Set
Four – Meeting Two: Discernment
Read 1 Kings 3: 1-9…what kind of a heart is a
discerning heart?
Read 1Kings 3: 10 - 15…God’s answer (Discernment
must be important!)
IIlustrations:
1.)
The Bereans (Acts. 17: 1 – 15) Don’t go beyond
Scripture, but anchor yourself to it.
2.)
Satan will often try to get as close
to the truth as possible in order to make lies look good (cults are a great
example of this…Jehovah Witness, Mormons, etc., seem close to the truth in some
ways – yet deny the One who is the truth.
More information on cults and the occult…
The Occult: What is the difference between the
words “Cult” and “Occult”?
CULT AND OCCULT- Introduction
The words
“cult” and “occult” are popular terms that should not be confused with one
another. So, what is the difference between them?
CULT AND OCCULT- Cult
The term
“cult” is typically used by the secular media to describe religious or
semi-religious groups whose members are controlled in almost every single
respect by a single individual. Some good examples are Hare Krishnas or
Scientologists.
CULT AND OCCULT- Theological Sense of the Word
To
orthodox Christians, however, the word “cult” takes on a wider meaning. Not
only can groups be considered cultic in the sociological sense, groups may be
deemed cultic in a theological sense as well. What I mean is that groups which
claim to be in harmony with Christianity but deny foundational Christian
doctrines — such as the Trinity, or the unique deity of Jesus Christ — are
cults in a theological sense. Thus, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and
Christian Scientists qualify as cultists.
CULT AND OCCULT- Occult
Now,
while the word “cult” is always used with reference to a particular group, the
word “occult” is typically associated with esoteric and mystical practices. It
deals with hidden or secretive means to attain personal power, and is
characterized by a reliance on the supernatural to achieve its ends. The occult
includes such practices as fortunetelling, witchcraft, or trance-channelling —
the sort of thing described in Deuteronomy 18. Additionally, tarot cards,
crystal balls, ouija boards, and horoscopes number among the many tools which
are used by occultists. Clearly, the occult deals directly with demonic forces.
CULT AND OCCULT- Some Cross-over
It should
be clearly noted here that there is some cross-over between cults and the
occult in that some cults, such as the Church of Satan and others, are also
clearly involved with occultic practices. However, not all cults indulge in the
occult. For example, it would be unfair to link the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the
United Pentecostal Church in an overt sense with the occult. Now, while a clear
distinction should be drawn between the terms “cult” and “occult,” we must keep
in mind that they are both connected with teachings which oppose the Word of
God.
(information taken from Equip.org)
Scripture:
Matthew 16: 1 – 12
Luke 12: 54 – 57
Acts 20: 28 – 31
1 Corinthians 10: 11 – 12
Hebrews 5: 12 – 14
1 John 4: 1 – 6
Activity
Tea
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