Celebrate Recovery at Peters Creek Baptist Church

Description:Some wounds don’t fade—they echo. In this episode, I open up about childhood shame, father wounds, and the lifelong battle to believe I’m enough. Through Celebrate Recovery’s Step 2, I’m learning that healing starts with surrender—not striving—and that God’s voice of love is louder than my past.

If you’ve ever struggled with identity, shame, or seeking approval, this story is for you. You are not alone—and you are deeply loved

Resources:

• Celebrate Recovery: crlocator.com

• Peters Creek Baptist Church (South Park, PA) – Fridays at 7 PM

• Crossroads Ministries (Finleyville, PA) – Mondays at 7 PM

• Peters Creek Sunday Worship: pcbc.church

Quote:

“You are not a mistake. You are not too much. God is proud to be seen with you.”

Welcome back to Our True Identity — where we replace the lies we believe about ourselves with the truth of God’s Word.

In this special Easter episode, we’re diving deep into what it means to be powerless — and why that’s not a place of shame, but a foundation for true transformation.

We explore:
✔️ Why trying to control everything keeps us stuck✔️ Four action steps to surrender our need for control✔️ The connection between recovery and resurrection✔️ What Psalm 40, Jesus' resurrection, and personal stories can teach us about healing✔️ How we let go and let God — together in community

💡 Whether you're in recovery or just ready to stop carrying it all alone — this episode is for you.

🔑 Scriptures Mentioned:

• Psalm 6:2–3

• Matthew 6:24

• Matthew 19:26

• Psalm 40:11–13

• John 19–20

🙌 Next Steps & Community Info:

🔹 Celebrate Recovery @ Peters Creek Baptist Church📍 Fridays at 7:00 PM📍 Sundays at 8:15 & 10:45 AM (in person or on YouTube)📧 [email protected]🌐 CRLocator.com – Find a CR group near you

📌 Episode Overview:

In this foundational episode of our new series A Journey to Christlike Transformation, we dive deep into Principle 1 of Celebrate Recovery — the principle of admitting powerlessness.

We often believe that strength means control, but in God’s kingdom, healing begins when we finally let go. This episode explores what it means to stop playing God, start being honest about our pain, and lean into the limitless power of Jesus Christ.

With reflections from the Celebrate Recovery NIV Study Bible, personal stories, biblical truth, and practical action steps, Craig guides us through a message that’s equal parts humbling and hope-filled.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Powerlessness ≠ weakness — it’s the beginning of true strength.

• We must stop denying pain and stop playing God to experience healing.

• Admitting that our lives are unmanageable opens the door to real freedom.

• Psalm 40 reminds us that God hears us when we cry out — even when we feel overwhelmed and undone.

• CR offers a grace-filled space to practice surrender and grow in Christ.

📖 Scripture Highlight:

"Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me..."— Psalm 40:11–13 (NIV)

🧠 Reflection Questions:

• Where in your life are you still pretending you're in control?

• What pain are you minimizing or ignoring?

• How can you invite God into the parts of your life that feel unmanageable?

📍 Connect + Resources:

• 🌐 Find a Celebrate Recovery near you: crlocator.com

• 📖 Check out the Celebrate Recovery NIV Study Bible

• ✉️ Have a question or want to share your story? Email us at: [[email protected]]

🙏 Final Encouragement:

Let go of the illusion of control and lean into God’s grace. You’re not too far gone. You’re not too broken. There is healing in surrender.

🎧 Subscribe to Our True Identity wherever you get your podcasts.📲 Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show if it blessed you today!

SHOW NOTES:

In this special episode of Our True Identity, Craig shares a powerful preview of the message for Take Action Night, happening Friday, April 4, 2025, at Celebrate Recovery – Peters Creek Baptist Church in South Park, PA.

Rooted in Principle 3 of the Celebrate Recovery program—“Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control”—this message walks through the acronym ACTION:

• A – Accept Jesus as your Higher Power

• C – Commit to following God’s will

• T – Turn it over

• I – It’s only the beginning

• O – One day at a time

• N – Next step

Whether you're in the middle of your recovery journey, just starting, or feeling stuck, this episode offers practical truth, biblical encouragement, and a direct challenge to take your next step of faith.

Resources & Next Steps:

• Join us in person for Take Action Night:
  Friday, April 4, 2025 – 7 PM at Peters Creek Baptist Church6300 Library Road, South Park, PA

• Questions? Want to talk to someone?Email us at: [email protected]

• Not local?Visit crlocator.com to find a Celebrate Recovery near you.

• Connect with us:Learn more about our church and CR ministry at pcbc.church

  Follow Our True Identity on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Instagram.

Episode Summary:

Welcome back to Our True Identity, a podcast dedicated to replacing the lies we believe about ourselves with the truth of God's Word —today's episode introduces an exciting initiative at Celebrate Recovery Peters Creek: the Mental Health Program, a faith-based support initiative for those facing mental health challenges.

