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deanshimp · (This post was last modified: 04-28-2013 12:31 AM by deanshimp.)

(04-02-2009 11:03 PM)LindaR Wrote: I’m going to post an article from a blog (worldviewtimes dot com). This is concerning the topic of Alcoholics Anonymous. If any of your read my testimony, you know that I was married to a “drunk” for almost 20 years until he finally killed himself with alcohol. He went to AA faithfully and I went to that “sister” group..Al-Anon for many years. Christians are being deceived (as I was) into believing that AA and all the other off-shoots of the 12-step programs has Christian roots and that Bill W and Dr. Bob were Christians. Well folks, AA (and any program based on the 12-steps of AA) is NEW AGE spirituality. I will post this article in two parts because of the length. The author used another version of the Bible than the KJV, so I changed his Scripture to KJV. (the only change I made).

Give Me That Old Time, New Age Religion
Excerpted from "Alcoholics Anonymous is a sub-trend of the New Age." --Ehud Sperling
In the small town where I worship, a neighboring church holds Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on an almost daily basis. They know the Scriptures that clearly forbid mixing our Savior in with false gods, and yet this has made no difference. They do what they do because that is what they want to do.

Not that this is unusual. It is happening all over our nation--churches embracing anti-Biblical activity, and choosing to portray it as God's perfect will. We even find books to validate what we prefer to believe about the nature of God Himself.

The novel The Shack falls into this category. Despite its errant theology it remains a best seller, and may ultimately prove to be a significant dividing line between the Body of Christ and the rising apostate Church. But this is no less true of Alcoholics Anonymous.

"Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 2:11-12).

We have gone far beyond individual Christians simply attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Now, increasingly, Alcoholics Anonymous is allowed to hold meetings in Bible believing churches. A.A. membership by definition demands a faith in the 12 Step process, and many Christians end up with a syncretistic belief system-Biblical teachings have been weakened and welded with 12 Step theology.

The Lord tells us to "come out from among them, and be ye separate," for good reason. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) He tells us “evil communications corrupt good manners.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) In like manner, exposure to bad theology often corrupts sound doctrine.

Some years ago Martin and Deidre Bobgan wrote '12 Steps To Destruction,'
a blunt and accurate analysis of the 12 Step movement. This well-researched book angered some and was ignored by others. The authors write, "Twelve-Step programs are in essence New Age religions and Archetypical precursors of a one-world religion. They do not hold a common doctrine of God and His creation."[1]

You will find that, sure enough, a quick internet search demonstrates how compatible 12 Step groups are with New Age/New Spirituality. Or, really, with anything else. According to PASS IT ON, A.A. cofounder Bill Wilson "felt A.A.'s usefulness was worldwide, and contained spiritual principles that members of any and every religion could accept, including the Eastern religions."[2]

A.A.'s Step 3 states, "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him." Jesus Christ is never mentioned in the 12 Steps. This is not surprising considering the source from which the 12 Steps originated.

Martin and Deidre Bobgan further note, "The common goal of the one-world religion will be peace-for the sake of survival. Each goal is centered on self and in the now, not in God or eternity. The goal takes precedence over the One True God. Whatever god or goddess is chosen as the higher power is subservient to that goal. All of these fit into the New Age spirituality: no absolutes, many ways, self-enhancement."[3]

There are those in the church who are fully committed to the all-gods religion of Alcoholics Anonymous. They are enthralled with it. They have friends, warm feelings, perhaps even sobriety through A.A. So, although they know the Scriptures, the 12 Step path is the way they have decided to go.

But there are also those who simply do not know better. Some of these are new Christians, and they are in Alcoholics Anonymous because they have been told that is the only possible way to sobriety; or because other Christians have recommended it.
Then, of course, there are the books. Numerous books erroneously portraying A.A. not only as compatible with Christianity, but as Christian in origin. These have done much damage.
With all the urgency I can summon, I tell you the Lord wants His people out of Alcoholics Anonymous. He wants His people to quit feeding this shimmering, glimmering chameleon of a spiritual system. The Ancient of Days will take care of those in bondage to alcohol if we but give Him the opportunity. How do I know this? It's right there in the Bible. And so it was for me.

