There are many who have either themselves or known someone to have gone through AA, NA, Alanon, etc. However, what is the true motive of this program, what is it’s foundation, and is it suitable for those who profess to be walking with Messiah? Or perhaps a sort of ‘alternative’ that is more “Christ” centered such as Celebrate Recovery?
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.
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. I was at that time still in Active Duty military, and completing rehab was essential for me to continue to have a career at that time. Once I was done with 6-7 weeks of rehab, I went back to my base in Italy, and continued on with a program through the military. I did not continue on with AA, and I am thankful for that. 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.
While growing up, I was familiar with the term “AA” and “Alanon”, as my grandfather was an alcoholic, as well as other family members. My grandfather passed before I was born, so while I did not know him, I was told he was an alcoholic and was involved in AA. I was also told that alcoholism is a disease, and that “once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic”. I was never once told that it was a sin.
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. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was told to throw them away. I did not fully know why at that time, but I just did as the Spirit told me to do.
About a year later, I was led to sponsor a woman, who was coming out of drug addiction. 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. I prayed about matters, and asked Him what His will was for me to do, and how to instruct this woman. So, I was immediately led to Acts 2:38, and the Spirit had me to start at repentance.
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. Next, I moved on to being baptized, which both my husband and I were able to actually do for her. There was initially some resistance, as I have witnessed with so many other’s, as this becomes a crucial point for many, as they take that step in obedience. 
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. So before I continue on with my story, I would like to go through some areas of AA. I will also provide links at the very end, that I found helpful while doing my own research, that may help you as well.
So where did AA start?
AA was birthed out of what was known as the Oxford Group in the 1930s. Two member’s of that group William(Bill) Wilson, and Dr. Bob Smith came together in 1935 to officially start what is known as AA. 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. Contemplative prayer, and other eastern meditation practices were, and are still very much part of AA. Wilson was also not shy in expressing how he felt about Jesus/Yeshua Christ.
“To Christ I conceded the certainty of a great man, not too closely followed by those who claimed Him. His moral teaching-most excellent. For myself, I had adopted those parts which seemed convenient and not too difficult; the rest I disregarded.” (Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book”, pg.11)
Wilson, or Bob for that matter, never professed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, never mentioned repentance, or that the only Way to the Father is through the Son. 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 all quite contrary to the Word of God, and is what is called anti-Christ. It is a bafflement that many professing believers would condone and endorse such a program knowing the full thoughts, intentions, and belief’s of AA and it’s origins. It may use terms like “god”, “creator”, “higher power”, however, the “god” and “creator” that they speak is not that of Jesus/Yeshua.
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. 27)
The Scriptures and the true gospel of salvation are very different then an “all inclusive” faith, of which all ways are acceptable.
♦John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.(KJV)
♦1 John 2:22Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son. 23No one who denies the Son can have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. (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. (KJV)
♦John 10:7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 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)
Occult and New Age Practices
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. Even the very symbol that is used on the AA book is very occultic, as seen from the picture’s provided. Many of these events are documented in the books of the history of AA, as well as Wilson’s official A.A. biography.
“The ouija board got moving in earnest. What followed was the fairly usual experience—it was a strange mélange of Aristotle, St. Francis, diverse archangels with odd names, deceased friends—some in purgatory and others doing nicely, thank you! There were malign and mischievous ones of all descriptions, telling of vices quite beyond my ken, even as former alcoholics. Then, the seemingly virtuous entities would elbow them out with messages of comfort, information, advice—and sometimes just sheer nonsense.”
The Scriptures make it quite clear that these practices are contrary to the way of the Lord(YHWH).
♦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.(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. 7Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD(YHWH) your God. (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. 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. (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? for the living to the dead?(KJV)
So, now what about the 12 steps? Are these 12 steps in alignment with the Scriptures?
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. So, below I have steps 1-3, and 12, all of which were quoted directly from “12-Steps and 12-Traditions”.
