The Belief System Of Closed-Mindedness

                                                     When The Door Slams

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death (Proverbs 16:25). Then Jesus began by telling them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He, and they will deceive many (Mark 13:6). These people 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 the flesh, and entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity-for "people are slaves to whatever has mastered them"       (2 Peter 2:17-19 NIV).  

            First and foremost, the belief systems of the cults are characterized by closed-mindedness. They are not interested in a rational cognitive evaluation of the facts. 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? Jesus Christ is God, LORD of all, the only source of salvation. Constantly, 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: 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 from maturity. Many religious leaders maintain spiritual dependence so that their followers lose the ability to make independent, rational decisions.  

            Thanksgiving: You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever (Psalm 118:28-29). As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long-though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds (Psalm 71:14-17 NIV). 

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

                                                    Never Rest Ministries