# Cults # Cover Page # Cults ## Confronting the Enemies of Truth [![image001.png](https://bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2021-09/scaled-1680-/image001.png)](https://bible.exchange/uploads/images/gallery/2021-09/image001.png) ### [Introduction to Course](https://bible.exchange/books/cults-course/page/introduction-to-course) ### [Why People are Attracted to Cults](https://bible.exchange/books/cults-course/page/why-people-are-attracted-to-cults) ### [The Marks of a Cult](https://bible.exchange/books/cults-course/page/the-marks-of-a-cult) ### [The Christian Responsibility to Cults](https://bible.exchange/books/cults-course/page/the-christian-responsibility-to-cults) ### [Personal Safeguards Against Cults](https://bible.exchange/books/cults-course/page/personal-safeguards-against-cults) ### [Cultic Philosophies in the Church](https://bible.exchange/books/cults-course/page/cultic-philosophies-in-the-church) ### [Curious Fascination of the Darkness](https://bible.exchange/books/cults-course/page/curious-fascination-of-the-darkness) ### [Dangers of Tolerating Evil](https://bible.exchange/books/cults-course/page/dangers-of-tolerating-evil) [Swahili -> Ibada](https://bible.exchange/books/ibada)# Introduction to Course # INTRODUCTION ## Class Purpose & Explanation The Purpose of this course is to identify the errors of our day and is not an in–depth study of the cults. NO CULT deserves that much of your attention. It is important to be careful when investigating the cults because you could be influenced by the false spirit that has inspired them. We need to put our emphasis on knowing the truth. The Bible is God's Word, the supreme authority and life. II Peter 1:2–4; 16–21; II Timothy 3:13–17; Philippians 2:16 - We must STUDY the Truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 - We must KNOW the Truth. John 8:32 - We must LOVE the Truth. II Thessalonians 2:10 - We must RESTRAIN iniquity. II Thessalonians 2:7 Speak the Truth in love: - Ephesians 4:14–15 - 2 Corinthians 2;14–15 - I Corinthians 2:1–16 - Galatians 4:16 > Psalms 15:2—He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. ## Be sure to begin to MEMORIZE the book of Jude as you take this course. Read I Corinthians 2:1–15. > 1 Cor. 2:12—Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. > I Cor. 2:14, 15 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. Only a real Believer in Jesus Christ, who has remained in the Word of God, who has been taught by the Holy Spirit is able to understand the truth and is able to identify the false. ## The Definition of a Cult A cult is a religious movement where faith is distorted and truth is perverted into a lie. (I Cor.2:15; Gal. 1:6–7; Col. 2:8) - A religious perversion - An organized heresy - Strange beliefs and practices centered around false doctrine 1. A Cult is a False Religion. A system of religious or spiritual beliefs, especially an informal and transient belief system regarded by others as misguided, unorthodox, extremist, or false, and directed by a charismatic, authoritarian leader. 2. Warnings about Cults. Cults feed their system of belief to people for the purpose of control rather than to feed for spiritual growth and good fruit to Glorify God. Cults idolize leaders, teachings and programs. A Cult can arise out of going off track and trying to appropriate even the promises of God through carnal thinking. You can hurt somebody even with the truth by a wrong motive, self–righteous spirit or an unwise approach. Cultic practices are spreading like wild fire because of the lukewarmness in the church. When the church is strong in the Lord and militant in God's power, the gates of hell cannot prevail. > Mathew 16:18,19—And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Paul's advice to the elders in regard to taking care of the church was the same as Christ advice to Peter. > Acts 20:28–32—Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, to feed the church of God. > John 21:15–17— Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time feed my sheep. Matt. 7:15–23; John 10:10–38; I Tim. 4:1–3; II Tim. 3:1–4:5; II Peter 2:1–22; Jude 1–2 ## Exhortations – Examine your life by the Word. Every man should make careful examination of his life before he studies any kind of cultic practices. Paul's admonitions and warnings should be cause enough for each of us to make careful doctrinal examination, as well. II Cor. 13:5; I Cor. 11:28, 31–32; I Tim. 4:15–16; II Timothy 2:15; 3:13–15 The only way to avoid chastening or shorten spiritual correction is to Repent and correct your path immediately!# Why People are Attracted to Cults ## They have rejected the Gospel. Because they have rejected the Gospel many are open to just about anything and especially susceptible to the cults. ### Many people refuse to believe the Gospel because it exposes sin and calls to repentance and there is no fear of God in their heart. David and Paul said it was because there was no fear of God before their eyes. > Psalms 36:1—\[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD.\] The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. > Romans 3:18—There is no fear of God before their eyes. > 2 Peter 3:5—For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God. > John 3:19-20—…because their deeds were evil. > Hebrews 6:4-6—For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened …6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance… > Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. ### Many reject and hate truth because of unbelief. > 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12—Now we beseech you, brethren… be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3) Let no man deceive you by any means…12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. > 1 Tim 4:1-2—Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2) Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; ## They have a love for darkness. > John 1:11—He came unto his own, and his own received him not. > John 3:19-21—And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil…20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. > Col. 1:13—Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: > Rev. 16:10—…his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, ## They are spiritually immature. > Hebrews 5:11-14—For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (I Peter 2:2) > 2 Timothy 3:16,17—All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. > 1 Corinthians 3:1—And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. ## Their faith has been undermined by spiritual subversion. > Gal. 1:6-9—I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." > Gal. 3:3,4—Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? > 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 20—For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 20) For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. Galatians 4:15-17; 5:1; Ephesians 4:14 ## They have intellectual pride. > 2 Corinthians 11:3,4—But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4) For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. > 2 Corinthians 1:12—not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God… > 1 Corinthians 1:19-21—For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." > Job 28:28—And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.# The Marks of a Cult ## Extra-Biblical Revelations People that get involved with revelations that are not in the bible are rebelling against the Supreme Authority. They do not believe that the bible is the only authority for revelation. Extra-Biblical Revelations are not of God. All revelation must be substantiated by the Scriptures. Divine Revelation must be absolutely equal to the scripture without altering one principle. > 1 Cor.2:13—Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. > The Holy Ghost reveals truth to the righteous and we place no limit on further revelation. We do not have faith in anything that contradicts or is not in the Bible. > Deut. 4:2—Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. > Deut. 12:32—What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. > Prov. 30:5—Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. There are many cults that claim "extra-biblical" revelation: - Islam - Koran - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints -The book of Mormon - Jehovah Witnesses-The New World Translation - New Age-Urantia\[Endnotes and Citations A spiritual and philosophical book that discusses God, Jesus, science, cosmology, religion, history and destiny. It originated in Chicago, Illinois, USA, sometime between 1924 and 1955. The Urantia Book denies some fundamental Christian doctrines.\] > Catholic-Apocrypha > II Co r.11:4—For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. > Gal. 1:6,7—I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7—Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. ## Segmented Biblical attention ### Paying attention to fragments of Scripture, and missing the whole. > John 6:12—When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. > Acts 13:10—And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? > Acts 20:27—For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. We need to adhere to all the COUNSEL OF GOD (II Tim. 2:15; John 5:39; Rev. 3:18) and all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. (II Tim. 3:16) There are many people that purposely manipulate Scripture to benefit their own ends. That take portions of the truth and it make it to be whole. A half-truth is a lie and their using Scripture under false pretenses is also lying. Billy Sunday use to say, "An excuse is the skin of reason stuffed with a lie." Well, it is a common practice of cults to take a skin of truth and stuff it full of lies. One word added or left out can entirely change the meaning of something, and what use to be the truth becomes a lie. There is a great personal danger in changing the Word of God. (Revelation 22:18) > O, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!—Sir Walter Scott, from his poem Marmion We must not fail to pay attention to the entire message of the entire Word of God! ### Over emphasizing one portion of Scripture to the exclusion of others. Jesus rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees for omitting the weightier matters of the Law. - Mt. 23:23. They would strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. (Mt. 23:24) In this error, they became cut off from the truth. Once we move away from the clear intentions of Scripture, we run the risk of becoming cut off from the truth. (II Thess. 2:10; Jer. 7:28; Rev. 22:19) ### Examples of segmented Biblical attention. #### Some people only regard Paul's writings as being inspired. #### Overemphasizing demons. Every work of the flesh is not a demon. Furthermore, every bad thing that happens in life is not necessarily the devil's fault. (Gal. 5:19-21) #### Some believe that being water baptized a certain way is essential to salvation. There is no salvation in water for we are saved through faith in the Blood of Jesus Christ which was shed for us. (Rom. 5:9, Eph.1:7; Col. 1:14,20; Heb. 9:14) #### The Jehovah Witnesses teach salvation by works. Work are a result of faith. (James 2:17-26.) Works cannot save but works are produced in the believer's life if you are saved. (Eph. 2:8-10, Rom. 4:2-3; Titus) #### Turning the grace of God into a license to sin. > Jude 4—For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. There are some that teach faith without the works of a pure love. They turn the grace of which is the power to live above sin into a license to sin—lasciviousness. We are commanded over and over to sin not. (I Jn. 2:1-4; Rom. 6:6, 11-20; 22-23; I Peter 4:1) We can lose our salvation by dying spiritually. If you can be made alive you can die as well. (Ex. 32:33; Rev. 22:19; Ezek. 3:20, 21; 18:24; 33:13) There is no provision of covering as long as we remain in our sin. The only pattern for salvation is Christ's message of repentance—turn around and stop sinning. There is only ONE sacrifice that can atone for sin and that is Christ's. > Heb 10:26—For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, #### Charismatic's take positive thinking to the extreme. The 'Faith Movement" in Charismatic circles has failed to recognize that God's promises are conditional.- Faith is essential. - Mathew 21:22.- Holiness is essential — Hebrews 12:14- Living right is essential. — John 15:7 #### Among the "Prosperity Teachers" financial success is used to measure spirituality. But God has promised to meet our needs not our greeds. Philippians 4:19 is a promise given to those that have given unselfishly over and over again. It is not a promise to encourage people to give to get but to remind the faithful that the Lord is truly faithful and won't forget them. (Many heroes of the faith have been described as destitute by temporal measures. Hebrews 11:37) > Philippians 4:19—But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ## Producing Their Own Salvation The philosophies of the Judaizers are still at work. The devil is convincing people to go back to the Old Covenant. Others are trying to observe both the Old and the New Covenant. They are trying to obtain justification before God by the keeping of the Law. This is against Scripture. The ceremonial law has been abolished. (Col. 2:14-17)The law as a whole has been fulfilled in Christ. What every Believer needs to understand is that through faith in Jesus Christ we are made righteous and through the righteousness of Christ that comes to us from faith to faith we can and must fulfill all the moral laws of God. The Grace of God has the power to cause us to live above the law and is not merely a license for lawlessness. > Rom. 10:4—For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. > Matt. 5:17—Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. > Gal. 2:16—Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith… > Gal. 3:11—But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. > Rom. 13:8 … for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. > Rom. 13:10—… therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. > Gal. 5:14—For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love… > James 2:8—If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: Salvation is a gift to all who receive Jesus as their Savior. (Rom. 1:16, 10:9-13) There is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile—salvation is by grace through faith. (Eph. 2:8,11-22) Christ brought an end to the ceremonial law and satisfied the moral law so that obedience to Christ is life. > John 15:10—If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. > Romans 6:6—Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. ## Slaves to the Structure ## Cults bring their followers into slavery. They bring people into Psychological slavery — mind control, as well as, spiritual slavery—bound by sin, bound by religion. Cults create a scenario for complete dependence on the cult. They will supply the basic needs of the people, so that the individual cannot imagine their personal identity without the cult. Because of this infant-like dependence on the group there is much fear involved with leaving the cult no matter how harsh its negative aspects get. They make slaves of the people by overpowering them with harsh controlling leaders. The leadership in essence becomes the master and lord of each individual's "salvation." This is exactly what God accused the Nicolaitans of doing. God hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans in Ephesus (Rev. 2:6) and the doctrines of the Nicolaitans in Pergamos (Rev. 2:15). That which was only deeds in Ephesus became doctrines in Pergamos. God hates the deeds and God hates the doctrines. They tried to corral those who were doing that which God hated. These were, as is commonly supposed, a sect of the Gnostics, who taught the most impure doctrines, and followed the most impure practices. They are also supposed to have derived their origin from Nicolas, one of the seven deacons mentioned in Acts 6:5. The more natural and obvious supposition is that the Nicolaitans taught the same things which Balaam did. The Nicolaitans taught the community of wives, that adultery and fornication were things indifferent, that eating meats offered to idols was quite lawful; and mixed several pagan rites with the Christian ceremonies. Augustine, Irenaeus, Clement, Alexandrinus, and Tertullian, have spoken concerning them. Nicolaus means victorious over the people; (Nicolaus & Balaam were heretics.) "nikos" a conquest; triumph:--victory."Nike" the means of success: "Laos" the people, Laity (organization) (NicoLAITANSLao-diceans) "Dike" right (as self-evident) self justice, government by the people The deeds and doctrines of the Nicolaitans emphasized the clergy controlling the laity. The church should be well organized according to the truth in the Bible, but organization must not take God's place. People need guidance as well as doctrines, but at no time should we become lords over another man's faith. The same God that saved you is well able to save and keep others! Do not seek to control another man's experience. > 1 Peter 5:3—Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. > 2 Cor. 1:24—Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. (I Cor. 9:12,18; 10:33) > John 7:17—If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.B.###Truth makes men free. > John 8:32—And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. #### The Holy Spirit brings liberty. - II Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:1. > John 16:13—Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. God's working is not a force, might or power of man that disregards the individual's liberty in Christ and freedom of choice, but is by the Spirit of God. God's Spirit will LEAD men and not DRIVE them. (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:18) > Zechariah 4:6—… Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. #### We have been bought with a price. > I Cor. 7:23—Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. > I Cor. 6:19,20—What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. > I Peter 1:18,19—Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: #### Christians become servants to God by choice. Rom. 1:1. ##### doulos - A love slave, one who chose to continue his servitude. > John 12:26—If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. > Philippians 2:22—…, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. > Romans 1:1—Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, > Acts 27:23—… God, whose I am, and whom I serve. - Committed to The Lord Jesus Christ through the Power of The Holy Ghost - Committed to the Gospel - Committed to the Work and Service of God ##### ap-os'-tol-os- ("Called")Chosen,(separated) Loved and sent. A delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers):--apostle, messenger, he that is sent. Mat.22:14; John 15:16; Acts 9:15; Eph. 1:4; James 2:5; I Peter 2:4,9; Rev. 17:14 ## Devotion to the Irrational Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25 This church age is hopelessly addicted to the latest trend or fad. This problem has graduated to the extent it does not seem to matter to people how Scripturally sound something is or isn't as long as it is 'new.' This results over and over to the production of and devotion to philosophies that are not only inconsistent with Scripture, but are irrational in general. Many trends of our day may not be biblically wrong in their premise, but their methods must be tested by the Word. > I Cor. 2:15—But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 97. Not-"Purpose Driven" We need to be led by The Holy Ghost. BIBLICALLY IRRATIONAL: Fitting God into the box of man's philosophies. > "By the end of the journey \[A 40 day commitment to reading his book\] you will know God's purpose for your life and will understand the big picture-how all the pieces of your life fit together."