“IF ONE LOOKS AROUND OUR WORLD TODAY, THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF RELIGIONS AND FAITHS FOR ANYONE TO EMBRACE. BUT THE FACT REMAINS, ALL OF THEM TRY TO POINT US TOWARD THE ONE TRUE GOD THEY BELIEVE EXISTS AND TO WHOM WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE. YET THE SAD TRUTH IS, ONLY ONE RELIGION AND FAITH CAN LEAD US TO GOD’S TRUTH. IT IS THE FAITH OF CHRISTIANITY. ARE YOU A BELIEVER AND FOLLOWER OR HAVE YOU BEEN FALSELY LED BY THE MANY CULTS THAT PARADE AS GOD’S AMBASSADORS?

I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we are going to explore the world of the cults and find what is false and what is truth. Stay tuned…

… well now it’s time to get on with my message and this programming. Today, I want to talk with you about the growing and countless groups and movements that mark the religious landscape of the 21^st century.  Yes, everywhere you look these days religion is becoming the catch word for life in these United States. Why recently a New York Times article reported that "more than 71% of Americans believe in miracles that come from the power of God." This was a remarkable "increase of 14% from a decade ago." Indeed, this is an age of religious movements, where many people believe in God but are confused and uncertain in their search for spiritual truth. So today friends I want to talk about these many cults and religious movements to shed some light on the spiritual path, and give you a handle for knowing the false from the true. But first we'll pause and listen to this bright and beautiful musical moment after which I'll return with today's message entitled: UNMASKING THE CULTS…

..Today estimates abound concerning the growing religious movement in America. Somewhere from 30,000 to 30 million are given that reflect what is called "cult involvement." Of course, religious sects and cults are two different things. Sometimes people confuse the two, and other times people fail to realize the impact one or the other may have on the lives of people who join them. Today I want to examine the growing cult movements, and discuss some facts about cults that will help you evaluate your own religious beliefs. But before we do, we'll pause for one more musical interlude and then get down to business…

… Do you know that the Devil's greatest work is to snare the minds of humanity with false religion? Yes, that's right - religion that is false and damning. As a result, there is no shortage of religion in America and the world for that matter!  But why is this so popular in spite of the secularism of our nation these days? The answer is simple. Satan has caused people to believe that by the "practice of religion," they can obtain heaven, eternal life, and the way to salvation. Paul the apostle gives us a good illustration of this when he said,

Galatians 1:6 (NIV)  "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--"

You see, some of the Galatian believers were turning from the “Good News” gospel of grace, to a "different gospel," a perverted religious belief system which today we call a cult! Let's define this religious movement. For simplicity sake, a cult is ¾   "a religious belief, philosophy, and practice calling for devotion to a segmented religious view centered in unbiblical teachings." In other words, a cult is "organized heresy" or "religious perversion." Now early in history the word cult did not have negative connotation. It was a Latin word that meant, "to worship a deity." Thus, it was a general word for all forms of worship, regardless of the particular god in question.

Now today there are two types of cults. First there are non-Christian cults. These would be groups of religious worshippers who follow teaching that deny the Christian faith, and are outside the mainstream of the dominant religious forms of any given society. Although Hinduism, and Islam are non-Christian belief systems, they are not technically a cult, just false and damning religion. But groups that have sprung forth from them such as the nation of Islam, Sufis, and Hare Krishna are.

In like manner, groups that have splintered off from mainstream and historic Christianity can be classified as a cult of Christianity. Groups such as the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, Christian Science, the Way International, the Unity School of Christianity and others are examples of this. Why? Well, first they often claim to be the only authentic Christian faith, yet they clearly hold to teachings that are unbiblical and deny the cardinal historic truths of the Christianity ¾ always to their own eternal damnation I might add.

Now, what marks a religious group as a "cult?" How can one know if the faith he or she follows is actually a cult? Well, there are a number of marks that seem to always pop up in examining cultic groups. Here they are some of the major markings for your own perusal.

SEVEN MARKS OF A CULT

The truth is, God is not personally appearing to anyone today, nor is God directly speaking to anyone through dreams, visions or personal instruction. Cult leaders often make these claims and thus identify themselves as false teachers as a result. Stay away from any such teachers and their religion, for the Bible says they are deceivers.

