Serenity: A Companion For Twelve Step Recovery [Paperback]

Thomas Nelson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 1990

Now you can discover for yourself the principles behind the Twelve Steps as they occur in Scripture through this best-selling New Testament.

You will find an introduction to the Twelve Steps of recovery with each step listing recovery meditations and related recovery scriptures. As you read and meditate on Serenity®, you will begin to see how the God of the Bible speaks directly to your dependency needs and liberates you from debilitating addictions to restore you to wholeness and a perfect relationship with Him.

Product Details

• Paperback: 558 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 1 edition (September 25, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0840715420
• ISBN-13: 978-0840715425
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 4.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #155,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has saved my life., April 28, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (New Orleans La) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Serenity: A Companion For Twelve Step Recovery (Paperback)

When I first got into the 12 step program in 1990 12 step literature only took me so far in my program and I needed more or else I was in danger or returning back to active addiction. In 1993 the company I worked for went out of business and we had to take all of our personal items from our office. In my office were certificates of awards,personal and family pictures gifts from friend and many others items of importances. The only thing I made sure I took with me the day I left was this book. Without Serenity and the divine inspired wisdom that it imparts I know I probally would have returned back to active addiction and would have died. If you are in the 12 step process get Serenity it will give you a true picture of what recovery is all about and like me it might save your life.

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST New Testament I've ever come across, June 29, 2003

By 

Theoron (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Serenity: A Companion For Twelve Step Recovery (Paperback)

While recently on a retreat to the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Kentucky, I visited the guest library looking for some heavy-duty theological works. Quite by accident, I happened to notice this cute little book that someone had left laying out on a table. The full title reads: "Serenity: A Companion for Twelve Step Recovery." I'm personally not involved in any of the twelve step programs, but I know a few people who are, and they have nothing but praise for how well they work.

The Serenity New Testament comes complete with the Twelve Steps made famous by Alcoholics Anonymous. However, it just does not reiterate them, but cross-references every single step with multiple biblical references that speak about the particular topic. For instance, Step Two: "come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity" is cross-referenced with a passage from the Gospels: "Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23).

The format is very simple, and extremely easy to follow. The Twelve Steps are listed in the very front of the book, with a short commentary and a long list of verses (with page numbers!) that you can look up. Or, you can go directly to the New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs, and read the various books in a normal fashion. But unlike a typical Bible, the authors have highlighted all the verses that speak directly to the Twelve Steps, and have placed the step numbers next to the verses. For example: when you read the ninth chapter of Mark's gospel, you will see "Step 2" placed next to Mark 9:23.

There is also a chain reference system, so that you can go through the New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs reading all the verses that pertain to the particular step your interested in. So when you read Mark 9:23 there will be a note in the margin telling you a page number where you can find another verse reference for Step 2.

The authors wisely chose the New King James Version for the basis of their work, which is far easier to read and understand than the early 17th century English of the old King James Bible. There are also lots of helpful notes spread throughout the Bible passages, helping the reader to understand the close relationship between the Steps and Word of God.

While I have more than enough Bibles in my home, I've never come across one as fascinating as this little gem. I seriously considering buying a case of Serenity New Testaments to have on hand for giving to people who could use a little encouragement.

An outstanding New Testament. Highly recommended, whether or not you're in a Twelve Step program.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for those with a substance abuse problem, May 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Serenity: A Companion For Twelve Step Recovery (Paperback)

I lead a men's Bible study in a local jail twice a month focusing on those people with substance abuse problems. Each one of them tells me this is the best Bible they have ever used. AA becomes alive to them when they realize that the higher power is God and not just some object that they pick. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with someone with a drug abuse problem. It is easy to read, easy to follow along, and not only provides the 12 steps but also provides an application on how to use each step.