—Rick Warren in The Purpose-Driven Life 100. Not-"Promise Keepers" We need to be filled with The Holy Ghost. BIBLICALLY IRRATIONAL: Unity at the expense of true Gospel. > "It's so diluted and deluded, you can't get very much out of it." —former Promise Keepers member Promise Keepers' teachings are a strange mixture of truth and error. Its methods for promoting these teachings are questionable. Some Scriptural values are taught…they are mingled with pop-psychology and have an ecumenical emphasis, while a charismatic aura pervades the proceedings. One of the Promise Keepers' stated goals is to 'break down denominational barriers, including Catholic, liberals, charismatics, and neo-evangelicals under its banner. It urges its members to 'break down the walls that separate us, to be a bridge builder, and to pray daily for unity among Christians in your community.' —A resolution passed at a Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches 104. Not-"Your Best Life Now" We need to abide in The Holy Ghost. BIBLICALLY IRRATIONAL: Telling the people only what want to hear. > "I don't use it \[the word 'sinner'\]. I never thought about it. But I probably don't. But most people already know what they're doing wrong. When I get them to church I want to tell them that you can change. … So I don't go down the road of condemning."—Joel Osteen on the "Larry King Live" show 107. Not-"The Battlefield of the Mind" We need to be fed by The Holy Ghost. BIBLICALLY IRRATIONAL: Using the Bible to get the door open. > Answering the question: "What Happened from the Cross to The Throne?""The Bible can't even find any way to explain this. Not really. That's why you've got to get it by revelation. There are no words to explain what I'm telling you. I've got to just trust God that He's putting it into your spirit like He put it into mine." —Joyce Meyer, author of The Battlefield of the Mind This generation as a whole does not want anything to do with really serving God and truly following the Gospel of Jesus Christ by departing completely from sin. People have committed themselves instead: to people to things to agendas to agencies To operation a/b/c To big corporation To government control---disabling the individual of responsibility > John 12:26—If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. ## Exclusive of Others ### Cults become exclusive of all others. Those outside the group are considered enemies. They alone have the answers. Their group is the only way of salvation. #### Jehovah Witnesses declare their group is the only way to God. #### Mormons believe their group is the way. #### Catholics believe their religion saves them ### Jesus is the only way for Salvation. (Acts 4:10-12; Rom. 10:13) Salvation, Healing and Deliverance are available to all who come to Jesus. > 1 Peter 2:24—Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. James 5:13 -16; Mat.10:1; Mark 6:13; Luke9:2; Psalms 103:2-5; Jer. 33:6; 46:1— (Read Hebrews 4:15-16); Ex. 15:26; Psalms 107:20; Isaiah 53:5; Read Jeremiah 30:12 -17. Mark 9:23—… If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. John 11:40; 2 Chron. 16:12; Psalms 147:3; Luke 6:19; Luke 7:21; Mat. 13:58; Mark 6:56 2 Chron. 36:16—But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. {remedy: Heb. healing} Luke 17:5—And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. ## Uncertain Hope Cults produce uncertainties instead of certain hope—could be, maybe, someday, possibly, might be, etc. > Jer .18:12—And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart. God didn't leave man without a Hope of Salvation. > I Peter 3:15—…be ready always to give an answer…a reason of the hope that is in you… > Rom. 8:20—…by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, > Hebrews 6:19—Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul… ## Presenting a New Leader (worship of man) They have not the faith in Jesus Christ. Their followers are ruled and driven apart from Love of Christ by human leadership. They have not the faith in Jesus Christ because too much emphasis is placed on human leadership. > John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me…. (Mat. 4:19; Mark 12:33;) ## Those that do not believe in the three Persons of the Godhead There is absolutely one God. God is three Persons: Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are co-equal and co-eternal. > Eph 2:18—For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Matt. 3:16,17; I Cor. 8:6;12:3) ## Financial Exploitation **Merchandising the message,** When you always must pay a membership fee to be involved. (II Pet. 2:1-3) Many cults are only interested in money. This includes charismatic leaders. It is shame how people who profess to be ministers of the Gospel Manipulate people to give money.People give on the lie they can purchase salvation, God's blessing or favor, health and well being, or a guaranteed prosperous return. Roman Catholics are deceived into paying money to free souls from 'purgatory' or gain some kind of justification. Salvation comes free because of the blood of Jesus that was shed. The gift of God is eternal life. - Rom. 6:23. Justified freely by His grace. - Rom. 3:24. God's blessing cannot be purchased with money. - Acts 8:18-24. But always remember the price Jesus paid on the cross. The price of our sin debt was paid in full. John 19:30 "It is Finished"—Redemption is accomplished.# The Christian Responsibility to Cults What is every Christian's primary responsibility with regard to cults? To be true and faithful stewards with the Word of God! What makes cultic points of view attractive? They have parts of truth—some truth but it is the mixture that is dangerous. We are duty bound to be so familiar with truth that we can detect when something is only a little ‘off.’ The Believer has been given power and authority over all the power of the enemy. ## The Power and Authority of the Believer ### The Believer's Power and Authority is from God. > Luke 9:1—Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. > 1 Peter 5:8—Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: - Be of a sober spirit - Be vigilant The authority of the Believer is over the devil and his efforts to destroy God's purpose for our lives. One of the **most important messages** is to be considered in this lesson is that God has invested into the Believer His power and authority. > Luke 9:1—Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. > John 1:12—But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. > Matt. 10:1—And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. > 2 Cor. 10:8—For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: > Titus 2:15—These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. The Believer cannot be hindered or stopped by the devil if he knows how to properly use what God has promised and provided. We must be aware of God's provision, but we must also learn how to put that promise to practice.All that God has promised is added to our lives as we diligently believe Him. Such faith requires implicit obedience. Believe and Obey. ### What does this Power and Authority Mean? **Five different Greek words…** **exousia**, Gr. authority; privilege, capacity, competency, mastery **dunamis**, Gr. force, specially, miraculous power **kratos**, Gr. vigor ("great") --dominion, might(-ily), power, strength. **arche**, Gr. a commencement, or chief,first (estate), magistrate, power **…that are translated almost interchangeably.**
GreekColossians 2:15Luke 9:1Luke 10:19Ephesians 1:19Ephesians 1:21
exousiapowersauthoritypower-power
dunamis-powerpowerpowermight
kratos---power-
archeprincipalities---principality
kuriotes----dominion
Power and authority are so intimately related, it is difficult to separate the one from the other. Both power and authority are promised and at no time do we have to be with power and without authority or vice versa.For the sake of study, ‘power’ and ‘authority’ are distinct in that:- Power is CAPACITY. ‘18-Wheeler’ -the capacity to go 80 mph- Authority is RIGHT. ‘Police Officer’ -the right to say, ‘Stop!’ ### Qualifications to Exercise the Authority of God What are the Qualifications to exercise this Authority? #### We need to have right knowledge with a true experience. Eph. 1:3, 19, 21 a place or position of power and authority promised.2 Peter 1:2-10 Are we using the power and authority that is promised? > Hebrews 12:2—Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Acts 19:14-16) #### We need to exercise faith with power. - To live in accordance with Truth I Tim. 2:7; Titus 1:1 - Faith with power II Thes.1:11; Acts 6:8; I Cor. 2:5; I Pt. 1:5 > Matthew 23:23—Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. #### We must demonstrate true humility—complete confidence in God's power. Luke 10:20; 2 Cor. 7:9; Rom. 10:5; Gal. 2:20; James 4:6, 10; 1 Peter 5:5, 6; Micah 6:8; John 6:57 ## The Need to Confront Do we care enough to confront? Before comfort there must be a true confronting. Read Galatians 6:1-10. > Gal. 6:1,2—Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. What is the Churches responsibility when a professing Christian commits a sin? Confronting is for true brethren that are spiritual to do. True brethren that are spiritual have the responsibility to confront the man that has been overtaken in a fault that he might be restored. ### Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault… Always confront the wrong with the truth. Spiritual brethren must use the truth of Gods’ Word to confront the wrong. (John 1:11; Ps 69:8; 122:8; 133:1; Prov. 6:10-19) Confronting wrong is always done while depending on the grace of God to help. (Gal. 1:6; 2:21; 6:18) Where the grace of God is depended on there will be boldness and a prayer life. Boldness and a consistent prayer life is so important in striving for the restoration of the one overtaken. Because he is hurt, hopeless and many times bitter, it is impossible to renew him to repentance. Paul confronted Peter: > Galatians 2:11—But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.In 3 John 1:9,10, Paul commits to confronting Diotrephes during his next visit. I Cor. 8:12—But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Rom. 8:12—Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. Rom. 7:4; 8:13; 9:3; 10:1; 11:25; 15:15, 30; 16:17; 1 Cor. 1:10, 11; 3:1; 4:6; 6:5, 8; 7:24 > 1John 3:16—Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. **Instead of watching our wounded soldiers fall to the way side and simply continuing on our solo march, we should carry a deep concern for our brethren that have fallen. We are commanded in this to the very extant of laying down our lives for the brethren—our life for theirs.** The word ‘fault’ (trespass, or sin) means to stumble or fall. No matter how many have fallen we need to carry to them a message of reconciliation to God ‘Be reconciled to God.’ Rom. 4:25; 5:15-20; II Cor. 5:17-20 ; Eph.2:1-5—But God… > James 5:16—Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. ### Ye that are **spiritual**… > I Cor. 2:15—But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. > I Thess. 5:21—Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. #### Restore such an one Mt 4:21 Mt 21:16 1Co 1:10 #### In the spirit of meekness #### Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted ### Bear ye one another's burdens… The best possible way to restore someone is to confront them face to face about their behavior, beliefs and attitudes. It is not easy and most people try to avoid confrontation (Matt. 18:15), but it becomes so helpful and necessary. More often than not we are dealing with issues in peoples’ lives that concern eternity. Our own discomfort and unease are a small price to pay if we can win a brother! #### Situations when confrontation is necessary: ##### When someone has offended or purposely hurt you. ##### When someone is displeasing to God through their behavior ##### Only under submission to the Pastor and in the fear of God. #### Questions to ask yourself before confrontations. ##### What is my motive? Do I genuinely care about this person or are they just getting on my nerves? Correct motivation for confrontation includes: 1)To restore the person to fellowship and growth. 2)For God to show His love for them through you. 3)To help the person to know the truth and to love it and to live it ##### Am I sure God is leading me to confront right now? Pray for the Holy Ghost to deal with them and lead you. Take your time and pray much about the confrontation. Am I sure God is leading? Have I fully examined mine own self in this area I desire to confront?Mat. 7:3, 4; II Cor. 13:5 ##### Have I really tried to understand the person's action? Do I have the facts right? Go to the Brethren that can judge brethren righteously. (Deut. 1:16) ##### Have I planned what I would say? Your tone of voice, the words and the way you use the words are very important. Especially do not use anger as your dominant expression. (Prov. 12:18; James 1:19; Psalms 115:3; Prov. 17:9; Deut. 13:14) ##### Have I anticipated what they might say and how I would answer? ##### Have I considered the consequences? Dangerous people and things need to be confronted and stopped both in the church and in society at large. (Acts 20:26; Gal. 2:11; Mat. 16:23) > I Sam. 17:29—And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? ## True Basis of Salvation True Basis of Salvation Salvation is for everyone that believeth in Jesus Christ ``` Romans 1:16 ``` Salvation is a gift. Romans 5:15 5:16 5:17 5:18 6:23 John 4:10 II Corinthians 9:15 Ephesians 2:8 3:7 4:7 Hebrews 6:4 James 1:17 I Peter 4:10 Salvation is by grace through faith ``` Ephesians 2:8,5 ``` As you believe in Jesus Christ for salvation He will bring it to you by His grace. Titus 3:11 I John 5:13 Faith is counted for righteousness. ``` Romans 4:4-5 ``` Grace is by Jesus Christ ``` Romans 5:15 ``` Its is by faith that it might be by grace ``` Roman 4:16 5:2 ``` Faith is dead being alone ``` James 2:17 ``` 2. You don’t seek God through works alone but believing in Jesus Christ. Acts 16:31 John 1:12 John 5:38-40;46-47 Romans 3:23-25 II. A Cultic practice is to use part of truth and treat it like the whole truth. Jude 1:4 Saved by grace alone no matter what you believe. Saved by grace alone no matter what you do. Saved by grace alone. What saith the scripture? Romans 4:3 ``` 11:2 ``` Galations 4:30 John 5:39 Luke 24:45 Acts 17:2 ``` 17:11 18:24 18:28 ``` II Peter 1:19 I n 19:36 1. Avoid erring from the whole truth of God’s grace. a. “ With purpose of heart cleave unto the Lord “ Acts 11:23 b. “ Continue in the grace of God” Acts 13:43 Hebrews 4:16 c. “ The word of grace” Acts 14:3 d. We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved. Acts 15:11 e. “The Gospel of the grace of God” Acts 20:24 f. “the word of His grace” Acts 20:32 g. ”grace… for obedience to the faith” Romans 1:5 Ephesians 1:6-7;2:5,7-10;3:7-8;4:7 h. “grace reigns through righteousness” Romans 5:21,17;6:1,15;12:3 ``` 2. “ Let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably” Hebrews 12:28 ``` Declare God’s word without an angry spirit Declare God’s word without being lukewarm Declare God’s word without bitterness Declare God’s word without jealousy Declare judgment, mercy and truth. Declare the whole counsel of God Jeremiah 1:16-17 Zechariah 8:16 II Cor.4:2 I John 3:18# Personal Safeguards Against Cults ## Spiritual Growth The spiritual infant must not tarry too long in infancy It is a critical time because they are easily taken advantage of by cultists. God has designed it to be a time of much growth and if one lays back or holds back (especially in rebellion, disobedience, doubt, or fear) it will be detrimental to their spiritual growth. > 1 Peter 2:2—As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" They need to receive and be fed. The most important thing in the life of a new Christian is spiritual growth. The key to developing Christian maturity is the study of God's Word > 1 Timothy 4:16—Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. > 2 Timothy 2:15—Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. > John 8:31-32—Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ## True Wisdom In what does true wisdom consist? True wisdom consists in simple obedience to God and His Word. We should seek after only the wisdom that comes from God. ## Bible Memorization Bible Memorization is used to defeat the cults. Memorize only the truth but don't be ignorant of the devil's devices. > Ps. 119:104—Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.Ps. 119:128—Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. > > 2 Peter 1:3—According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thess. 2:12; 1 Thess. 4:4; 7; John 17:17; 2 Thess. 1:12 ### Memorize the Word of God. The value of memorizing Scripture can never be overstated. Never, Never No Never! Ps. 119:9-11 ## Memorize the word for spiritual wisdom and strength. Matt. 4:4; II Cor. 3:6,15-18; John 1:1-5,9, 12, 14, 17; 3:15, 16, 36; 5:39; 6:27, 35, 48, 51, 57-58, 68; 14:6;17:3; 20:31; I John 1:7; 2:24-26; 4:9; 5:11-13, 20; II Peter 1:2-11 ### Memorize the Word for truth against the false. I Tim.6:20; II Tim. 2:16 > John 8:32—And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. > Psalms 119:11—Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. > Ps alms 37:31—The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. > Eph. 4:14—That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; > Col. 2:8—Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. > Prov. 14:12—There is a way which seemeth right unto a man… > Prov. 16:25—There is a way that seemeth right unto a man… ## Clear Biblical Understanding of Truth ### There is the truth of Christianity, It is a fact that there is a living and true God Who created the universe and Who loves us and has a plan for our lives. In the midst of a corrupt, depraved world that pulls every living thing down into the grave of death, there is the truth that God is and God loves. It is man's sin that has brought corruption and death into the world. Christianity declares God's love for the world. He is not a God of hate who has left man in the dark, groping and grasping about, trying to discover the truth about life and its source, purpose, and end. He is a God of love who has sent His only Son to remedy man's problems. God's way is the true order of life. John 1:1-5; 3:16-21; 8:32; 36; 14:6; 1Thess. 