Step One
“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.”Who cares to admit complete defeat? Admission of powerlessness is the first step in liberation. Relation of humility to sobriety. Mental obsession plus physical allergy. Why must every A.A. hit bottom?(Pg 5)
Step Two
“Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”What can we believe in? A.A. does not demand belief; Twelve Steps are only suggestions. Importance of an open mind. Variety of ways to faith. Substitution of A.A. as Higher Power. Plight of the disillusioned. Roadblocks of indifference and prejudice. Lost faith found in A.A. Problems of intellectuality and self-sufficiency. Negative and positive thinking. Self-righteousness. Defiance is an out standing characteristic of alcoholics. Step Two is a rallying point to sanity. Right relation to God.(Pg 5)
Step Three
“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. How shall we let God into our lives? Willingness is the key. Dependence as a means to independence. Dangers of self-sufficiency. Turning our will over to Higher Power. Misuse of willpower. Sustained and personal exertion necessary to conform to God’s will.(Pgs 5-6)
Step Twelve
“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. Action its keyword. Giving that asks no reward. Love that has no price tag. What is spiritual awakening? A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. The magnificent reality.(Pgs 8-9)
These first three steps of the 12, undermine the gospel, and allow an individual to accept whatever “higher power” they choose. A person could choose Buddha, Allah, Shati, Satan, as well as AA itself. Then they can “turn their lives” over to this ‘god’ as “they understand him”. This immediately goes against the first 2 of the 10 commandments, as it promotes the worship of any or all other ‘gods’, and idolatry(Ex 20:3-6). It also anti-christ as it denies Yeshua/Jesus as the Only Way(1 Joh 2:22-23, Joh 14:6). 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”.
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”.
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. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Step 12, not only speaks of New Age enlightenment, but blasphemes the true free gift, that of salvation, as well as the responsibility for a believer to share and take the gospel message to all, not the AA ‘message’. And Love indeed had a price…the price that Yeshua paid with His own life.
♦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 God’s(KJV)
Celebrate Recovery
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. 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 Baker’s leadership in 1990. John Baker continues to be the primary author of The Celebrate Recovery curriculum and materials” (quoted from Wikipedia)
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. 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. During the worship time, I sat in the back reading my Word. Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor.
Celebrate Recovery’s 12 Steps
Celebrate Recovery’s 12-steps, are AA’s 12-steps, but with a “biblical comparison” to each one. As above, I will be going through steps 1-3, and 12, and directly quoted from CR website:
1 ) We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18
2) We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
3) We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1
12) Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and practice these principles in all our affairs.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1
With the knowledge above, of these steps, how can we then take Scripture to pile over it? It is like taking a pile of poop, and placing the Bible on top. It is mixing the Holy, and the profane. 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 hole…And 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.
2 Corinthians 6:14-16
What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols?
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. 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. While also providing a witness and a rebuke to the women leaders or the women’s group, as it was preaching different gospel, and a different Jesus/Yeshua.
Every meeting, except my last, I was always led to open my Word and read directly from it. 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. I then took out my bible and began to read until both I and my time was finished. As you can probably imagine…things did not go well for me after that…
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. I confronted her on the involvement of Rick Warren, AA’s 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. From that point forward, I was actually prohibited from bringing or reading my Bible in the group.
I decided to leave after that, and not attend the meeting, and I didn’t come back for a couple weeks. Through much prayer, and acquiring the Father’s will, the Spirit instructed me when I needed to go back, to finish what He had begun in me. He told me exactly what would happen, and how it would play out. 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.
So, with my final mission in view, with bible in hand, I walked into Celebrate Recovery for the last time. The atmosphere had changed, and I could sense the Spirit strong with me, and guided my every step. The lead woman was not there, and Yah instructed me where I needed to sit. 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. I sat to the left of the CR group leader, which would mean that I would be the first to speak. However, as she began the meeting, she had decided for the other group leader to go first who was sitting to my left. However, I knew what Yah had spoke to me, and He said that I shall be the first to speak. So, I kid you not, this woman looks at me, dead in the eye and says “no, I think that Kellie should go first, I think she has something important to say”. My faith was empowered, as I knew it was my time to speak His Words. 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.
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 went on to expose AA and the 12-steps. 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. From that point on, I cannot recall all that I spoke, however, I remember the power of the Holy Spirit was so strong, that not only did I literally believe that time was stopped for me to speak, but I could feel all the demons around me being held back and I was engulfed in this protective shell.
After I spoke, the atmosphere was so thick, you could have cut it with a knife. It was then that woman after woman, that spoke after me, praised only the “program”. These were also women who professed His Name, one even ironically being from Saddleback. There was only one woman after me, that was the program group leader for the night, that sat to my right, that proclaimed the Name Jesus, and what He had done for her. Other than that they all denied Him, and His Word, and praised the 12-step program, based upon AA.
