10 Characteristics of a Cult Masquerading as a Church

10 Characteristics of a Cult Masquerading as a Church

This is a follow-up to our last article on Deception in the Church: Cults and False Prophets Masquerading as Christian Ministries. Based on our experience, here are ten signs to help you identify a cult that is masquerading as a church. In this article, our focus is not on the cult of personalities, such as when people enthusiastically and blindly follow a political leader, but specifically on religious cults that claim to preach the gospel. 1. The Pastor / Ministry Leader is Always Right and is Above the Law If your Church pastor or ministry leader is always claiming to be right,...Read more
Deception in the Church: Cults and False Prophets Masquerading as Christian Ministries

Deception in the Church: Cults and False Prophets Masquerading as Christian Ministries

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand” (Matthew 24:23-24). “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-16a) When you hear of “cult”, what is the first picture that comes to mind? Is it an image of some “ignorant” people idolizing their charismatic spiritual leader or...Read more
Does Social Media Promote Worldliness or Godliness?

Does Social Media Promote Worldliness or Godliness?

O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings (empty chatter) and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith… (1 Timothy 6:20-21 NKJV) See then that you walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-17 NKJV) Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these...Read more
Our True Value and Identity in Christ – Part I

Our True Value and Identity in Christ – Part I

“Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). Who are you? What are you worth? Who do you think you are? Have you, or anyone, ever questioned your identity, or tried to put you down over your identity, and have you ever felt worthless and wondered, “Why on earth am I here?” The first question, “Who am I?”, is a timeless one. Philosophers, scientists, and great thinkers over the centuries have grappled with this question, with varying degrees of success. When asked these questions, many people typically first think of their occupations or job titles,...Read more
A Little Yeast Works Through the Whole Batch of Dough

A Little Yeast Works Through the Whole Batch of Dough

“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty” (Galatians 5:7-10 NIV). “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough” implies is that a very small amount of yeast is able to work through and...Read more
Being Led by the Holy Spirit

Being Led by the Holy Spirit

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God (Romans 8:14 NIV). So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves (Galatians 5:16 NLT) In this message, we want to encourage you to be led by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a good Gift and the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who are born again and ask of Him (Luke 11:13). The Lord promised us His Spirit to help us and be with us forever if we love Him and keep...Read more
False Prophets, False Predictions, False Visions, and False Hopes

False Prophets, False Predictions, False Visions, and False Hopes

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:16 NIV) Previously we shared a message on “Beware of False Prophets, False Prophecies, and False Visions”. This week are impressed to share some more on the subject. A few years ago, and especially around 2011 and 2012, there was a dramatic increase in self-declared prophets and dreamers who shared “supernatural” visions and dreams predicting “woes” that would befall the world...Read more
Experiencing True Peace

Experiencing True Peace

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation (Ephesians 2:14 NJKV) The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6 NIV) Are you going through tough trials and circumstances? We encourage you not to let your faith slip away, but stand firm in the faith and keep fighting the good fight (Hebrews 2:1; 1 Timothy 6:12). If we do this, the Lord promises that He will turn our mourning into dancing (Jeremiah 31:4; Psalm 30:11). Furthermore,...Read more
Taking Refuge in the Lord

Taking Refuge in the Lord

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust” (Psalm 91:2 NKJV) “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you …” (Deuteronomy 33:27 NKJV). Have you ever gone through, or are you currently going through, a crisis or stressful situation and found yourself helpless and not knowing what to do but to call on the Lord? If you have been facing problems and challenges with your health, finances, a relationship with someone you love or loved,...Read more
Overcoming Tests, Trials, and Troubles

Overcoming Tests, Trials, and Troubles

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV). Today, there are many faithful Christians who are going through various hardships. We too go through various problems and challenges. These tests or trials may come from the world, Satan, or allowed by God. For the faithful Christian, such trials might be the result of following and trusting God, and their purpose is to prove our faith, as was the case of Job (Job 1:1-22). However, many trials...Read more
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