1:9 ### True Deity and True Humanity #### The Fullness of God in Christ as a Man Always view Christ from the Scripture. Always view your position in Christ from the scripture. #### Viewing the Messiah in the Scripture Christ put emphasis on the inspiration of the Scriptures. Christ is God's Son, Lord and man as the Son of David. Jesus Christ is the Messiah, both God and man, Divine and human. Jesus questioned them about what others were saying about Him in order to identify what they believed for themselves—less or more. Christ was not just telling them He was the Messiah, but was looking for them to receive that revelation from God like Peter did in Matthew 16:17. They had already been given the Scriptures that claim the Messiah would be Divine and human, both Lord and Christ and they were responsible for that already. (Matthew 22:42-45; 1 John 4:1-3; Colossians 2:9, 10 ) > Acts 2:36—Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. ### The Triune God Acts 10:38; 2 Cor. 13:14; Luke 4:18; Hebrews 1:9; Mat.3:16-17 Peter's Testimony Acts 4:25-27 Paul's Testimony Acts 13:33 **The Triune Testimony** - God the Ruler voice of the Father Psa. 2:1-6 "Lord" - God the Mediator voice of the Son Psa.2: 7-9 "Son" - God the Comforter voice of the Holy Ghost Psa. 10-12 "Trust in Him" Luke24:49; John 2:22; 8:17-18, 42; 12:16;14:16;15:26;16:7,13;17:1,3,5,21-26; 14:26; Rom.15:30; Gal. 4:6;1 John 2:20, 23, 27; 5:7; 2Jn.1:9; > 2 Cor. 13:14—The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen (Eph. 2:5-7, 10, 13, 14, 18) The Father is God - The Son is God - The Holy Ghost is God > 1 John 5:7—For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. John 8:13, 14; 1 John 5:2, 15, 18, 19, 20 > 1 John 2:18-24—22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. > 1 John 4:1—Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. > 1 John 4:14—And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.1 John2:26—These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. > 1 John 4:6—We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.# Cultic Philosophies in the Church The false philosophies of the devil are creeping into the church. Although most of them are not apparently present by name, careful observation shows their undeniable influence in the church. ## Gnosticism What does the heresy of Gnosticism deny and what does it teach instead? ### Denies that faith is essential to salvation. ### Teaches that knowledge is essential to salvation. Gnostics emphasize knowledge \[gnosis\] rather than faith \[pistis\]. Gnosticism is not by faith but is intellectual. Gnosticism ideals so-called rational knowledge.The Gnostic's concept of God is more subtle than most cults in that it unites and reconciles all the claims of Monotheism, Polytheism, Theism, Deism and Pantheism!**Theism**- belief that one God created and rules humans and the world.**Deism** - a belief in God based on reason rather than revelation and involving the view that God has set the universe in motion but does not interfere with how it runs. Deism was especially influential in the 17th and 18th centuries.**Pantheism**- the belief that God and the material world are one and the same thing and that God is present in everythingWe need Faith in Jesus Christ and to be persuaded by the facts of the Word of God. We need God's grace in order to live a moral and righteous life in the fear of God. **Knowledge alone is not enough**. ## Phenomenalism What does the heresy of **phenomenalism** deny and what does it teach instead? ### Denies that the just shall live by faith. ### Teaches that the just shall live by sight. They reject the existence of God and also deny that which is experienced by faith. Instead, sensory phenomena, is called "pure data" whose existence is to be considered before anything else: objects are logical constructions out of sense-data or ideas. In epistemology and the philosophy of perception, **phenomenalism** is the view that physical objects do not exist as things in themselves but only as perceptual phenomena or sensory stimuli situated in time and in space. Simply, objects exist only because I perceive them to exist. \[Practical Athiests and Logical Positivists hold a somewhat parallel theory in that knowledge can be acquired only through direct observation and experimentation, and not through theology or faith.\] ## Secularism Secularism is the exclusion of religion from public affairs; the belief that religion and religious bodies should have no part in political or civic affairs or in running public institutions, especially schools. Secularism is the rejection of religion or its exclusion from a philosophical or moral system .Secularism is the false way. Public Officials have suffered a great falling away in principles. We have come a long way since the days of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson or Abraham Lincoln—all were men who knew our public system's success was ultimately dependent on God.The voice of secularism is seeking our allegiance and much of its reasoning has influenced even Christian thought. Many Christians believe the church should not get involved in politics or public education. **The church has allowed secularism to intimidate it into a powerless corner of tolerance and apathy**.Secularism claims this world is all there is. They say that there is no Divine being behind the scenes of this world. Their voice is heard saying, ‘Look at the universe, the earth, this age in which you live, for this is all there is. So live it up, do what you want, and do it now—for today is the only day to live for.’For the sinner it is always a downhill road that gets worse and worse, but for the Believer it only gets better and better and the best is always yet to come. A popular trend of thought among Christian's today that causes them to focus on the temporal more than the spiritual and eternal is undoubtedly the influence of secularism at work.The emphasis of secularism is the here and now, ultimately including the elimination of any thought of God. Hence, secularism allows us to live as we wish. "If it feels good, do it"—no consequences, no responsibility, no guilt, need of nothing. This is the philosophy and the blatant message splashed across the television, movie screens, and most other forms of media in the world today as well as within the backslidden church. > Revelation 3:17—… thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:Revelation 3:20—Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. The Lord is on the outside knocking wanting to be invited in. ## Humanism Humanism claims that this is a man-centered world having man as its highest authority. Man is the center of the universe and by default his own savior. When it comes to life, man must save himself by eliminating conflict and war and by developing technology, science, and medicine to extend his life and to make life more comfortable.The world says that there is no god or power beyond man himself. Our health and life and future rest completely in our own hands. We are the determining masters of our own fate. Humanism is a philosophy being taught so widely that it is weakening the faith of multitudes worldwide.Man is a spiritual creation and needs more than that which comes from the natural realm in order to truly live. (Matthew 4:4; Ps. 107:20; Psalms 42:11;43:5; Prov. 3:8;4:22;12:18;13:17;16:24; Jer. 30:17;33:6; 3 John 1:2; Prov. 3:5-14) ## Relativism Relativism is a belief in changeable standards: the belief that concepts such as right and wrong, good and bad, or truth and falsehood are not absolute but change from culture to culture and situation to situation Relativism is taught by people who say there are no moral absolutes, nothing to fear, and to question all authority. They say that the Ten Commandments are only suggestion and not commandments. In relativism, each situation determines what is right or wrong. An action may be wrong today, but right tomorrow. Then on another occasion and at a different time, it may be wrong again. This is what is known as situation ethics. This philosophy allows man to change the rules according to each situation. Therefore, there really are no rules. Nothing is ever "always right" or "always wrong" for all behavior is relative. There simply are no moral absolutes or so they think. Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; Prov. 24:21 ## Materialism Materialism is a philosophy theory of the physical: the theory that physical matter is the only reality and that psychological states such as emotions, reason, thought, and desire will eventually be explained as physical functions. It focuses on possessions: devotion to material wealth and possessions at the expense of spiritual or intellectual values. Materialism focuses only upon the material possessions and pleasures of this world. The primary focus is a life of ease, comfort, and pleasure. Sensual pleasure and material possessions become the focus of a person's life in materialism.‘There is nothing beyond this material universe; consequently, a person should enjoy the sensual pleasures and the comforts of this world every day of his life.’ This philosophy is eating away at individuals and societies, arousing people to crave more and more possessions and more and more power and more and more pleasure. As a result, the work ethic and integrity of millions are being destroyed and the very stability of nations is being affected. Col 3:2 1 Tim. 6:5; 9, 10; 17; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Tim. 2:4; Luke 8:14 ## Pragmatism Pragmatism claims that truth is determined by practical results. If it works, it is truth and it should be done. Therefore, if you find that some behavior or action works for you, if it produces the results you want then do it. It is practical or pragmatic for you. Even if it means disobeying God's commandments or God's Word, do it. "The end justifies the means" is a good example of this philosophy. For instance, if a salesperson or a company stretches the truth in advertising its product and as a result sells many more of the item, then the sales gimmick worked. Therefore it is the ‘right thing’ to do—even though the truth was stretched to a lie and the public was deceived. Romans 3:4; Col. 3:9; Rev. 21:8 ## Evolution and its Hybrids ### Theory vs. Faith
THEORY-Evolution is the AnswerFAITH-God is the Answer
Speculation, assumption, supposition, presumption, guesses.Confidence, trust, assurance, conviction, devotion, obedience
Vague ideas that constantly change.Absolute facts that never change.
Put together by man's thinking.Built on God's Word.
Underlying humanism is present.God-centered view is present.
Man has no absolute ‘purpose’ (accidental).Man's purpose is to fellowship with God.
Existence ends at death.Must answer to God's final judgment.
Shifting SandSolid Rock
LiesTruth
No provision for a savior.Faith in Jesus is basis of salvation.
Gen. 2:7; 1Cor. 1:9; Heb 9:27 ### Origin of Evolution The theory of evolution has many beginnings that cannot be agreed upon. Evolution was a theory in Egypt; they taught that life evolved from the slime on the Nile River. This made the Nile the object of their devotion. Also, Aristotle taught evolution in 400 BC. Charles Darwin only wrote down some theories without really any extensive scientific work. Others have taken those ideas and have tried to make them popular.Faith in creation has absolutely one beginning: God created everything. > Gen. 1:1—In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Gen. 1:27; 2:4,7; 5:1 ,2; Col 1:16,17; John 1:1-4; Gen. 1:26-27; Job 33:4; John 17:5; ### The Theory of Evolution is the foundation for humanism, racism, and many other related dangerous ideas. Humanism teaches that man is his own god leaving him to his own destruction or exaltation. Evolution and Humanism both lead to racism. Read the whole title of Darwin's book. (emphasis added) > """The Origin of Species by means of Natural Selectionor, The Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life""" Evolution is the foundation for socialism, communism, Nazism, one world religion, New World order, and other types of racism. Evolution is based on slime, soup, rocks and a big bang that tries to destroy all moral values and lie to every person that will listen. > John 8:44—Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. FROM FOOTNOTES: Karl Marx is the founder of communism who had 6 children: 3 died by starvation as infants and 2 committed suicide. Only 6 people came to his funeral. #### Karl Marx's 1848 Communist Manifesto outlined how to destroy a country: ##### Abolish private property. ##### Heavy progressive income tax. (The more they make the more you take.) ##### Abolish rights of inheritance. ##### Confiscation of property rights. ##### Central bank (owned and operated by the federal government) ##### Government ownership of Communication and TRANSPORTATION. ##### Government ownership of factories and agriculture. ##### Government control of labor. ##### Corporate farms, regional planning ##### Free education by government controlled schools ##### Hitler said control the text book, control the state. Communism and socialism are the enemies of liberty and Capitalism. Communism will destroy America if America doesn’t destroy communism. Communism robs the individual of the same opportunities that their forefathers had and many of them laid down their lives to protect. #### Communist Rules for Revolution ##### Corrupt the young; get them away from true religion. ##### Break down the moral virtues. ##### Encourage civil disorders and a soft government attitude towards crime. ##### Divide the people into hostile groups (race/religion/homosexuality) ##### Get the people's mind off their government by focusing their attention on sports, sex, work, tolerance, etc. ##### Get control of all media. ##### Destroy people's faith in their leaders. ##### Cause the registration of all firearms on some pretext, with a view to confiscate them and leaving the populace helpless > Isa. 42:5—Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:Mal 2:10—Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? America has always been founded on Christian principles and from its very beginning has been blessed of God. (Isaiah 18:2,7; Acts 2:5,21) - From the beginning America has been protected with moral values. - Real Americans must rise up now or this nation will fall as well. - Jesus Christ is Lord and every knee shall bow. > Jer. 50:12—Your mother shall be sore confounded; she that bare you shall be ashamed: behold, **the hindermost of the nations** shall be a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert > Jer. 50:15—Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her. Evolution is fabricated lies. Creation is founded upon the Word of God > Hebrews 1:2,3—Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Faith in Jesus Christ Is the basis of Salvation. Man's theories will not save anybody. > John 14:6—Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Matthew 1:21; Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32; Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:9,10; I Cor. 3:11) ## Mindlessness Mindlessness is a path of life followed by many.Mindless a) boring: uninteresting as a result of requiring little mental effort. b)purposeless: having no apparent purpose or rational cause. c)unconcerned: not careful or concerned . Phil. 2:5; Hebrews 12:2-3; Isaiah 26:3; 1 John 3:8 Mindlessness indicates that a person walks through life thoughtlessly, seldom if ever giving attention to proper behaviour, the future, God, or to any possibility of life beyond this world. The mindless person lives just for today, wrapped up in his own life and thoughts, his own desires and wants. Little if anything concerns the person other than his own self-centered world. We need to be led by the Holy Ghost not driven by some selfish purpose. A person with this mindset simply gets up each day and goes about his activities with no thought as to consequences or outcome or how his behaviour might affect others. There is no plan, no structure, nor purpose to the person's life other than to plow through another day.# Curious Fascination of the Darkness ## Occult > I John 4:1—Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. ### Definition of the Occult The word Occult comes from the Latin word ocultus: things hidden, secret, and mysterious. The occult deals with operations or events which seem to depend upon human powers to go far beyond the five senses. The occult deals with the supernatural, the presence of demonic forces, and even the paranormal. ### Danger of the Occult It is dangerous to deny its existence or to be ignorant of its devices. An equal error is to have an unhealthy interest in the occult. (II Cor. 2:11; Rom. 16:9; I Tim. 4:1)A Major Warning. Playing around with the occult will lead to serious mental and spiritual problems. Be Aware of the ongoing spiritual battle between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of satan. We need to be aware of the workings of the satanic realm but not to the point of unhealthy fascination, obsession or any kind of involvement. God judges and condemns all traffic with demons. (Ex. 20:3; Mat.4:10; John 12:31; I Cor. 10:20; Eph.4:27; 1 John 3:8) > 1 Tim. 4:1—Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ### Disciples of the Occult What kind of people get involved in the occult? Curious, easily influenced, dissatisfied, sad, rebellious, etc.(Children are greatly influenced and programmed by the filthy habits of adults.) Remember:- There is the Occult—is an organized group.- There are Occult practices—are collected from the influence of the occult. Most are totally unaware of it, but the occult influence is spread through TV, books, Radio, schools, societies and internet. #### Escapists—one who will not accept responsibility and reality. An old cliché: The devil made me do it #### Superstitious—explaining the natural by invisible forces and rules at work. ‘Old wives fables’ and silly lore of men. #### Victims- Victims, yes but were they watching, praying and really seeking the Lord? Victims **but**: Uncommitted, Curious, Gullible, Naive, Inconsistent, Rebellious, Crazy, Conditioned, Credulous. Knowing God judges all dealings with the devil there should never be any room to negotiate or compromise with the devil. As a Christian we are to be spiritually discerning all things. 1 Corinthians 2:15; 1Co 6:2,3; 1 Cor. 11:31; Heb 5:14. ## Witchcraft > Gal. 5:21—… they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. I Sam. 15:23; II Chron.33:6; Gal. 5:20; I Tim. 4:1-2; Acts 13:6-12; Acts 19:19; Mark 13:22; Deut. 18:9-14