Alcoholics Anonymous teaches that if one is to overcome alcoholism, one must turn one's life and will over to a "higher power." It doesn't matter what (or whom) one believes in, and worships, it only matters that one must worship something.

My friend, do not rationalize that this is still okay because you, in the middle of A.A., worship Christ. Alcoholics Anonymous denies the Sovereignty of Jesus Christ, and you are not to have anything to do with it. It is, as Paul tells us, a false gospel.

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-8)

Christians in A.A. are literally praying and worshiping with New Age folk and others who, as they have been encouraged, have custom-created their own gods. To justify belonging to such a religion, some Christians claim it is okay because, well, it's all about evangelism.

And so it is. Unfortunately, it is the usually Christians themselves who are "evangelized," who are unknowingly affected by the theology of the 12 Step religion. This is why God tells us to stay away from such a thing in the first place.

This is potentially a fertile mission field, but such a ministry is not for those Christians who are already caught in 12 Step theology. There are many wonderful people in A.A. bowing to various deities. The best thing we can do for them is to obey God, get out, and pray for Him to strengthen our churches.

A great separation is taking place. For the 12 Step religion-an anti-Christian religion-grows stronger everyday. Emergent/comtemplative/12 Step Spirituality will continue to blend together. False gods will boldly be celebrated and elevated.

Commenting on A.A.'s invent-a-god theology, Martin and Deidre Bobgan point out, "When one configures his own image of god and places himself under that power, he is essentially his own god, because he finds that god within himself and within his own experience."[4]

Do Christians in A.A. know the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book-the A.A. "bible"-promotes the New Age lie of inner divinity? The Big Book states, "Sometimes we had to search fearlessly but He was there. He was as much a fact as we were. We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last analysis, it is only there that He may be found."[5]

Really? The Bible tells us God dwells only in those who have accepted Jesus Christ. This may sound harsh, but none of us should be found in A.A., unless the Lord Himself sends us there as missionaries.

Endnotes:
1. Martin and Deidre Bobgan, 12 Steps To Destruction, pg.116
2. PASS IT ON, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., pg.283
3. Martin and Deidre Bobgan, 12 Steps To Destruction, pg.116
4. Ibid., pg.116
5. Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., pg.55

I totally agree with you. I have been going to AA and definitely feel the Holy Spirits promptings for me to separate myself from them. "God of your understanding?"....Please !!!....We do not have a choice of gods, there is ONLY ONE--The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob...The creator of the heavens and the earth, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, The Only True God revealed to us through the only divine big book--THE HOLY BIBLE. I have watched people worship their AA big book, studying it like it came directly from God, quoting it as if it was divinely inspired. There is Only One Name above Names and it is JESUS CHRIST.....A name that AA refuses to acknowledge....In AA I have seen how the very mention of HIS name sends chills through peoples spines and puts frowns on their faces. Other names such as Buddha or Mohammed or whatever else is OK but don't you dare mention JESUS CHRIST.

***Vic*** · 04-28-2013, 10:29 AM

Dean, Thank you for sharing that. You are absolutely right in what you have said. My dad was involved with AA for awhile and we went to the family support meetings--2 times. Total waste of time.

My dad realised it was contrary to Christ also, and stopped going. When we belong to Christ, He really does change us and show us how to live for Him---in spite of the baggage and consequences of the flesh and things of the world and sin. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. And we are to grow in grace and knowledge of HIm, not worldly wisdom and methods and things that reject Him.

So good for you for growing in Christ and realising it's our relationship with and dependence on Him that makes the difference. Studying His Word and making sure it is the litmus test for all we believe.

2 Peter 1:1-11 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: (2) Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, (3) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

PLease consider making an Introduction post in this section, so members can get to know you.
http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=17

deanshimp · (This post was last modified: 04-28-2013 01:45 PM by Vic.)

