Error, Heretics, False Teachers, Cults, Occults - How do I know if my church is not?

The exposure of Paul Makenzie of the Good News International Church in Shakahola, Kilifi County and the many deaths of people who supposedly starved themselves to death with the expectation of going to heaven has left all of us shocked and grieved. Before the ink had dried, there were reports of mass deaths at Good News Prayer Center and Church led by Ezekiel Odera, and then his lawyer admitted 15 deaths in a year! But this is an indication of the dangerous effects of false teaching and heresy. As at yesterday, the Red Cross reported 412 people missing, 198 being children. Such tragic deaths in the name of our most holy faith have not gone unnoticed by the whole country and the world at large. But is this the Christian faith? Simply because a man has a name ‘church’ written on the door of his organisation, or just because someone carries a Bible alone, or speaks in the name of Jesus Christ, does not mean he is a Christian. It seems as people are willing to believe bank robbers are Christians, if they invoked the name. the question is who is a Christian? Is it not one who believes in Christ and lives like Christ? You shall know Christians by their fruits. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… if these virtues are lacking, then you are not dealing with a Christian.

Today we shall explore the diagnosis of a cults and cultism and occult. Cults are sects that deviate from the orthodox truth or who twist the truth to their own destruction. Occult participate in dark secrets and rituals to access Satanic powers. We also need to understand error and false teaching as some of the symptoms of cultism.

There has been calls to regulate churches by the government left, right and centre. But as we shall see, churches in Kenya are already sufficiently regulated. Regulated by the Lord Jesus Christ who is the owner and Head of the church and by the government through the Societies Act. Criminals such as Paul Makenzie and Ezekiel, along with many others should simply face the full force of the law. How does the Lord regulate the church? By the Bible. He has given enough guidance on how the church is to conduct his kingdom business. There are sufficient warnings against false teachings and teachers. He has even given us examples of what to believe and how to live. He has told us how to think, how to. speak, and how act. He has given us qualifications of pastors also called elders or bishops and deacons. The first category is the spiritual leaders of churches and the second category are the assistants who handle finances. The Bible tells the church how to deal those who are in error or teach error, or cause division, or live sinfully – they are to be excommunicated if they do not repent. Let me illustrate this truth,

Ever since the Charismatic renewal movement swept the world, the prophecy given by Christ and his Apostles continue to be fulfilled from Matt. 24:23–28

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

Miracles, signs and wonders are the bits that false teachers and cult leaders use to lure their victims. They also entice them with promise of better life – deliverance from poverty, healing from diseases and restoration of broken relationships like marriage, or parents and children, success in school, etc. Sadly, victims who are gullible and greedy swallow it line, hook and sinker.  

Of course, all these services never come with a free coupon – they are always charged. False teachers are very imaginative, they will use every means to get to the wealth of their congregants. For example, Ezekiel, sells what he calls ‘Holy water’ and headkerchiefs, claiming to heal all sorts of diseases and wad off witchcraft, and other spells, and make one rich. And those who desire to get those things without using the means, fall into his trap. These people are cons and fraudsters.

Paul and Ezekiel are not the only prominent false teachers around... many have been poured in this country: Owuor, Manyuru, and the likes of Muiru, Maina Ng’ang’a and many others. Some are subtle, others are greedy, loud, blasphemous, and arrogant.

But God is not caught unawares, for he exposes many false prophets like Balaam, the son of Beor, Zedekiah son of Chenaanah and the 100 false prophets gathered by King Ahab (1 Kings 22:11) for the Bible says, “And in their greed, they will exploit you with false words” (2 Peter 2:3). Peter goes on to say, in 2 Peter 2:12–21

But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.

They are described thus in Jude 10–13

But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively.  Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.

There are too many heretics… too many cults and occultism. Why? The Lord says in His word that the reason is because this is one of the activity of Satan. Paul states this so categorically in 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12,

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

God has sent a very strong delusion so that people may believe what is false. God punishes them by letting them continue believing what is false so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness. If you love sin, or error or heresy then God abandons you.

God gives up people who do not love the truth to lets them believe lies and falsehood. God does punish people who act against the light of his Word and their own consciences to debased minds because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. (Romans 1:25)

In Conclusion, Let me open up myself and the church I lead to scrutiny:

How do you tell if TBC is not a cult? How can you be sure that Murungi Igweta is not a cult leader or a false teacher?

