12-Step C.L.A.S.S. (Christian Life and Spiritual Success): Success For Life

By Preacher Cain

Is the current state of these increasingly toxic world affairs having a negative impact on your spirituality?

 

Does the war in Ukraine have a dangerously debilitating effect on your faith in mankind?

 

Are you afraid for your hard-earned money because of the impending and inevitable doom of the U.S. dollar?

 

Do you know you likely are not ready for the North American banking system collapse that is happening RIGHT NOW under your nose?

12-Step Christian Life And Spiritual Success (C.L.A.S.S.) is an eye-opening spiritual journey that will support you with the skills, tools and weapons for overcoming those unseen forces that continuously bombard each of us daily. Each page will better equip you with the abilities and strategies needed to weaponize and fortify your heart, mind and body both in offence and defence against these attacks.

12-Step C.L.A.S.S. will show you how to get Spiritual Success in any life area. You will learn just what the steps toward success are and precisely how to incorporate each one into your life as simple as second nature.

Here's a brief overview of each Step and where you will prosper:

Foundation: This step infuses you with basics of the Christian faith, including the Bible, the nature of God, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Attitude: This step will show you how to maintain focus on the importance of cultivating a positive attitude as a Christian, and how adopting the correct attitude can affect your relationship with God and others.

Associates: This step guides you into the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded believers and building strong relationships within the Christian community.

Faith: This step is designed to help you understand the nature of faith and how it relates to your relationship with God, including the role of prayer and the importance of trusting in God's plan for your life.

Diligence: This step instructs you on the practical application of diligence and hard work in your Christian walk, including the need to persevere in the face of challenges and obstacles.

Habits: Your resolve toward developing positive habits and routines that will help you grow in your faith and relationship with God will be reinforced.

Sanctification: This important step will educate you on the process of sanctification; the ongoing work of God to transform us into the image of Christ.

Finances: Biblical principles of stewardship and financial management, the importance of giving and the dangers of materialism are all revealed to you here.

Marriage: Crucial teachings of the covenant of marriage and the importance of building strong, healthy relationships with your spouse.

Parenting: This step covers faith-based parenting and how we can raise our children to know and love God.

Choices: This step emphasizes the importance of making wise, godly choices in all areas of our lives.

Love: This ultimate step will guide you into the centrality of love in the Christian faith and how we can demonstrate God's love to others through our words and actions.

 

PREPARE FOR YOUR NEW LIFE CHANGE TODAY!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Preacher Cain
• Release date: Jul 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223489276

Preacher Cain

PREACHER CAIN is a 49-year-old man born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is a living testimony to the transformation power contained within the scriptures of the Holy Bible. Preacher Cain has served over seventeen years in federal prison and has completed over one hundred and thirty formal Bible-based courses, studies and workshops. He has also successfully completed countless institutionally mandated programs over those years which complement his qualifications for introducing the 12-Step C.L.A.S.S. series to a world very much in need of practical, God-inspired direction. Preacher Cain has no children and now lives together with his girlfriend, Jenny, in a rural community near Grand Bend, Ontario.

Book preview

Spiritual Success

I​ am Preacher Cain and the author and creator of 12-Step Christian Life and Spiritual Success , or 12-Step C.L.A.S.S. for short. Welcome to our journey together, and may each of us receive wisdom, correction, and love from God as we explore the following content.

I wrote the 12-Step C.L.A.S.S. study book to provide a comprehensive guide for both nonbelievers and Christians seeking to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life. Each step delves into different aspects of our lives and helps us grow in our faith and personal development. This is the first edition of a series of books in the works.

12-Step C.L.A.S.S. by design is a practical, biblically-inspired resource book and workbook for instruction on how it’s possible for anyone to live a powerful life of spiritual success within a world riddled with daily trials, tests, and temptations.

Many struggles and hardships can, and often do, render us vulnerable to spiritual attacks, which also may lead to the adoption of harmful habits and/or practices that impact ourselves as well as others. 12-Step C.L.A.S.S. is here to point to wise instruction to help us better recognize these attacks and create a pre-assault game plan.

What Is Spiritual Success?