Thanks for your reply, my name is Dean and I live in Florida. I am very new to almost everything that deals with computers. I am 47 years old and have lived a terrible sinful life of drugs and alcohol. So it goes that I never had the time or money to learn or keep up with technology. This is my first computer, just recently learned how to send e-mails and this is my first blogging experience. In-fact I don't know if I'm even doing it right...Anyways, I began a journey July 1st of 2010 to get sober and get right with God. Its been a bumpy road filled with ups and downs, I have lived a life of immoral debauchery for over 30 years. I voluntarily put myself through 21 months of residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation in an organization called "Teen Challenge" and have found that my addiction still beckons me from time to time. I believe that freedom from alcoholism can only come from Christ. Galatians 5:1 is my favorite "Freedom" verse I like to think of when it comes to my addiction, I understand that the Apostle Paul was talking about being free from the old law but its a verse that helps me realize that Christ can set us free from "any" bondage.....CHRIST ALONE !!!....Since leaving Teen Challenge I was homeless and started going to AA meetings, it was there that I met a nice fellow who opened his home to me. He became my sponsor and has helped me in many many ways. I have since got a good job and have been faithfully going to church, seeking the Lord with all my heart....striving always striving to be obedient to the Lord, always asking His help with my repentance. Its my hope and prayer that the Lord will grant me full repentance and a heart of deep godly sorrow for my sin. I spent so much time studying the Bible and seeking Gods will for my life, my mind, my heart. I see clearly in Gods word that being a true disciple of Christ is much more than saying a simple prayer. Its my desire to be true in taking up my cross, denying myself and losing my life for Him. I want to be true to Him in every aspect of my life !!!!.....My dilemma is that living with my sponsor I have to go to these AA meetings and watch all these deceived people worship their false gods and give credit for their sobriety to imaginary "higher powers". They claim God and even say the Lords prayer that was taught by Christ...But yet deny Christ and refuse to claim Him as the one and only true Lord.....It sickens me....I cant wait to get my own place so I can dump AA......Hey I have a question for ya....what do you think about "Celebrate Recovery".??...They claim "Christ Only" but still use the same AA 12 steps.

(04-28-2013 10:29 AM)Vic Wrote: Dean, Thank you for sharing that. You are absolutely right in what you have said. My dad was involved with AA for awhile and we went to the family support meetings--2 times. Total waste of time.

My dad realised it was contrary to Christ also, and stopped going. When we belong to Christ, He really does change us and show us how to live for Him---in spite of the baggage and consequences of the flesh and things of the world and sin. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. And we are to grow in grace and knowledge of HIm, not worldly wisdom and methods and things that reject Him.

So good for you for growing in Christ and realising it's our relationship with and dependence on Him that makes the difference. Studying His Word and making sure it is the litmus test for all we believe.....sent a reply....dont know if I did it right.

2 Peter 1:1-11 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: (2) Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, (3) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

PLease consider making an Introduction post in this section, so members can get to know you.
http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=17

**Lois** · 04-28-2013, 04:24 PM

Hi Dean

Thank you for sharing so much about yourself.I know and have known many that struggle with addiction a lot of whom are within my own family.

I think most of us have been involved with some form of "immoral debauchery" at some point in our lives. We are all sinners saved by the grace of God. (Thank you Holy Father)

I can completely sympathize with being technologically challenged. I am 44 years old and still don't own a cell phone. There have been a few times when I have tried to use my sisters smart phone and she ended up having to dial the numbers for me, then handing me the phone.( My sister is older BTW, soon to be 48.)
I had a pre-paid phone for a while years ago but I have absolutely no use for a cell phone, there is no one to call me, so I don't have one. I find it a little creepy sometimes watching everyone walking around staring down at their phones all the time, texting.

I had not heard of Celebrate Recovery, so I took a quick peek at it.

Celebrate Recovery is affiliated with Saddleback Church and Rick Warren.There are some threads that discuss Rick Warren.

Rick Warren's & the Occult
http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=755

Is Rick Warren's Purpose God's Purpose
http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=11

Rick Warren and Barack Obama -Friends-Unity in Diversity
http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=51

I don't believe that what Rick Warren teaches is biblically sound doctrine so I would not be able to recommend Celebrate Recovery to anyone, frankly.

