Love that has no price tag. for less than $4.25/month. 6 Mar 2015. While I understand that you may feel comfortable at your current church, perhaps the Lord is encouraging you to take a step forward in faith and maturity and be out of your comfort zone. Embarrassed to receive recognition and praise, or gifts. This is what I did, as led by the Holy Spirit. Until a chance encounter with my moms old Bible opened my eyes. Christian Fellowship has an active missions program. 1 Founded 25 years ago by pastor Rick Warren and the Saddleback Church in California, it started with just 43 people but now has groups in 29,000 churches all over the globe with more than 3.5 million . By working and applying these Biblical principles, we begin to grow spiritually. We will be held accountable for the truth that we were given, and at the expense of our flesh, rejected. Some Celebrate Recovery groups offer childcare, Celebration Place for kids and The Landing for youth. The magnificent reality. 8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. C. C.R. (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. We believe that this program targets the one thing that we all have in commonwe're all messed up in one way or another. 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 . So with that said, we all have to start somewhere and often its on the wrong path before we truly find our Lord. 1. Have been having more and more doubts about it as time has gone on. 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. See ya, Baker said. apearlinthevineyard.com, 2018. Celebrate Recovery gives the support and love that so many churches fail at. 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. Action its keyword. 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. 20:2). Dependence as a means to independence. Would you disagree that we should take God/YHWH at His Word if we profess to walk in His truth? I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. (KJV), 1 John 2:22Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? 14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (1) The Bible declares that drunkenness is a sin but those in Recovery believe it to be a disease. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. Blessings! 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. Satan manifests as an angel of light, and his workers as ministers of righteousness(2 Cor 11:14). A. You bring up several great points, ones that I became very familiar with while attending the program. 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. 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. 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. Compromise your own values and integrity to avoid . Your First Step to Celebrate Recovery: How God Can Heal Your Life by John Baker. The Scriptures and the true gospel of salvation are very different then an all inclusive faith, of which all ways are acceptable. Giving that asks no reward. While your experiences, are your experiences, they should never override that of sound doctrine. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. 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. 4 $5.16 shipping. Are extremely loyal, remaining in harmful situations too long. Too many pastors use an academic model in which they simply lecture their congregations. Within AA, the introduction is similar in the person identifies as their addiction, My Name is, and I am a drug addict/alcoholic. Right relation to God. Continued on with my story above, I started to attend Celebrate Recovery(CR), as prompted by the Spirit, even with the knowledge that it was a program that was directly tied to Rick Warren and Saddleback church: John Baker was an alcoholic and staff member of Saddleback Church who began healing through Alcoholics Anonymous. Step Two is a rallying point to sanity. The atmosphere had changed, and I could sense the Spirit strong with me, and guided my every step. Contact the group directly to see if these are offered. Ive been attending CR (and volunteering on the welcome team ) for about a year. The desire of alcohol is a lust of the flesh. As you can probably imaginethings did not go well for me after that. 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. So far this year we have raised over $20,000.00 for missions. nph: to be sober, to abstain from wine. John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 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. 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. In Celebrate Recovery, the levels of recovery are far worse. 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. I decided to leave after that, and not attend the meeting, and I didnt come back for a couple weeks. 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. Contemplative prayer, and other eastern meditation practices were, and are still very much part of AA. 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. You made some really good points. The Dangers of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and Celebrate Recovery. Once you know better, you do better. 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. 22 Seriously Inspiring Quotes About Sobriety From Celebs Like Demi Lovato & Bradley Cooper. Daly City Celebrate Recovery. Recovery is a term that primarily denotes a process of physical healing. Philippians 2:13. Believing you are finally cured of your addiction. A person can not only be intoxicated physically, but also spiritually: Isa 29:9Pause and wonder! 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. I read this and the Spirit of God prompted to reply. 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 What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 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? 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. From that point forward, I was actually prohibited from bringing or reading my Bible in the group. 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. Analyzing Celebrate Recovery (C.R.) I agree with what you are saying, in that we can lead those who are seeking, out of the dangers of AA. Some Celebrate Recovery groups offer childcare: "Celebration Place" for kids and "The Landing" for youth. 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. 3 ; Recognize that Im not God. Modesty of the HeartWhere is your Treasure? 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. AA is just another false religion, trying to go in another way: We have no desire to convince anyone that there is only one way by which faith can be acquired(Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, pg. However, that is part of what it means to count the cost (Luke 14:28) of following Christ. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. The Celebrate Recovery Bible on Kindle, iBooks and Nook are also approved curriculum. Recovery is not a straight road or an easy fix. 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. (As well as: 1 Thes 5:6, 8, 2 Tim 4:5, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7). for the living to the dead?(KJV). To find a group near you go to group finder on our web page:. The ministry, started at Saddleback Church in the 1990s, announced the news of his death Tuesday (Feb. 23) on social media. 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. 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. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. 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. I sat to the left of the CR group leader, which would mean that I would be the first to speak. Wow. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. "This is a great place to hold an event. 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. It means that the individual is returning to old ineffective coping strategies for dealing with life. I too may have mixed feelings about this post. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. However, as she began the meeting, she had decided for the other group leader to go first who was sitting to my left. The only way for that to happen is through repentance of these programs/doctrines. 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. 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. As a result, people often walk out of worship services with their lives unchanged. A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. Do not perceive yourself as lovable and worthwhile. Jesus must be rescued from a pedestrian and parochial orthodoxy that demands he monopolize the deity.. Once those who were fully crucified with Christ, and their passions and desires of the flesh, they too were set free from drunkenness. I cannot guarantee that it wont be awkward, and you might even lose those you thought were your friends. If you chose to eat ten candy bars every day and to never brush your teeth, they would start rotting out. (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. The truth is that my life was saved. Too many churches judge them for who and what they are instead of trying to help them. In such ways we want them to get sober in any way that works for them so not to affect others. What followed was the fairly usual experienceit was a strange mlange of Aristotle, St. Francis, diverse archangels with odd names, deceased friendssome in purgatory and others doing nicely, thank you! 2 Cor 11:13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. With Gods help, he showed again and again that those cycles can be broken, he said. Forty years sober in AA.Yes,I believe everything you said about both programs.I Am a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. 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 . Hello Patrick, thanks for reading and commenting. Even the very symbol that is used on the AA book is very occultic, as seen from the pictures provided. For more info click on church name after choosing a province or territory. 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. Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. It can come as a shock to many individuals to discover that the good times can also be a test as well. The magnificent reality. (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. What is spiritual awakening? Email vriggins@graceclarksville.com. Then they can turn their lives over to this god as they understand him. 4. 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. A.A. teaches that alcoholism is a disease for which there is no ultimate cure. According to Step 3, it is like opening a door, however is going in another way other than Yeshua (Joh 10:7), as a person submits to a higher power. If God can work through the mouth of a mule he can work through anyone he chooses. We admitted we were powerless over alcoholthat our lives had become unmanageable.Who cares to admit complete defeat? They didnt attend any program, they just hit their rock bottom which is only decided by the individual suffering addiction. Celebrate Recovery is a ministry committed to seeing lives changed and healed through Christ. 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. Praise God for that revelation to you. Leviticus 19:31Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD(YHWH) your God. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 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. I confronted her on the involvement of Rick Warren, AAs non biblical stance and that basically she and others are leading people astray and that they should be presenting the gospel of sin, repentance and being set free from bondage. God is good, all the time. We will all stand before the judgement seat of the Lord, and give an account of our lives. Thanks for your post. 3) We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God. AA was birthed out of what was known as the Oxford Group in the 1930s. After I spoke, the atmosphere was so thick, you could have cut it with a knife. Prison Fellowship president James J. Ackerman collaborated with Baker to add Celebrate Recovery Inside to its curricula. What an amazing God. Romantic relationships can be a great source of happiness in sobriety, but they can also be the source of great pain. I am praying for God to show me what he wants me to do. He delivered me completely of alcohol, and a great many of other things. He told me exactly what would happen, and how it would play out. And theres many avenues to recover. Every meeting, except my last, I was always led to open my Word and read directly from it. 1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if it is Gods will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Relation of humility to sobriety. What? Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. (Pgs 8-9). Thanks for sharing brother. It may use terms like god, creator, higher power, however, the god and creator that they speak is not that of Jesus/Yeshua. 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. 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. 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." R Having said that, this review (completed largely with the help of Matthew Mumma) will demonstrate that CR contains two major problems: (1) Though claiming to be biblically based, its teachings are often constructed from a misuse of Scripture and an erroneous hermeneutic. a sermon that goes along with our Celebrate recovery ministry, covering the different steps. 