2.      THEY OFTEN REDEFINE AGE OLD BIBLICAL TERMINOLOGY  

The cults typically use Christian vocabulary but radically redefine the terms. They talk a great deal about Jesus, salvation, God the Father, Heaven, eternal life ¾ but their definitions are different. For instance, Mormons talk about worshiping God the Father, but this is not the God of the Bible. Rather it is a human god, particularly Adam the first created human being they believe has ascended to godhood. By doing this, cultists can witness and fool people to think they are in agreement with historic Christianity when they are not. Does the faith you follow define its own terms? If so, watch out for you are in danger of perhaps being a part of a religious cult.

3.      THEY ULTIMATELY TEACH ONE IS SAVED BY RELIGIOUS WORKS AND PERFORMANCE.

Yes, every single cult by design must teach that salvation, eternal life, or heaven is obtained by human effort and obedience to their uniquely defined works-salvation system. Although some cults pay lip service to the grace of God, they usually wind up teaching the mandatory involvement of their followers in working their way to God's favor. The Jehovah's Witnesses are notorious for this. Every "Jonadab" as they are sometimes called, must work for the kingdom in order to have a place in the millennial reign of God. The late great preacher Harry Ironside used to say, " There are only two religions in the world. There is the "do" religion and the "done" religion." He was right ¾ any faith, any at all that teaches us we must "do" something to be saved, to remain saved, or to gain God's favor, embraces cultic teachings that lead multitudes to Hell. The Bible says,

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”

True faith in God always is by grace alone, with nothing to add, bring, or do.

4.      THEY DENY THE CARDINAL TEACHINGS OF CHRISTIANITY.

Ever cult must deny what Christ taught ¾ It may be one or more or all of the doctrine of the Trinity, the Person and work of Christ, they may deny Christ's bodily resurrection, or the absolute authority of Scripture, these are but some of the teachings of true Christianity that are either denied or downplayed by cult groups.  Many years ago 900 people followed a cult leader to their deaths in British Guyana. A man named Jim Jones began his "People's Temple" cult. They followed a man who systematically picked apart every one of the cardinal doctrines of the Christian truth. Likewise, Mormonism's founder Joseph Smith was known for questioning the accuracy of the Bible towards these basic doctrines of Christianity. Therefore, watch out for any spiritual leader who denies, denigrates or attacks the faith once delivered to the saints. These are certainly marks of cultic leadership and beliefs. The Bible warns us,

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV)  “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

5.      THEY EMPHASIZE MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE OVER FAITH IN BIBLICAL TEACHINGS

Almost all cults emphasize human experience over and above biblical teachings. Today it's popular to give emphasis in religion to feelings and emotions at the expense of rational thought. Now there is nothing wrong with feelings and experience when kept in its proper biblical place. But to go outside and even deny what the Bible teaches, because of one's experience is to embrace another mark of cultic influence. The Bible warns us,

1 John 4:1 (NIV)  “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

There is a great movement today, even within true Christian circles to seek the miraculous, to look for signs and wonders, which Satan the great deceiver can and will produce and imitate as if from God. The Bible tells us this will occur in the last days,

2 Thessalonians 2:9 (NIV)  “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders,”

Beware any religious group or leader which emphasizes the miraculous and experience orientation to substantiate sound religious dogma. Friend, if it can't be proved by a valid Scriptural analysis it is not of God, no matter what good it produces or warm fuzzy feelings it creates!

6.      OFTEN THERE IS DIRECT OR INDIRECT INVOLVEMENT IN SPIRITISM AND THE OCCULT.

Although all cults do not openly show this, when one gets deeply into their teachings and practices this usually surfaces. Many cult leaders claim to be in "contact" personally with God, and that He speaks to them through personal appearances and or guidance by angels, Ascended Masters, and even departed saints. Cults groups like the "Childen of God,” led by Moses David, the “Unification Church,” led by Sun  Myen Moon and of course Mormonism which even its founder Joseph Smith dabbled in the occult and claimed contact with angels and visitors from the beyond. Spiritism always is behind cultism because it’s their avenue to spread the "doctrines of demons."

7.      THERE IS ALSO A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION & EXTREME SEPARATION FROM OTHERS OUTSIDE THE CULT.

Most cults work toward separating their new followers from their families and their money. They offer salvation by a series of works related to some kind of sacrificial purchase. Usually they ask for the signing over of assets to the cult leader or group, and extreme separation from any and all family members not associated with the group. The Bible warns of religious leaders who demand financial control, and personal manipulation of your life,

1 Timothy 6:5 (NIV)  “and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”

Cultic leaders thrive on the amassing of financial gain as the means of godliness, at the expense of their followers. True Christianity does not attempt to control anybody's personal finances, ever! Stay away from groups that demand your money and assets.

