Defending the Truth... the Apologetics/Counter Cult Ministry

by Terry Schwartz | February 24, 2005

The Apologetics/Counter Cult Ministry, also knows as the Answer, exists to teach the truth in gentleness and love, leading the deceived into salvation and fellowship with the living God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a synopsis of the vision that incorporates the dream of Larry Bouligny with The Answer's vision verse:

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Beginnings

Alvin comparing and contrasting the Mormon faith with the Bible
Alvin comparing and contrasting the Mormon faith with the Bible

About eight months ago Larry began a ministry, The Answer, in response to the recognized need to counter the movement of cults in our time. His dream was not a ministry of counter cults, but more accurately to be an apologetics' ministry incorporating the vision of the Rock Church to reach the members of cults and equip the body to deal with these sects.

This small group of gathered warriors wanted to teach believers at the Rock how to recognize a cult, how to deal with the members of that cult in a loving manner and then how to lead them to the truth in Christ. Many members of Cults are those who were formerly members of churches who have been drawn away by seducing spirits that deny the truth of our Lord Jesus Christ. These are people, considered churched and unchurched, who need to be enlightened by the truth of God.

The Answer wants to be, and enlist other believers to be, on the cutting edge of reaching cult members with the saving knowledge of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What are Cults?

Josh McDowell in his book, The Deceivers, defines a cult as a group of people basing their beliefs upon the world view of an isolated leadership, which always denies the central doctrines of Christianity as taught from the Bible. These groups can be classified into three categories:

Western cults are those that usually break off from Christianity and deny the central doctrines of our faith. They will use the Bible as one of their sources and Jesus Christ as a central figure. Usually they claim that they are the only true representation of Christianity in existence.

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:13-14, For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

Eastern cults do not claim the Bible or Jesus Christ as necessary in their structure, but instead they are an offshoot of some eastern philosophy. Their foundation is usually rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism, or Taoism. Sometimes they will claim compatibility with Christianity, but in essence their worldview is in oriental philosophy.

New Age cults usually try to unify eastern and western thinking. Therefore, they will have a melting pot of beliefs. The Bible is valued only when it advances their cause, Jesus is quoted only when appropriately beneficial to their teachings, and the worldview is usually monistic or pantheistic.

If you attend the weekly meeting of The Answer, or an event put on by them, you can delve into each cult individually. You'll learn what they believe and how they deceive and recruit, in comparison with what the Word of God says. The best (in fact our only) defense against deception is a knowledge of the Word of God. If we do not know the Word of God, we can be lead like sheep to the slaughter.

See Matthew 4:1-11. Do any Christians have an excuse not to read, memorize, meditate, or to have a thorough working knowledge of God's Word to defend ourselves against the Devil?

Is This For You?

Fellowship, food, and other information about cults offered after the Mormon movie night
Fellowship, food, and other information about cults offered after the Mormon movie night

YES! Even if you feel you do not have the time to go to weekly meetings you can attend the bimonthly movie and information meetings at the Rock. Here you will learn about different cults and the truth from the Word regarding that cult.

Along with a movie pertaining to the cult dealt with that night, there is a speaker that has been set free from the slavery of that belief system.

On the Wednesday night of the Answer's first seminar, Ann Earhart, who was freed from the vile clutches of the Jehovah Witness's, spoke about her enslavement and how the Lord delivered her from that bondage.

On the last Wednesday night of The Answer's program, the deception of Mormonism was exposed by a movie and the moving testimony of Diana Benson.

What to Expect Each Week

Each week begins with prayer and a DVD focusing on a different cult. It is an informal meeting with a lot of valuable information disseminated. You will be equipped to reach the cult member and lead these souls to a saving faith in Christ.

Nothing has been laid in concrete regarding any future events, but several ideas are on the burners. Be on the lookout for another informative and exciting event coming up that promises to light a fire in your spiritual armament.

Getting Involved

If you'd like more information about this ministry or how to get involved, check out the Apologetics/Counter Cult Ministry section of the website.

Continue

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