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. They are drunk, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with intoxicating drink. Michelle, thank you for your thoughts and I am glad that you took time to read this. It is mixing the Holy, and the profane. Needless to say, CR has had a major influence on the church. Romans 7:18. So, now what about the 12 steps? 20 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. Wilson was also not shy in expressing how he felt about Jesus/Yeshua Christ. You don't have to face alcohol addiction alone, so give us a call today to get started at 888-448-0302. Thank you for sharing. 314-267-4456. 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. Do not ask others to meet your needs or desires. None of these women, spoke to me again, nor did I ever go back to Celebrate Recovery, as my assignment there was done. God loves and sent His Son to die for us all. 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. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. It is no different than saying once a thief, always a thief, or once an adulterer always an adulterer. As the story goes, Warren replied, Great, Johngo do it! and the program soon launched at Saddleback. Over the years, many celebrities have chosen to use their voices and their platforms to speak openly . If you need a program then check it out for yourself. When someone is in AA, it is no different than someone being in Hinduism. Alcoholism is not a disease. 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. Celebrating each milestone is encouraged, as long as you can find safe celebration activities! Many of these events are documented in the books of the history of AA, as well as Wilsons official A.A. biography. Some people understand what weve been through and some do not. (Luke 9:23) In such, our reward, or our treasures will be laid up greater in heaven. It is based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory. 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. A spiritual awakening or new state of consciousness are specific terms that are used within the New Age or occult. Anything that impairs your mind, will also affect your spiritual wellbeing, and can lead into sinful choices. However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . 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. I will also provide links at the very end, that I found helpful while doing my own research, that may help you as well. III. This is why I had thrown away the Blue Book, as well as an Alateen book I had aquired when I was younger. Alcoholics and Addicts are deeply inflicted with this sin sickness. Every week we state that we make decisions based on the truth. Next, I moved on to being baptized, which both my husband and I were able to actually do for her. 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.. Mental obsession plus physical allergy. This is the very definition of deception, to appear one way, but with the intention to do another. 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. Both men, who developed the 12-step program were directed by a spirit(demon) guide in their revelation. Required fields are marked *. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. So, I was immediately led to Acts 2:38, and the Spirit had me to start at repentance. With 40% to 60% of those with a substance use disorder who receive treatment relapsing within the first year, some people even refer to relapse as a natural part of recovery. I also, have experienced Gods grace and mercy through the Holy Spirit through some churches I have encountered that was amazing. Thank you for your obedience. People were healed and delivered from blindness, leprosy, epilepsy, demon-possession, sexual lusts and perversions, etc. 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. So if I forgive God, then that makes Him limited and also makes mistakes? 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. 2. This is a good read and that is what God has laid in my heart over the years of my addiction and recovery. (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. Is Celebrate Recovery a biblically sound program? The Danger of Teaching Information Without Application By Rick Warren I believe the number one problem with preaching in America is its lack of application. This was all completely orchestrated by Yah, and He even told me that I was going to be her sponsor before she asked, however I not knowing the truth about AA, or the 12 steps, I was a little confused with the strong caution and hesitation with not only AA, but the 12 steps. While I want everyone to come to know Jesus Christ our Lord, it is ultimately their decision. It was designed as a program to help those struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups . 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. Many alcoholic/addicts are not ready for solid food 1Cor3:2, Heb5:14. Before I go further, I want to share something on this topic. Baker immediately saw the need to connect the gospel with the recovery program he had gone through. Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor.. 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. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Like you mentioned, allowing God to guide you away from false teachings. Variety of ways to faith. The most common reason why people relapse after a period of sobriety is that they become stuck in recovery. When I was very young in my faith and had little discernment into things and practices I was doing, I had gone to get a different kind of massage called a chakra massage. Mark 14:38 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. 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. 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. from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of selfish passion, greed, etc.). 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. Or perhaps a sort of alternative that is more Christ centered such as Celebrate Recovery? 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. 10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.(KJV). Celebrate Recovery. Category: Group Celebrate Recovery. (Acts 17:30) At such time we can no longer claim ignorance and will be held accountable to such. I was a facilitator for CR at my church. The ministry has also expanded to serve the incarcerated, as the program became adopted by state prison systems in New Mexico, California, and beyond. It's important to realize relapse is more of a process as opposed to a mere lapse in judgment.