1.    TBC is regulated by the Lord in His Word.

We never go beyond what is written as Apostle Paul tells us, “I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us, not to go beyond what is written…” (1Cor. 4:6). This is the right attitude – do not go beyond what is written. We teach the whole Bible, not a verse here and a verse there. We do not pick and drop verses – we explain the whole Bible through the consecutive exposition of Scripture. If you are part of a church that cherry picks Bible verses, then know for sure that there is a possibility of preaching a verse out of its context and put meaning into the verse (eisegesis) instead of getting the meaning out of the verse (exegesis).

2.    At TBC we are willing to be examined and assessed.

Ask questions on our beliefs and practices. Demand answers why believe what we teach and why we do what we do. If you find anything not to be sufficiently backed by the Scriptures, then demand an explanation. How many pastors would be available and willing to be examined by their members? Most of the members of many churches have never sat down with their pastor!

3.    The appointment of biblically qualified pastors.

We evaluate a person’s personal conduct, family life and ministerial gifts before presenting the person to the congregation for a vote. If any member knows anything that could disqualify a man, it does not matter how gifted he is. He will not pass through the vote. We also have triennial re-evaluation by members show our commitment to live in accordance to the word of God. Many ‘pastors’ are self-appointed. No one was really involved in examination of their conduct or their gifts. No wonder too many churches are cropping up like mushrooms all over by people who are not qualified.

4.    Those who teach must be well qualified academically.

The Lord taught that the student is not above his teacher, which means that the teacher should know more than the congregation before teaching. This is why we have Trinity Pastor’s College which equips pastors for gospel work. There must be a thorough knowledge of the subject at hand through good theological education, whether from a school or self-taught. But there should also be enough accountability because even pastors are prone to sin. Mentoring and apprenticeship is another method of training pastors.

 

You would know cults by some of the following marks provided in the text before us, but let me add a few more:

1.    Cults are opposed to critical thinking. Anyone who dares question any of their teachings or practices is ostracised. Usually they say, "Thou shall not point thy finger against the Lord's anointed!" This manipulation is meant shut the mouths of those who reason and are discerning. We must all learn from the Bible.

2.   Cults tend to be exclusive and isolates their members from the general public so that if any wanted to leave, then he/she is penalised. Cults would always regard themselves as the only ones who are right and true, and everyone is wrong.

3. Unbiblical conduct/behaviour. E.g. the Shakahola cult’s practice of depriving themselves of food and water until they starve to death is not the biblical fasting. Fasting is done with prayer, never alone.

4. Dishonouring the family unit. Breaking the law of the land. Generally, they have no regard for any other institution other than their own organisation.

The Work of a Pastor

What made you become a member of the church where you are? Is it because of the faithful preaching of the word of God? I hope that is a great part of it. Or could it be just because of the tantalizing music? I hope it is because of a godly, faithful pastoral care.

But what do you expect from your pastor? The pastor factor plays a big role in the choice of a church. A pastor is first and foremost expected by to be scripturally qualified, i.e. according to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. You cannot separate the work of the pastor and his qualifications. Simply put your pastor should be a holy man; above reproach in his personal conduct, above reproach with his relation to his family, and above reproach in his ministry. Unless the pastor is a godly man, he will not do you much good, even if he is an excellent teacher and preacher.

What is his work? Peter, exhorts the elders (this is the most common term in Scripture referring to the pastors), to shepherd the flock of God by exercising oversight (1 Peter 5:2). They are to do this not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have them. They are not to do it for shameful gain or for money, but eagerly. They must not be domineering over those in their charge, but being examples to the flock.

What is shepherding the flock of God?

Shepherding is the same as pastoring – it is the same word. We can discern the work of a shepherd from the rest of the Scripture. In Psalm 23, David, who was himself a shepherd, writes about the Lord as his shepherd. He says the following:

The shepherd makes sure that the sheep are not lacking anything (v. 1). This is the general statement and it plays out in the following areas:

a)       He feeds the flock (v. 2)

b)      He leads them in righteousness (v. 3)

c)       He protects the flock from danger (v. 4)

d)      He keeps, cares or tends the flock (vv. 5-6)

Ezekiel spoke against the elders of Israel because they had failed in caring for the flock of God that was among them (chapter 34). It must be said that there are too many pastors who should face this indictment for the way they have dealt with the flock of God. They devour, destroy and kill the flock. Shame on them!

But we learn from this indictment what God expects the elders to do:

a)       Feed the sheep (vv. 2,3)

b)      Strengthen the weak (v. 4)

c)       Heal the sick (v. 4)

d)      Bind up the injured (v. 4)

e)       Bring back the straying ones (v. 4)

f)        Seek the lost (v. 4)

g)       Rule with gentleness (v. 4)

The Lord called himself the Good Shepherd in John 10:11. We can understand the work of a shepherd from His example. He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” The shepherd should be willing to lay down his own life, and suffer for the sake of his sheep, to protect them from wolves. This is what Christ did – He laid down His life even to the point of death. He died to purchase the flock with His own blood!