After the meeting was over, all the women left, did not say anything to me, just turned their backs and left. As they had all turned their backs on Yeshua/Jesus and His Word, they then had no problem turning their back on me. The one woman though, who had praised Jesus, wanted me to stay and chat with her for a little while. 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. I told her, I know, but it has nothing to do with with you telling me, but rather it was already the Father’s will for me not to come back after this.
None of these women, spoke to me again, nor did I ever go back to Celebrate Recovery, as my assignment there was done.
Conclusion
AA/NA holds people in bondage, making them think they are free. Alcoholism is not a disease. The desire of alcohol is a lust of the flesh. It becomes an addiction because the flesh craves it. Once the flesh is crucified it will no longer desire it. Celebrate Recovery is simply AA but with a disguise of a false light, a false gospel and a false Jesus.(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. 20:2)
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. It is no different than saying “once a thief, always a thief”, or once an “adulterer always an adulterer”. A perpetual drunkard, is being in perpetual sin, and those who do so, do not inherit the Kingdom. 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? 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. 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)
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 is why we are told to “come out”, “Be ye separate”, “Be holy, as He is Holy”.
During the times of Yeshua and the disciples, there was no need of recovery groups or reliance on a 12 step program, when they had the Word of God, and His Spirit. People were healed and delivered from blindness, leprosy, epilepsy, demon-possession, sexual lusts and perversions, etc. There did not come a time when there was an exception for drunkenness. Once those who were fully crucified with Christ, and their passions and desires of the flesh, they too were set free from drunkenness. Yeshua is still in the healing and deliverance ministry. He delivered me completely of alcohol, and a great many of other things. 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. And He came to set the captives free!
AA is a religion. When someone is “in” AA, it is no different than someone being “in” Hinduism. God’s Word is clear about trying to mix pagan worship or other religions with His. Celebrate Recovery is just another type of Syncretism, as mixes God’s ways with heathen ways. 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.
For those who would like more resources here are some links:
http://www.anti-antichrist.com/soap/lanagan.html
http://www.psychoheresy-aware.org/aaroots.html
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/ (Search for AA)
Thank you for your obedience. I needed to see this. I’m going through something similar at my job. I choose to stand on the word regardless who believes or not.
Ebony, thank you for taking the time to share that with me. We all need to be encouraged from time to time, and I am thankful that this has helped you to be able to make some difficult decisions. 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.(KJV)
When we choose the difficult path, which often leads to affliction, we are choosing to partake in the sufferings of Christ, and this is part of what it means to “pick up our cross daily”. (Luke 9:23) In such, our reward, or our treasures will be laid up greater in heaven. (Mat 16:19-20)
Blessings!
Never believe one persons opinion about something. Celebrate Recovery has been a great program for me as well as thousands of others that need the love and support of others. 70 percent of the people that attend are not church members because they feel that the churches have let them down. Too many churches judge them for who and what they are instead of trying to help them. Celebrate Recovery gives the support and love that so many churches fail at. I read this and the Spirit of God prompted to reply. If you need a program then check it out for yourself. Do not take the writer of this piece or even my word. Go and see for yourself. God loves and sent His Son to die for us all.
Sam, thank you for commenting. Yes, you are correct in that we should never simply believe anyone’s word at something, and I am not offended if you do not believe my testimony. 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). 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. Satan manifests as an angel of light, and his workers as ministers of righteousness(2 Cor 11:14).
How you define any program that has a veneer of righteousness connected to it, should be tested to the Word of God. This is what I did, as led by the Holy Spirit. Would you disagree that we should take God/YHWH at His Word if we profess to walk in His truth? If so, then I challenge you to put your emotions aside from the program, and dig into the Word.
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. This is my concern also for you, in that you are highly esteeming a program over that of the Word, which is the same spirit that I encountered while attending my last day of CR. I can assure you, that it is not the Holy Spirit. We will all stand before the judgement seat of the Lord, and give an account of our lives. We will be held accountable for the truth that we were given, and at the expense of our flesh, rejected.
Forty years sober in AA.Yes,I believe everything you said about both programs.I Am a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. A Believer cannot be equally yoked with unbelievers. My KJV Bible is all I need in this life plus my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thanks for sharing brother.
