So far we have been looking at the major challenges to the Christian Foundation we hold as Jesus Followers. We have searched the merits of Humanism, its belief systems and the impact on our current thinking.
Next we ventured into Evolution and how this ‘religion’ has aimed to replace belief in God, His absolute word and His just requirements of us to live in peace without world.
Another challenge to the Christian message we find in practice around us, was ‘the New Age’. Here we saw the roots of the movement, their beliefs and how the New Age has entered almost every part of our culture. Read more...(823 words, 3 images, estimated 3:18 mins reading time)
As we continue with our series on the Challenges To the Christian Foundations laid down by Jesus. one of the most interesting cults/false religions is that of Scientology.
We have research this topic through direct quotes from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The formatting has been added for easier reading. Here is what we discovered about the group called Scientology and their challenge to Christianity.
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A. THE ORIGINS OF SCIENTOLOGY
1. The founder of ScientologyRead more...(2406 words, 5 images, estimated 9:37 mins reading time)
For those of us who have had loved ones or even our neighbours involved in what appears to be a Cult group, how can we help them see the control, deception and misguided teachings of their beloved group? Are they interested in leaving or is it fear and threats that keep them stuck in the group?
Here are some suggestions to help people who are in the Cults to see the freedom and grace that Father God offers.
A. TALKING WITH PEOPLE IN CULTSRead more...(1612 words, 6 images, estimated 6:27 mins reading time)
The following information on the Cult Group known as ‘Scientology’ was presented by Alucard9692010 on March 10, 2010. It is the first of a 5 part story written by the ‘Four Corners’ TV News program. This might help with your understanding of the group.
Some groups are accused of being a cult; even some Christian groups that hold to a very Biblical foundation. So what are the signs of a Cult? How can you tell if the group you associate with, really is a Cult? Here are some guidelines how help you spot what is a Cult and what is a Godly, loving groups of Christian believers.
A. THE ETHOS OF MOST CULTS
Except for the ambitions and driven of the leader/s, most cults will appear to do good works. If this were not the perception, members would not join the Cult. Most people involved are usually moral and possess ethical standards and beliefs. Read more...(1079 words, 3 images, estimated 4:19 mins reading time)
The following are some statements coming from several sources. Think through whether the statement is true or false. Then tick the box you think the statement belongs to:
From Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sons by Jack Frost
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A Word from the Lord:
"I have followed the flight of an eagle with My eyes. I have seen the mighty fish in the sea and they all give Me great pleasure ..… but do you know the greatest of all My creation is the Adam and Eve I created?
"Time has not changed My joy in seeing mankind grow. However, My heart has been saddened when I know the pleasure I wish to give My people, give to you My child. My ways are meant to be light, My burden easy. Religions and rules make the heaviness I wish to lift from My people.
"I long to draw you closer, to teach you deeper things of My Spirit. I need you to let your Heart rest in My love, to rest in My peace. I know the paths ahead for you. I have planned and will provide many treasures you have yet to see. Look for My hand and let Me guide you.
"I do know of your beginnings, of the painful places you have walked in your life. I have provided healing and grace to get up and go on … but know this, My child - I have never left your side. I have always walked with you, even when you cannot see My hand in your life. It is in times like this that I wish to grow your faith and trust.
"I have treasured your growth in following Me … and I want you to continue to seek Me for who I am, not what others have said about Me - or what the groups around you think.
"Look for Me and you will see Me in many layers in your life. I know your future; I know the dark places ahead and the places filled with sunshine and light. You will find Me in both places as I am moulding you and teaching you to walk with Me.
"Trust Me as you see the world around you. I will never leave you or walk away from you as I love you with a deep everlasting love. Yes, even when you make mistakes or take your eyes off the track. I am here! Rest in My peace and continue to let me fill you with My ways, with My treasures."
From Your Lord Jesus, your loving Father God via the Holy Spirit.
If you would like your own personal Word from the Lord, come find me on
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Who is Susanne?
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We have dedicated this blog to build hope that everyone out there can really, really hear from God and that is our heart's desire! He gives us true focus, sets our priorities and build our faith in His love.
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To begin this section, let me tell you a story. 'Jenny' grew up in a semi-Christian home where she went to Sunday School every Sunday. It was probably more so that her parents had Sunday morning to themselves, away from their 4 children that they were sent to church. For whatever reason, little seeds grew in Jenny until she was a 20 year old and working in the church office.
She enjoyed her work and 'served well'. She even had a t-shirt made that said 'Steward of the Most High God'. She often marked her folders as 'Jenny, Steward of God'. This sounded like a good saying and to her, even sound doctrine … but it wasn't the whole truth. Something was missing.
She thought about leaving this group and looking for another church. Working in the church office made her feel like she belonged somewhere. She was the 'Helper to the Pastor' and that was how others saw her too.
They were her 'authority', her source of comfort and didn't they have the final say on what the Bible said? She wasn't really 'close' with any of them anyhow; none had tried to help her grow spiritually. She kept the rules of the church but quietly thought about 'church hopping someday'.
When she had a good day at work, she felt God smiled at her, even though her peers frequently excluded her in their church activities. She had her job with the church and they didn't. "Maybe they are just envious", she thought. "I need to protect what God has given me, especially since they don't understand me."
More and more she felt guarded and distrustful of others in the church and sometimes - if she let her thoughts go there - even felt the church pasters and leaders weren't doing the very best as stewards that they could have. "God was sole owner of everything and He had given me a job to do!" … and that was that as far as Jenny told herself.
So that was Jenny until the day her Mother died and she faced some hard truths. She was independent and could take care of herself but what about her family? One or two of the pastor's wives stopped by to offer their sad words but few others came.
The funeral wasn't very impressive as their money had been used for doctors. Jenny felt alone and lost, wanting to be loved by those she served but somehow, all this need and pride was mixed with isolation and being alone.
Sad and lonely, she went for a walk. "There's got to be more to God than this!" She began to question if she even knew the real Jesus and His love for her. At first, she didn't really feel like she could talk to HIM, the One who walked beside her. She didn't feel worthy; maybe she hadn't done enough? She was only His Steward …. but He saw her as so much more!
As Jenny walked and allowed His love to penetrate her independent, self-sufficient Heart. Her view of her walk as a Jesus follower began to change. Her view of being that 'Steward' began to melt into another sense of being His child first.
She began to feel gratitude for what the Lord was doing for her … and for her family. Never having known her biological father, she began to sense she really had a Father who just might cared for her. As the tears rolled down her face, she could she had turned her back on the real Source of her comfort, turned to the pastors who could never fill that need inside.
She could see that believing she was 'only His steward' had robbed her of knowing she was His child. Taking care of His things had replaced knowing she owned these things as His heir and beloved daughter.
She returned to the home she knew with greater peace than ever. She removed the labels 'Steward of God' of her folders and books. She replaced the labels with 'Growing child of God'. What a difference she felt!" (Names and places have been changed to protect 'Jenny's identity.)
As we begin this Stage 4 in our series From Slave to Bride, join us to find answers for your own life.
