JURONG OUTREACH - MAY 08

What Is a Religious Cult?
4th May 08

Variations among the thousands of religious cults today make a precise definition difficult. When people think of cults, they often think of belief in reincarnation, UFOs, bizarre sexual practices, or strange dietary practices, but these are not the primary marks of a cult. While each has unique characteristics, there are common characteristics found among cults that claim to be “Christian.” Two primary traits are a claim of inspiration beyond the Bible and a dethroning of Jesus Christ. 

Almost always, a cult gathers around a specific leader or that leader’s interpretation of Scripture. This devotion to a charismatic leader affects attitudes toward the Bible and Jesus. Virtually all cults supplement, and in reality supplant, Scripture by elevating their leader’s teachings above Scripture. If pressed about contradictions and faults in their writings, they generally demean the Bible’s inspiration and accuracy. 

Not only do the cults reject reliance on the Bible alone, they also generally do not treat Jesus as the Messiah. They may acknowledge Him as a great teacher or a great man, but not as the “only begotten Son” of God (John 3:16). Cults reject Jesus’ statement: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Some cult leaders, such as Jim Jones, have claimed to be Christ. Sun Myung Moon claimed to be the Messiah for the twentieth century, sent by God to complete the failed mission of Jesus. 

secondary characteristic usually found in the cults is mind control of their converts. By taking away the free will of their converts, or “brainwashing” them, they maintain control and are better able to promote their anti-Christ agendas. The cults advance this mind control by rigorously controlling every waking moment of the members’ time. They consider the regimented life a reflection of devotion to the leader. 

In addition, cults usually cut off members from the outside world and normal family relations, lest they be drawn away from the cult. This isolation from the world helps fuel paranoia and adds to the peer pressure necessary for keeping the members in line. They may consider nonmembers the agents of Satan, ignorant, and untrustworthy. 

It does matter what one believes in the realm of religion. Many think that as long as one is sincere, any belief is right. Rejection of Christ and the Bible, however, leads to eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:8). The gospel revealed in the Bible saves (Romans 1:16), and must be obeyed (Hebrews 5:9). 

-          Bob Prichard

Redefining Terms

My idea of unity: Everybody agreeing with me 

My idea of cooperation: Everybody working with me—carrying out my plans. 

My idea of visitation: Everybody coming to see me. 

My idea of fine eldership: Elders that I can control. 

My idea of sympathy: Everybody suffering with me. 

My idea of a sinner: The man for whom I have a personal dislike. 

My idea of a righteous man: The man I like. 

My idea of a meek man: The man who yields to me. 

My idea of a contentious man: One who takes issue with me. 

My idea of a wise man: The man who listens to me. 

My idea of brotherly love: Everybody petting me. 

My idea of great music: Everybody singing my praises. 

Diotrophes [via Bulletin of Huntington Park Church of Christ

(as published in The Minister’s Monthly, May 1968) 

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” —Galatians 5: 13

The Love of a Mother
11/5/08

Solomon Rosenberg, his wife, his 2 sons, and his mother and father were arrested and placed in a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust of WWII. It was a labor camp and the rules were simple: "As long as you can do your work, you are permitted to live. When you become too weak to do your work, then you will be exterminated." 

Rosenberg watched his mother and father being marched off to their deaths when they became too weak to work.  He knew that his youngest son, David, would be next because David had always been a frail child. 

Every evening when Rosenberg came back into the barracks after his hours of labor, he would search for the faces of his family. When he found them, they would huddle together, embrace one another, and thank God for another day of life.

One day Rosenberg came back, but he didn’t see those familiar faces. He finally discovered his oldest son, Joshua, in a corner, huddled, weeping, and praying. He said, "Josh, tell me it’s not true." Joshua turned and said, "It is true, Poppa” Today David was not strong enough to do his work, so they came for him."

"But WHERE is your mother?" asked Mr. Rosenberg. "Oh Poppa," he exclaimed. "When they came for David, he was afraid and he was crying. Momma said, ‘There is nothing to be afraid of, David,’ . . . .and then she took his hand and went with him." 

There are few things as strong as the love of a mother for her children – a love so strong that it would choose to give up life so her child can be comforted. 

The love of Mrs. Rosenberg pictures the sacrificial love Jesus has for US.

In order to take away OUR fear of death, He went before us (Hebrews 2:14-15). “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” 

He met death "head on" – in fact, He died for us so that we might have the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life (Ephesians 1:7) “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”(1 Thessalonians 5:10). “Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” Jesus was buried but emerged from the grave victorious, so that WE might have hope in the Resurrection. (1 Cor. 15:55, 57).   "O death, where is your sting?  O grave, where is your victory?  Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"  

The victory belongs to THOSE who submit their lives to Christ: believing in Him (Acts 16:30-31), And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house,

turning from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

confessing Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

and being baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38).  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Victory will continue to be enjoyed by those who continue to follow Jesus faithfully for the rest of their lives (1 John 1:7). 

