I recently watched a documentary titled “I Escaped A Cult” and as I sat there in horror listening to these stories there was one thing all three victims had in common – none of them “Tested” what they were being taught and they accepted everything that was said as truth.
Now given one of the victims was only 5 years old when these tragic events happened, the other two victims were at an age where common sense would have questioned abnormal behavior. However because of the fear and control these cult leaders had over them that did not happen.
To prevent from being manipulated by modern-day cults here are a few indications to look for that could potentially save you from a lifelong of religious deceit.
- You are not recommended to study your bible on your own
- Questioning the teachings of the Pastor, Bishop, Teacher, or Leader is prohibited and considered acts of disobedience and rebellion
- God speaks through their leaders in dreams, visions, and audible voices
- The Pastor claims to “speak” for God or claims to be a god
The only person who had the authority to “speak” for God was Jesus Christ, no other person in the New Testament ever made such a claim. Cult leaders and false teachers do this to add power and control over the people, some even request to be worshiped and revered, but as we know in the case with John from the Book of Revelation even the angels in Heaven avoid such behavior:
“…I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!“ (Revelation 22:8-9)
One thing to always keep in the back of your mind is that Paul the Apostle described those who tested his teachings and examined the Scriptures themselves as noble-minded:
“Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
To test what’s being taught and examine the scriptures yourself is to display a high moral principle for God’s Word. It is accurately handling the Word of Truth – which by the way only comes by “diligent study” (see: 2 Timothy 2:15)
We have been given the greatest tool against cults, false leaders and prophets – its called the Word of God. In knowing it we can save both ourselves and our loved ones from all types of counterfeit and deceptive teachings.
Be extremely cautious when encountering new Christian religious movements, or even older ones like Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Churches of Christ, Christian Science, etc. And don’t forget to take preventive measures by simply: “examining everything carefully and holding fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
In Christ,
Marc
1 Thess. 5:21 