Jim, thank you for your comment. I am glad that you found this blog edifying. Amen brother, you are correct, we cannot be unequally yoked with unbelievers, or mixing light with darkness(2 Cor 6:14). Blessings!
Kellie, (your sister 🙂 in Christ)
Hi Kellie,
I agree with much of what you say about the spiritual aspects of AA. However, I have a slightly different view. 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.
Many alcoholic/addicts are not ready for solid food 1Cor3:2, Heb5:14. I have yet to meet an alcoholic who can not relate to Proverbs 23:29-35 no matter what they believe in; it’s a great introduction for a drunk to the Word of God. Many coming into AA are ready for a change in life spiritually; it’s a great harvest ground. Show me the Buddha worshiper or the person who’s higher power is a rock, and I can pray that God will use me and give me the wisdom through His Spirit to share God’s Word and the Good News with that person. We are called to be in the world, but not of the world. If there is darkness in the AA program leading people astray, what better place to set up a lamp stand?
God bless you, Kellie.
pg
Hello Patrick, thanks for reading and commenting.
I agree with what you are saying, in that we can lead those who are seeking, out of the dangers of AA. This was actually the point of my blog post. I don’t doubt that God is using those willing, to draw people away from this into the truth. When I was in CR (Celebrate Recovery) which I talk on within most of my post and testimony, is that God used me to bring His Light and truth to the darkness that both AA/CR have as a foundation. There were many practices/beliefs that I was led to not partake in. 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. 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. During the worship time, I sat in the back reading my Word. Also, during this time, I was able to minister to quite a few women, and also became a sponsor.”
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). Within AA, the introduction is similar in the person identifies as their addiction, “My Name is, and I am a drug addict/alcoholic”. So, I hope that in sharing the truth with people within AA, you are not identifying with this.
So, I don’t think we really have differing views on this, as you can be led into a church, program or group to share the truth of God’s Word, without necessarily being a partaker in it.
Again, quoting from my post:
“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. While also providing a witness and a rebuke to the women leaders or the women’s group, as it was preaching different gospel, and a different Jesus/Yeshua.”
So, if you are sharing the truth about God’s 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. 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. 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. 35Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. 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.
Blessings,
Kellie
I too may have mixed feelings about this post. In some ways I understand and even believe what you say. In other ways I know both programs have brought people into their recovery process and even drawn them to Jesus. While I want everyone to come to know Jesus Christ our Lord, it is ultimately their decision. And Sobriety in any sense is not just for the addict but also for the many afflicted by the addict, such as the one that died in an accident. In such ways we want them to get sober in any way that works for them so not to affect others. And I believe that somewhere in their journey and even the ones affected from their addiction that they hit a rock bottom. This is what brings us to our Lord. Whatever works to get them there or even the ones affected. 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. So with that said, we all have to start somewhere and often it’s on the wrong path before we truly find our Lord. I will say too, that these programs do sometimes act as a religion and I’ve 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. 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 didn’t work for her. 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. I don’t agree with that. No person has the same journey and everyone has something to recover from. And there’s many avenues to recover. I also believe in the deliverence of it. 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 . I also know many who have never even tempted themselves ever again. They didn’t attend any program, they just hit their rock bottom which is only decided by the individual suffering addiction. This is a good read and that is what God has laid in my heart over the years of my addiction and recovery.
Michelle, thank you for your thoughts and I am glad that you took time to read this. I understand how you could have mixed feelings about this, and I appreciate you sharing. 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. Like you mentioned, allowing God to guide you away from false teachings. This is what He did for me, and through such, I am obliged to warn others.
♦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
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. True sobriety is not only having control over the body, but also the mind.
♦1 Peter 1:13Therefore prepare your minds for action. BE SOBER-MINDED. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The actual definition given to “Sober-minded” means to abstain from wine.
◄ 3525. néphó ►
Strong’s Concordance
néphó: to be sober, to abstain from wine
3525 nḗphō – properly, to be sober (not drunk), not intoxicated; (figuratively) free from illusion, i.e. from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of selfish passion, greed, etc.).
3525 /nḗphō (“be sober, unintoxicated”) refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled).
This is also used in such other passages like:
⭐️1 Peter 5:8Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
(As well as: 1 Thes 5:6, 8, 2 Tim 4:5, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7)
A person can not only be intoxicated physically, but also spiritually:
♦Isa 29:9Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with intoxicating drink.
