Christ, which contains the gospel of John along with helpful Bible studies. Stress that he or she should read the Gospel text thoroughly before completing the study portion.
B. If the inquirer is influenced by or connected with a sect or cult,
recommend leaving it immediately and severing all ties with the group. In its place, he or she should identify with a Bible-teaching church for worship, prayer, and fellowship with born-again believers and instruction in God's Word.
4. Pray with him or her for a clear understanding of the Bible—for "the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16) in all things concerning God's Word. For the Christian:
It is not uncommon for an apparently knowledgeable Christian to be influenced by false teaching.
1. Take care not to offend the inquirer by suggesting that he or she is in error or has been gullible. Remember that Satan often disguises himself as an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). Do not suggest at the outset that he or she leave the cult or sect.
2. Trusting the Holy Spirit to lead you, consult other resources that give information about the doctrinal issues involved. Perhaps something in the chapter on "Cults" in this book, or the section in the back titled "A Comparison of Christianity with Major Religions and Cults," will be of help. Use your own knowledge of the Bible and your experience to help the person.
3. Ask your inquirer to write down the information and accompanying Scriptures you share, for future reflection and study. Offer to send Living in Christ for help in Bible study.
4. Finally, pray with him or her for an open mind and for a knowledge of God's will as he or she seeks to know the Bible.
5. If, at this point, your inquirer asks you to recommend a church, simply suggest that he or she seek to identify with a group of believers where God's Word is preached and taught. Then trust the Holy Spirit to guide to the right place. Do not suggest a specific denomination or church unless the inquirer requests this information.
Scripture
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 16:25).
"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:8–9).
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:1–2).
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world" (1 John 4:1–3).
See also Cults, The Bible, The Trinity
FEAR
Background
A moderate sense of fear may be considered normal, even healthy. It may be simply an awareness of impending danger—a defense mechanism. It may be just the pounding heart, flushed face, and sweaty palms in anticipation of being called on in class or being asked to make a speech at a meeting. Fears may be in reaction to imagined or real circumstances. They can be acute or chronic. Many fearful people tend to infect others with their anxieties and tensions.
When faced with a fearful person, you must demonstrate love and try to discover the causes for the fears. There may be no easy or instantaneous solutions to the total problem; but you can suggest a proper relationship with Jesus Christ, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a life focused on the Word of God as necessary steps to freedom from fear.
The expressions "fear of God" or "fear God" in the Bible don't mean that God expects us to cringe in terror before Him in anticipation of punishment, but that we owe Him our reverential respect and trust. Solomon said,
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10).
The fear of God is the one fear (a trustful, worshipful attitude) which removes all other fears!
"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4).
Billy Graham writes, "Jesus said we are not to fear; we are not to be anxious; we are not to fret; we are not to worry. The Bible teaches that this type of fear is sin. 'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid'" (John 14:27).
Helping Strategy For the Non-Christian:
If the inquirer is a non-Christian expressing an unhealthy fear of God because of a guilty conscience or fear of punishment (future judgment), you