dangers of celebrate recovery dangers of celebrate recovery

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. 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 . (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. Theyre always there to help somebody if theyre struggling. Gal 5:19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. 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.. 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. Jesus must be rescued from a pedestrian and parochial orthodoxy that demands he monopolize the deity.. uses the 12 Steps and its 8 Principles (supposedly based upon the Beatitudes - acronym spells "recovery") 1. He shares in his testimony that he grew up a believer in a Baptist church but struggled with feelings of unworthiness. The Celebrate Recovery Bible on Kindle, iBooks and Nook are also approved curriculum. I was never once told that it was a sin. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. (Mat 16:19-20). 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.. I love hearing peoples stories and the work God has done through the cross and his saving grace in others lives. Celebrate Recovery gives the support and love that so many churches fail at. The program addresses not just alcoholism and drug addiction, but codependency, depression, eating disorders, gambling, sexual addiction and sexual abuse. 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. Contact the group directly to see if these are offered. 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. This was actually the point of my blog post. Hi Kellie, 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.. C. C.R. 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. Michelle, thank you for your thoughts and I am glad that you took time to read this. 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. And He came to set the captives free! 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." Thank you for your obedience. First Baptist Church of Arnold (10.7 mi) 2012 Missouri State Road, Arnold, Missouri 63010 United States. Some Celebrate Recovery groups offer childcare: "Celebration Place" for kids and "The Landing" for youth. We believe in spreading the gospel throughout the whole world. 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. They literally drain us and leave us feeling fatigued, unmotivated and even depressed. 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. I dont go to CR meetings like I used to but at times I still go. Staff was great, attentive to our needs and" more. This is a good read and that is what God has laid in my heart over the years of my addiction and recovery. Never believe one persons opinion about something. 314-267-4456. TSF is the law of the land. True sobriety is not only having control over the body, but also the mind. The ouija board got moving in earnest. This is a process of maturity and growth in the Lord. Celebrate Recoverys 12-steps, are AAs 12-steps, but with a biblical comparison to each one. Alcoholics and Addicts are deeply inflicted with this sin sickness. Thanks for your post. Recovery signals a dramatic shift in the expectation for positive outcomes for individuals who experience mental and substance use conditions or the co-occurring of the two. (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? 1 Cor 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? It's your choice. I am glad that you found this blog edifying. Celebrate Recovery is just another type ofSyncretism, as mixes Gods ways with heathen ways. 25 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. Once they are settled in their new . 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. Love that has no price tag. 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. 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. 27). Every meeting, except my last, I was always led to open my Word and read directly from it. A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. 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. The Celebrate Recovery Step Studies use the 12 Steps with their biblical comparisons and the eight principles that are based on the Beatitudes. He told me exactly what would happen, and how it would play out. Mental obsession plus physical allergy. It will just be painful, like ripping into old wounds that Jesus has already healed. How can I start a Celebrate Recovery Starting a Celebrate Recovery is an exciting step for your church! Ebony, thank you for taking the time to share that with me. Too many churches judge them for who and what they are instead of trying to help them. Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? Romans 7:18. Romantic relationships can be a great source of happiness in sobriety, but they can also be the source of great pain. 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. 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 . Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Celebrate Recovery. 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. 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. Importance of an open mind. One of the worst things that an individual can do in early recovery is jump headfirst into romance. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 "This is a great place to hold an event. My faith was empowered, as I knew it was my time to speak His Words. 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. Yeshua is still in the healing and deliverance ministry. Title: Celebrate Recovery 1 CelebrateRecovery! Its not my place to tell others what to do. Here are ten common situations that are very dangerous to a person in recovery. While tens of thousands flocked to campus, school officials met in a storage closet to make decisions that would honor what is happening.. What does the Bible say about drunkards? As such, the potential for a relapse to occur is very high. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was told to throw them away. Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 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. a sermon that goes along with our Celebrate recovery ministry, covering the different steps. I was a facilitator for CR at my church. Like you mentioned, allowing God to guide you away from false teachings. As the story goes, Warren replied, Great, Johngo do it! and the program soon launched at Saddleback. I am so glad to hear of the insights that you have received from the Holy Spirit pertaining to this program. Whatever works to get them there or even the ones affected. How should a Christian view addiction? Now in over 35,000 churches. Both men, who developed the 12-step program were directed by a spirit(demon) guide in their revelation. