In the early 1930's, a group of people found themselves plagued with a compulsive addictive behavior known as alcoholism. While humbly seeking a solution to their problem, they turned to the Lord. Studying the Bible, they examined the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapter 5, and the writings in the books of James and 1 st Corinthians. While so doing, the Lord inspired them with basic principles of recovery. This discovery evolved into the “12 Steps.” As their understanding of these principles deepened, they found themselves turning to the healing power of Jesus Christ.

  Today, many people are plagued with various compulsive addictive behaviors. They include drugs (illegal and prescription), alcohol, pornography, eating disorders, gambling, co-dependency, and many more. Each brings along heartache and a sense of hopelessness. Mistakenly, many assume that they must first break their habits before they are worthy of Heavenly Father’s help. Discouraged with personal failure, their hearts become hardened and they turn away from the only power that can redeem them.

  One of the primary objectives of this life is to come to know our Heavenly Father – to understand His unconditional love for us, to turn to Him for help, and to trust Him in all things. Can we trust Him enough to place all things, including our addictions and behaviors, upon the altar of God, humbly back away, and allow Him to redeem us?

  Consider the following New Testament lesson from John, Chapter 5: In ancient Jerusalem, there was a pool of water called Bethesda. It was a famous pool, because periodically an angel would come down and “trouble the water.” Many believed that after each angelic visit, the first person who “stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.” A great multitude of people with all kinds of ailments lay near the pool “waiting for the moving of the water.” In an effort to be the first, most people had a loving family member, or at least a “ hired” man, poised and ready to run at a moment’s notice to carry them to the pool.

  One man, who had had an infirmity for 38 years, had apparently been trying to get into the water for some time. He was physically disabled, and could not easily move by himself. There was no one waiting with him, no family, nor hired help. One day, Christ walked by and perceived his plight. Stopping, He asked, “Wilt thou be made whole?” The man answered, “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.” (In other words, he had been trying for some time to get into the pool, but each time had failed to be the first.) Christ in His compassion said, “Rise, take up thy bed and walk.” The man was healed by the “Living Water,” Jesus Christ

So God too, knowing our struggles, asks, “Wilt thou be made whole?” Patiently He awaits our willingness to yield, to humble ourselves, and to talk with Him regarding our own situations. He waits for us to acknowledge that we cannot be made whole without Him.

This Christ-centered 12-step recovery workbook is a resource providing strength, hope and direction for those struggling with compulsive addictive behaviors. If used in conjunction with sincere prayer and personal scripture study, a sure path of hope and recovery will be opened. This workbook was prepared to provide a simple understanding of the 12 steps of recovery. Sincere application of these 12 principles will initiate the process of hope, healing, repentance and recovery.

  As you choose to study this text and ponder the scriptures referenced, you will come to know the peace and healing that is offered by our Savior, Jesus Christ. You will come to know that God is with you, that He loves you, and that He waits to hear your personal response to His question, “Wilt thou be made whole?”

Contents    Preface