It’s about More than Money

Most people regard success in terms of wealth and social status. However, I believe that success is a subjective term that means different things to different people. For some, it might be about amassing a great fortune and attaining high social status; for others, it may mean finding inner peace and fulfillment, pursuing their passions and dreams, or making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Success is deeply personal, reflecting the unique values, aspirations, and priorities of each individual. In a world obsessed with external markers of success, it’s essential to challenge conventional notions and embrace a broader perspective. True success lies not in the accumulation of material wealth or social recognition alone, but in living a life of purpose, authenticity, and meaningful connections. It’s about aligning our actions with our values, cultivating relationships built on love and compassion, and leaving a legacy that extends beyond our earthly existence.

As we embark on this journey of redefining success, let’s remember that it’s not a destination to be reached but a continuous, evolving pursuit that enriches our souls and brings us closer to the fulfillment of our divine calling. Together, let’s discover our own definitions of success and embrace the extraordinary possibilities that lie within each of us.

In 12-Step C.L.A.S.S. (Christian Life and Spiritual Success), we embark on a journey to redefine success and guide individuals toward a deeper, more meaningful existence. We firmly believe that true success lies in aligning our lives with God’s purpose, embracing His love, and growing spiritually in every aspect of our being.

While wealth and social status may bring temporary satisfaction, they don’t guarantee inner peace, fulfillment, or eternal significance. Our aim is to provide practical steps, rooted in biblical principles, that can be applied to various areas of life. Through these twelve steps—Foundation, Attitude, Associates, Faith, Diligence, Habits, Sanctification, Finances, Marriage, Parenting, Choices, and Love—we equip readers with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of life and experience a profound transformation.

By focusing on foundational principles, nurturing healthy relationships, and cultivating a Christ-centred mindset, we can unlock the true essence of success. Success becomes not just a fleeting achievement but a lifelong pursuit of spiritual growth, character development, and impact on the lives of others.

We understand that each person’s journey is unique, and that’s why our book offers a versatile approach that can be adapted to individual circumstances and challenges. Whether you’re a young professional seeking guidance in your career, a parent striving to raise godly children, or someone longing for a deeper connection with God, 12-Step C.L.A.S.S. provides practical wisdom, real-life examples, and biblical insights to inspire and empower you on your path to spiritual success.

We invite you to embark on this transformative adventure with us as we explore the depths of faith, discover the power of intentional choices, and embrace the transformative love of God. Through this book, you’ll find guidance, encouragement, and practical strategies to navigate life’s challenges while maintaining a steadfast focus on what truly matters—your spiritual journey and the eternal impact you can make.

Join us on this incredible quest for spiritual success. Together, let’s redefine success and discover the abundant life that awaits when we align our hearts, minds, and actions with God’s divine purpose. Are you ready to step into a life of fulfillment, purpose, and lasting joy? Then explore your copy of 12-Step C.L.A.S.S. today and embark on the journey toward spiritual success that will transform your life from the inside out.

Remember, success isn’t measured by what the world defines but by the transformative power of a life devoted to God. Get ready to experience the joy, peace, and fulfillment that come from living in alignment with His divine plan. The journey starts here.

Spiritual success is about much more than just material wealth and prestige. It encompasses a wide range of personal and professional efforts and morals that contribute to an individual’s overall sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life.

One aspect of spiritual success is achieving personal growth and self-improvement. This can take many forms, from learning new skills to overcoming personal challenges. Spiritually successful people often have a strong sense of self-awareness and are continually working to improve themselves, whether through formal education or personal development activities.

Another crucial aspect of spiritual success is cultivating a deep and meaningful connection with a higher power or divine presence. It involves nurturing one’s spirituality and engaging in practices that foster a sense of peace, purpose, and alignment with divine principles. This can include prayer, meditation, worship, and studying sacred texts. By dedicating time and effort to nurture their relationship with the divine, spiritually successful individuals find solace, guidance, and a profound sense of connection that transcends material achievements.

Moreover, spiritual success encompasses the practice of virtues and moral principles in daily life. It involves living in accordance with ethical standards such as honesty, compassion, integrity, and forgiveness. Spiritually successful individuals strive to treat others with kindness and respect, seeking reconciliation and harmony in their relationships. They recognize that their actions not only impact themselves but also have a ripple effect on the world around them.

Furthermore, spiritual success entails living a life of purpose and service to others. It involves using one’s talents, gifts, and resources to make a positive difference in the lives of others and contribute to the betterment of society. Whether through acts of charity, volunteering, or pursuing a vocation that aligns with their values, spiritually successful individuals find fulfillment in serving others and being a source of light and hope in the world.