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered ministry of discipleship and healing designed to help adults and families overcome different struggles in life as they grow together in a relationship with God. 2. So, I hope that in sharing the truth with people within AA, you are not identifying with this. Galatians 6:1. Defiance is an out standing characteristic of alcoholics. 1 bid. 20 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. Celebrate Recovery is credited with helping destigmatize addiction among evangelicals and opening the church up as a safer place for recovery. 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. (Luke 9:23) In such, our reward, or our treasures will be laid up greater in heaven. Once we have knowledge of the truth, then we are held accountable to that truth. for the living to the dead?(KJV). Ive seen Gods fruit in AA and CR as anything Good comes from God. Other than that they all denied Him, and His Word, and praised the 12-step program, based upon AA. I decided to leave after that, and not attend the meeting, and I didnt come back for a couple weeks. 1. 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. In fact, there are many programs and practices that may appear to be beneficial to the mind and body, yet when we test those practices against the word of God, they are proven to be false. 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. 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. Christian Fellowship has an active missions program. 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. Turning our will over to Higher Power. Any spiritual experience that is not vetted through the written word, and the Spirit of Truth, could lead a person down a path of destruction. Wow. 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). Contact: Bob & Pam Bay. So before I continue on with my story, I would like to go through some areas of AA. This is a dangerous form of denial. I cannot guarantee that it wont be awkward, and you might even lose those you thought were your friends. Misuse of willpower. 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. A.A. does not demand belief; Twelve Steps are only suggestions. To become truly sober, or sober-minded, is not just abstaining from toxic substances from the physical body, but also toxic doctrines from the mind/heart. Would you disagree that we should take God/YHWH at His Word if we profess to walk in His truth? Baker was raised in Collinsville, Illinois. I know, for me, it wasn't hard to recite the 12 steps in solidarity at a . Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? Im going through something similar at my job. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. 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. 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. Relation of humility to sobriety. Once those who were fully crucified with Christ, and their passions and desires of the flesh, they too were set free from drunkenness. Dishonesty in recovery is dangerous because: It is a common relapse trigger. Spirit Word Church (8.9 mi) 4849 South Lindbergh, St. Louis, Missouri 63126 United States. for less than $4.25/month. Are these 12 steps in alignment with the Scriptures? 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. Manny blessings, and I will be praying for you! Download Celebrate Recovery and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. 4. However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . This is also used in such other passages like: 1 Peter 5:8Be sober-minded and alert. As they had all turned their backs on Yeshua/Jesus and His Word, they then had no problem turning their back on me. 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. Sam, thank you for commenting. Call us today at 800-256-3490 to begin your journey. However, I knew what Yah had spoke to me, and He said that I shall be the first to speak. Just as I am whereever I am. I was not her sponsor for too much longer after that, as Father had other plans for me, and later led me to go to a program called Celebrate Recovery. We will be held accountable for the truth that we were given, and at the expense of our flesh, rejected. See ya, Baker said. Celebrate Recovery is for adults 18 years and older. Thank you for sharing, and I am glad that you have had your eyes opened to the deceptiveness of this program. 70 percent of the people that attend are not church members because they feel that the churches have let them down. To discern good fruit you have to know if the doctrine, character, or practice, aligns with the word of God, and this should be your measuring line. However, unlike negative energy that simply attaches itself and hovers over us like a dark cloud, energetic parasites feed on our energy. 2) We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. SPEAK TO SOMEONE TODAY. As you can probably imaginethings did not go well for me after that. R Contrary to what people think, this program is not only for people with alcohol and drug addictions. The phrase do not throw out the baby with the bathwater, with regards to programs and practices like AA/CR, is overriding several biblical commands to come away from such. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. 3. It becomes an addiction because the flesh craves it. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I choose to stand on the word regardless who believes or not. Perhaps if you took the time to look into this further, you might begin to see a lot of the deception surrounding this, as while I do appreciate your comment, and believe it to be sincere, the deception is still very strong. 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. The truth is that my life was saved. 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. The Scriptures and the true gospel of salvation are very different then an all inclusive faith, of which all ways are acceptable. Once the flesh is crucified it will no longer desire it. 1 Peter 1:13Therefore prepare your minds for action. Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? We are here for you online 24/7! If so, then I challenge you to put your emotions aside from the program, and dig into the Word. 3525 /nph (be sober, unintoxicated) refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled). The actual definition given to Sober-minded means to abstain from wine. Even the very symbol that is used on the AA book is very occultic, as seen from the pictures provided. So, now what about the 12 steps? Or perhaps a sort of alternative that is more Christ centered such as Celebrate Recovery? Recovery is a term that primarily denotes a process of physical healing. Forest Brook Community Church. Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? 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. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. The most common reason why people relapse after a period of sobriety is that they become stuck in recovery. If God can work through the mouth of a mule he can work through anyone he chooses. It is no different than saying once a thief, always a thief, or once an adulterer always an adulterer. Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous. Baker immediately saw the need to connect the gospel with the recovery program he had gone through. Dependence as a means to independence. 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. 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. III. Too many pastors use an academic model in which they simply lecture their congregations. Once a person has repented, turning from sin, they are no longer defined by that sin, but rather are set free, and become a new creation: 1 Cor 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? 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. I also know many who have never even tempted themselves ever again. So, it is important to keep ourselves pure from false doctrines and teachers. Gender-specific Groups meet for issues with anger, co-dependency, chemical addiction food addictions, sexual integrity, survivors of abuse, grief, and life issues. Category: Group Celebrate Recovery. This is why I had thrown away the Blue Book, as well as an Alateen book I had aquired when I was younger. (Pgs 8-9). I then took out my bible and began to read until both I and my time was finished. 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. And theres many avenues to recover. I agree with what you are saying, in that we can lead those who are seeking, out of the dangers of AA. (RNS) John Baker, co-founder of Celebrate Recovery, an evangelical support group that helps people with "hurts, hangups and habits," has died. Lets help and love others walking in the calling he has for each of us individually not judging others and glorifying God, my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ in the process. 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. 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. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing, and my life is unmanageable. The atmosphere had changed, and I could sense the Spirit strong with me, and guided my every step. The last thing I want to do is delve deeper into my issues/motivations/whatever. Action its keyword. Recognizing these dangers will help you avoid a possible problem in the future. Embarrassed to receive recognition and praise, or gifts. When we have the fear of the Lord, we fear less of how others might react, and more on doing what is right before Him. Celebrating each milestone is encouraged, as long as you can find safe celebration activities! You bring up several great points, ones that I became very familiar with while attending the program. A spiritual awakening or new state of consciousness are specific terms that are used within the New Age or occult. A Believer cannot be equally yoked with unbelievers. I lived at AA and Alanon meetings for years and was helped tremendously and then almost completely stopped. Blessings! Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. What? 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. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. Whether the battle is with addiction, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, consequences of bad choices, or any specific mental health issues, Celebrate Recovery saves lives. People who have experienced this deep form of sin sickness God has used and helped people through these programs. I would like to serve Him some other way, in another ministry. 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. 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. Do not ask others to meet your needs or desires. Action its keyword. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.. (Pgs 8-9). 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. None of these women, spoke to me again, nor did I ever go back to Celebrate Recovery, as my assignment there was done. 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. Pregnancy clinics are a crucial force in the pro-life movement, and the center of the argument before the justices today. Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a national, Christ-centered self-help program hosted by local churches to help people struggling with addiction or other life-controlling issues. What is spiritual awakening? I was rejected by all those whom I shared the truth within CR that day, and I understood that would happen, because of what the Father had sent me to do. Just as those in Acts burned their magic arts, so should the Alateen/Alanon and AA books be destroyed. Are extremely loyal, remaining in harmful situations too long. Philippians 2:13. Life's problems can be stumbling blocks or stepping stones. 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). 3525. nph It is basically peddling the same lie that Satan spoke in the garden, in that both Adam and Eve would achieve knowledge apart from the wisdom of God. (2 Cor 11:4-13), No where in the Bible does it say to go through a 12 step program to recovery, starting off with Accepting a Higher Power, but rather: Repent, be baptized for the remission of sins(Acts 2:38) and You shall have NO other gods before Me(Ex. 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. Most people cannot stay sober or clean or free from any perversion for more than six months on average, only to "go back out". 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. I believe sin is a sicknesses. Variety of ways to faith. 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.