Contrary to what people think, this program is not only for people with alcohol and drug addictions. I previously completed step studies and attended CR as a participant. Daly City Celebrate Recovery. When someone is in AA, it is no different than someone being in Hinduism. | We have Graphic Designers to assist you | service@banners.com 1.866.419.SIGN. Once you know better, you do better. He has taught the Bible and preached in places as varied as Russia, Northern Ireland, Bhutan, and Egypt. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 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. Romantic relationships can be a great source of happiness in sobriety, but they can also be the source of great pain. I will say too, that these programs do sometimes act as a religion and Ive seen that for myself, but just as when I go to church or study my Bible, I have to let God guide me away from the false preachings and allow Him to give the message that is meant for me. Search: Dangers Of Celebrate Recovery. 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. Anything that impairs your mind, will also affect your spiritual wellbeing, and can lead into sinful choices. Why must every A.A. hit bottom? 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. He wanted to also save lives, now. Alcoholism is not a disease. Promote your Celebrate Recovery Chapter with a Full Color Vinyl Banner! Blessings! AA/NA holds people in bondage, making them think they are free. 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. Step Two is a rallying point to sanity. However, the cost of sharing the truth with others, is rejection. There did not come a time when there was an exception for drunkenness. Many alcoholic/addicts are not ready for solid food 1Cor3:2, Heb5:14. Ive seen Gods fruit in AA and CR as anything Good comes from God. nph: to be sober, to abstain from wine. I appreciate you sharing your insight and the leading of the Lord that you have followed without wavering. It is for people with hurts, habits and hangups they simply cannot overcome in their own strength. 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. (KJV), Deuteronomy 18:10There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 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. Pastor John was never content just to save souls. A spiritual awakening or new state of consciousness are specific terms that are used within the New Age or occult. Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor.. 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. 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 . Importance of an open mind. 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 cannot guarantee that it wont be awkward, and you might even lose those you thought were your friends. Life's problems can be stumbling blocks or stepping stones. $5.16 shipping. 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. This is what I did, as led by the Holy Spirit. Are extremely loyal, remaining in harmful situations too long. 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. Would you disagree that we should take God/YHWH at His Word if we profess to walk in His truth? CR is for anyone with a hurt, habit or a hang up. If you chose to eat ten candy bars every day and to never brush your teeth, they would start rotting out. 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. This is a process of maturity and growth in the Lord. It becomes an addiction because the flesh craves it. Then they can turn their lives over to this god as they understand him. A Believer cannot be equally yoked with unbelievers. I believe that God has put me there for some reason so Im waiting on Him right now. Just as I am whereever I am. At Saddleback, it became the top outreach ministry, with 70 percent of participants coming from outside the church. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. 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. I can assure you, that it is not the Holy Spirit. I agree with what you are saying, in that we can lead those who are seeking, out of the dangers of AA. 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. What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? True sobriety is not only having control over the body, but also the mind. We are all broken and in need of a Saviour; my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,. This is what brings us to our Lord. Prison Fellowship president James J. Ackerman collaborated with Baker to add Celebrate Recovery Inside to its curricula. Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! The ouija board got moving in earnest. apearlinthevineyard.com, 2018. 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). 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. Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? As you can probably imaginethings did not go well for me after that. 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. It wasnt until I became a facilitator that I began questioning the program. I am praying for God to show me what he wants me to do. (1) The Bible declares that drunkenness is a sin but those in Recovery believe it to be a disease. Likewise, the acceptance of false doctrine will also impair correct judgment and can lead to spiritual decay/death. 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. Celebrate Recovery is just another type ofSyncretism, as mixes Gods ways with heathen ways. (As well as: 1 Thes 5:6, 8, 2 Tim 4:5, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7). First Unitarian Universalist Church & Center. 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. I dont go to CR meetings like I used to but at times I still go. Both were heavily involved in the occult, and many of the practices that were endorsed in Oxford Group, continued on with the establishment of AA. Required fields are marked *. How can I start a Celebrate Recovery Starting a Celebrate Recovery is an exciting step for your church! Celebrate Recovery is for adults 18 years and older. Please check directly with each church to find out if they are running during Covid-19. So, I was immediately led to Acts 2:38, and the Spirit had me to start at repentance. 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. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. The magnificent reality. Just as those in Acts burned their magic arts, so should the Alateen/Alanon and AA books be destroyed. So, I dont think we really have differing views on this, as you can be led into a church, program or group to share the truth of Gods Word, without necessarily being a partaker in it. Thanks for sharing brother. 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. Thank you for sharing. The actual definition given to Sober-minded means to abstain from wine. (Pgs 8-9). 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. I would like to also share a few things if you will so allow me.. Forest Brook Community Church. 