Both alcohol and drugs impair judgment and control of the body. Likewise, the acceptance of false doctrine will also impair correct judgment and can lead to spiritual decay/death. Anything that impairs your mind, will also affect your spiritual wellbeing, and can lead into sinful choices. This is why we are warned throughout the NT writings to “not be deceived”. So, it is important to keep ourselves pure from false doctrines and teachers.
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. Action its keyword. Giving that asks no reward. Love that has no price tag. What is spiritual awakening? A new state of consciousness and being is received as a free gift. Readiness to receive free gift lies in practice of Twelve Steps. The magnificent reality.(Pgs 8-9)
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. A “spiritual awakening” or “new state of consciousness” are specific terms that are used within the New Age or occult. You often find this within eastern religions and practices such as yoga and achieving a “higher self” or “Christ-consciousness”.
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. Instead, they have turned to unconventional and esoteric sources in the hopes of finding what they seek in the ambiance of the mystical, magical and metaphysical.1 Given these tendencies, the Jesus of orthodox Christianity may seem inadequate. Jesus must be rescued from a pedestrian and parochial orthodoxy that demands he monopolize the deity.”
This is why I stress within my blog that this is leading people to accept a different gospel. 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. 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. The only way for that to happen is through repentance of these programs/doctrines. This is why I had thrown away the “Blue Book”, as well as an “Alateen” book I had aquired when I was younger.
We have all been lied to or deceived on some level or another, however once we know the truth, we are held accountable and can no longer hide under the mercy of the Father while we were in ignorance.
♦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.
Blessings,
Kellie
I was a facilitator for CR at my church. I previously completed step studies and attended CR as a participant. It wasn’t until I became a facilitator that I began questioning the program. I couldn’t wrap my mind around the Beatitudes being misrepresented in the steps of CR. Also on the part of forgiveness, we ar encouraged to also forgive God. What? Isn’t God sovereign? So if I forgive God, then that makes Him limited and also makes mistakes? 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.
Elena, yes, thank you. You bring up several great points, ones that I became very familiar with while attending the program. Thank you for sharing, and I am glad that you have had your eyes opened to the deceptiveness of this program.
Blessings,
Kellie
I’ve been attending CR (and volunteering on the welcome team ) for about a year. Have been having more and more doubts about it as time has gone on. They have been talking up the step study lately and there is pressure to join. The group leader has been through step studies multiple times and still struggles with her problems. The last thing I want to do is delve deeper into my issues/motivations/whatever. It will just be painful, like ripping into old wounds that Jesus has already healed. I am a new creation in Christ and have left a lot behind, but this program keeps digging it back up and putting it in my face. 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.
The program seems to tip-toe around sin and evil instead of calling it out as such. The Bible tells us to hate sin and evil, to cut it out of our life.
I am praying for God to show me what he wants me to do. I would like to serve Him some other way, in another ministry. I believe that God has put me there for some reason so I’m waiting on Him right now. I know it would offend the people in the program if I were to discount or question it or say my discomfort. It’s not my place to tell others what to do. Who am I? This program is being run at my home church and I love the church (Biblical teaching) and don’t want it to feel awkward.
Thanks for your post. You made some really good points.
Barb, thank you for commenting! I am so glad to hear of the insights that you have received from the Holy Spirit pertaining to this program. 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. The program seems to tip-toe around sin and evil instead of calling it out as such. The Bible tells us to hate sin and evil, to cut it out of our life.” I fully agree!
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. However, the cost of sharing the truth with others, is rejection. 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. Jesus said He came to bring a sword, not peace (Mat 10:34), this means that truth will divide, and the outcome may not be peaceful because of offense.
I encourage you to speak up and speak what the Holy Spirit has laid on your heart. 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? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
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. I have found that times when I am feeling too comfortable, that I am not growing or stepping out where I should be. I cannot guarantee that it won’t be awkward, and you might even lose those you thought were your friends. However, that is part of what it means to “count the cost” (Luke 14:28) of following Christ.
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. We must be a willing vessel to share the truth with others, even at the cost of suffering, for if we don’t, then we are not picking up our cross.
1 Peter 3:17For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Manny blessings, and I will be praying for you!
Kellie
Hi Kellie,
Thank you for sharing. I appreciate you sharing your insight and the leading of the Lord that you have followed without wavering. I do believe reaching others, Addicts, Alcoholics and whom so ever will through the church is the area of your calling. Praise God for that revelation to you.