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### Beware that the devil exists 2 Cor. 11:14-15 ### Beware of his motive He wants adoration worship attention Mt 4:1-11 ### Beware of his methods - To devour I Peter 5:8; John 10:10 - To deceive 2Co 11:3; 2Th 2:9-10 > Galatians 5:20—Idolatry, witchcraft \[pharmakeia\], hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, > Revelation 9:21—Neither repented they…of their sorceries \[pharmakeia\]… > Revelation 18:23—… for by thy sorceries \[pharmakeia\] were all nations deceived. **Pharmakeia** (Eng., pharmacy etc.) primarily signified the use of medicine, drugs, spells; then, poisoning; then sorcery. . . . In sorcery, the use of drugs, whether simple or potent, was generally accompanied by incantations and appeals to occult powers, with the provision of various charms, amulets, etc. Sorcery and witchcraft are tied into the grossest sins and are judged of God. ## Where are the Dead? Are they here on earth roaming as disembodied Spirits? ### Some Real Ghost Stories - Long Island, New York - Beverly Hills, California - Jonestown, Guyana - West Point, New York ### Some Real Gospel Stories - I Samuel 28 - Luke 22 Luke 24 John 20 - Romans 10:19; Romans 1:16; I Corinthians 15:3,4 ### Are they embodied in another body; i.e., have they been reincarnated? #### A. Resurrection and Reincarnation #### B. Reincarnation and Hopelessness ### Are they out of the reach of judgment—divine judgment ; i.e., are they no longer within the jurisdiction of God? #### A. Satanic Lies #### B. Scriptural Litmus# Dangers of Tolerating Evil There are dangerous influences around us every day that are seemingly harmless. While we are intimidated by the voices of ‘Don’t be so strict. It's just innocent fun.’ millions of souls are being influenced and destroyed. We must be watchful and try the spirits according to the Word of God. Let us look at three examples of such influences. These three influences are widely promulgated as harmless, non-spiritual, or non-moral issues. On the contrary, there are powerful spiritual influences at work behind these and many, many more issues. This list is not at all extensive, but contains only a few examples taken out of a multitude of possibilities. ## Virtual Reality People live in a make believe world. They become so attached with the imagined and concocted that they become completely detached from reality. The multitude of ideas involved with escaping reality into a ‘virtual reality’ involve role playing games, to video games, and the use of drugs and alcohol. The late dangerous Timothy Francis Leary is an example of who we all need to stand strong against. President Richard Nixon once called him ‘the most dangerous man in America.’n of 1960s counterculture, Leary is most famous as a proponent of the therapeutic, spiritual and emotional benefits of LSD. He coined and popularized the catch phrase "Turn on, tune in, drop out." Leary was a corrosive influence on society and his ideas continue to infect our world. ‘During the 1980s and 90s the charismatic Leary styled himself as a postmodern guru, and celebrated computer technology as a utopian, boundary-demolishing force. He took leave of life in the style in which he had lived it, detailing his illness and drug-taking on a website. In 1997 a Spanish satellite carried some of his ashes into space.’ FROM FOOTNOTES:‘Timothy Francis Leary’, The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition ©2008 Columbia University Press Virtual Reality may seem harmless to some but the effects are startling, It can be used to take the place of the real person and result in the individual doing things they wouldn’t normally do. Virtual Reality's development is heightened by the fact that many are instantly willing to believe that it is in contrast and unimposing on genuine reality. There are undoubtedly many dangerous possibilities that result from such experimentation and philosophies. **It does have real life consequences.** The Word of God warned us of these things > Rev. 13:12—And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. ## Homosexuality Homosexuality is an abomination in the sight of God and the trend of the world has been to soften toward it as time goes along. It is dangerous because of its rebellion against the order of God, it's direct social impact and its indirect influences. The spirit of homosexuality is repulsive and infectious. > Galatians 5:19—Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Rev.22:14:15 (loving that which is contrary to God and making up lies) John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil and the lusts of your father you will do \*It's not a problem in their genes; it's an evil perverted spirit in their body. Homosexuality is a choice and an evil decision. No matter what excuses have been made, God will judge this sin of perversion. - Fire - Brimstone - Second death 2 Corinthians 7:1; I John 1:7, 9; Isaiah 1:18; James 1:14-15 The right decision for everyone is to be cleansed from every sin. God destroyed four cities with fire for Homosexuality. (Gen. 19:1-17; 23-28) Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7) I Kings 14:24 There were Sodomites in the land which was an abomination to God. II Kings 23:7 Josiah broke down the Sodomites houses. Lev. 18:22—Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. ## Aids: Civil Rights or Civil Wrong? The Judgment of God on promiscuous living has resulted in Aids. Aids was widely spread in its American infancy primarily by homosexual men. We fail to discern over and over the entirety of the consequences of our social blunders and spiritual errors. > The widely accepted theory is that HIV/AIDS originated in a monkey or chimpanzee virus that "jumped species" in Africa. However, it is clear that the first AIDS cases were recorded in gay men in Manhattan in 1979, a few years before the epidemic was first noticed in Africa in 1982. It is now claimed that the human herpes-8 virus (also called the KS virus), discovered in 1994, also originated when a primate herpes virus jumped species in Africa. How two African species-jumping viruses ended up exclusively in gay men in Manhattan beginning in the late 1970s has never been satisfactorily explained.’ FROM FOOtNOES: The Gay Experiment That Started AIDS In America By Alan Cantwell, M.D, www.rense.com Responsible and principled action must be taken now. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a fatal transmissible disease of the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV slowly attacks and destroys the immune system, the body's defense against infection, leaving an individual vulnerable to a variety of other infections and certain malignancies that eventually cause death. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, during which time fatal infections and cancers arise. HIV/AIDS spread to epidemic proportions in the 1980s, particularly in Africa. Spread was likely facilitated by several factors, including increasing urbanization and long-distance travel in Africa, international travel, changing sexual morals, and intravenous drug use. By 2002 AIDS had claimed over 25 million lives worldwide. Approximately 40 million people throughout the world are infected with HIV. People living in sub-Saharan Africa account for more than 70 percent of all infections, and in some countries of the region the prevalence of HIV infection of inhabitants exceeds 10 percent of the population. HIV can survive outside of the body for 14 days. Therefore, don’t take it lightly or any other sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, which increase the risk of contracting HIV.# The Epistle of Jude > Jude 1,2— Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. ## Introduction to Jude: Equipped to Stand Against the Enemy The main purpose in this study on Jude is to aid in memorizing the Epistle of Jude by giving a better understanding of it. Jude is not addressed to any specific church or individual; therefore, it is called a general epistle, and is written to all Christians everywhere. Jude was inspired from the beginning and he begins his letter in a manner that was customary for his time; which provides for the reader a place to get a grasp similar to the handle of a sword. Jude does write about the ‘common salvation.’ He does not change his purpose; he simply intensifies his focus and begins to focus on an extremely unstable area for Christians in general. We have an adversary that is subtle but so violent. He is on a ‘seek, kill, and destroy’ mission; a mission that is designed to discourage, deceive, and devour every child of God. (John 10:10; I Peter 5:8) This sly enemy knows that the time to devour is during spiritual infancy, and the most success will be in the area of teaching or training. Jude recognizes this and says, after much serious contemplation about salvation in general, it was necessary for him to focus on this area that **the enemy attacks**. Therefore, Jude stands out as one of the great generals of the faith when it comes to training troops and arming them for withstanding the enemy. His epistle gives us the philosophy and principles for an effective defense ‘against the wiles of the devil.’ Paul lays out the description of our adversary and of the soldier's armor for contending with him in Ephesians 6:10-18. Jude lays out the description of the soldier's mind set and tactics for contending with the enemy. ## I. There is a God---There is one True God He is a God: - That sanctifies, preserves and calls, v.1 - Of Mercy, Peace and Love, v.2 - Of Grace, Faith and Judgment, vv.3-5 - Of Glory, Majesty, Dominion and Power, v.25 ## II. There are some true servants of God. v.1 ### A. There are true servants of God The Father, v.1 Sanctified by God the Father, v.1 ### B. There are some true servants of Jesus Christ the Son, v.1 Preserved in Jesus Christ, and called, v.1 ### C. There are some true servants of the Holy Ghost, v.20 Filled with a diligent Holy Faith, Love, Mercy, compassion, fear and purity. vv.3,20-24 ## III. An Enemy Attacks > Jude 3—Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. There is an enemy and his adversary is the devil. What does an enemy do? He attacks. We must be aware of the strategies of the enemy in order to maintain a strong defense and offense. > Jude 4 —For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. ## IV. Strengthen Your Position in Christ Awareness of the enemy's tactics is important, but before that we must make sure of our position in Christ. > Jude 1:1—Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ Strengthen your position as a **Christian**: a Christ follower. Strengthen your position as a **leader**: Walk in His steps. > I Peter 2:21—For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: > Romans 4:12—And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. We must make our position in Christ sure before we confront the enemy. If there is a place in our life for the devil to get a hold of us, he is going to try! ## V. Fight for Truth We have to fight for that which is right, wholesome, and blessed because we have an adversary that is cunningly deceiving so many. It is for the sake of some that we need to form a bulwark and stand against his works. His strategy is to use ‘certain men,’ a variety of men, or men that look just like anybody else, to carry out his treachery. They come in as it were through the side door unnoticed, without any fanfare, just quietly. These men have been previously selected for their mission of subversion. They begin by interpreting the precious grace, mercy, and long-suffering of God as a license to be selfish and to commit sin. They say words like: - ‘We all sin a little every day.’ - Then, they step down to: ‘It's O.K. that we sin every day,’ - and then to: ‘God expects us to sin every day,’ - until they stoop to actual denial of the Father and the Son. ‘ He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son,’ I John 2:22 ## VI. Some History of Apostasy > Jude 5,7— I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day - I will therefore put you in remembrance - though ye once knew this‘Remember,’ he says; or, ‘I will remind you, though you have known all along.’ - how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt - afterward destroyed them that believed not. - Angels— reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day Jude gives a little history of apostasy and some examples of God's judgment 1. God delivered and 2)God judged. Some do not maintain a position of safety (or, salvation). First, there are those who God has delivered in the past, like Israel from Egypt. Previous deliverance is not a guarantee of final, ultimate safety. The answer is simply to continue submitting to and believing in God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Be on guard against rebellion. Next, there are the angels. No honest man presumes to be angelic, but even if he were, that condition is not a guarantee for safety. The remedy here is vigilance, which is often connected with prayer when it refers to the believer. - We cannot afford to take life so lightly. - Ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. - Stay believing, keep in His Love. These angels were not watchful, and did not appreciate and stay in their place of safety. Thus, they are being held as prisoners on death row. Their judgment, however, will not be momentary—it will be eternal. You cannot befriend the devil at all and not suffer for it; the devil is **always** an adversary. > Jude 7—Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. There are those who are so ensnared by pleasure-seeking and promiscuity, like Sodom and Gomorra, who will not heed and obey the moral laws of God, which He has inscribed on the conscience of every human being, who also will be punished in Hell. They refuse to forsake their vile, self-gratifying ways and flee to the place of refuge. The antidote is to know and obey God's Word. > Jude 8—Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. So also is the case with the false teachers of his day and ours. They also will be judged for their vile imaginations. Jude says they soil both the thinking and the conduct with their corrupt ideas. They reject or cast off any form of government, including God's authoritative Word. Also, they attempt to undermine the position and influence of those that are ordained and established in positions of authority. (Ephesians 4:11, 12; Hebrews 13:17) > Jude 9,10—Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Jude cautions us about railing against those in whom God has placed in power, authority, and anointing. He uses as an illustration the time when ‘Michael the archangel,’ (a chief angel and considered to be the Angel of War) did not rail on Satan. He points out that Michael instead used the Lord's authority and rebuked him. We need to understand that we have no power to thwart or combat the enemy in ourselves or on our own. All that we have is found in His power and authority—‘The blood of Jesus is against you, Satan; and, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.’ > Jude 11—Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. """Woe"" Juea said. He said grief came to them because: (Compare with I John 2: 15-17):" 53. They have acted according to their own design and desires, like Cain. 54. Cain's initial grievance, his jealousy, and his ultimate act of selfishness (murder) stemmed from his own presumptuous plan and act to worship God in his own way. Such thinking has been captured in the refrain of a certain song, which proclaims, ‘…and I did it my way.’ Cain's way, which is the way of self, will lead to destruction. 55. They have reasoned from circumstances and human logic (and, have sought personal gain and glory), like Balaam (Numbers 22-24), who was not only willing, but also sought God and actually went to curse God's children simply because of what he had judged from what he had seen or heard. Balak's messenger had said, ‘Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me,’ Numbers 22:5, 6. 56. They have also been contradictory and contentious, like Core (Korah, Numbers 16). They have refused to admit the value, worth, authority, or position of others. Pride, rebellion, and jealousy have been their adversary. > Jude 12,13—These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. ## False Teachers AS Spots in Your Feasts of Charity Jude further describes these crafty, presumptuous gainsayers or false teachers as: ‘Spots in your feasts of charity,’ ‘clouds…without water,’ ‘trees whose fruit withereth,’ ‘raging waves of the sea,’ and ’wandering stars.’ What is the meaning of this imagery? What does Jude mean by these word pictures? These word pictures depict the treacherous nature and the instability of false teachers. The word spots should not be confused with soil or blemishes. This term denotes a ledge or reef of rock in the sea. In other words, these men are like those hidden rocks that cause ships to wreck even though they are close to shore (home, harbor, safety) and without any consideration of the fact that you are sacrificing for the benefit of others ‘feasts of charity’. They are as dangerous in the church as hidden rocks are in the ocean. ## False Teachers as Changeable and Undependable Jude's second word picture refers to them as resembling or appearing to be something that they are not. It also refers to their changeable and undependable nature that is like the clouds, which are blown about by wind. ## False Teachers as Dead Trees Word picture number three portrays them to be like trees that have been blown over by a storm. The leaves have dried up and blown away, the fruit still hangs on the branch but it has shriveled up, and the tree itself is dead because it has been ‘plucked up by the roots.’ Many lessons might be drawn from this word picture but here are just a few: - They are not good for shade (protection from the heat of life.) - They are not useful as landmarks because they have been uprooted. - They are not dependable as a source of sustenance. ## False Teachers as Raging Waves Then, he pictures them as the churning, foaming, even wildly raging ‘waves of the sea.’ False teachers can be very dangerous to those who are carried about by the tumult, but, to the person who stands safely on shore (The Rock) the ‘raging’ of the false is merely boisterous noise. It is the noise they make that deceives the unwary and ultimately drowns them in deceptions. ## False Teachers as Roaming Planets Lastly, Jude presents them as ‘stars’ or planets that roam across the sky. Over time this term came to mean an erratic teacher. ## God's Judgement on the False Teachers and their Followers, vs. 14-19 Verses fourteen to nineteen continue with Jude's vivid description of false teachers and God's judgment on them and on those who are duped by them. ## Words of Praise to God Finally, Jude closes with words of praise to God and with wise counsel to those who want to do more than just ‘hold the fort.’ If you want to be a member of the special forces (storm trooper, commando) Conqueror, Overcomer you need to: 1. Establish and strengthen yourself in the faith. (like a weight trainer) 2. Pray in the Holy Ghost. 3. Keep yourself in the love of God. (You can be loyal to truth and yet lack love.) 4. Recognize the mercy of God at work in your life and in others. 5. Have compassion on some. (Many will not let you help them.) 6. Be friend enough to others to tell them just like it is, plainly. 7. Remember that it is only Jesus who can keep us from falling. 8. Know that He will ‘present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.’ 9. Give ‘to the only wise God our Saviour…glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever.’# James Reynolds Jr Commentary on Jude See attachments.# Extras # Letter about the Fourth Way > Greetings.
> You may have contacted me personally, caught up to me from my writing in your page guestbook (or somewhere else), or merely followed the "about cults" link on the first page of this site. These "cult info" pages originally **were** "semi-private" pages to which only known friends were **invited** by me. > I decided to link these pages here as the information might give some insight and more understanding to those puzzled by cult activities and how people are enchanted by them, sometimes to their death. Following receiving the news of "Heaven's Gate" suicides in 1997, interest in cult activities has increased (remembering Jonestown and Waco incidents as well). [I hasten to mention that reminding people of Jonestown and Waco does **NOT** mean that I believe **FOF** to be headed for similar ends! However, the cult phenomena **regarding devotion of members, with diminished ability for critical thinking**, is very similar. A cult is a cult, is a cult. **FOF**=Fellowship of Friends, you can read about on these linked pages. Thank you.] I ask that readers here be prudent in passing around the **new** URL to friends, or anyone IN a cult whom you think would be helped by this, and not publish it in newsgroups. Thank you very much.