Smilies-30066

I'll be praying for you Dean.I look forward to more of your posts. Biggrin

***Vic*** · 04-29-2013, 10:29 AM

(04-28-2013 01:02 PM)deanshimp Wrote: Thanks for your reply, my name is Dean and I live in Florida. I am very new to almost everything that deals with computers. I am 47 years old and have lived a terrible sinful life of drugs and alcohol. So it goes that I never had the time or money to learn or keep up with technology. This is my first computer, just recently learned how to send e-mails and this is my first blogging experience. In-fact I don't know if I'm even doing it right...Anyways, I began a journey July 1st of 2010 to get sober and get right with God. Its been a bumpy road filled with ups and downs, I have lived a life of immoral debauchery for over 30 years. I voluntarily put myself through 21 months of residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation in an organization called "Teen Challenge" and have found that my addiction still beckons me from time to time. I believe that freedom from alcoholism can only come from Christ. Galatians 5:1 is my favorite "Freedom" verse I like to think of when it comes to my addiction, I understand that the Apostle Paul was talking about being free from the old law but its a verse that helps me realize that Christ can set us free from "any" bondage.....CHRIST ALONE !!!....Since leaving Teen Challenge I was homeless and started going to AA meetings, it was there that I met a nice fellow who opened his home to me. He became my sponsor and has helped me in many many ways. I have since got a good job and have been faithfully going to church, seeking the Lord with all my heart....striving always striving to be obedient to the Lord, always asking His help with my repentance. Its my hope and prayer that the Lord will grant me full repentance and a heart of deep godly sorrow for my sin. I spent so much time studying the Bible and seeking Gods will for my life, my mind, my heart. I see clearly in Gods word that being a true disciple of Christ is much more than saying a simple prayer. Its my desire to be true in taking up my cross, denying myself and losing my life for Him. I want to be true to Him in every aspect of my life !!!!.....My dilemma is that living with my sponsor I have to go to these AA meetings and watch all these deceived people worship their false gods and give credit for their sobriety to imaginary "higher powers". They claim God and even say the Lords prayer that was taught by Christ...But yet deny Christ and refuse to claim Him as the one and only true Lord.....It sickens me....I cant wait to get my own place so I can dump AA......Hey I have a question for ya....what do you think about "Celebrate Recovery".??...They claim "Christ Only" but still use the same AA 12 steps.

Thank you very much for sharing these things Dean. You have come a long way in a very short time. One thing I would say is that it's when we no longer strive to be like Christ, but actually know we can't do it in ourselves, that we really are learning to rest in Him, and and allow Him to change us. If you already know Him, and have repented, you don't need to beat yourself up seeking more repentance from the past sins. Your sins are already forgiven and removed as far as the east is from the west and remembered no more by God.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

That doesn't mean you can't feel the pull of temptation---everyone does have to deal with that type thing at different times--different issues for different people, but eventually God can remove all temptation from those particular issues, or He might allow you to be tempted occassionally as a test of your resolve to be obedient. Being tempted isn't sinning. It's giving in and doing the temptation that is the sin. Remember how the devil tempted Christ---yet Christ remained sinless, because of who He is, but also He showed us that by using the Word of God, He had the victory over the temptations thrown at Him. Matthew 4.

ONce you are set free in Christ, you are free from the old man, the old ways, and are called to grow in grace and knowledge of Him. It can take time to deal with issues in our lives, but it's about trusting Him to help us and change us to be more like Him, in what we think and how we think, and what we do and how we respond to life.

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Romans 5:15-19 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. (16) And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. (17) For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (18) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

1 Corinthians 10:11-13 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (12) Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Romans 6:16-18 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (17) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. (18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:20-23 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. (21) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. (22) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We all need to pick up our cross daily, but also put on the whole armour of God:

Romans 13:12-14 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (5) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

God always provides a way for us to stand firm, regardless what circumstances we might be in. I suspect if you are witnessing and showing Christ, you might end up being asked to leave, and if not, God will provide when you are to leave there and live on your own. But never alone...always with Christ.

You might wish to read threads that YYZ Skinhead has started about her various challenges. Her testimony is one of God's continuing work and deliverance into true freedom in Christ.

