WHEN CHURCHES BECOME CULTS

Within the context of Exodus.32:1-8, we find the foundation in which cults are started and fed.  Of course, we would never join or support one of  the world wide cults of our day, but could we be involved in one and not even realize it?  As you will see, not every cult is led by a strange, nasty, dirty, wide-eyed leader! Some are results of leaders that started out right and took advantage of their following.  One thing I want you to keep in mind. It doesn't take long for a group of people to leave truth and turn to error.  Moses was not on the mountain for a long period of time, yet it was long enough to see the people turn from God to worship a calf.  Exodus 32:8 declares that they turned aside quickly.

First, I want to reveal the TRUST OF A CULT.  Verse nineteen pictures Moses throwing down the tables of God's law and "brake them beneath the mount.”  Why would Moses throw away the only Word of God they had?  Because he knew they would not follow the truth at that time.  The hearts of the people were to follow Aaron even if he was wrong.  They did not care about truth. Their dedication was to a person, a leader, a personality, a figure of authority.  Let me warn you. Don't be so blind that you follow a man and ignore the truth.  No child of God should be pressured into a mold of submission if the leadership is other than biblical.  Preachers of our day use fear, judgment, and condemnation if anyone dare question their direction or authority.  I will follow my pastor until the end, as long as he lines up his actions according to the truth.  If he leaves truth, then something has to be done.

Second, notice the TACTICS OF A CULT.  Cult leaders use religious surroundings to pull the people in.  They had alters, shouting, one-accord fellowship, singing, dancing, fire; but at the same time, God said they were "rebellious" (v.8).  Besides the point that they were naked!!  You better watch people that get fired up over things that are wicked and sensual. They have the spirit of a cult.  I have seen people all over the country that never do any thing for God until some thing wicked comes out, and they get fired up and start running and shouting again, and you ask yourself, where did this nut come from?

Next, watch the THINKING OF A CULT.  (v.22)   Cult groups have no conscience when it comes to blaming others for their actions.  Aaron saw that Moses was mad, and blamed the people for the false worship that was being displayed.  Wicked leadership will promote things then back off and blame the people when they are about to be exposed for what they really are.   Does your pastor say one thing to one group at the church, then some thing different to another group? You may be in a cult!  (v.24)  Aaron told Moses that the calf jumped out of the fire by itself.  Cults will lie to cover their sin.  My dad always taught me that a man that will lie will do anything.  Don't you ever forget that.  A man called me the other day and said he had a good pastor but he had caught him in more than a few lies, and wondered what he should do about it.  Without delay I told him to get out. I'm not sitting my family under leadership that lies to his flock or anyone else for that matter.

Last, we see the TRAGEDY OF A CULT.  (v.35)  God puts a curse on those that are involved in a cult.  I don't care how much pressure, fear, or emotions a church puts on me, I'm not staying in a place that has forsaken God and followed man. I won’t watch my children die under the curse of God. Only one man refused to go that way. His name was Joshua.  How did Joshua avoid being sucked into this massive cult?

1. He Listened with Discernment.(v.17)  He heard the noise.  You will be wise to keep your ears open to what is being said from the pulpit.  Cults sound good, yet are wrong.

2. He Left with Direction.(v.19).  He went out alone and found Moses.  No, Moses didn't have the crowds, or the noise, or even the singing, but he lined up with the Word of God.  We better get back to the real reason why we go to church, to hear a man of God bring us God’s Word.  Can’t you imagine how the rest of the congregation chewed him up, accused him of having a bad spirit, or maybe even an authority problem.  Yet, he knew to seek out a man with the Book as his final authority.  Beware of any church where according to the Pastor and members nobody has ever left and still been in the will of God. That is a cult. 

3. He Lived with Dedication. (Exodus.33:11)  Tells us that Joshua did not depart from the Tabernacle. If you have had a bad church experience, don't get out, just find a real man of God, in a good Baptist Church, and follow him as he follows Christ. Serve the Lord until you die or Jesus comes. If your assembly shows signs of getting cultish, you had better get out!  Things will not get better, they will get worse.  I have seen many Baptist churches become cultish.  Some of my family was almost brought into this trash. Thank God they saw the folly of  the leadership and found a true Bible-believing Baptist Church, and there they serve God faithfully.  By the way, if you have any questions or comments about this article, send them to Bro. Mays I don’t really have time for your cultish views.

Dr. Phil Kidd — Amory, MS