Well, these are just some marks of a cultic religion. However, by now some of you are uneasy for I'm sure you've considered that some of these marks easily can be seen in some true Christian circles. If so, it doesn't mean you are in a cult, but it does mean your religious group is in danger of becoming one and losing God's true blessing by emphasizing false doctrine and practice. If so, restudy this issue and if your religious group is not open to hear your concerns and call for change, then leave it and find a group that fully honors the Lord and His Word. There in the midst of God's people, you will not only be truly blessed, but feel the immense freedom one has in Christ. In so obtaining it too, you can then be the best witness for Him and example of godliness and grace.

It has been well said, that it is better to build a fence at top of a cliff than to run an ambulance service at the bottom. With that in mind, remember to practice all preventative measures that can keep you, your family and others from getting involved in cults. Here quickly is a short list of some things you can do to keep the cults from your door!

1.      BE SURE TO LEARN ABOUT THE MAJOR CULTS

By doing so,  you can see through their deceptive outreaches and works as they try to recruit the ignorant and ill taught.

2.      MAKE SURE YOUR FAITH IS NOT JUST "EXPERIENCE ORIENTED"

True Christianity ministers to the intellect and mind too. We do not park our brains at the door of the worship assembly. Keep this facet of faith ever nurtured, and test everything by God's Word to see if it is true or so.

3.      KEEP YOUR FAITH WELL ROUNDED NOT ONLY IN DOCTRINE BUT ALSO PRACTICAL MINISTRY OF IT TO OTHERS

Like a rowboat, if one rows with one oar you only go around in circles, regardless of which single oar you row. But rowing together, you always go forward! Faith must be practiced and then always shared with others in a loving "no-cost to them," ministry. Don't neglect these two important things.

4.      ALWAYS CHECK OUT ALL BIBLICAL TEACHINGS RECEIVED BY THE BENCHMARK OF GOD'S WORD.

The ancient Bereans always checked the teachings they heard by the Word of God. If it could not be found, or substantiated in the Bible, it was not accepted regardless of who gave the message or claimed it was from God. You must do the same. Just because Jesus name is mentioned or someone declares God's power, it may not be from God.

5.   REALIZE THAT LOVE & ACCEPTANCE,  FAMILY ORIENTATION, & WHOLESOME LIFESTYLES DO NOT MAKE A RELIGION CHRISTIAN!  

Religion can improve ones lifestyle, provide acceptance and self-worth, love and a caring family, but that does not qualify it as a faith from God! You must make sure the religious teachings you are considering or embracing truly teaches and practices what the historic Christian faith teaches as clearly revealed in the Bible.

Yes, every Christian home, every Bible believing Church must make itself "cult-proof!"  -- by carefully and deeply teaching the fundamentals of the faith to your members and family. If one knows the truth, they will rarely be led away by error. Secondly, we must practice the truth. Since the cults major on ministry to others, they are simply using God's methods with the wrong message. If we have the right message ¾ God grant us the right method too of reaching out in love to others and meeting their needs in practical tangible ways! We do this by encouraging the building of strong family units, keeping the lines of communication always open, respecting one another fully as individuals of equal worth before God, and taking the time to provide responsible answers to all questions our children and fellow members might have. Yes, we can "cult-proof" our homes and churches from these snares planted by the Devil and his minions. Let us today be careful of opening our homes and hearts to these Christian and non-Christian cults. Regardless of whether it is Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventism, Christian Science, Armstrongism, or any others that are becoming popular these days ¾ let us stand firm in the faith once delivered to the saints and guard our hearts for Christ sake. Amen.

…Today the religious cults in America are the fastest growing of all faiths. The majority of those who enter these groups are young people desperately seeking someone to love them, care about and for them, offering them a wholesome lifestyle and family unit. But underneath the facade of goodness lies their enslavement and spiritual demise. God help us to unmask these cults and rescue America's children from their clutches and control. And friend, the best way to do this is to be a part of a strong bible believing, teaching and practicing local Christian Church.

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·         Radio talk #4406

·         Broadcast date: October 29, 2006

·         Speaker: Dennis L. Finnan, Commentator

·         Program: The World, the Word & You! Radio Broadcast

·         Address: P.O. Box 60033 Grand Junction, CO 81506

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The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over 27 years, and serves as General Director.

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