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. I was never once told that it was a sin. For myself, I had adopted those parts which seemed convenient and not too difficult; the rest I disregarded. (Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, pg.11). Subscribe to CT There were malign and mischievous ones of all descriptions, telling of vices quite beyond my ken, even as former alcoholics. As they had all turned their backs on Yeshua/Jesus and His Word, they then had no problem turning their back on me. So, with my meetings with the woman I sponsored, I started out with repentance and I went through the 10 commandments, what sin is, and what it means to turn from sin. I believe sin is a sicknesses. Dependence as a means to independence. So, with my final mission in view, with bible in hand, I walked into Celebrate Recovery for the last time. 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.. All things including our evil ways will work to the glory of God somehow, and that is something I do and must believe in my journey. Category: Group Celebrate Recovery. III. 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. Mark 14:38 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor. First Baptist Church of Arnold (10.7 mi) 2012 Missouri State Road, Arnold, Missouri 63010 United States. A person could choose Buddha, Allah, Shati, Satan, as well as AA itself. Celebrate Recovery Bible by Zondervan Staff (2007, Hardcover) (4) $9.99. 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. 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 . After I spoke, the atmosphere was so thick, you could have cut it with a knife. I did not continue on with AA, and I am thankful for that. (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? I read this and the Spirit of God prompted to reply. Baker, Celebrate Recovery Leader's Guide, 12). I too may have mixed feelings about this post. Baker went on to study at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary and serve at Saddleback as volunteer, staff member, pastor, and elder as Celebrate Recovery grew across denominations and ministry networks. I take comfort in the thought that as John enters the presence of his Lord, he will hear the words, Great, Johnyou did it!. Every meeting, except my last, I was always led to open my Word and read directly from it. 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. Ive been attending CR (and volunteering on the welcome team ) for about a year. No Celebrities Except Jesus: How Asbury Protected the Revival, After Pushing for UMC Unity, Former Bishop Joins New Denomination, The Kings College Faces Threat of Closure, Southern Baptist Convention Disfellowships Saddleback Church, With Gossip of the Gospel, the Church Grows in Nepal. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was told to throw them away. Hello Patrick, thanks for reading and commenting. 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. The Scriptures and the true gospel of salvation are very different then an all inclusive faith, of which all ways are acceptable. 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. If you need a program then check it out for yourself. 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. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. 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. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. Once the flesh is crucified it will no longer desire it. This program is being run at my home church and I love the church (Biblical teaching) and dont want it to feel awkward. 314-607-8165. Meeting Time: Tuesday 7:00 PM. 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. 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. 60 Kearney Dr Ajax, Ontario, L1T 4N2 It can come as a shock to many individuals to discover that the good times can also be a test as well. He partied in college at the University of Missouri and as an officer in the air force, and his drinking habit grew as his career in business took off in his 30s. Celebrate Recovery roots the 12 steps in biblical principles, and its final step charges participants to use their recovery to spread the good news. A.A. does not demand belief; Twelve Steps are only suggestions. Negative and positive thinking. If you are not familiar with Rick Warren and his apostasy, please check out the below 6 minute video from Good Fight Ministries, that exposes one aspect concerning Rick Warren : 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. I have gone and still go to CR meetings. How should a Christian view addiction? How you define any program that has a veneer of righteousness connected to it, should be tested to the Word of God. About Of Dangers Recovery Celebrate I see it as a ripe mission field to share my testimony and experience; to share the Word of God and what Jesus Christ has done for me. The lead woman was not there, and Yah instructed me where I needed to sit. (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 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. R Pregnancy clinics are a crucial force in the pro-life movement, and the center of the argument before the justices today. Contact: Bob & Pam Bay. Many of these events are documented in the books of the history of AA, as well as Wilsons official A.A. biography. 2. This is why we are told to come out, Be ye separate, Be holy, as He is Holy. (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. We believe that this program targets the one thing that we all have in commonwe're all messed up in one way or another. These were also women who professed His Name, one even ironically being from Saddleback. 20:2). 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. Action its keyword. You often find this within eastern religions and practices such as yoga and achieving a higher self or Christ-consciousness. I will also provide links at the very end, that I found helpful while doing my own research, that may help you as well. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Spirit Word Church (8.9 mi) 4849 South Lindbergh, St. Louis, Missouri 63126 United States. Celebrate Recovery is a ministry committed to seeing lives changed and healed through Christ. While a lapse can be a single event such as a poor decision of going . The Celebrate Recovery Bible on Kindle, iBooks and Nook are also approved curriculum. 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 Praise God for that revelation to you. 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. 3525 /nph (be sober, unintoxicated) refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled). 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. 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. 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. I do believe reaching others, Addicts, Alcoholics and whom so ever will through the church is the area of your calling.