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314-267-4456. We will all stand before the judgement seat of the Lord, and give an account of our lives. The ministry, started at Saddleback Church in the 1990s, announced the news of his death Tuesday (Feb. 23) on social media. 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. In some ways I understand and even believe what you say. So, with my final mission in view, with bible in hand, I walked into Celebrate Recovery for the last time. I would like to serve Him some other way, in another ministry. Dangers of self-sufficiency. Relation of humility to sobriety. 3 ; Recognize that Im not God. While I want everyone to come to know Jesus Christ our Lord, it is ultimately their decision. Many coming into AA are ready for a change in life spiritually; its a great harvest ground. (Pgs 8-9). Once they are settled in their new . 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. No person has the same journey and everyone has something to recover from. See ya, Baker said. Meeting Time: Tuesday 7:00 PM. So if I forgive God, then that makes Him limited and also makes mistakes? Start your new life now! Elena, yes, thank you. 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. 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. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. The Celebrate Recovery Step Studies use the 12 Steps with their biblical comparisons and the eight principles that are based on the Beatitudes. Do not take the writer of this piece or even my word. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! It's important to realize relapse is more of a process as opposed to a mere lapse in judgment. 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. 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. The lead woman was not there, and Yah instructed me where I needed to sit. This very much includes programs like AA/CR which do not have a grounding in the Bible at all. I would like to also share a few things if you will so allow me.. 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. Love that has no price tag. So, below I have steps 1-3, and 12, all of which were quoted directly from 12-Steps and 12-Traditions. And Love indeed had a pricethe price that Yeshua paid with His own life. The actual definition given to Sober-minded means to abstain from wine. CR is for anyone with a hurt, habit or a hang up. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. Call us today at 800-256-3490 to begin your journey. 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. 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. Once we have knowledge of the truth, then we are held accountable to that truth. 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 The atmosphere had changed, and I could sense the Spirit strong with me, and guided my every step. 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). 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. 3) We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God. So with that said, we all have to start somewhere and often its on the wrong path before we truly find our Lord. How shall we let God into our lives? The magnificent reality. While a lapse can be a single event such as a poor decision of going . 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. Yeshua is still in the healing and deliverance ministry. 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. 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. They have been talking up the step study lately and there is pressure to join. (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. Needless to say, CR has had a major influence on the church. It is no different than saying once a thief, always a thief, or once an adulterer always an adulterer. 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). 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 Jesus must be rescued from a pedestrian and parochial orthodoxy that demands he monopolize the deity.. This is why we are warned throughout the NT writings to not be deceived. I also know many who have never even tempted themselves ever again. When someone is in AA, it is no different than someone being in Hinduism. 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. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. This is a dangerous form of denial. 1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if it is Gods will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. a sermon that goes along with our Celebrate recovery ministry, covering the different steps. I agree with what you are saying, in that we can lead those who are seeking, out of the dangers of AA. The Celebrate Recovery Bible on Kindle, iBooks and Nook are also approved curriculum. The last thing I want to do is delve deeper into my issues/motivations/whatever. Within AA, the introduction is similar in the person identifies as their addiction, My Name is, and I am a drug addict/alcoholic. Variety of ways to faith. 27). It is mixing the Holy, and the profane. 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. Or perhaps a sort of alternative that is more Christ centered such as Celebrate 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. for the living to the dead?(KJV). 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. However, as she began the meeting, she had decided for the other group leader to go first who was sitting to my left. I know it would offend the people in the program if I were to discount or question it or say my discomfort. Whatever works to get them there or even the ones affected. A person can not only be intoxicated physically, but also spiritually: Isa 29:9Pause and wonder! Much love to you Kellie and your endeavors . Forty years sober in AA.Yes,I believe everything you said about both programs.I Am a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they can turn their lives over to this god as they understand him. Not only that, but these biblical comparisons are verses that are taken completely out of context, and have absolutely nothing to do with what they are trying to fit, it is like trying to fit a square peg into a round holeAnd just as like above, there is no mention of the these addictions being sin, but rather what is called: hangups, habits, and character defects; and of course no mention of repentance either. I dont doubt that God is using those willing, to draw people away from this into the truth. Also, by their fruits you shall know people. Celebrate Recovery Bible by Zondervan Staff (2007, Hardcover) (4) $9.99. The Bible tells us to hate sin and evil, to cut it out of our life. I fully agree! Turning our will over to Higher Power. 