The challenges for SOME CAUGHT IN A CULT AND who leavE
There are consequences to learning Truth. For some it is complete isolation from family, friends, and lifelong relationships. Others have lost employment or refused the right to see their children or grandchildren. Some are now excommunicated, disfellowshipped, shunned, or ¨disassociated¨ (depending on the terminology of the cult) from friends and loved ones. Some suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a serious illness that no one deserves. We understand. The blind man after being cured by Jesus was thrown out of the temple and rejected by his parents in John chapter 9--a great chapter to read for those rejected by the church and family.
The biggest mistake you could make
Because some groups have an intensive Bible study programbased on a concept not truth seeking, many conclude that if their group doesn't have the truth, no one does. Sadly, they leave God. What they must understand is they have been studying Scripture through someone else’s lens, not Christ’s and not theirs. Also, we cannot gain eternal life through Bible study (John 5:39). God’s greatest gift to humanity, besides Grace, is our capacity to love God with your whole heart, and all your soul and all your strength, not someone else’s (Lu 10:27). Studying the Bible in prayer will lead to the Christian Freedom promised by Christ (Jn. 8:31-32)
Cults and dogmatic preachers take that gift away. However, the Freedom that was lost is little-by-little restored by Crist with peace being added (Phil 4:7, John 8:32). As you study you will also become acquainted with the 147 Christian principles based on love, and love never fails (1 Cor. 13:8).
Jesus’ Promise- No Abuse, No Exploitation, No Violence—only Freedom
With Jesus there is no abuse, no internal violence, no exploitation. He says: ¨Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy and by burden light¨ (Matt. 11:28-30). He makes good on His promise.
We don't argue doctrine
I realized when speaking with many that it took years and was extremely difficult or sometimes impossible to change a doctrine that had been engrained for years. We see this when a Jew or Muslim converts to Christianity and they cannot eat certain foods; ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses refusing blood transfusions decades after leaving the group; vegetarians remaining vegetarians and so on. In one extreme case a young woman had trouble addressing God the Father because of sexual abuse from her biological father. Are we going to cast stones on this abused person or let the Holy Spirit heal at the proper time?
Never forget, it is as difficult for some who leave a cult to change habits as it would be for a Christian to eat rat because he or she is allowed. The goal is to rekindle love for God and neighbor. Read for the pleasure of knowing God and understanding His wisdom. Let time, personal study, prayer, and the Holy Spirit change whatever is necessary according to His schedule. Doctrines become clearer when we understand the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit better.
Often those who have left a cult will have difficulty finding a church where they feel comfortable. This is normal. Most people don’t understand the spiritual battle the ex-cultists are going through and the constant spiritual battle in the mind. Deception leads to mistrust for a long time. Study, pray, and give the Holy Spirit time to work in your life.
If you are caught in a cult-like church, want to discuss certain subjects, or if you feel called to teach the full Christ to the disappointed, deceived, deserted, and the ism(s), please send an email.
Teach what is clear, clearly; teach what is not, honestly.
.
© Christian-Freedom.com
The biggest mistake you could make
Because some groups have an intensive Bible study programbased on a concept not truth seeking, many conclude that if their group doesn't have the truth, no one does. Sadly, they leave God. What they must understand is they have been studying Scripture through someone else’s lens, not Christ’s and not theirs. Also, we cannot gain eternal life through Bible study (John 5:39). God’s greatest gift to humanity, besides Grace, is our capacity to love God with your whole heart, and all your soul and all your strength, not someone else’s (Lu 10:27). Studying the Bible in prayer will lead to the Christian Freedom promised by Christ (Jn. 8:31-32)
Cults and dogmatic preachers take that gift away. However, the Freedom that was lost is little-by-little restored by Crist with peace being added (Phil 4:7, John 8:32). As you study you will also become acquainted with the 147 Christian principles based on love, and love never fails (1 Cor. 13:8).
Jesus’ Promise- No Abuse, No Exploitation, No Violence—only Freedom
With Jesus there is no abuse, no internal violence, no exploitation. He says: ¨Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy and by burden light¨ (Matt. 11:28-30). He makes good on His promise.
We don't argue doctrine
I realized when speaking with many that it took years and was extremely difficult or sometimes impossible to change a doctrine that had been engrained for years. We see this when a Jew or Muslim converts to Christianity and they cannot eat certain foods; ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses refusing blood transfusions decades after leaving the group; vegetarians remaining vegetarians and so on. In one extreme case a young woman had trouble addressing God the Father because of sexual abuse from her biological father. Are we going to cast stones on this abused person or let the Holy Spirit heal at the proper time?
Never forget, it is as difficult for some who leave a cult to change habits as it would be for a Christian to eat rat because he or she is allowed. The goal is to rekindle love for God and neighbor. Read for the pleasure of knowing God and understanding His wisdom. Let time, personal study, prayer, and the Holy Spirit change whatever is necessary according to His schedule. Doctrines become clearer when we understand the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit better.
Often those who have left a cult will have difficulty finding a church where they feel comfortable. This is normal. Most people don’t understand the spiritual battle the ex-cultists are going through and the constant spiritual battle in the mind. Deception leads to mistrust for a long time. Study, pray, and give the Holy Spirit time to work in your life.
If you are caught in a cult-like church, want to discuss certain subjects, or if you feel called to teach the full Christ to the disappointed, deceived, deserted, and the ism(s), please send an email.
Teach what is clear, clearly; teach what is not, honestly.
.
© Christian-Freedom.com