Please read my **current** remarks with an "even tone of voice," as I am not presenting a "harrangue" against the Fellowship of Friends. I'm just stating facts about it, and showing some correspondence, about which I am familiar by knowing the persons who wrote it. Otherwise, I write from personal experience of FOF **at the time**. (Yes, I have current knowledge about FOF from people who have told me about it from the inside -- who shall remain nameless for obvious reasons.)

It is my intent to show how I understand the cult phenomenon in the Fellowship of Friends, and how it is **everybody's "fault"**, not just a small committee plotting against the members. At the same time, I cannot "blame" anyone for being "taken in" by the contrived atmosphere, induced by the group leader, Robert Burton, who is, basically, *not* the person he presents himself to be. This is not unusual in these kinds of groups, if one studies them. (For more information about cults and their controlling methods, see also http://www.FACTNet.org, http://www.trancenet.org/) and http://www.freedomofmind.com/books.htm > http://www.freedomofmind.com/books.htm

Check out this book! I realize nothing is sacred on the web, and I don't want to bother with passwords and such, and yet I also did not plan to publicly "advertise" this as a place to pick up gossip about the Fellowship of Friends. These pages are not motivated by gossip, nor retaliation, nor for personal aggrandizement. These are intended to be informational, educational, and hopefully helpful, especially to relatives and friends currently enamored of FOF, and whom at any time may lose the group they 'love' so much -- by overnight becoming an "undesirable" (should they disobey the teacher, become extremely physically ill, or become delinquent with financial donations!). [If interested in more basics of the Fourth Way, please see the 4thway FAQ. Back button on browser or link at bottom of page brings you back here.] In April 1998, some FOF members who refused to move east of the FOF property in Northern California (up in the hills), were either being excommunicated from the group or under threat of removal! The Teacher had "prophesied" that California would fall in the ocean April 12 at 11:00 a.m. Oh, excuse me, that was the first date obtained by the teacher some years ago from a mailbox number he saw on Highway 1 on a drive to Big Sur, California. The last big news was that if California did not fall by July 1, 1998, the teacher would recind a "sex exercise" (abstinence before marriage) and allow members to "self regulate that area." (As California remains attached, it is now 1999, we do not know if the old "sex task" has been recinded.) ;-) The teacher already had commented that people who do not move from the part of California that will fall "are not worth saving."] As we all know now, Califonia did NOT fall in the ocean, and Burton went out of town for a while, saying "Higher forces humiliated me," and something about making him humble. People nod and look as if they understand that. There is no question that the idea was flakey in the beginning. I will greatly appreciate your valuation and respect for my request that you **not** "advertise" this site except privately among **former (or current, if you dare) members** of the Fellowship of Friends and other friends who may have serious interest in cult-type activities. What is posted here is my personal opinion from personal experience, my understanding, and what close friends on the "inside" have told me.

