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Every week we state that we make decisions based on the truth. Do not take the writer of this piece or even my word. 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). (RNS) John Baker, co-founder of Celebrate Recovery, an evangelical support group that helps people with "hurts, hangups and habits," has died. Anxiety causes us to waste precious energy dealing with past hurts hiding stuff and fear of being found inept kept me from present Hiding kept me Change can only happen in the present . 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. No person has the same journey and everyone has something to recover from. Search: Dangers Of Celebrate Recovery. 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. AA is a religion. Is Celebrate Recovery a biblically sound program? Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Strongs Concordance The ministry has also expanded to serve the incarcerated, as the program became adopted by state prison systems in New Mexico, California, and beyond. While growing up, I was familiar with the term AA and Alanon, as my grandfather was an alcoholic, as well as other family members. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 25 years ago, Saddleback Church launched Celebrate Recovery with 43 people. I will also provide links at the very end, that I found helpful while doing my own research, that may help you as well. People were healed and delivered from blindness, leprosy, epilepsy, demon-possession, sexual lusts and perversions, etc. So, I hope that in sharing the truth with people within AA, you are not identifying with this. 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. 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. John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. 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. The Dangers of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and Celebrate Recovery. So with that said, we all have to start somewhere and often its on the wrong path before we truly find our Lord. Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor. Also on the part of forgiveness, we ar encouraged to also forgive God. Elena, yes, thank you. See more ideas about celebrate recovery, recovery, recovery quotes. However, you can pat yourself on the back for making it . 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. 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. 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. It is no different than saying once a thief, always a thief, or once an adulterer always an adulterer. I was immediately confronted after the meeting, and then again when I arrived the following week, as I was pulled aside by the lead woman of the group. AA was birthed out of what was known as the Oxford Group in the 1930s. 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). In Celebrate Recovery, the levels of recovery are far worse. Your First Step to Celebrate Recovery: How God Can Heal Your Life by John Baker. Like you mentioned, allowing God to guide you away from false teachings. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. 20:2). In such ways we want them to get sober in any way that works for them so not to affect others. As a result, people often walk out of worship services with their lives unchanged. Love that has no price tag. (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. 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. "This is a great place to hold an event. I needed to see this. Our staff is up-to-date and knowledgeable, and we are standing by to help you on your road to recovery. 1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if it is Gods will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Recovery is not a straight road or an easy fix. 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. You bring up several great points, ones that I became very familiar with while attending the program. Jesus must be rescued from a pedestrian and parochial orthodoxy that demands he monopolize the deity.. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 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.. 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. 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. 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.. There were malign and mischievous ones of all descriptions, telling of vices quite beyond my ken, even as former alcoholics. When someone is in AA, it is no different than someone being in Hinduism. 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. 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.. Gods Word is clear about trying to mix pagan worship or other religions with His. It's important to realize relapse is more of a process as opposed to a mere lapse in judgment. Creation of C.R. Happy are those who know they are spiritutally poor. Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Celebrate Recovery. Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? 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. BE SOBER-MINDED. Next, I moved on to being baptized, which both my husband and I were able to actually do for her. 1. Dangers of Celebratory Occasions in Recovery Most people in recovery will be prepared for their sobriety to be tested when times are hard. The lead woman was not there, and Yah instructed me where I needed to sit. One of the worst things that an individual can do in early recovery is jump headfirst into romance. Amen brother, you are correct, we cannot be unequally yoked with unbelievers, or mixing light with darkness(2 Cor 6:14). 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. Blessings! What an amazing God. a sermon that goes along with our Celebrate recovery ministry, covering the different steps. 2) We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This is a dangerous form of denial. 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. We must be a willing vessel to share the truth with others, even at the cost of suffering, for if we dont, then we are not picking up our cross. The Bible tells us to hate sin and evil, to cut it out of our life. I fully agree! Your email address will not be published. There is nothing greater than the blood of the Lamb, the true Creator of the Heavens of the earth, and the King of Kings Lord of Lords, Yeshua. 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. Celebrate Recoverys 12-steps, are AAs 12-steps, but with a biblical comparison to each one. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. 