Christian or Cult? How can I tell if a person or church is teaching biblical truth or a false message? What does the Bible say?"

By Pastor Ken Burisek,
The Ole Country Church, Medford, Wisconsin
Email: kburisek @wildblue.net

Though sometimes they disguise themselves well, there are some general ways to sort through the confusion as to the beliefs, attitudes, and actions of a cult. For the most part they will most likely have a rejection for the basic Christian doctrines passed down from the beginning by the apostles and the God-inspired authors of Gods word. We also learn in 2Timothy 3:5, They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay away from people like that. And 2Timothy 4:2-4 says, Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.

Jesus said in John 10:1, I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. In other words, does the group accept the Bible as the absolute truth and authority or does it consider other man-made writings to be of equal or maybe even greater importance than Scripture? Do they set their church or denomination as being the way to heaven or do they put their faith in th ...