Key Takeaways & Insights:

🌱 1. Introducing the Mental Health Program

• Designed to provide faith-based support for individuals navigating mental health challenges.
• Offers a safe, judgment-free community to experience hope and restoration through Christ.

🌱 2. Mental Health Matters

• Stat: 50% of adults will face a mental health issue in their lifetime.

• Reminder: Mental health issues are not a lack of faith or weakness but are as real as physical health conditions.

🌱 3. Removing Stigma

• Mental health challenges, like physical ailments, deserve medical attention and support.
• Analogy: You wouldn’t simply “pray away” a broken arm without seeking medical treatment; mental health should be treated similarly.

🌱 4. Role of Faith and Celebrate Recovery

• Faith and mental health recovery can coexist effectively.
• Emphasizes spiritual grounding, supportive community, and safe space for sharing stories and struggles.

📌 Mental Health Recovery Agreement (Five Key Points):

1. Reclaiming Your Identity in Christ

• Your true identity is found in Jesus, not your diagnosis or struggles.

2. Trusting God's Plan

• Even when facing uncertainty, trust God's sovereignty and His purpose.

3. Living in Authentic Community

• Regularly share your victories and struggles with a trusted individual.
• Reject isolation; embrace authenticity and vulnerability.

4. Committing to Professional Care

• Faithfully follow treatment plans and prescribed medications from your mental health provider.
• Recognize the wisdom in seeking professional mental health guidance.

5. Continued Spiritual Growth

• Work Celebrate Recovery’s 12 Steps and 8 Principles to grow spiritually, becoming more Christ-like.
• Emphasize ongoing transformation and spiritual maturity.

🌟 Important Clarifications:

• Celebrate Recovery is not a substitute for professional mental health counseling or medical care.
• Embracing both professional treatment and faith-based support is crucial.
• Medication and professional treatment complement—not contradict—faith.

🤝 Creating Safe Spaces & Community Accountability

• Celebrate Recovery fosters acceptance, understanding, Christ-centered accountability, and sponsorship.

• A safe, judgment-free space facilitates authentic sharing, healing, and growth.

🌳 Addressing Root Causes

• Celebrate Recovery’s approach seeks to address underlying hurts, hang-ups, and habits—not merely manage symptoms.
• Recognizes mental health struggles can stem from deeper unresolved issues like trauma, unhealthy patterns, and addictive behaviors.
• Spiritual growth and transformation through Christ’s grace are essential aspects of true recovery.

🎯 Weekly Challenge:

• Ask yourself: What’s one thing you can do this week to support someone else’s mental health or your own?
• Remember, you are not alone—you have God’s grace, a supportive community, and professional resources available.

📅 Local Celebrate Re

Podcast Show Notes

Title: Our True Identity – A Chosen People, A Living Temple
Episode Date: March 16, 2025
Host: Craig Amstone

Episode SummaryHello, friends! Welcome back to Our True Identity, the podcast where we replace the lies we believe about ourselves with the truth of God’s Word. I’m so glad you’re here with me today.

On this 2nd Sunday of Lent, we’re diving into a powerful section of Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-10 (NLT). This passage speaks deeply about our identity in Christ as a chosen people, a living temple, and how that transforms our daily lives.

We’ll explore:

• How to actively remove sin from our lives (verse 1)

• Cultivating a deep craving for spiritual nourishment (verses 2-3)

• Jesus as our Living Cornerstone (verses 4-5)

• Our role as royal priests and members of God’s holy nation (verses 9-10)

As we unpack these truths, we’ll reflect on how they shape our daily decisions, our relationships, and our Kingdom perspective.

✅ Intentionality in Holiness: Get rid of deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and unkind speech (verse 1). The Christian life requires active choices, self-examination, and repentance.

✅ Craving Spiritual Nourishment: Like newborn babies crave milk, we should cultivate a hunger for God’s Word and presence. Reflection and consistency are key to spiritual growth (verses 2-3).

Key Takeaways✅ Jesus as Our Cornerstone: He is our foundation, shaping how we live, relate to others, and withstand life’s trials (verses 4-5).

✅ Living as God’s People: We are a chosen people, royal priests, and a holy nation. This transforms our sense of purpose and identity (verses 9-10).

✅ Kingdom Perspective in a Divided World: Our ultimate allegiance is to God’s Kingdom. We are called to unity, love, and faithfulness, even when the world is divided.

Reflection Questions

• What’s one thing from 1 Peter 2 that you will put into practice this week?

• Does your life reflect the light of Christ to those around you?

• What steps can you take to deepen your hunger for God’s Word?

Take time to pray and reflect on these questions. Let’s grow together!