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. apearlinthevineyard.com, 2018. Both alcohol and drugs impair judgment and control of the body. It is strongly advised that they remain focused on themselves until their sobriety is strong. 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. 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. for the living to the dead?(KJV). Right relation to God. I have gone and still go to CR meetings. 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. It means that the individual is returning to old ineffective coping strategies for dealing with life. This is what I did, as led by the Holy Spirit. I would like to serve Him some other way, in another ministry. First Baptist Church of Arnold (10.7 mi) 2012 Missouri State Road, Arnold, Missouri 63010 United States. 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? Once the flesh is crucified it will no longer desire it. 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. John was a great leader, and he will be greatly missed, but the impact of his faithful obedience will go on for generations, Ackerman wrote in tribute. As you can probably imaginethings did not go well for me after that. If you are a Christian in recovery and currently attending a twelve step program whether it be Alcoholics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, Hunger for Healing or any of the other assortment of spin off programs, please take the time to consider the following information. Your daily news briefing from the editors of CT. Free Speech and Abortion Collide: Supreme Court Hears One of Its Biggest Cases of 2018, I Was the Proverbial, Drug-Fueled Rock and Roller, Christian Conservationists Sue to Protect Ghana Forest. Needless to say, CR has had a major influence on the church. 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. nph: to be sober, to abstain from wine. 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 Initially when I went through rehab, now over 13 years ago, I went briefly through AA(Alcoholics Anonymous) as it was a requirement of the rehabilitation program I was part of. Then, the seemingly virtuous entities would elbow them out with messages of comfort, information, adviceand sometimes just sheer nonsense.. Defiance is an out standing characteristic of alcoholics. 3. 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. Self-righteousness. I take comfort in the thought that as John enters the presence of his Lord, he will hear the words, Great, Johnyou did it!. However, as she began the meeting, she had decided for the other group leader to go first who was sitting to my left. 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. I appreciate you sharing your insight and the leading of the Lord that you have followed without wavering. 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. 1 Cor 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Negative and positive thinking. So, with my final mission in view, with bible in hand, I walked into Celebrate Recovery for the last time. They literally drain us and leave us feeling fatigued, unmotivated and even depressed. As such, the potential for a relapse to occur is very high. (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. 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. (As well as: 1 Thes 5:6, 8, 2 Tim 4:5, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7). Meditate on this Scripture passage, and allow the Holy Spirit to bolden your faith and courage in Him to speak the truth: Joshua 1:9Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? 4. 4 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. Why must every A.A. hit bottom? 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. AA/NA holds people in bondage, making them think they are free. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. (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. I also know many who have never even tempted themselves ever again. Celebrate Recovery operates as an extension of Fellowship Bible Church, a unique congregation focused on healing. I am only going to provide, and go over a few of the steps, as I think it would be to exhaustive to go over every single one. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Ive seen Gods fruit in AA and CR as anything Good comes from God. 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). If God can work through the mouth of a mule he can work through anyone he chooses. B. My faith was empowered, as I knew it was my time to speak His Words. I began slowly and shared about the woman Yah first had me sponsor, and I recited Acts 2:38, and I went through the 10 Commandments, and what sin is, and what repentance is. I read this and the Spirit of God prompted to reply. Too many churches judge them for who and what they are instead of trying to help them. The truth is that my life was saved. Romans 7:18. I also believe in the deliverence of it. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 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. 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. So, below I have steps 1-3, and 12, all of which were quoted directly from 12-Steps and 12-Traditions. After I spoke, the atmosphere was so thick, you could have cut it with a knife. 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. Subscribe to CT 60 Kearney Dr Ajax, Ontario, L1T 4N2 (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. 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. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was told to throw them away. I was also told that alcoholism is a disease, and that once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. 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. And I believe that somewhere in their journey and even the ones affected from their addiction that they hit a rock bottom. (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. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Philippians 2:13. Celebrate Recovery is for adults 18 years and older. While your experiences, are your experiences, they should never override that of sound doctrine. Step Two is a rallying point to sanity. 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. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Contemplative prayer, and other eastern meditation practices were, and are still very much part of AA. During the past 25 years, some 20,000 churches in the United States have reportedly used CR, with some 2.5 million people having completed the program.