You may also wish to bookmark this page and go see this site about FOF, and has detailed examinations of a variety of areas and activities. There you also will find FOF Journals, in the public domain, which are very revealing.

This page also may be interesting for you:
click here

There is interaction available here; messages to read and reply to if you wish (and you may reply anonymously)!

[Visiting linked sites, please use browser "back" button to come back to this page, or bookmark ahead of time! Thanks!]

Well, enough of this preamble, as you have scaled some barrier or other to get this far, or dropped in out of curiosity, you might as well get what you came to see. (smile) You are most welcome to ask any questions which may arise from reading these formerly privately linked pages.

Thank you, from Stella

> The works of [Peter Ouspensky](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._D._Ouspensky) (left) and [George Gurdjieff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gurdjieff) (right) are of great value to people who grasp the ideas of what is known as The Fourth Way. People who view these pages about the Fellowship of Friends will understand more from a "work" point of view, than from a "gossip" point of view. Please try to bring your highest valuation for the basic ideas with you here.
## Links for Further Research - [https://robertearlburton.blogspot.com/1972/07/real-fourth-way-school.html](https://robertearlburton.blogspot.com/1972/07/real-fourth-way-school.htmly) # Syllabus 2000 Deliverance Bible Institute

Deliverance Bible Institute

CULTS 2000-2001

Course Summary

 

DATE

 

LESSON TOPIC

 

ASSIGNMENT DUE

11-Oct

 

Bible Memorization-Part I

 

 

18-Oct

 

Bible Memorization-Part II

 

 

25-Oct

 

Bible Memorization-Part III

 

 

1-Nov

 

Review Assignment

 

Study Questions

8-Nov

 

FIRST EXAM

 

 

15-Nov

 

Introduction

 

Read pp. 8-12, 165-169; Jude 1-3

22-Nov

 

Why Are People Attracted to Cults?

 

Read pp. 13-26,183-189; Jude 4,5

29-Nov

 

 

 

Jude 6-8

6-Dec

 

Review Assignment

 

Study Questions

13-Dec

 

SECOND EXAM

 

Jude 1-8

20-Dec

 

What Saith the Scripture?

 

Read pp. 29-37; Jude 9-11

10-Jan

 

What is the True Basis of Salvation?

 

Read pp. 39-47; Jude 12,13

17-Jan

 

 

 

Jude 14,15

24-Jan

 

Review Assignment

 

Study Questions; Jude 16-18

31-Jan

 

THIRD EXAM

 

Jude 1-18

7-Feb

 

Where Are The Dead?

 

Read pp.49-54; Jude 19-22

14-Feb

 

Why Believer's Can Be Sure!

 

Jude 23-25

21-Feb

 

 

 

 

7-Mar

 

Review Assignment

 

Study Questions; Jude 1-25

14-Mar

 

FOURTH EXAM

 

 

21-Mar

 

Who is Jesus Christ?

 

Read pp. 57-70

28-Mar

 

 

 

 

4-Apr

 

FIFTH EXAM

 

 

11-Apr

 

The Marks of the Cults-Part 1

 

Read pp. 73-84

18-Apr

 

The Marks of the Cults-Part 2

 

Read pp. 87-112

25-Apr

 

 

 

Read pp. 115-146

2-May

 

 

 

Read pp. 149-162

9-May

 

 

 

Read pp. 165-169

16-May

 

Review Assignment

 

Study Questions

23-May

 

FINAL EXAM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE:  This summary is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

# Bible Memorization Worksheet BIBLE MEMORIZATION

BIBLE MEMORIZATION

 

 

The _______________ of memorizing

Scripture cannot be _________________.

 

I. WHY?

 

A. A MEANS OF ________________  ________________.

 

Three Methods:

 

1.  _____________________

 

 

2.  _____________________

 

 

3.  _____________________

 

 

 

B. A SOURCE OF ________________  ________________ WHEN SHARING JESUS CHRIST.

 

- BE PREPARED!!!

 

C. AN AID IN KNOWING _____________  _____________.

 

Scripture clearly ________________ what ________________  ________________ is.  Memorizing Scripture enables us to have an intimate ________________  ________________ grasp and ________________ of that ________________ and ________________.

 

D. A SOURCE FOR STRENGTHENING OUR __________.

 

Our ________________ should be firmly ________________ in the facts ________________ by God to us in the Bible.

 

By ________________, we can ________________ promises, ________________ truths and ________________ commands as revealed in Scripture.

 

E. A HELP IN OVERCOMING ___________________________.

 

Matthew 4:1-11

 

It is imperative that “Thus saith the Lord!” be written on our minds and

hearts for immediate ________________ when our _______________

is being ________________.

 

F. A MEANS OF INSURING PROPER _____________________.

 

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant

peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You.” – AMP

 

G. A MEANS OF ________________ OUR MINDS WITH

__________________  __________________.

 

 

BAD-THOUGHT SOLUTION: ____________________

 

__________________________________________________!

 

H. A MEANS OF GAINING ________________ AND ________________.

 

WHAT did God say to Moses?

WHAT did God say to Joshua?

WHAT did Jesus say to His disciples?

WHAT is the ultimate success?

 

 

II. WHO?

 

A. ________________ CAN!!!

 

B. ________________  ________________ CAN!!!

 

“And these words, which I am commanding you this day, shall be [first] in your own mind and heart; [then] you shall whet and sharpen them, so as to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.”  - - AMP

 

 

III. HOW?

 

A. ________________ IT!!!**

 

1. ________________ each verse in its context.

 

2. ________________ each verse.

(DON’T REPHRASE)

 

B. ________________ IT!!!**

 

C. ________________ THEM IN A PROMINENT ________________.

 

D. LEARN NEW VERSES IN THE ________________.

 

E. LEARN NEW VERSES IN THE ________________.

 

F. ALWAYS READ THE ________________ VERSE.

 

G. CONCENTRATE ON ________________ VERSE.

H. ALWAYS MEMORIZE VERSES ________________.

 

The key to accurate and lasting Bible memory.

 

 

IV. HOW?

 

The key: ________________,  ________________,  ________________!!!

 

A. ________________ DAILY.

 

B. USE A CARD FILE AND ________________ AS NEEDED.

 

C. ________________ VERSES BEFORE SLEEP.

 

D. ________________ PASSAGES UPON AWAKENING.

 

E. _________  _________  ___________  __________  __________!

 

F. ________________ WITH OTHERS.

 

G. PLAY ________________ GAMES.

 

 

V. IS THAT ALL?

 

OUR ________________ FOR OTHERS.

 

OUR ________________ LIVES.

 

OUR ________________ TO HIS WORD.

 

 

 

 

 

“If you know these things, and happy and to be envied are you

if you practice them – if you act accordingly and really do them.” - - AMP

 

# AK: Chapter 7 CULTS

CULTS

STUDY QUESTIONS—CHAPTER 7

 

 

  1. The knowledge of Jesus Christ is free and that this is the highest, and most special truth is generally obvious.

    Dave Breese says, “…the best things in life are not only free, but they are usually obvious.”  Think about that.  How might this statement be applied?

 

  1. Acts 26:26  “For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.”

    Acts 1:3  “To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”

    1 Cor. 15:6  “After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

    John 5:31  “If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.”

    John 10:25  “Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.”

    Romans 1:20  “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”

    What verse(s) of Scripture declares that no one has “inside information” of God and His power?  (Write it, or them, out in entirety.)

 

 

 

  1. “…What saith the scripture?..”  (Romans 4:3)  Reply with Scripture!

    What is the proper response to the claim of an individual to a new divine discovery?

 

  1. In your own words, tell why the cults are usually just an intermediate step into the occult.

 

  1. Historical facts witnessed, documented, and evidenced “by many infallible proofs.”

    What are the Biblical, or divine, rules of evidence?  (List them.)

 

 

VOCABULARY WORDS—

 

diversions metaphysical ranconteurs

feigned purported securities

incursion perveyed` unconfirmabel

# AK: Chapter 1

ANSWER KEY

CULTS

STUDY QUESTIONS CHPT. 1

  1. Which of Paul’s admonitions and warnings should be cause enough for each of us to make careful doctrinal examination of himself?

(2 Cor 13:5 KJV)  “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”

(1 Tim 4:16 KJV)  “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

(1 Cor 11:31,32 KJV)  “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32) But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.”

(2 Tim 3:13-15 KJV)  “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

(2 Tim 2:15 KJV)  “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2.        How does one avoid or shorten spiritual correction?

Repent and correct path immediately!

  1. What is a cult?

                A religious movement which distorts or omits orthodox theology until         truth becomes a lie.

                (Gal 1:6,7 KJV)  “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that         called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7) Which is not         another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of         Christ.”

                (Col 2:8 KJV)  “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy         and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world,         and not after Christ.”

  1. What was Paul’s advice to elders with regard to taking care of the church?

                (Acts 20:28-31 KJV)  “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all         the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed         the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29) For I         know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you,         not sparing the flock. 30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking         perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31) Therefore watch, and

ANSWER KEY

        remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one         night and day with tears.”

  1. Why…are people attracted to false religious doctrines and practices as against true commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church?  (Support reasons with Scripture.)
  2. Love of Darkness

        (John 3:19-21 KJV)  “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

                II.        Spiritual Immaturity

                                (1 Pet 2:2 KJV)  “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of                 the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

                                (Eph 4:12-15 KJV)  “For the perfecting of the saints, for the                         work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13) Till we                 all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of                 God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the                         fulness of Christ: 14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed                 to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight                 of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;15)                 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,                         which is the head, even Christ:”

                                (2 Tim 3:16,17 KJV)  “All scripture is given by inspiration of                         God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for                         instruction in righteousness: 17) That the man of God may be perfect,                 thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

                III.        Spiritual Subversion

        (Gal 1:6-9 KJV)  “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9) As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

(Gal 4:15-17 KJV)  “Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. 16) Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? 17) They

ANSWER KEY

                zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye                 might affect them.”

(Gal 5:1 KJV)  “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

(1 Cor 3:1 KJV)  “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.”

(2 Cor 11:13-15, 20 KJV)  “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 20) For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.”

IV.        Intellectual Pride

        (2 Cor 11:3,4 KJV)  “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4) For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

        (2 Cor 1:12 KJV)  “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.”

        (1 Cor 1:19-21 KJV)  “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20) Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

        (Job 28:28 KJV)  “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

  1. Rejection of/Hatred of/Opposition to/Undermining of Truth—UNBELEIF

        (2 Th 2:1-12 KJV)  “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be

ANSWER KEY

revealed, the son of perdition; 4)  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5)

Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

        (1 Tim 4:1-15 KJV)  “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2) Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3) Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4) For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5) For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6) If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7) But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8) For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10) For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 11) These things command and teach. 12) Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13) Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 ) Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”

6.        Why do people refuse to believe the true Gospel of Christ after they hear of the         truth of God?  (NOTE:  The Chief Reason People Refuse to Believe the Gospel.)

                Because it illuminates sin and calls to repentance.

ANSWER KEY

        (John 3:19-21 KJV)  “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

7.        What is the primary reason Christians defect from their allegiance to Christ?

                They have fallen into sin and refuse to return to fellowship with God on         the basis of repentance and faith.

8.        Why must  the spiritual infant…not tarry too long in infancy?  (See notes.)

        It is a time of great because they are easily taken advantage of by cultists.  God has designed it to be a time of much growth and if one lays back or holds back (especially in rebellion, disobedience, doubt, or fear) it may be detrimental to his/her spiritual growth.  (1 Pet 2:2 KJV)  “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”  We need to receive and be fed.

9.        What is the most important thing in the life of a new Christian?

        SPIRITUAL GROWTH

10.        What is the key to developing Christian maturity?

        The study of God’s Word.

11.        What does the heresy of phenomenalism deny and what does it teach instead?

  1. Denies that the just shall live by faith.
  2. Teaches that the just shall live by sight.

12.        What does the heresy of gnosticism deny and what does it teach instead?

  1. Denies that faith is essential to salvation.
  2. Teaches that knowledge is essential to salvation.

13.        In what does true wisdom consist?

        “True wisdom consists in simple obedience to God and His Word.”

14.        What is every Christian’s primary responsibility with regard to cults?

        To be an expert on the Word of God!

  1. What makes cultic points of view attractive?

                They have truth—i.e., some truth.

# AK: Chapters 2-3

ANSWER KEY

CULTS

STUDY QUESTIONS—CHAPTERS 2 & 3

  1. What are the “sentinels of Scripture”?  (Give references) (3pts each reference; 9pts. total

Deuteronomy 4:2  “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

Proverbs 30:6  “Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”

Revelation 22:18,19  “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

  1. Does the Bible contain truth?  (5pts. for statement; 1pt. Yes or No)

The Bible (the Word of god) is TRUTH; it doesn’t only contain TRUTH!  Therefore: Yes, it is truth; OR, No, it doesn’t only contain truth.

  1. What is the foremost mark of a cult?  (6pts.)

The foremost mark of a cult is “that it claims for its authority some revelation…apart from Scripture.”  (Emphasis added.)

  1. What cardinal doctrine is expressed in John 1:1? (6pts.)

John 1:1 declares that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is final truth, the ultimate Word.

  1. What follows upon the belief that the Bible is God’s final and only authority? (6pts.)

Intensified study of the Word of God follows the belief that the Bible is God’s final and only authority.

  1. When does God’s Word become effective in our lives? (6pts.)

God’s Word becomes effective in us “when we build [it] into the very fiber of our personal beings,” when we saturate our minds (thoughts), etc. with it.

  1. What are the two greatest reasons for the proliferation of the cults? (3pts each reason; 6pts. total)
  1. “…Ignorance of Holy Scripture on the part of Christians”
  2. “…Unwillingness on the part of the people of God to transmit divine truth by way of a testimony for Christ to others who need yet to receive salvation in Christ.”

  1. Is any revelation that does not come specifically/directly from the Bible necessarily “extra-Biblical”? (1pt. for No, 5pts. for statement)

No, not necessarily.  The information or revelation that I am wearing a (particular colr/style) tie, or that I have a (particular color) handkerchief in my pocket, does not come from scripture, yet at the same time that revelation is not in violation of any Scripture either.