“As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you,” says the Lord (Isaiah 66:13). 

Will YOU “take His hand” in trusting obedience? 

David A. Sarge

A MOTHER'S TUG OF WAR
18th May 08

Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator r as swimming toward the shore. 

In the house his mother was looking out the window, and saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him. 

From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator. 

Remarkable, after weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. the son she loved. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved. 

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my mom wouldn't let go.” 

As parents we can identify with that mom and little boy. The world is pulling our children. The devil is trying to sink his teeth into them (1 Pet. 5:8). “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”  

We may feel like we are "scratching" them with our discipline and restrictions. We must continue to teach, pray, discipline, and show them the right way (Prov. 22:6) “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” 

(Mt. 16:26) “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”  

(Eph. 6:4)  “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” 

The battle is too important to let go.

A Child’s Changing Eyes

A child’s eyes see his Mom and Dad differently at as they age:

Age 4: “My parents can do anything.”

Age 8: “There might be a few things they don’t know.”

Age 12: “Naturally, they don’t get it.”

Age 14: “I never realized how hopelessly old fashioned they are!”

Age 21: “You would expect them to feel that way. They’re out-of-date.”

Age 25: “They get an idea now and then.”

Age 30: “I wonder what Mom and Dad think?”

Age 40: “Let’s wait until we discuss it with our parents.”

Age 50: “What would Mom or Dad have thought about it?”

Age 60: “I wish I could talk it over with them one more time

 Eph 6:2 “Honour thy father and mother.”

 (which is the first commandment with promise;)

HAVE YOU SEEN GOD? PT 1
25th May 08

A five-year-old girl rushed up to her newborn brother in his hospital room and said, “Quick, what is God like?” She figured that, having just come from “Heaven,” he might have some inside information. Alas, he merely made a gurgling sound and rolled his eyes. Little girls are not the only ones who want to know what God looks like. Philip once requested of Jesus: “Shew us the Father” (John 14:8). Many of us have the same desire. 

Consider:

(John 1:18). “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him”

(John 5:37). “Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape”

(Exodus 33:20). “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live”

(John 4:24), “God is a spirit” thus “invisible”

(Colossians 1:15;) “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:”

(1 Timothy 6:16).

“Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen

Nonetheless, it pleased Him to whom nothing is impossible to manifest Himself at times in some visible form. In the form of a “man,” He wrestled with Jacob (Genesis 32:24, 30). Abraham talked with Him (Genesis 18:22). Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel “saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone .  they saw God, and did eat and drink” (Exodus 24:9-11).  

Moses, later, saw the “back parts” of God (Exodus 33:23). Yet, since the essence of God is spirit, and since our physical eyes cannot see spiritual beings, it remains true that in the absolute sense no man has seen God. Still, we can “see” God. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Jesus is not just saying that we will see God in heaven. A more literal translation is, “They shall be continuously seeing God for themselves.” If we do not see Him in the here and now, we have no promise of seeing Him at all. 

How can we see the invisible? “By faith . . . as seeing him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). We see God by looking for Him. Two men were discussing New York City. One said that New York was a wicked place filled with cheap sensations and morally degraded people with sin on every corner. The other said New York was a grand place filled with art museums, great music, and stimulating lectures. It is a little of both. We see what we have trained ourselves to see. “Two men looked out from prison bars, One saw mud, the other saw the stars!” In every sphere of life, in every day and hour of life, we should condition ourselves to “see God.” 

We can see God in Christ. Jesus told Philip that if he had seen Him, he had “seen” the Father (John 14:8-9)  “Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” (Hebrews 1:1-3). “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,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;” 

A person can see God in this world without ever laying eyes on a physical being. Those who see only with the eye, see very little. There were multitudes who looked upon Jesus and saw nothing but a man. To them He was as a root out of dry ground, without form or comeliness (Isaiah 53:2) “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.”  They looked upon Him and trudged on their monotonous way without benefit. But there were others who saw Him with different eyes. As they looked into His face they could see: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

We can see God in our blessings.  Evidences of God’s goodness are all around us. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17; cf. Romans 8:28-39; Hebrews 13:5-6). We can’t take a breath, eat a bite, enjoy a smile, or warm by a sunbeam without acknowledging God’s wonderful benevolence. 

We can see God in the Bible. The Bible shows us God’s picture; it tells us His story; it invites us to become His friend. “He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel . . . And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD . . .” (Psalm 103:7; Exodus 24:4). Without the Bible, we would be left to guess who the obviously powerful and intelligent being was who set this world in motion.

 Look for God today. You just may see Him. (Pt 2 next week)