The video for
this post is available at the URL:
https://youtu.be/qe3046BMU8c
There
are many things that can identify a cult, but on average all cults share
these three points in common.
- A portion
of the money you earn belongs to them.
- They
dictate something of your lifestyle.
It could be what you can wear, or where you can go, or what you can
eat, or who you can listen to, etc.
- If you
leave them, you will end up in a very, very bad place—where you don't want
to be.
The
first cult identifier shows that many of our churches (which are
constantly demanding a cash-tithe and are quick to curse with a curse
all those that don't hand over their money) are in the minimal leaning towards
cultism.
Remember,
2nd Peter 2:3a helps us identify money lovers by telling us that, “in their greed they will exploit you with
false words.”
For
more information on the cash-tithe, please see my YouTube video: Jesus
and the Tithe.
On
the second identifier, while the Bible does tell us to dress modestly,
it does not tell us that women can't wear pants, or that men must wear sacred
underwear, or how long our hair should be, etc.
As
an adult Christian you know what you must do. So, if your church has agents that go lurking
about trying to see where you’re going, or what you’re eating, or what you’re
doing, or who you're with, then I would say that you are in somewhat of a cult.
On
the third identifier, if you want to visit another church, or attempt to
leave, and your church implies that that is not a good idea or that you will be
worst off without them, then I would say that you’re in somewhat of a cult.
If
your church is not a cult then you should be able to freely go and worship in
any church you want to. Who you listen
to and communicate with is your personal and private matter.
You
might have noticed that these common points have to do with control. Cults thrive on the control they have over
their followers.
Information
gives us control. Hence, cult-pastors
don't want their followers to get information from others. They don’t want their followers to learn,
because when people learn, they become independent thinkers. Which is what God wants. You see, God shares His information with all
of mankind so we can decide.
Although
my purpose is not to point out what others do wrong, but moreover my
purpose is to lift God's Word; due to the Mega-Deceptions we are experiencing
in these latter days, I will give you a few more helpful cult identifiers. Most of the cult identifiers that I'm
about to give you are tactics used to get you to act based on your emotions,
instead of relying on God's Word.
Number
one, the fear of going to Hell.
This is the strongest emotional motivator used to get you to join a
cult. It is that fear of eternal condemnation or finding yourself on the wrong
side of God's judgment.
Number two, big rewards.
Cults will promise you God's heavenly riches (which you cannot
see or touch) in exchange for your loyalty.
Number
three, scarcity. Cults create the
notion that their group is rare because they are the only ones with a
privileged knowledge of God. Hence, they
make themselves out to be extremely valuable to--lucky you. Cults pitch three kinds of scarcity: first, product
(their prophetic words are the only ones), second, time (this is the end
time and the door is closing so you must act fast) and third, hurry because
there will only be a few winners (like, only
144,000 will be able to get in).
Number
four, God's authority. Cults want
you to believe that they are backed up by a heavenly source of credibility. They will do all they can to convince you
that they are God's chief agents, or earthly representatives; thus,
giving their organization a protective cover of spiritual authority.
Number
five, commitment/guilt trip.
Cults know that most people have an innate desire to do what they say
they will. So they get you to make a commitment,
such as to recite their oath or follow their instructions. Later, when you resist, they will accuse you
of going back on your word.
Six,
quid pro quo. Cults will make you
believe that they have done something great and marvelous for you, ergo, it is
only natural and ethical for you to return the favor. Some cults will bless you with small
favors then expect your loyalty in return.
And
seven, cult-leaders love money.
Therefore, be wise like a serpent (Matthew 10:16) and follow the money
trail. It will lead you right to the
false teacher, because the money will always end up in the hands of the cult
leader.
In
closing, I want you to know that...
Most
people get into cults because of a family member or a friend. You see, because of the love we have for our
relationships, we will get into things that we know are wrong. This is one of the reasons that Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own
father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life,
he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:26.
Also
know that, cult leaders are not dummies; they are extremely smart. Therefore, they are NOT to be
confronted. Always keep this in mind; cult
leaders possess a lot of worldly wisdom.
And
finally, cult-pastors should be identified by their fruits, not their
appearances. Matthew 7:15-16a, “Watch
out for false prophets. They come to you
in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. You will know them by their fruits.”
Thank
you for listening. Until next time,
remember, God loves you, not your money.
God
bless you.