  1. What must one do to be saved? (6pts.)

Actually there is nothing left to do for one to be saved.  The work was finished on the Cross by Jesus Christ.  Unless, one considers repentance and faith as something to do, THEN that is ALL one must do.  NOTE: AND, THE FAITH ISN’T EVEN OF SELF.

  1. What is the basis of salvation? (6pts.)

The finished work of Christ alone; our repentance to align ourselves with that finished work; and our exercise of the faith He has “dealt to every man” in that finished work.

  1. What does Scripture say about salvation that is based on human effort? (6pts.)

It says such “salvation” is cursed.  (Galatians 3:10,11, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.  11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”)

  1. Define the following terms: justification, imputed righteousness, and grace. (4pts. each definition; 12pts. total)

Justification: the act or positioning of one as being righteous; declared righteous.

Imputed righteousness: righteousness that is placed on one’s account.

Grace: God’s hand reaching down to man; unmerited favor.

  1. Does personal righteousness or works have anything to do with one’s salvation?  (Do not merely restate the question in your answer.  Thank you.) (5pts. for statement; 1pt. Yes or No)

No, one is saved through the finished work of Christ.  OR, Yes, but not in getting saved.  Personal righteousness follows upon salvation like fruit on a tree.

  1. What are the two most popular alternative doctrines of salvation? (3pts each alternative; 6pts. total)
  1. Salvation by membership
  2. Salvation by works

  1. What would be true if salvation did come by the law? (6pts.)

If salvation came by law, then Christ died in vain.  (Galatians 2:21, “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”

EXTRA CREDIT (possible 20 points): Reproduce the diagram given in class depicting the basis of our salvation using your own selection from the Bible for each level.

# AK TEST: Chapters 4-5 **INSTRUCTIONS** ;Answer the following questions with information studied in this section of the course.  You may use your Bible only. 1. **What is the crux of Christianity?** The resurrection of Jesus Christ 2. **What evidences does modern man have of it?** The Christian Church
The Christian Day (Sunday)
The Christian Book (NT) 3. **What five theories have been postulated to explain the empty tomb and the “alleged” appearances of Christ?** The Theft Theory
The “They Moved Him” Theory
The Wrong Tomb Theory (The Grief Theory)
The Swoon Theory
The Hallucination Theory
> Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
4. **Explain one of the theories against the resurrection and refute it.** 5. **Can you be sure  of your salvation?  Why?** Yes, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 6. **What does any leader do well to remember about human followers?** 7. **What are the forms of presumptuous messianic leadership** 8. **What is the function of true Christian leadership?** **BONUS** In paragraph form, answer the following question: How important is the resurrection of Jesus Christ to our faith? # CERTIFICATION of The Death of Jesus Christ CERTIFICATION

 

 

CERTIFICATION

of

The Death of Jesus Christ[1]

 

 

 

 

 

Preceded by extreme abuse

 

ROMAN SCOURGING

“…veins were laid bare, and…the very muscles, sinews, and bowels of the were open to exposure.”—Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea

 

JESUS’ PHYSICAL SUFFERING

“After a sleepless night, in which He was given no food, endured the mockery of two trials, and had His back lacerated with the cruel Roman cat-o-nine-tails, He was led out to execution by crucifixion.  This was an excruciatingly painful death, in which every nerve in the body cried aloud in anguish." — Michael Green

 

DEATH BY CRUCIFIXION

Vividly describes the pain and horror that accompanies crucifixion.

“For indeed a death by crucifixion seems to include all that pain and death can have of horrible and ghastly—dizziness, cramp, thirst, starvation, sleeplessness, traumatic fever, tetanus, shame, publicity of shame, long continuance of torment, horror of anticipation, mortification of untended wounds—all intensified just up to the point at which they can be endured at all, but all stopping short of the point which would give to the sufferer the relief of unconsciousness.  The unnatural position made every movement painful; the lacerated veins and crushed tendons throbbed with incessant anguish; the wounds, inflamed by exposure, or gradually gangrened; the arteries—especially at the head and stomach-- became swollen and oppressed with surcharged blood; and while each variety of misery went on gradually increasing, there was added to them the intolerable pang of a burning and raging thirst; and all these physical complications caused an internal excitement and anxiety, which made the prospect of death itself—of death, the unknown enemy, at whose approach man usually shudders most—bear the aspect of a delicious and exquisite release.”—Frederick W. Farrar

They were accustomed to such sights.

Reported by expert eyewitnesses  (the Roman soldiers)

 

NOTE:  Crucifixions were not uncommon for the Roman soldiers stationed in first century Palestine.

 

NOTE:  The Roman soldiers were familiar with the evidences of death.

 

NOTE:  The Roman soldiers were familiar with the sight of death following crucifixion.

 

THE FOUR EXAMINERS/SPECIALISTS

“Four executioners came to examine [H]im, before a friend, Joseph of Arimathea, was allowed to take away the body for burial….They knew a dead man when they saw one—and their commanding officer had heard the condemned man’s death cry himself and certified the death to the governor, Pontius Pilate…”—Michael Green

 

 

Required by Pontius Pilate

 

PILATE’S WONDERING AND QUESTIONING

“It is St. Mark who lays stress upon Pilate’s wonder at hearing that Christ was already dead, and upon his personal questioning of the centurion before he would give leave for the removal of the body from the Cross.”

—E. Hermitage Day

 

PILATE’S SURPRISE AND CONVINCING

“Pilate was indeed surprised that Jesus was already dead, but he was sufficiently convinced by the centurion’s assurance to give Joseph permission to remove the body from the cross.”—John R. W. Stott

 

 

Accepted by the Jews

 

“…the account in St. Matthew’s Gospel of the guarding of the sepulchre is clear evidence that the Jews, for their part, believed that Jesus was dead.”—(Cf., Matthew 28:64)

 

 

Analyzed by 19th and 20th Century medical scholars

 

In The Physical Cause of the Death of Christ, James Thompson demonstrates that Christ died not from physical exhaustion , but from a cardiac rupture.  The Soldier’s spear was merely the means God used to exhibit that fact to the world.

 

The great physiologist from the University of Dublin.

Samuel Houghton, M.D. explains that there are five cases or possibilities when the left side is pierced by a large knife or spear.  He asserts that each of these can be explained by physiological principles.  Below is a summary of his explanation.

 

 

 

 

THE FIVE CASES

 

  1. No flow of any kind, except slight trickling blood.
  2. A copious flow of blood only.
  3. A flow of water only, suc-ceeded by a few drops of blood.
  4. A copious flow of water, suc-ceeded by a copious flow of blood.
  5. A copious flow of blood, suc-ceeded by a copious flow of water.

THEIR PHYSIOLOGICAL EXPLANATION

 

  1. That which usually occurs.
  2. That which occurs in drowning, by strychnia (poison), and by crucifixion (the usual case).
  3. That which occurs in pleurisy, pericarditis, and cardiac rupture.
  4. That which occurs in cruci-fixion when the person previously suffered from pleuritic effusion.
  5. That which occurs in cruci-fixion when the person died from cardiac rupture.

 

 

 

Michael Green points out that…

Dr. William Stroud also ably maintains that Christ died from rupture of the heart.

 

‘We are told on eryewitness authority that ‘blood and water’ came out of the pierced side of Jesus (John 19:34,35).  The eywitness clearly attached great importance to this.  Had Jesus been alive when the spear pierced His side, strong spurts of blood would have emerged with every heart beat.  Instead, the observer noticed semi-solid dark red clot seeping out, distinct and separate from the accompanying watery serum.  This is evidence of massive clotting of the blood in the main arteries, and is exceptionally strong medical proof of death.  It is all the more impressive because the evangelist could not possibly have realized its significance to a pathologist.  The ‘blood and water’ from the spear-thrust is proof positive that Jesus was already dead.”—Michael Green

 

 

[1] All the quotes and information are from: McDowell, Josh.  Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Volume I.  Nashville [TN], Heres Life Publishers; 1979: pp.196-199.

# RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ THE RESURRECTION

THE RESURRECTION

of

Jesus Christ

 

 

  1. EVIDENCES OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST

 

A. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH  (NT CHURCH

 

  1. THE CHRISTIAN DAY  (SUNDAY)

 

  1. THE CHRISTIAN BOOK  (NEW TESTAMENT)

 

  1. THE EMPTY TOMB

 

  1. THE EYE-WITNESS ACCOUNTS

 

 

II. THEORIES TO EXPLAIN AWAY THE RESURRECTION

 

  1. THE THEFT THEORY  (The “They stole Him” Theory, i.e. His disciples.  Cf. Matthew 28:11-15)

 

 

11  Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and showed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

12  And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

13  Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept.

14  And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

15  So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

 

 

  1. Not refuted by Matthew it is so ludicrous.
  2. The ethical and psychological impossibility
  1. This would mean that the disciples were perpetrators of a deliberate lie that was responsible for misleading tens of thousands and ultimately causing their death.  This is out of character for all we know of these men.
  2. They also suffered torture and martydom for their statements and belief that He was alive—resurrected from the dead.  

 

Josh McDowell points out that “men will die for what they believe to be true, though it may be false.  They do not, however, die for what they know is a lie.  If ever a man tells the truth, it is on his deathbed.  And if the disciples had taken the body, and Christ was still dead, we would still have the problem of explaining His alleged appearances.”

  1. The alleged appearances

 

  1. THE “THEY MOVED HIM” THEORY  (I.E., THE JEWS/ ROMANS)
  1. This is unreasonable in light of the fact that they had placed a guard at the tomb.
  2. The silence of the authorities despite the fact that they tried to silence the apostles.

 

 

Acts 4:1  And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

2  Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

3  And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14  And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15  But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16  Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17  But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

29  And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

30  By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

31  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Acts 5:25  Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

26  Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

27  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28  Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey

God rather than men.

30  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

40  And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41  And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

42  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

 

 

Rather than all the aggravation they could have simply produced the body of Christ closed the mouths of these fanatics once and for all.

 

  1. THE GRIEF THEORY,  or THE WRONG TOMB THEORY
  1. Again, we have the silence of the authorities.
  2. Inconceivable that Peter and John would have made the same mistake.
  3. This was a private burial ground, not a public cemetery.
  4. Simple solution: Take the grieving individuals by the hand and lead them to the right tomb.

 

  1. THE SWOOOON THEORY
  1. Inconceivable.
  2. Incredible.
  3. Impossible.

 

el·e·gi·ac (µl”…-jº“…k, ¹-l¶“j-²k) adj. 1. Of, relating to, or involving elegy or mourning or expressing sorrow for that which is irrecoverably past.

el·e·gy (µl“…-j) n., pl. el·e·gies. 1. A poem composed in elegiac couplets. 2.a. A poem or song composed especially as a lament for a deceased person. b. Something resembling such a poem or song. 3. Music. A composition that is melancholy or pensive in tone.

 

 

“It is impossible that One who had just come forth from the grave, half dead, who crept about weak and ill, who stood in the need of medical treatment, of bandaging, strengthening, and tender care, and who at last succumbed to suffering, could ever have given the disciples the impression that He was a conqueror over death and the grave; that He was the Prince of Life.  This lay at the bottom of their future ministry.  Such a resuscitation could only have weakened the impression which He had made upon them in life and in death—or at most, could have given it an elegiac voice—but could by no possibility have changed their sorrow into enthusiasm or elevated their reverence into worship.”

David Friedrich Strauss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indeed, taking all the evidence together, it is not too much to say that there is no historic incident better or more variously supported than the resurrection of Christ.  Nothing but the antecedent assumption that it must be false could have suggested the idea of deficiency in the proof of it.

—B.F.Wescott.

  1. THE HALLUCINATION THEORY

 

  1. Hallucinations generally occur in people who tend to be vividly imaginative and of a nervous makeup.  (These appearances were to all sorts of people.  Men, women, doctors, lawyers, fishermen, tax collectors, etc.)
  2. Hallucinations are extremely subjective and individual.  No two people have the same experience.  (Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, to the disciples as a group, and to five hundred assembled brethren.)
  3. Hallucinations usually occur only at particular time and places, and are associated with the events fancied.  (Jesus appeared in Jerusalem and in far away Galilee; He appeared indoors and outdoors; and, He appeared in the morning, afternoon, and evening.)
  4. Generally these psychic experiences occur over a long period of time with some regularity.  (These sightings occurred only during a period of forty days and then abruptly stopped.  No one ever claimed that they happened again in the same manner.)
  5. In order to have an experience like this, one must so intensely want to believe that he projects something that really isn’t there and attaches reality to his imaginations.  (The fact is these disciples were convinced against their what they believed.  They had believed Him to be dead and struggled to know what to do with their lives.  As a matter of fact when they did see Him they thought they were seeing a ghost.)  

To hold this theory one must completely ignore the evidence.

 

 

 

 

 

I generally do not agree with Wescott, but on this account I do.

