Religious Group

                                                     When The Door Slams

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death (Proverbs 16:25).               Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, I am he; and will deceive many (Mark 13:5,6). But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,  let him be eternally condemned! (Galatians 1:8).      These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. (2 Peter 2:17-19). 

        Practically every cult has certain characteristics that can tell the careful observer that something is wrong. For instance, what does a group think about Jesus? Invariably, a cult will put something else on an equal footing with Christ...a ritual that is equal to Christ, or a doctrine equal to Christ, or a leader who is equal to Christ. In other words, even if it acknowledges Christ as Savior, it will say that you need something else before you can get into heaven....   

        Second, cults frequently attempt to instill fear into their followers. The followers are taught constantly that salvation comes through the cult. "If you leave us, you will lose your salvation," they say. 

        The third area has to do with the exaltation of the leader of the cult. Cults often center around a man or woman who is trying to gain power, money, or influence from manipulating people....When someone says he has a unique insight from God or is the special one that God has anointed to reach the world, you are dealing with cultic behavior. 

        Think about this: A final mark of a cult is the unwillingness of the leaders to let the people grow up. A true shepherd will do everything he can to bring Christian people to maturity as quickly as he can. He will not seek to avoid necessary teaching, nor will he try to keep people for maturity. Many cults perpetuate spiritual dependence so that their followers lose the ability to make independent, rational decisions. 

Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas if unconfessed sin.                            Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.                                                                                                                                           Never Rest Ministries