With the rise in popularity of the non-Denominational church, coupled with some pretty wild theology out there today, there are people who have found themselves in a cult instead of a Gospel focused church. Don't let this happen to you, examine a few things in your church, it may not be a church at all. You may find yourself in a cult, and if so, it's time to pack up and run. Here are a few places to begin your examination if you are suspicious and think your local fellowship may be headed a cult like direction.
Quick definition, a cult is a group that claims to be Christian, has characteristics of a Christian church, has some doctrine in common but moves away from orthodoxy in a foundation or key aspect.
First, examine the pastor and leadership. The first sign of cult turnings of an independent church will be with the leadership. If the focus is all on the pastor, if he talks about himself as much or more than about Christ, look out. A pastor who is self focused and self absorbed will begin to desire to be worshiped himself. Preaching makes it difficult to stay humble, you command the attention of a room full of people for 30 minutes or more every week. They often tell you what a great job you did, it's easy to let the pride begin to change you. If your pastor is more interested in himself than Jesus, then maybe it's time to go.
If the definitions of Christian truths are changed, there may be a problem. If they add something to salvation, big problem. Remember, you are saved by grace through faith, there are no works involved. If you are told you have to do something to get to heaven, there is a problem. You are saved by what Christ already did, He will draw you and you respond and confess sin and turn from your sinful ways. This happens as a response to grace, not as a work. If you are told you have to do a work, perform an act, display a gift to be saved, then you shouldn't hang out much longer. If the church adds to the requirement of salvation, it's time to go.
If the Word of God is compromised, time to go. God gave us everything we need in the Scripture, it's complete. If you are told there are more books that need to be read, more gospels or modern day revelations, you should be shopping for a new church. If you are told there are things being said, written or published that are equal with or more important than Scripture, there's a problem. The best way to lead people astray is to give them something they will believe that tells them what they want. These false scriptures will lead you away from what the Scripture teaches and can enslave you to cult doctrine. That being said, books in themselves are not bad, but they must match up to what Scripture teaches and never be elevated to be along side or above Scripture.
Another thing to watch out for is how they talk about Jesus. Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith, He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus is Lord of lords, King of kings, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Jesus is part of the Godhead, He is fully divine, He is God. He is one with the Father and is far above all creation. Any church that lessons the position of Jesus as less than any of these things has a problem. Jesus is not a created being, He is co-eternal with the Father (settled by the Council of Nicaea). Watch and make sure that your church puts Jesus in His proper place of honor and gives Him glory and honor and praise and worship as God. Anything less is cult like. If Jesus is not who the Scripture says He is, then Salvation will be flawed as well.
I hope and pray that you attend and are part of a Biblically solid and faithful Christian church. If you are not, let me urge you to find one. I know that leaving a church is incredibly difficult, especially if you have friends and family there. It's worth it, and Jesus said that sometimes there would be divisions like this. Jesus said that His coming would set family members against one another. Sometimes this happens because someone is part of a cult and another member of the family wants out. Jesus is worth it, and you eternal soul is worth it. Find a solid, Bible teaching, faith holding, Jesus praising church to call your church home. It's worth it.
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