YOu can find them through the Search > at the top right of the forum. Here's the link. http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/search.php
Do a search by username YYZ Skinhead

deanshimp · 04-29-2013, 07:21 PM

(04-29-2013 10:29 AM)Vic Wrote:
(04-28-2013 01:02 PM)deanshimp Wrote: Thanks for your reply, my name is Dean and I live in Florida. I am very new to almost everything that deals with computers. I am 47 years old and have lived a terrible sinful life of drugs and alcohol. So it goes that I never had the time or money to learn or keep up with technology. This is my first computer, just recently learned how to send e-mails and this is my first blogging experience. In-fact I don't know if I'm even doing it right...Anyways, I began a journey July 1st of 2010 to get sober and get right with God. Its been a bumpy road filled with ups and downs, I have lived a life of immoral debauchery for over 30 years. I voluntarily put myself through 21 months of residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation in an organization called "Teen Challenge" and have found that my addiction still beckons me from time to time. I believe that freedom from alcoholism can only come from Christ. Galatians 5:1 is my favorite "Freedom" verse I like to think of when it comes to my addiction, I understand that the Apostle Paul was talking about being free from the old law but its a verse that helps me realize that Christ can set us free from "any" bondage.....CHRIST ALONE !!!....Since leaving Teen Challenge I was homeless and started going to AA meetings, it was there that I met a nice fellow who opened his home to me. He became my sponsor and has helped me in many many ways. I have since got a good job and have been faithfully going to church, seeking the Lord with all my heart....striving always striving to be obedient to the Lord, always asking His help with my repentance. Its my hope and prayer that the Lord will grant me full repentance and a heart of deep godly sorrow for my sin. I spent so much time studying the Bible and seeking Gods will for my life, my mind, my heart. I see clearly in Gods word that being a true disciple of Christ is much more than saying a simple prayer. Its my desire to be true in taking up my cross, denying myself and losing my life for Him. I want to be true to Him in every aspect of my life !!!!.....My dilemma is that living with my sponsor I have to go to these AA meetings and watch all these deceived people worship their false gods and give credit for their sobriety to imaginary "higher powers". They claim God and even say the Lords prayer that was taught by Christ...But yet deny Christ and refuse to claim Him as the one and only true Lord.....It sickens me....I cant wait to get my own place so I can dump AA......Hey I have a question for ya....what do you think about "Celebrate Recovery".??...They claim "Christ Only" but still use the same AA 12 steps.

Thank you very much for sharing these things Dean. You have come a long way in a very short time. One thing I would say is that it's when we no longer strive to be like Christ, but actually know we can't do it in ourselves, that we really are learning to rest in Him, and and allow Him to change us. If you already know Him, and have repented, you don't need to beat yourself up seeking more repentance from the past sins. Your sins are already forgiven and removed as far as the east is from the west and remembered no more by God.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

That doesn't mean you can't feel the pull of temptation---everyone does have to deal with that type thing at different times--different issues for different people, but eventually God can remove all temptation from those particular issues, or He might allow you to be tempted occassionally as a test of your resolve to be obedient. Being tempted isn't sinning. It's giving in and doing the temptation that is the sin. Remember how the devil tempted Christ---yet Christ remained sinless, because of who He is, but also He showed us that by using the Word of God, He had the victory over the temptations thrown at Him. Matthew 4.

ONce you are set free in Christ, you are free from the old man, the old ways, and are called to grow in grace and knowledge of Him. It can take time to deal with issues in our lives, but it's about trusting Him to help us and change us to be more like Him, in what we think and how we think, and what we do and how we respond to life.

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Romans 5:15-19 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. (16) And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. (17) For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (18) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

1 Corinthians 10:11-13 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (12) Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Romans 6:16-18 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (17) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. (18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:20-23 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. (21) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. (22) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We all need to pick up our cross daily, but also put on the whole armour of God:

Romans 13:12-14 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (5) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

God always provides a way for us to stand firm, regardless what circumstances we might be in. I suspect if you are witnessing and showing Christ, you might end up being asked to leave, and if not, God will provide when you are to leave there and live on your own. But never alone...always with Christ.

You might wish to read threads that YYZ Skinhead has started about her various challenges. Her testimony is one of God's continuing work and deliverance into true freedom in Christ.

YOu can find them through the Search > at the top right of the forum. Here's the link. http://www.seekgod.ca/forum/search.php
Do a search by username YYZ Skinhead

Hey Vic, Did you get my private email?