Making a Positive Impact

Spiritual success also involves making a positive impact on others and the world around us. This can take many forms, such as contributing to one’s community, volunteering for charitable causes, or making a difference in the lives of others through mentoring or coaching. Spiritually successful individuals often have a strong sense of purpose and derive meaning from helping others with their spiritual journeys. They understand that true fulfillment comes not just from personal growth but also from lifting others up and being a beacon of hope and encouragement. By extending love, compassion, and support to those in need, they embody the teachings of Christ and inspire others to embark on their own paths of spiritual success. Together, let’s embrace the transformative power of spiritual success and become catalysts for positive change in our communities and beyond.

Another key element of spiritual success is the ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships. Such people recognize the importance of connecting with others and building supportive networks, whether in their personal or professional lives. They often have strong interpersonal skills and are able to communicate effectively and empathetically with others.

It’s about so much more than just wealth and status. Spiritual success encompasses a wide range of personal and professional achievements that contribute to an individual’s overall sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life. Achieving personal growth, making a positive impact on others and the world, building meaningful relationships, and finding balance and harmony in life are all key components of success.

The Spiritual Realm

What Is It?

It’s important to understand that, according to lessons from biblical scriptures, the spiritual realm is far more significant than this material plane of existence in which the majority of people prefer to dwell and even hold on to forever, despite the inevitability of the dawning of our deep slumber called death. All that we now can see, hear, touch, smell, taste, or feel will be gone to dust over the ages. However, those things that we can’t see exist within the spiritual realm. These are eternal and will last forever, such as the love we share with others, the kindness we show, and the impact we make in someone’s life. These intangible aspects of our existence transcend the physical world and hold eternal significance. Our relationships, built on genuine love and compassion, have the power to touch hearts and transform lives long after material possessions have faded away.

Similarly, the values and virtues we cultivate, such as integrity, humility, and forgiveness, carry on into eternity. These qualities shape our character and define who we are at our core. They have the potential to inspire others and leave a lasting legacy that extends far beyond our earthly existence.

Additionally, the spiritual growth and personal development we pursue have eternal implications. As we deepen our faith, seek wisdom, and strive to live in alignment with God’s will, we’re investing in our eternal souls. The lessons we learn, the spiritual disciplines we practise, and the insights we gain are treasures that will accompany us into the everlasting realm.

The impact of our actions and choices reverberates throughout eternity. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every effort to spread God’s love creates ripples that can reach far beyond our earthly lifespan. Lives can be transformed, destinies can be altered, and the ripple effect of our positive influence can continue to expand, shaping the course of eternity.

While the physical world may fade and pass away, the intangible aspects of our existence—the love we share, the values we uphold, the growth we pursue, and the impact we make—hold eternal significance. As we focus on nurturing our spiritual selves and investing in what truly matters, we can participate in a legacy that transcends time and echoes throughout eternity. Considering this, it only made sense for me to learn how to live a life of success in the Spirit.

In the Bible, the concept of the spiritual realm is described as a higher plane of existence, beyond the physical world that we see and experience. This realm is inhabited by God, angels, and other spiritual beings, and it’s described as being eternal, unchanging, and perfect. In contrast, the material plane is seen as temporary, fleeting, and subject to decay and destruction.

One analogy to illustrate this concept is that of a house and the people who live in it. The physical house is like the material plane, while the people who live in it are like the spiritual realm. The house may be beautiful and well-maintained, but it’s ultimately just a structure made of wood, brick, and other materials. The people who live in the house, on the other hand, are living beings with personalities, emotions, and spiritual qualities that make them unique and valuable.

Similarly, the material plane may be filled with impressive buildings, technological advancements, and other material possessions, but these things are ultimately temporary and will eventually pass away. The spiritual realm, however, is eternal and enduring, and the beings that inhabit it have a significance and value that transcends any material possession.

Another analogy is that of a person’s body and soul. The body is a physical entity that can be seen and touched, but the soul gives the person their true identity and purpose. In the same way, the material plane may be visible and tangible, but the spiritual realm gives it meaning and significance.

In the Bible, we’re reminded that we shouldn’t be overly attached to the material plane and its possessions but should instead focus on cultivating our spiritual selves and our relationship with God: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15, NKJV). These words serve as a powerful reminder that our priorities shouldn’t be solely centred around accumulating wealth or chasing after temporary pleasures. Instead, we’re called to prioritize the eternal and invest in that which truly matters—our connection with God and our impact on the lives of others.

