Avoiding Deceptive Evangelism

This 1-minute devotion warns us against sharing the Gospel dishonestly, thinking we are doing God a favor.

I recently heard the testimony of a woman who spent several years in a "Christian cult."(1)

The first year they taught things that agreed with traditional Christianity. But the second year, after they felt their converts were committed, they began teaching their strange beliefs. The website of this particular cult also leaves their strange beliefs out of their introductory explanations.

This is a deceptive method used by many false teachers, but sometimes genuine Christians fall into this pattern. When we share Christ, we sometimes minimize the responsibilities of being a Christian and only talk about the joy, peace, and eternal life Christ gives.

We need to remember what Christ shared in Luke 14:25-34 when he explained that Christianity is for people willing to carry a cross, put God above all else, and live for His purposes. Part of the gospel message is letting people know that Christianity is more than words. It's a lifestyle of commitment and perseverance.(2)

So let's share Christ with right motives (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4). And let's share accurately, fully, and unashamedly.

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(1) These cults are actually "non-Christian," but the term "Christian cult" is used for groups that share some similar beliefs with mainstream Christianity but give equal or greater weight to non-biblical beliefs and present-day prophets. The word "cult" in this case does not mean a group that brainwashes or forces people to do things against their will. It simply means they have changed the true doctrines of Christianity. The two most well-known Christian cults are Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses. 

(2) Whenever I speak about the committed Christian lifestyle, I typically have someone accuse me of believing in "works salvation." Not true. We aren't saved by any good work. But we are saved to do good works which God prepares for us in advance (Matthew 5:16; James 3:13; 1 Peter 2:12; Ephesians 2:10).

To read more: 
Weird Things Mormons Believe written by former Mormons



This 1-minute devotion warns us against sharing the Gospel dishonestly, thinking we are doing God a favor.


Bible Love Notes

3 comments:

  1. What truth! Thanks for being brave enough to point that out! Christianity is not about what you can get but living your life for what you already got (His ultimate sacrifice)…

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  2. Being a Christian doesn't promise that our lives will be free from trial...far from it. But, we can count on our God being there to guide us through the storms! We are never alone, and for that (and much more) I am so thankful!!

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