Next Steps & Community Resources

If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing and transformation, we invite you to Celebrate Recovery:📍 South Hills of Pittsburgh – Fridays, 7:00-8:00 PM at Peters Creek Baptist Church, South Park, PA.
📍 Crossroads Ministries, Finleyville, PA – Mondays, 7:00 PM.
🌍 Find a Celebrate Recovery Near You: crlocator.com

📖 Men’s Step Studies at Peters Creek Baptist Church: Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 PM (Limited Spots Available)
📧 Register: Email [email protected] or call 412-833-6111.

🏡 Looking for a Church? Join us at Peters Creek Baptist Church:

• Sunday Services: 8:15 AM & 10:45 AM (Livestream available on YouTube)

• More Info: pcbc.church

Stay Connected & Share the EncouragementIf this podcast has encouraged you, please:⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
📢 Share this episode with a friend!
📱 Follow Our True Identity on Facebook & Instagram.

Thank you for joining me today! Keep walking by faith, trusting in God’s plan, and shining His light in all you do. See you next time!

Episode Title: Celebrate Recovery: A Journey to Christlike Transformation – Breaking Free from Denial

Episode Summary

Hello, friends! Welcome back to Our True Identity, the podcast where we replace the lies we believe about ourselves with the truth of God’s Word. In today’s episode, we continue our Celebrate Recovery series by tackling a crucial obstacle on the path to healing: denial.

Using the DENIAL acrostic from Celebrate Recovery, we explore how denial:

• Disables our feelings
• Exhausts our energy
• Negates our growth
• Isolates us from God
• Alienates us from others
• Lengthens our pain

We’ll discuss how denial keeps us trapped in unhealthy cycles, how surrendering to God leads to true freedom, and practical tools to break free—like prayer, honesty, and community support.

This episode also features an inspiring testimony from the Celebrate Recovery NIV Study Bible, highlighting how Kathy overcame an eating disorder by confronting her denial and embracing God’s truth.

Key Takeaways

• Denial masks pain but prevents healing. Facing reality allows God’s grace to work.
• Acknowledging our powerlessness is the first step to healing and transformation.
• Surrender is not weakness; it’s trust in God’s strength.
• Community and honesty are essential. Shame thrives in secrecy, but healing happens in the light.

Resources & Next Steps✨ Celebrate Recovery Meetings:

• Fridays, 7 PM – Peters Creek Baptist Church, South Park, PA
• Mondays, 7 PM – Crossroads Ministries, Finleyville, PA
• Find a local CR group: CRLocator.com

✨ Christ-Centered Step Studies:

• Men’s Step Study (Thursdays, 7–8:30 PM) – Space Available!
• Register: Email [email protected] or call (412) 833-6111

✨ Join Us for Worship:

• Peters Creek Baptist Church – Sundays at 8:15 AM & 10:45 AM
• Live stream available on YouTube – More details at pcbc.church

Let’s Stay Connected!💙 If this episode encouraged you, please share it!

• Send it to a friend
• Post on social media
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram

Your support helps more people find hope, healing, and the truth of God’s Word.

Join us next Sunday as we continue this transformative series, and until then, keep walking by faith. God is working—even in the unseen moments.

Blessings, and see you next time! 🎙️💛

Episode Title: A Journey to Christlike Transformation

📅 Release Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025

🎙 Welcome to Our True Identity!
Hello, friends! In today’s episode, we begin a powerful new series: Celebrate Recovery: A Journey to Christlike Transformation. Many people think of recovery only in terms of substance abuse, but the truth is that we all need recovery—from sin, destructive habits, emotional wounds, and spiritual struggles.

In this episode, we explore:
✅ The biblical foundation of recovery and why it applies to everyone
✅ How sin operates like an addiction, promising satisfaction but delivering destruction
✅ Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes as a roadmap for healing
✅ Why true transformation requires surrender to God, community, and accountability
✅ The role of confession, repentance, and the Holy Spirit in breaking free from struggles
✅ How Celebrate Recovery provides a Christ-centered approach to healing and renewal

💡 Key Bible Verses in This Episode:
📖 Matthew 5:3 – "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
📖 Romans 7:15-20 – Paul’s struggle with sin and Christ’s power to deliver us
📖 Isaiah 57:18-19 – God’s promise to heal, guide, and restore
📖 Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting in God instead of relying on our own strength
📖 John 8:32 – "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

🎉 Upcoming Celebrate Recovery Events
If you’re local to South Hills of Pittsburgh, join us at:
📍 Peters Creek Baptist Church – Fridays, 7-8 PM, South Park, PA
📍 Crossroads Ministries – Mondays, 7 PM, Finleyville, PA

🚨 Men’s Step Study – Now Open!
📅 Starts Thursday, February 27th | ⏰ 7-8:30 PM | 📍 Peters Creek Baptist Church
📩 Register at:[email protected] | 📞 Call 412-833-6111

🌍 Find a Celebrate Recovery group near you! Visit crlocator.com or celebraterecovery.com.

