HI R.J. Thanks for your comment. Chocolate! That’s my favourite. Love it. You wrote:

BTW, given this, then would this be pretty much in step with “Celebrate Recovery”? (also a “12 step…. uh, “PROGRAM”) which absolutely SWEPT American churches over the past 20

There is nothing so alluring to mankind than to think he or she is capable of doing something to enhance or better their lives. Every single practice – from contemplative prayer to AA’s Twelve Steps to the twelve stations of the cross to Ignatian practices to the labyrinth to the Rosary to the scapular to Jacob’s ladder in Freemasonry; you name it – comes from Babylon. The oldest pyramides in Egypt did not have straight sides. They were built in steps to climb to the top where they communed with their gods. It was fashioned in the zigurat Nimrod built in Babylon. In one word – IDOLATRY. Idolatry is anything one puts in the place of God as Saviour, Protector, Provider, and Comforter.

These things and objects become the vehicles of trust, and their anchors in life. Oh yes, they use the Name of Jesus to sanctify their idolatries, but it is another Jesus, another gospel, and nother spirit. The Charismatic, Pedntecostal, NAR bunch are also forever, encouraging their congregants to reach for newer and higher levels in their spiritual lives, usually brought on by the laying on of hands, speaking in tongues, baptismal events etc. I once heard a woman say, “Oh, I wish my husband would attain the same level I have reached.” It is nothing else than spiritual self-exaltation. What did Satan do before he was cast down to earth? (Isaiah 14:12-15)

Hi Lila. Most, if not all people, who are involved in some sort of occult and false teaching in churches, are usually kindhearted, very friendly and always smiling. These things are, of course, not wrong. We all need friendship, kindheartedness and the likes. Unfortunately and sadly, these are the very things that lure the unsuspecting into a sense of complacency and feelings of being at home with them. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write,

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Co 11:13-15).

What should you do, you asked. Indeed, we should always pray that God would open their eyes to Satan’s devices. I wouldn’t suggest that you confront the pastor. Rather, focus on people with whom you have come more closely involved in your friendship with them than others.

Don’t make outright statements like “AA is from Satan. ” That immediately puts them in animosity mode. Questions always seem to work more effectively. Instead of making statements, ask questions like, “Do you know where the AA had it origins?” or “Would you remain loyal to something if you knew it was not of God?” Some may say, “We eat the flesh and spit out the bones,” meaning, of course, that one should look at the fruit AA produces. In that case you may ask something like “But if the root is bad, the fruit must also be bad.” Remember to always pray for the person first with who you have a conversation.

BTW, given this, then would this be pretty much in step with “Celebrate Recovery”? (also a “12 step…. uh, “PROGRAM”) which absolutely SWEPT American churches over the past 20
years!!  CROSSING ALL DENOMINATION barriers!!  Church of Christ would host it as well as Baptist as well as non-denom, etc. etc.

Interesting fact: my brother, a lifelong alcoholic was once “sentenced” and part of such sentencing, he was forced to attend AA meetings – he hated them with a passion!! Said he always left after a long 2 hour (sometimes 3 hours) long of people talking about booze – so much that it only made him really, REALLY CRAVE IT by the time the meeting was over!!!!  Seriously, something to think about! I love chocolate & if I had to go a super long meeting every week about people talking about all kinds of chocolate – pie, cake, cookies, candy – I’d pretty much want to make a beeline to the candy store myself! So what he said did make sense.

Guess in these last moments, the occult connection (as well as ahem “other” connections) should come as no surprise! 
Soooo ready to hear THAT trumpet!  Prayerfully soon!!

Thank you for continuing to occupy UNTIL….