Ten Things we can learn from False Religions

 

Introduction—Cults

            A. What is a “cult”

1.      The acceptance of extra-biblical revelation.

                                    a. Mormons—Joseph Smith

                                    b. JW—Judge Rutherford, Charles Taze Russell

c.       Christian Scientist—Mary Baker Eddy

d.      7th Day Adventist—Ellen G. White

                                    e. Special revelation in addition to the bible should always raise a red flag.

2.      Center upon charismatic leaders in addition to Jesus.

                                    a. John 14: 6

                                    b. Acts 4: 12

c.       Heb. 1:1-2a

d.      Jesus is the way and only way to receive access to heaven. No one else.

 

3.      When the messenger becomes greater than the message

                                                a. Charismatic, charming individual.

                                                b. Persuasive speech

                                                c. Isa. 30: 9-11, “smooth things”

                                                d. 2 Tim. 4: 3-4, “heap to themselves”

                                                e. 2 Cor. 11: 13-15, “Satan himself”

 

            B. Jesus taught about these people—Lk. 16: 8

1.      Parable of Unjust Steward

2.      Idea to have debtors square their accounts.

3.      Do what it takes to get the job done

4.     Can learn from this example.

 

I.                   False Religons can teach us—

A.    The need for zeal—Rom. 10: 2

                                    1. Opposed to scriptures but show enthusiasm

                                                a. openly discuss their faith

                                                b. leave literature; tracts, articles, etc.

                                                c. Invite others to attend

 

2.      Statement: If your church is the true church, then why aren't you spreading the message as fervently as we are?

 

3.      Appreciate the truth and be excited to share it.

                                    a. Two to Emmaus—Lk. 24: 32-35

                                    b. Peter and John—Acts 4: 18-20

c.       Paul—Rom. 1: 16

                                    d. Paul—1 Thess. 1: 8

 

B.     The need for knowledge of the scriptures

1.      Ask any JW what they believe and they will tell you!

2.      Scriptures from this morning's lesson?

3.      It is essential that we develop a working knowlegde of the bible.

                                                            a. Jn. 8: 31-32

                                                            b. 2 Tim. 2: 15

                                                            c. 1 Pet. 3: 15

           

C.     The need for conviction about what we know

1.      Faith even at the cost of some things.

                                                            a. JW refuse to pledge to the flag or celebrate their                                                   own birthdays. Putting something or someone ahead                                                            of Christ.

                                                            b. Mormons won't drink caffeinated drinks--                                                             amended since Mormons own PepsiCo. (Taco Bell,                                                  KFC, Pizza Hut)

                                                            c. Adventists won't work on Saturdays (some                                                           Fridays as well) “Sabbath”

                                                            d. The Muslim bows towards Mecca

 

2.      Daniel

                                                            a. Plot against Daniel—6: 6-9

                                                            b. Daniel prayed anyway—vs. 10

                                                            c. Put in lions' den

 

 

D.    The need for urgency

1.      JW discuss current events and the coming of Christ

2.      Gospel is an urgent matter

                                                            a. Now—2 Cor. 6: 2

                                                            b. Judgment to come—2 Cor. 5: 10-11

                                                            c. Remember Pharaoh and the frogs?--Ex. 8: 9-11

                                                           

 

E.     The need for good literature

                                    1. JW know how to use a printing press.

                                                a. Magazine, tracts, pamphlets, booklets, books

                                                b. When they visit, always leave something behind

 

2.      What about us? (Lk. 16: 8)

                                                a. CDs of sermons

                                                b. Tracts

                                                c. Business cards

                                                d. Sermon outlines

                                                e. TV/Radio

                                                f. Internet

                                   

F.      The need to involve everyone

1.      How many show up at your door? One?

                                                a. Mormons have a network involving everyone in their                                            missionaries.

                                                b. Two Elders, 1 Bishop, etc.

 

2.      Are we working?(Rom. 12: 6-8)

                                                            a. Don't wait to be asked, Volunteer!

                                                            b. If you can't preach, invite.

                                                            c. Offer to drive someone to church

                                                            d. daughters and bulletin articles

 

3.      Give of ourselves—2 Cor. 8: 5

                                                            a. Mormon Missionaries say, “Not going out today,                                      someone else can do it.”

                                                            b. “I went last week, maybe next week.”

                                                            c. Assembly—Heb. 10: 24-25

 

G.    The need for courage

1.      Mormons in foreign territory; different state, different country

                                                            a. Courage to stand for beliefs

                                                            b. Shunned at door, run off, threatened

 

2.      Bible give us courage

                                                            a. Rom. 8: 31, “God is for us”

                                                            b. 2 Cor. 6: 17, “Come out from among them”

                                                            c. Rom. 12: 2, “Be not conformed”

 

H.    The need to sacrifice

1.      Mormons—

                                                            a. tithe 15% of earnings

                                                            b. Home Bible Study—mandatory

 

2.      What about us?

                                                            a. Give up World Series for Gospel meeting?

                                                            b. Superbowl for evening service?

                                                            c. Concert for midweek bible class?

                                                            d. Rom. 12: 1

 

 

I.       The need to meet needs

                                    1. Why do people join the Mormon church?

                                                a. Learn about Joseph Smith?

                                                b. Needs being met not found in stale churches

                                                c. Themes such as Home and Family, Grief and Loss,                                               lonliness, etc.

                                                d. Connect and touch people where they are hurting

 

2.      Jesus knew the value of compassion, do we?

                                                a. Matt. 9: 36

 

J.       The need for absolutes

1.      Mainstream religions cave to society to “blend in”

                                                            a. Mormons make Book of Mormon publicly                                                             available.

                                                            b. Loosened reins on caffeine intake

 

2.      Cults maintain strict set of beliefs and core vaules.

                                                            a. 7th Day—no labor on Saturday

                                                            b. No meat—Vegetarians or vegans

 

3.      Christians?

                                                            a. Against gambling, but play lottery or scratchers?

                                                            b. Against drunkeness, but social drinking okay?

                                                            c. Christian at church, Worldly during the week?

 

4.      Religion is a lifestyle inside and outside.

                                                            a. Pharisees—Matt. 23: 25-28

 

 

II.                Why do they prosper?

A.    Emotional Reasons—You don't have to think for yourself. Blind acceptance is prevalent in most groups.

                                    1. Made to feel wanted, catered to

                                    2. Feel good sermons, non-judgmental

 

B.     Social Reasons—One big happy family with a great choir (Mormons)

1.      Christmas time—temple lights

2.      Easter time—Passion Play

 

C.     Spiritual Reasons—Many are led astray due to ignorance of the Bible because most aren't using it or emphasizing it.

                                    1. If you don't know your scripture, you can't defend the truth.

                                    2. You can't discern right from wrong, good from evil—1 Jn. 4: 6

 

 

Conclusion

            Are we displaying any of these 10 things? If not, why not?

 

            Decide to change now!