🙏 Join Us for Worship!
⛪ Peters Creek Baptist Church – Sundays at 8:15 AM & 10:45 AM
📺 Livestream on YouTube – Visit pcbc.church for more details.

💙 Spread the Word!
If today’s episode encouraged you, please share it! 📲 Send it to a friend, post on social media, or leave a review. Find Our True Identity on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

📌 Next Episode: We’ll continue our journey in Celebrate Recovery: A Journey to Christlike Transformation—don’t miss it!

💭 Final Encouragement:
Whatever your struggle, you are not alone and not beyond God’s grace. Healing takes time, but it’s possible through Christ. Keep walking by faith—God is working in your life, even in unseen moments.

🌿 May God bless you, strengthen you, and lead you as you take your next steps. 🙏

#CelebrateRecovery #Faith #Healing #Transformation #OurTrueIdentity #Bible #FreedomInChrist

Episode Summary:

Welcome to today’s episode of My True Identity! Thisweek, we’re exploring the life-changing theme: “I Am a Child of God.” Inthis episode, we’ll focus on how God’s love serves as the foundation for ouridentity.

Join us as we dive into 1 John 3:1 and Romans 8:38-39 todiscover the depth of God’s love. You’ll learn how His unchanging,unconditional love anchors our worth and frees us from striving for approval orfearing rejection. Through relatable stories and practical advice, we’llexplore what it means to live daily in God’s love and let it transform everyarea of our lives.

Whether you’re feeling distant from God or need a reminderof how deeply you’re loved, this episode will encourage and inspire you to restin your identity as His beloved child.

Scriptures Referenced:

• 1 John 3:1 (NLT)
• Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)
• John 13:34-35 (NLT)
• Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
• Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)
• Galatians 5:1 (NLT)

What You’ll Learn:

• How God’s love is the unshakable foundation for your identity.
• Practical ways to live in God’s love daily and reflect it in your relationships.
• Encouragement for trusting God’s love in tough seasons of life.

Resources Mentioned:

• Celebrate Recovery: Find healing and support through Christ-centered recovery. Visit ⁠CelebrateRecovery.com⁠ or locate a group near you at ⁠CRLocator.com⁠.
• Peters Creek Baptist Church: Join us for Sunday worship services at 8:15 AM and 10:45 AM, with the second service streamed live on YouTube. Learn more at ⁠PCBC.church⁠.

Let’s Connect!

What resonated with you in today’s episode? How hasunderstanding God’s love impacted your life? Share your thoughts by leaving acomment, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If this episode encouraged you, take a moment to share itwith someone who needs to hear this message. Also, consider leaving a rating orreview—it helps others discover the podcast and be inspired by the truth ofGod’s Word.

Next Episode Sneak Peek:

In tomorrow’s episode, we’ll explore the theme “He CallsMe His Own” as we reflect on Isaiah 43:1 and the deeply personalrelationship God has with each of us. Don’t miss it!

Episode Summary:

Welcome to a brand-new week of Our True Identity! Today’s episode explores the life-changing truth that we are adopted into God’s family. Ephesians 1:5 tells us that God chose us in advance, and it brought Him great pleasure to make us His children. Together, we’ll unpack the beauty of spiritual adoption, the privileges that come with being part of God’s family, and how this truth can transform the way we see ourselves and live each day.

If you’ve ever struggled with feelings of rejection, loneliness, or insecurity, this episode is for you. Tune in to be reminded of your worth and identity as a beloved child of God.

Scriptures Referenced:

Ephesians 1:5 (NLT) Romans 8:15-17 (NLT) John 1:12 (NLT) Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

What You’ll Learn:

The meaning and significance of being adopted into God’s family. How understanding your identity as God’s child can bring peace, confidence, and purpose. Practical ways to live as a child of God and reflect His love in your daily life.

Resources Mentioned:

Celebrate Recovery: Find healing and community through Christ-centered recovery. Visit

or locate a group near you at

. Peters Creek Baptist Church: Join us for worship at 8:15 AM and 10:45 AM on Sundays. The second service is streamed live on YouTube. Learn more at

.

Let’s Connect!We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on today’s episode or tell us how knowing you’re a child of God has impacted your life. Leave a comment, subscribe, and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs encouragement.

Next Episode Sneak Peek:

Tomorrow, we’ll continue our “I Am a Child of God” series by exploring how “God’s Love Is My Foundation.” Join us as we reflect on 1 John 3:1 and the depth of God’s love for His children.

⁠CelebrateRecovery.com⁠⁠

CRLocator.com

⁠⁠PCBC.church⁠