 

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 15:1  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

5  And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

6  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

7  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

8  And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

9  For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

10  But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

11  Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

12  Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

14  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

15  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

16  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

17  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

18  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

20  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

21  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

22  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

24  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

25  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

26  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

27  For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

28  And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

29  Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

30  And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

31  I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

32  If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

33  Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

34  Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

35  But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

36  Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

37  And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

38  But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

39  All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

40  There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

41  There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

42  So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

43  It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

44  It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

45  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

46  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

47  The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

48  As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

49  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

51  Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# Tests # Test: BIBLE MEMORIZATION BIBLE MEMORIZATION TEST

BIBLE MEMORIZATION TEST

 

         INSTRUCTIONS, Circle the letter that best answers the question or fi

         statement for questions one through nine

         

          1.  Can the value of memorizing Scripture be overstated?

         

               A.  No, not unless one memorizes it in himself.

               B.  No, it cannot be overstated.

               C.  Yes, if it is made more valuable than it is.

               0.  BothA&B.

               E.  None of the above.

         

         

          2.  Why should a Christian memorize Scripture?

         

               A.  To have an aid in knowing God’s will.

               B.  To save himself from sin.

               C.  To memorize Scripture word perfect.

               D.  Allof the above.

               E.  A&Conly.

         

         

          3.  Which of the following is Iare means of Bible study?

         

               A.  Extensive study with resource books.

               B.  Memorizing Scripture word perfect.

               C.  Reading the Word of God meditatively.

               0.  Allof the above.

               E.  B&Conly

         

         

          4.  Scripture memory does which of the following?

         

               A.  Helps create an understanding of God’s purpose.

               B.  Helps for immediate recall during tribulation.

               C.  Helps in sharing the Gospel with others.

               D.  All of the above.

               E.  A&Bonly.

         

         

          5.  Who can memorize Scripture?

         

               A.  You can.

               B.  Young children can.

               C.  Anyone can.

               D.  Most everyone can.

               E.  None of the above.

 

 

          6.  Why is it impossible for some to please God?

         

                A. They lack faith.

                B. They lack flesh.

                C. They lack fear.

                D. A&Bonly.

                E. A&Conly.

         

         

          7.  How might a Christian strengthen his faith?

         

                A. “So then faith comes by hearing.. .the Word of God.”

                B. By determining not to give-up.

                C. By memorizing Scripture.

                D. BothA&C.

                E. None of the above.

         

         

          8.  How should one memorize Scripture?

         

                A. Play review games.

                B. Comprehend deep spiritual truths.

                C. Place 3 x 5 cards in a file and recite as needed.

                D. A&Conly.

                E. None of the above.

         

         

          9.  Why is memorization the end?

         

                A. Our love for others.

                B. Our fruitful lives.

                C. Our obedience to God’s Word.

                D. Allof the above.

                E. None ofthe above

         

         

          10. What are the two most important points about memory work?

 

# Test: Chapters 6-7 CULTS STUDY QUESTION

CULTS TEST

CHAPTERS 6 & 7

 

INSTRUCTIONS: Label each statement as true or false.  Correct each false statement.  (Please, do not merely state the reverse or negative of the false statement.)

 

  1. _____ Doctrinal ambiguity is the unclear, uncertain, unsound, and vague quality of cultic teachings.
  2. _____ Emotions and feelings are trustworthy guides of truth.
  3. _____ The cults use words in a very objective manner because Jesus used words in the context of their true meaning.
  4. _____ Careful details and unquestionable clarity are earmarks of the Word of God.
  5. _____ Clarity of belief is a characteristic of true Christianity.
  6. _____ Those who study and apply God’s Word are promised spiritual maturity.
  7. _____ Doctrinal ambiguity ends with the ability to contend for the faith and practical teaching skills.
  8. _____ The truth of Scripture is the ultimate authority regardless of what the discussion might be.
  9. _____ The best things in life are free and usually obvious.

10. _____ God has given just a few men special, “insider” information.

BONUS:  What are the Biblical rules of evidence?

# Test: Introduction and Chapter 1 Cults Test

Cults Test – Intro & Ch. 1

 

DIRECTIONS: Circle the letter for the correct answer.

 

  1. What is the chief reason people refuse to believe the Gospel?

 

  1. It calls men to repentance.
  2. They are spiritually immature.
  3. It illuminates sin.
  4. Both A & B
  5. Both A & C

 

  1. What is the most important thing in the life of a new Christian?

 

  1. Memorizing the Bible.
  2. Fasting and prayer.
  3. Spiritual growth.
  4. Getting saved
  5. None of the above.

 

  1. What constitutes true wisdom?

 

  1. The study of God’s Word.
  2. Obedience to God’s Word.
  3. Belief in God’s Word.
  4. Both A & C
  5. None of the above.

 

  1. What makes a cult attractive?

 

  1. Truth
  2. Wealth
  3. Dreams
  4. Beauty
  5. All of the above

 

  1. Which of the following describes phenomenalism?

 

  1. A theory that teaches living by sight.
  2. A denial of the concept of faith.
  3. A philosophy that puts emphasis on knowledge.
  4. Both A & B
  5. None of the above

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Which of the following describes gnosticism?

 

  1. A theory that denies the just shall live by sight and teaches essentials.
  2. A belief system that teaches knowledge is essential for salvation.
  3. The doctrine of knowing God’s Word and applying it to one’s life.
  4. Both A & B
  5. All of the above

 

  1. Why are people attracted to cults?

 

  1. Intellectual pride
  2. Rejection of truth
  3. Spiritual subversion
  4. Spiritual immaturity
  5. All of the above

 

  1. What is the “key” to Christian maturity?

 

  1. Praying and fasting
  2. Attending church
  3. Studying the Word of God
  4. Both A & B
  5. None of the above

 

  1. What is every Christian’s primary responsibility with regard to the cults?

 

  1. To be an expert on the Word of God
  2. To be extraordinarily spiritual-minded
  3. To know how to point out their error
  4. Both A & B
  5. Both A & C

 

  1. Fill in the blanks.

 

___________________:  a __________________ movement which ________________ or

 

omits ______________________ theology until ____________________ becomes a lie.

# Study Questions # SQ: Bible Memorization CULTS

CULTS

 

Study Questions over Bible Memorization

 

 

 

1. Has the value of memorizing Scripture been overstated?

`

 

 

2. List the eight reasons given in class that tell why Christians should memorize

Scripture.  Include the Bible reference(s) given with each reason.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. How many methods of Bible study were covered in class; what are they; and, what

does each involve?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Which Bible verse(s) requires us to be prepared?

 

 

 

 

5. What will help you recognize, realize, and understand the will of God for your life?

 

 

 

 

6. Which Scripture(s) tells why it is impossible for some to please God?

(Give verbatim.)

 

 

 

 

7. In what should your faith be rooted?

 

 

 

 

8. Is it possible to stand without knowing the facts of your faith?

 

 

 

 

9. How can you learn and absorb the facts of faith?

 

 

 

 

10. How do you get and/or increase your faith?  (Use Scripture.)

 

 

 

 

11. Why should "thus saith the Lord" be imprinted on your mind and heart?

 

 

 

 

12. What is a solution to bad thoughts?

 

 

 

 

13. Who can memorize Scripture?

 

 

 

 

 

14. Which Scripture(s) tells you that in the strength of Christ all you can do is enough?

 

 

 

 

15. Why should your child's memory work come from your memory work?

 

 

 

 

16. Can a child comprehend Scripture and will he or she retain it?

 

 

 

 

17. What are the two most important steps to memorizing Scripture effectively?

 

 

 

 

18. When should you memorize Scripture?

 

 

 

 

19. What is the key to accurate Bible memory?

 

 

 

 

20. How will you retain memorized Scripture?  OR, What is the key to retaining

memorized Scripture?

 

 

 

 

21. Is Bible memory the end?  (Use Scripture.)

 

 

 

 

22. What three characteristics will tell the world whether or not you are a disciple of

Jesus Christ?  (Use Scripture for each.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23. How can you be happy when you know that the Bible says?  (Use Scripture.)

 

 

 

 

24. How do you feel about Bible memorization since taking this course?

 

 

 

 

25. What suggestions would you give to someone else for successful Bible memory?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXTRA CREDIT—Quote aloud to someone all the verses of Scripture that you can recall.  Then, write out the references to all the verses of Scripture that you can quote accurately, and have the individual that listens to you initial those verses of Scripture that you quote correctly.  (Consider the lesson from II Kings 13:18,19.)

# SQ: Chapter 1 CULTS

CULTS

STUDY QUESTIONS CHPT. 1

 

  1. Which of Paul’s admonitions and warnings should be cause enough for each of us to make careful doctrinal examination of himself?
  2. How does one avoid or shorten spiritual correction?
  3. What is a cult?
  4. What was Paul’s advice to elders with regard to taking care of the church?
  5. Why…are people attracted to false religious doctrines and practices as against true commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church?  (Support reasons with Scripture.)
  6. Why do people refuse to believe the true Gospel of Christ after they hear of the truth of God?  (NOTE:  The Chief Reason People Refuse to Believe the Gospel.)
  7. What is the primary reason Christians defect from their allegiance to Christ?
  8. Why must the spiritual infant…not tarry too long in infancy?  (See notes.)
  9. What is the most important thing in the life of a new Christian?
  10. What is the key to developing Christian maturity?
  11. What does the heresy of phenomenalism deny and what does it teach instead?
  12. What does the heresy of Gnosticism deny and what does it teach instead?
  13. In what does true wisdom consist?
  14. What is every Christian’s primary responsibility with regard to cults?
  15. What makes cultic points of view attractive?
# SQ: Chapters 2-3 CULTS

CULTS

STUDY QUESTIONS—CHAPTERS 2 & 3

 

  1. What are the “sentinels of Scripture”?  (Give references)
  2. Does the Bible contain truth?
  3. What is the foremost mark of a cult?
  4. What cardinal doctrine is expressed in John 1:1?
  5. What follows upon the belief that the Bible is God’s final and only authority?
  6. When does God’s Word become effective in our lives?
  7. What are the two greatest reasons for the proliferation of the cults?
  8. Is any revelation that does not come specifically/directly from the Bible necessarily “extra-Biblical”?
  9. What must one do to be saved?
  10. What is the basis of salvation?
  11. What does Scripture say about salvation that is based on human effort?
  12. Define the following terms: justification, imputed righteousness, and grace.
  13. Does personal righteousness or works have anything to do with one’s salvation?  (Do not merely restate the question in your answer.  Thank you.)
  14. What are the two most popular alternative doctrines of salvation?
  15. What would be true if salvation did come by the law?

EXTRA CREDIT (possible 20 points):  Reproduce the diagram given in class depicting the basis of our salvation using your own selection from the Bible for each level.

# SQ: Chapters 4-5 CULTS

CULTS

STUDY QUESTIONS—CHAPTERS 4 & 5

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS: Know the meaning of each vocabulary word and be ready with an answer for each question.

 

  1. What do most cults claim about the assurance of salvation?
  2. Therefore, what might be a nearly universal weapon of the cults?
  3. What does the Scripture promise with regard to the assurance of salvation?
  4. Why do the cults fail to make such a promise?
  5. What then is a common characteristic of the cults?
  6. How does the cultist stand against the freedom that comes through faith in the finished work of Christ?
  7. Why do cultists “traffic in anxiety”?  (Give at least two reasons.)
  8. What is predictable about cults that elevate the person and the words of a man to a messianic level?
  9. Is it wrong and dishonoring to god to honor those who are leaders?  (Use Scripture.)
  10. What is true about those who have devoted themselves to a man?
  11. What would you or any potential leader do well to remember about human followers?
  12. What are the forms of presumptuous messianic leadership?
  13. What is the New Testament teaching regarding human mediatorship?  (Include Scripture.)
  14. What course should the life of the believer take as his personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ develops?
  15. What then is the function of true Christian leadership?

 

VOCABULARY:

 

 

acquiescence

arrogating

automaton

beguiled

charlatan

cosmology

deferring

devoid

discretion

emulate

enamored

exploited

imperative

inordinate

primrose path

replete

repository

 

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

â March 24, 1999 Study Questions due

â March 31, 1999 Test covering Chapters 4&5; and two lectures on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ  (50% from textbook and 50% from classroom lectures)

â April 7, 1999 Test on Jude memorization

 

# SQ: Chapter 7 CULTS

CULTS

STUDY QUESTIONS—CHAPTER 7

 

 

  1. Dave Breese says, “…the best things in life are not only free, but they are usually obvious.”  Think about that.  How might this statement be applied?

 

  1. What verse(s) of Scripture declares that no one has “inside information” of God and His power?  (Write it, or them, out in entirety.)

 

  1. What is the proper response to the claim of an individual to a new divine discovery?

 

  1. In your own words, tell why the cults are usually just an intermediate step into the occult.

 

  1. What are the Biblical, or divine, rules of evidence?  (List them.)

 

 

VOCABULARY WORDS—

 

diversions metaphysical ranconteurs

feigned purported securities

incursion perveyed` unconfirmabel

# SQ: Earmarks of a Cult Cults Study Questions – Earmarks (Part I)

Cults Study Questions – Earmarks (Part I)

 

  1. List the first six earmarks of the cults discussed in class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. How has God revealed Himself to man?

 

 

 

 

  1. What is the meaning of the word inspired?

 

 

 

  1. What is the most typical characteristic of a cult?

 

 

 

 

  1. Give Scripture to show that a man is not saved by works. (Write out Scripture with reference)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Explain that one can be certain of their salvation. (Use Scripture)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Who is the mediator between God and men? (Give Scripture verbatim)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Why is doctrinal ambiguity dangerous?

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What must be the final authority of the Christian?

 

 

10.  Can secret knowledge save man?