction for a drunk to the Word of God. I have found that times when I am feeling too comfortable, that I am not growing or stepping out where I should be. Your email address will not be published. There did not come a time when there was an exception for drunkenness. Self-righteousness. 48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. 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. So if I forgive God, then that makes Him limited and also makes mistakes? I read this and the Spirit of God prompted to reply. The magnificent reality. These first three steps of the 12, undermine the gospel, and allow an individual to accept whatever higher power they choose. 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. Both men, who developed the 12-step program were directed by a spirit(demon) guide in their revelation. I dont doubt that God is using those willing, to draw people away from this into the truth. This is why we are warned throughout the NT writings to not be deceived. The Bible tells us to hate sin and evil, to cut it out of our life. Are these 12 steps in alignment with the Scriptures? I previously completed step studies and attended CR as a participant. AA is a religion. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. 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. Judge everything you think, say, or do harshly, as never "good enough." Are a perfectionist. Celebrate Recovery (CR) meets at 6 p.m. Saturdays at Good Shepherd Church, 2341 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, featuring dinner, a big meeting and small open share groups. 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. 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. Moving forward to my last few months at CR, Yah had revealed to me the full truth surrounding AA, as well as the foundation that Celebrate Recovery was built upon. 1. 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. I know it would offend the people in the program if I were to discount or question it or say my discomfort. 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? I brought up that step three goes against the first two of the 10 commandments, and that there shall be no other gods before Him. 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.. Celebrate Recovery is a ministry committed to seeing lives changed and healed through Christ. We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. We have also been to Indonesia twice . Staff was great, attentive to our needs and" more. There were many practices/beliefs that I was led to not partake in. I choose to stand on the word regardless who believes or not. The Participant Guides are designed to create movement through the steps as each person is on a healing journey that creates new understanding and hope through the work of the Holy Spirit, and not . The most common reason why people relapse after a period of sobriety is that they become stuck in recovery. They know that it worked for them, and thats the greatest story they have.. He has taught the Bible and preached in places as varied as Russia, Northern Ireland, Bhutan, and Egypt. (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. Thank you for your obedience. However, unlike negative energy that simply attaches itself and hovers over us like a dark cloud, energetic parasites feed on our energy. Every week we state that we make decisions based on the truth. Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor.. However, as she began the meeting, she had decided for the other group leader to go first who was sitting to my left. Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? Baker was raised in Collinsville, Illinois. Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Celebrate Recovery. There is a saying I have heard often, which goes something like this, However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . A person could choose Buddha, Allah, Shati, Satan, as well as AA itself. After the meeting was over, all the women left, did not say anything to me, just turned their backs and left. The desire of alcohol is a lust of the flesh. Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 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. This is what brings us to our Lord. (KJV), 1 John 2:22Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? Many coming into AA are ready for a change in life spiritually; its a great harvest ground. 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 . Since 2005 we have been to India five times to conduct pastors' conferences and to visit the orphanage we support in Machilipatnam. 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. They have been talking up the step study lately and there is pressure to join. Once they are settled in their new . I also know many who have never even tempted themselves ever again. Ive experienced His amazing grace and mercy through both programs. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing, and my life is unmanageable. (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? What is spiritual awakening? Some people understand what weve been through and some do not. 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. C. C.R. I say dont throw out the baby with the water. These were also women who professed His Name, one even ironically being from Saddleback. Celebrate Recovery roots the 12 steps in biblical principles, and its final step charges participants to use their recovery to spread the good news. A.A. does not demand belief; Twelve Steps are only suggestions. Contrary to what people think, this program is not only for people with alcohol and drug addictions. I told her, I know, but it has nothing to do with with you telling me, but rather it was already the Fathers will for me not to come back after this. Wilson was also not shy in expressing how he felt about Jesus/Yeshua Christ.