How many of the under-shepherds are willing to do this for the blood-bought flock of God? Unless the pastor is willing to sacrifice his comforts, and sometimes personal cares to tend the flock, he will not be a faithful shepherd. How much is your pastor willing to give in terms of time to serve the church? Pastoral ministry is a 24/7 service. There may be no time to rest. Unless one is prepared to count the cost, and give his all, he cannot be a faithful and effective pastor.

Paul set this example of shepherding in Ephesus. Speaking to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:17-38, he explained how his ministry was among them as the paradigm for theirs. He said:

1.       He served the Lord with all humility and tears and with trials.

2.       He did not withhold anything that was profitable to them, but declared the whole counsel of God. A true pastor must be committed to preaching through the whole Bible – Genesis to Revelation!

3.       He taught them in public and from house to house.

4.       He did not discriminate, but testified both to Jews and to Greeks.

5.       He urged a response of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

6.       He was not afraid of sufferings and persecutions such as imprisonments and other forms of afflictions.

7.       He did not account his life of any value or precious to himself.

8.       He was interested in finishing his course and ministry that he received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

9.       He pleads innocence of anyone’s blood, and very clearly says that he coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.

10.    He worked hard both in ministry and with his own hands (in tent-making) to cater for his own needs and those of his companions.

Any pastor who is committed to this level of faithfulness will fulfill his ministry. It is on the basis of this pattern that Paul exhorts these pastors to do the following in their own ministry:

1.       Pay a careful attention to themselves and to all the flock.

2.       As overseers appointed by the Holy Spirit, they are to care for the church of God.

3.       To be alert and so protect the church from the wolves (false teachers/prophets) who were to come from within and without.

4.       To admonish people even with tears.

5.       He commends them to God and to His Word of grace which is able to build them up and to give them inheritance.

6.       To work hard and so help the weak

Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus in the pastoral letters are instructive to us on the work of the pastor. This work can be classified as follows:

Personal conduct:

a)       Paul gave his own testimony of conversion 1 Timothy 1:12-17). The point is that every single pastor should be one who has been truly saved from his sins, and has been made alive in Christ.

b)      Men who exercise oversight must themselves be godly in their conduct. They must keep a close watch on themselves and their teaching (1 Timothy 4:16).

c)       Private discipline to godliness and study (1 Timothy 4:7).

Care for the flock

a)       Teaching and preaching

b)      Prayer

c)       Visitation

d)      Comforting the grieving and the bereaved

e)       Interviewing new applicants for membership

f)        Private counselling

g)       Providing forum for accountability and discipline

h)      Recommending excommunication to unrepentant members

The teaching ministry

a)       Discipleship – And what you have heard from me … entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).

b)      Hermeneutics – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15). A pastor is expected to be careful and scientific (use proven interpretation principles) in his exegesis of passages of the Bible that he teaches. Knowledge of original languages is an added advantage, which must be sought. A serious pastor should own such Bible commentaries that have been tested over the years as faithful.

c)       Homiletics – Preaching ministry. I charge you… preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (2 Timothy 4:1-2)

d)      Apologetics and polemics – Defending the faith. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil (2 Timothy 2:24). Refuting error, rebuking those who contradict sound teaching. It is the work of pastors to charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to fairy tales.

e)       Evangelism – Making the gospel known. do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5)

f)        Public reading of Scripture (1 Timothy 4:13)

The church should do everything possible to relieve their pastors from material responsibilities such as mercy, property management, administration, etc. so that he can devote to preaching and prayer (Acts 6:4).

During this electioneering year in Kenya, too many pastors may be attracted to politics. Pastors need to realize that this may compromise their position as they take sides.

Various observations:

1.       A church should be shepherded by saved men.

2.       A church should be shepherded by male pastors. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, rather she is to remain quiet…Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife… (1Timothy 2:11-12, 3:2). This is an important qualification and it does determine the fatherly care, a caring manly leadership able to admonish, refute error and rebuke those who contradict sound teaching.

3.       A church should be shepherded by multiple pastors, whether it is small or large. It is in multiplicity of counselors that the church will be helped. Be very suspicious of a church where it is a-one-man-show. This is an important and vital check and balances for a faithful pastoral ministry. Many pastors watch over each other, even as they watch over the flock.

This article is published on Grace & Truth Magazine Issue No. 127. 

Various Resources on the subject: