The Cult: The Beginning

Hello everyone! This is the first article in “The Cult” series I will be sharing. During my childhood I was a student of the Jehovah Witness Doctrine. My teen years I found no true commitment to that doctrine. As an adult I found it quite comfortable and natural to become entangled in another Cult. This congregation and its physical setting actually put me in mind of “The Kingdom Hall”. The simple setting without crosses, statues or pictures of the crucified Jesus Christ. It felt very homey entering the building, it was familiar to me. I felt I was in the right place to serve God! I became a member of this Cult for approximately 15 years.

Pentecostalism is a doctrine and denomination of men and Jesus Christ did not come preaching or teaching this doctrine. Man has created so many doctrines that are contrary to the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. This particular congregation was led by a very charismatic leader. The denomination was termed “True Holiness”. We were instructed to tell people it was Pentecostal. These are the instructions of a Cult leader. We have our own voices, always.

Whether Baptist, Church of God in Christ, Apostolic and the list goes on. There is a man with an founding date of these denominational doctrines and the name is not Jesus Christ! Charismatic men taking captive the naive and vulnerable. Placing themselves in a position of leader and not feeder of the souls of men. Representing themselves as the voice and authority of God. Control is critical to the success of these false leaders as they rob their congregation and take from the poor and the widows. These are the fruits brought forth by the Cult.

The Cult: I Was Sent by God

The False leaders proclaiming, “I Was Sent by God”. This charismatic leader taught us to rebel against him is to rebel against God. His ministry was ordained by God to disobey him is to disobey God. He did not receive correction from anyone that I could see. If you did not agree with the doctrine you kept it to yourself. Fear became prominent in that ministry. Preachers would actually get up and say they feared the leader. He never publicly told anyone not to fear him in my presence.

An Organized Organization

The profound organization of this ministry was impressive. I love orderliness, and an organized setup. Everything was neat and clean. A well spoken leader with a sense of humor. I was impressed and had found my Church home. I had officially become the proud member of the Cult. Then came the rules. So many rules, not sin but doctrine. Sound doctrine? Doctrine of men and not God and the burden wasn’t light at all! The doctrine changed often as the list of rules grew longer and longer. It became overwhelming, suffocating at times. I persevered because this was the will of God!?!

Stand Fast in the Gospel of Jesus Christ

“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.” Galatians 1: 6-9 KJV

“¹⁰ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
¹¹ But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. ¹² For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:10-12 KJV

The Cult: Doctrines of Men

Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 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. ¹⁸ He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. John 7:16-18 KJV

“Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? ⁶ He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. ⁷ Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. ⁸ For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. ⁹ And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark 7:5-9 KJV

“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? ⁸ This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.” Galatians 5:7-8 KJV

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

Sister Brenda