By shifting our focus from materialism to spiritual growth, we unlock a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends the fleeting desires of the world. Let’s embrace this biblical wisdom and embark on a journey toward a more meaningful and spiritually-enriched existence. The spiritual realm is ultimately more significant and enduring than the material plane, and only by investing in our spiritual lives can we experience true fulfillment and purpose.

Each of the twelve steps in this book will address different life areas that are important components for achieving the goal of spiritual success. I don’t claim to enjoy spiritual success every moment, every day of my life. But I do experience it daily and have learned how to discern between the spirits, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within me as an inherent side effect of my relationship with Christ Jesus.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is known as Comforter or Helper (or Encourager and Counsellor). The Greek word for Holy Spirit is Paraclete . He is provided for us as a downpayment until we’re redeemed as a purchased possession by the blood (or death) of Jesus Christ.

The letter to the Church of Ephesians reads:

And you also became God’s people when you heard the true message, the Good News that brought you salvation. You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised. The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory! (Ephesians 1:13–14, GNT)

The Bible is filled with references to the Spirit of God, from the first book, Genesis, to the last book, Revelation. For the sake of context, we’ll only use a few verses below from the book of John. (I encourage you to search for yourself all the Bible has to offer on the topic of the Holy Spirit.)

The book of John reads:

Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command. Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. The Spirit will show you what is true. The people of this world cannot accept the Spirit, because they don’t see or know him. But you know the Spirit, who is with you and will keep on living in you. I won’t leave you like orphans. I will come back to you. (John 14:15–18, CEV)

Furthermore, "But I will send you the Advocate — the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me" (John 15:26, NLT).

But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.

There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me. (John 16:5–15, NLT)

It should be emphasized that the spiritual renewing of our mind is not a one-time occurrence, as many may erringly suppose. I’ve learned that I need to frequently renew my mind—almost like a reset. There are times that fear and doubt grow within me. There are still whispers of insecurities and shadows of uncertainty that can build up and grow into ugly thoughts or risky behaviours. At times like those, I need to renew my mind all over again. Just like driving, hunting, or any other kind of license, our minds need regular renewal—whether it’s from month to month, day to day, or moment to moment.

The Holy Spirit Searches and Teaches

The Apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to the church at Corinth:

What no one ever saw or heard, what no one ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him. For it was to us that God made known his secret by means of his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, even the hidden depths of God’s purposes. It is only our own spirit within us that knows all about us; in the same way, only God’s Spirit knows all about God. We have not received this world’s spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us. So then, we do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit. Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God’s Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis. Whoever has the Spirit, however, is able to judge the value of everything, but no one is able to judge him. As the scripture says,

"Who knows the mind of the Lord?

Who is able to give him advice?

We, however, have the mind of Christ."

(1 Corinthians 2:9–16, GNT)

Along with being a counsellor, helper, advocate, encourager, and comforter, here we learn that the Spirit of God is also a teacher and a judge. Notice also that the Holy Spirit is always referred to as an actual person or personality rather than an ephemeral entity without conscious thought or purpose. The Holy Spirit works actively within us during the mind-renewing process to bring us to a Christ-mind-like place of instruction and authority.

Living the Christian life can be challenging at times, but I firmly believe it’s ultimately one of the most rewarding things a person can do. It takes practice, discipline, and study to truly understand and live out the teachings of Christ, but the benefits are well worth the effort.

Learned Lessons

W​hile I’m not a scholar of any seminary or other educational institution, I have completed hundreds of Christian, faith-based correspondence courses over the last thirty years, and because of all the extra time I had on my hands, I was able to commit myself to a lot of reading, research, and study along the way. The poor reason I had so much free time on my hands is that I was locked up in federal prison for many of those years. I have also just recently come to the grim realization that (at the time of this writing) I have been an adult for thirty years and eight months, and I have truthfully spent seventeen of those years behind bars inside one federal prison or another.

This is not a fact I’m proud of, but neither is it one I need to be ashamed of any longer. I have learned to forgive myself, which has been one of the hardest things to address. It took time before I could see and know there was no longer a reason to hate myself over and over for offences in my past, though I admit that out of all the forgiveness I have ever