Christian World Ministry
"..the churches of Christ salute you" Romans 16:16
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Christian World Ministry "..the churches of Christ salute you" Romans 16:16
Introduction
A. This is sequel to the message "Religious Cults Examined" ( February 28, 2021).
1. In that lesson,the traits of religious cults were examined
2. Today's discussion will focus on false doctrines and practices of these religious cults as Jesus said, " You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free," John 8:32
B. The approach in this study will be as follows:
1. Cult definition " revisited"
2. Unique and weird traits of leaders
3. False doctrines/practices refuted
Discussion
A. Cult Definition Revisited
1. A cult is a " religious group" which has a charismatic leader who teaches unorthodox doctrines that conflict with accepted/ mainstream dogmas and who claims " exclusivity!"
2. A cult usually begins as a splinter group of a bigger religious organization; then it becomes a denomination or a sect that espouses unorthodox and weird teachings.
B. Some Unique and Weird Traits of Cult Leaders
1. They claim " exclusivity" meaning that they have some or all of "spiritual truths" as special messengers ( sugo); appointed " son of God," prophet or an " overall servant ( pangkalahatang lingkod)
2. They become boastful, proud and blasphemous and curse other religious groups and leaders.
3. By strict monitoring, they often obtain a " total control" of their members
4. All collections, contributions. donations and incomes from their business enterprises go to their central offices/ headquarters.
5. Private or personal studies of the Bible are not encouraged. Members are advised to use tri-media ( now social media) to learn more " spiritual truths!"
C. False Teachings/ Practices Refuted
1. Godhead, Deity or the Doctrine of a Triune God ( Trinity)
a. They deny this as unbiblical and accuse the Roman Catholic Church as the which started this teaching through St. Augustine and Cardinal Gibbons
b. Answer: Although the word " Trinity" is not found in the Bible, the concept is there.
c. Genesis 1:26 says " And God ( Eloheim) said ' Let us make man in our image.' " Here, the word God is singular in form but the meaning is plural for " Eloheim" is used and not " Eloi" or "Eli"
d. Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are included in the " Eloheim" term as Creators.
e. Holy Spirit" took part in the creation," Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4
f. Jesus as the Logos of John 1:1-3, 14 "took part in the creation,"
g. Angels, as created beings also, were not with God ( Eloheim) in Genesis 1:26
h. Jesus Himself acknowledged "Three Persons" in the Godhead or Deity, Matthew 28:19
2. The concept of oneness in Hebrew is two fold: Yasheed- absolute one; Echad- Harmonic One
a. The two shall become one in Genesis 2:24
b. In John 10:30, Jesus said, " I and the Father are one!"
c. In I John 5:7, the apostle wrote these words, " For there are three that bear record in heaven- the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three agree in one," ( KJV)
d. Jesus was " God manifested in the flesh, " I Timothy 3:16
e. Philippians 2:5-6 say " that Jesus was in the form of God..."
f. Finally, our text in I John 4;1-3 say " that he who confesses that Jesus has come in the flesh ( incarnation) has the Spirit of God."
g..Therefore, the Holy Spirit is the third person in the Godhead,.Matthew 28:19; Acts 5: 3-4.
D..The local church organization of these cults prove their false identities
1. The local organization of New Testament churches were independent and autonomous.
2. There was no central office or headquarters but each local congregation was with elders and deacons, Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1 and Titus 1:5
3. Most if not all religious cults do not follow the New Testament local church organization but in stead they have " centralized" set up under "one person."
Conclusion
A. Summary of the Main Pointa
1. Cult Definition Revisited
2. Traits of Cult Leaders
3. False Doctrines/Practices Refuted
B. Examine yourselves whether you are in the true faith,2 Corinthians 13:5
1.Invitation to become a NT Christian, Matthew 11:28-30
2 " Come to Christ now through faith, confession, repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38