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. The program addresses not just alcoholism and drug addiction, but codependency, depression, eating disorders, gambling, sexual addiction and sexual abuse. This program is being run at my home church and I love the church (Biblical teaching) and dont want it to feel awkward. Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? We are here for you online 24/7! 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. Celebrate Recovery operates as an extension of Fellowship Bible Church, a unique congregation focused on healing. 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. BE SOBER-MINDED. So before I continue on with my story, I would like to go through some areas of AA. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. 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). What is spiritual awakening? Some Celebrate Recovery groups offer childcare, Celebration Place for kids and The Landing for youth. 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 . However, I have a slightly different view. It was not until a few years ago that I really started to know the truth about AA, as well as other recovery groups with a foundation in AA, that even profess to be Christian alternatives. Eventually Baker considered himself a functioning alcoholic, turning his back on God and separating from his wife. Whatever my point of willingness to believe and have faith to walk in and with him is where he meets me. Those who profess to be a believer in Jesus/Yeshua should repent of any and all involvement, and get rid of any material associated, to include: books, chips, manuals, etc. Both founders, Bill Wilson, and Bob Smith were heavily involved in practicing necromancy, performing seances, using the Ouija board, seeking spirits, and allowing a practice in the occult called automatic writing. Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? I will also provide links at the very end, that I found helpful while doing my own research, that may help you as well. First Baptist Church of Arnold (10.7 mi) 2012 Missouri State Road, Arnold, Missouri 63010 United States. A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. Believing you are finally cured of your addiction. 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. Yes, God can and does help people through the church and power of the Holy Spirit with repentance. Go and see for yourself. Love that has no price tag. Wow. The one woman though, who had praised Jesus, wanted me to stay and chat with her for a little while. 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. 314-607-8165. 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). As the story goes, Warren replied, Great, Johngo do it! and the program soon launched at Saddleback. 70 percent of the people that attend are not church members because they feel that the churches have let them down. People who have experienced this deep form of sin sickness God has used and helped people through these programs. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. I believe sin is a sicknesses. At Saddleback, it became the top outreach ministry, with 70 percent of participants coming from outside the church. Many of C.R.'s teachings are constructed from eisegesis rather than exegesis - misusing Scripture with an erroneous hermeneutic. Most people cannot stay sober or clean or free from any perversion for more than six months on average, only to "go back out". Creation of C.R. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." We've been talking the last seven weeks about coming out of the dark, exposing our problems to the light of God's love, and . Other than that they all denied Him, and His Word, and praised the 12-step program, based upon AA. He wanted a specifically Christian addiction recovery group, so with the support of Rick Warren, Celebrate Recovery began as a ministry of Saddleback Church under Bakers leadership in 1990. 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. Being a light, means exposing the darkness, not partaking in it, otherwise that light itself would become dark: Luke 11:33No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The program began in Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and is now used in churches around the world. 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. I understand how you could have mixed feelings about this, and I appreciate you sharing. Celebrate Recovery is credited with helping destigmatize addiction among evangelicals and opening the church up as a safer place for recovery. What does the Bible say about drunkards? 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. Two members of that group William(Bill) Wilson, and Dr. Bob Smith came together in 1935 to officially start what is known as AA. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was told to throw them away. 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. I know, for me, it wasn't hard to recite the 12 steps in solidarity at a . (1) The Bible declares that drunkenness is a sin but those in Recovery believe it to be a disease. Barb, thank you for commenting! The desire of alcohol is a lust of the flesh. St Boniface Church-Franciscans. SPEAK TO SOMEONE TODAY. For more info click on church name after choosing a province or territory. Jim, thank you for your comment. After the meeting was over, all the women left, did not say anything to me, just turned their backs and left. 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 . 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? However, the cost of sharing the truth with others, is rejection. These first three steps of the 12, undermine the gospel, and allow an individual to accept whatever higher power they choose. After I spoke, the atmosphere was so thick, you could have cut it with a knife. This is what I encourage people to do with the writing of this blog, and not leading people blindly into a program that has led many to accept a false gospel. Please check directly with each church to find out if they are running during Covid-19. I appreciate you sharing your insight and the leading of the Lord that you have followed without wavering. It is like taking a pile of poop, and placing the Bible on top. We become free from our addictive, compulsive, and dysfunctional behaviors. $5.16 shipping. 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. 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. Baker, Celebrate Recovery Leader's Guide, 12).