I would like to also share a few things if you will so allow me.. There is a good, acceptable and perfect will of God. Also, by their fruits you shall know people. If God can work through the mouth of a mule he can work through anyone he chooses. I’ve seen God’s fruit in AA and CR as anything Good comes from God. I’ve experienced His amazing grace and mercy through both programs. I also, have experienced God’s grace and mercy through the Holy Spirit through some churches I have encountered that was amazing. We are all broken and in need of a Saviour; my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,. I believe sin is a sicknesses. Alcoholics and Addicts are deeply inflicted with this sin sickness. Some people understand what we’ve been through and some do not. Yes, God can and does help people through the church and power of the Holy Spirit with repentance. 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. That is what is so amazing about God. Whatever my point of willingness to believe and have faith to walk in and with him is where he meets me. Just as I am whereever I am. Wow. What an amazing God. People who have experienced this deep form of sin sickness God has used and helped people through these programs. I lived at AA and Alanon meetings for years and was helped tremendously and then almost completely stopped. I have gone and still go to CR meetings. I don’t go to CR meetings like I used to but at times I still go. I love hearing people’s stories and the work God has done through the cross and his saving grace in others’ lives. I say don’t throw out the baby with the water. 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. Much love to you Kellie and your endeavors . God is good, all the time.
Thank you, Patty for sharing your thoughts and comment on this matter.
There is a saying I have heard often, which goes something like this,
“Once you know better, you do better”.
Once we have knowledge of the truth, then we are held accountable to that truth. (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. (Acts 17:30) At such time we can no longer claim ignorance and will be held accountable to such. This is a process of maturity and growth in the Lord.
Luke 12:47And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. 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.
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. 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.
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 is why we are told to “come out”, “Be ye separate”, “Be holy, as He is Holy”.
Before I go further, I want to share something on this topic. 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”. 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. 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.
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. Yet, this is an occultic practice, which is a form of witchcraft. We cannot trust our experiences and how we feel as a sole measure of something to be good.
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. This very much includes programs like AA/CR which do not have a grounding in the Bible at all. Just as those in Acts burned their magic arts, so should the Alateen/Alanon and AA books be destroyed.
To produce good fruit, a practice or program has to be sound in the word of God. 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.
2 Cor 11:13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 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.
This is the very definition of deception, to appear one way, but with the intention to do another. 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. While your experiences, are your experiences, they should never override that of sound doctrine. This is why people become deceived and un-willing to accept that possibility. 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.
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.
Both men, who developed the 12-step program were directed by a spirit(demon) guide in their “revelation”. This is evident as you compare each step with the scriptures. 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. 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.
I hope you consider and pray on the things I have brought up, and really examine this program to see if it truly aligns with the word of God.
Blessings,
Kellie, A Pearl in the Vineyard
Thanks so much for your deep insights Kellie that convey the TRUTH of the scriptures and aren’t impeded by human emotion(that satan uses to misguide us) .
I have just made the decision to leave AA due to its mission statement and occult origins. I did briefly entertain it as a mission field, however their polluted doctrine is vehemently opposed to it.
In reality as a Christian man I could not broker the fallibility of their 12 step program which includes the embracing of idolatry(creation of your own God) as a modality of union with the God of “your understanding” .
Scripture is clear that we are not to lean upon our own understanding and the fear of the Lord is beginning of all knowledge. It is highly presumptive to assume that you can indoctrinate people with AA’s twelve step concepts and the outcome will be that the indoctrinated individual comes to Christ via this avenue.
Satan is clever in his use of AA’s false gospel that will in some cases provide abstinence from alcohol/drugs. But as we know the true prize is salvation not sobriety and true sobriety will come through salvation and a relationship with Christ.
The embracing of a twelve step program to overcome “sin” which is what the idolatry of substance abuse truly is (not the copout of disease) is actually a sinful confession that you believe God has made a mistake in that the scriptures are “incomplete” and lack the true and not counterfeit remedy for our affliction.
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Keep up the good work Kellie!
Walton, thank you for your comment, and I am so glad to hear that you have left AA! Praise God! I wholeheartedly agree with everything you have said and appreciate the encouraging word. Blessings to you!