1. Cults or Christ? Colossians 2:16-3:4

3. Who Belongs to Cults? WWeird people? WWould our children?

4. Definition  Depends on who defines it Sociological viewpoint Bizarre element Not “historic Christianity” Some would say we are one (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22)

5. Some Say We Are a Cult  We disagree with most groups  Oppose “faith only”  Early saints (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22)

6. Who Joins and Why?  Leaders began in denominations Sun Myung Moon- Presbyterian Jim Jones- Nazarene David Berg of Children of God- Christian Missionary Alliance Victor Paul Wierville- Reformed

7. Vulnerable People  View salvation as subjective Confuse response to truth with truth (Genesis 37:33-35) Rely on feelings (Acts 26:9) Believe the Lord “led them”

8. Asking The Lord  “I often asked the Lord where my energy, enthusiasm, dedication, hard work and spirit would be the most beneficial in reaching a great many people...

9. “The Rest of The Story” ... he pointed the way to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders... and I followed.”

10. Claim Special Insight “Special blessings come to those who honor the work of God with their offerings. In recent meetings there has been a revelation about obedience offerings of certain amounts... God will also reveal to Pastor Jones what your obedience offering should be.” (Karen Layton, Secretary to Jim Jones)

11. Claim Special Insight “I don’t read my Bible anymore,” the young man said. “I don’t have to read my Bible devotionally anymore because I get mine direct.” (Story told by Charles Farah, Jr., of Oral Roberts University)

12. Vulnerable People  View salvation as subjective Can know we are saved when we obey the truth (Acts 8:39) Don’t be easy prey for cult leaders (Jeremiah 14:13-18; 23:25-27) Be committed to Christ (Matthew 10:34-37)

13. Vulnerable People  Those with unmet needs Not always attracted by “doctrine” Need help from someone Sharing problems not to become one way (James 5:16)

14. Vulnerable People  Those who place too much emphasis on the preacher Must think for themselves (Acts 17:10, 11; 1 John 4;1) Leaders can be wrong (Galatians 2:5, 11-14)

15. What Can We Do?  Preachers need to be careful Not free from problems (1 Corinthians 9:27) Be careful (1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:4-7; 4:2-5) Help prepare others (2 Timothy 2:2)

16. What Can We Do?  Churches need to be careful Do not depend on the preacher (1 Corinthians 12:20) Demand the Truth (Acts 20:27, 32) Have a realistic view of the work Be committed to Christ, not men (Colossians 2:16)

17. Conclusion  Destroy the seeds of this heresy  Give ourselves in service to God