I got a kick out of this one. Hey, a little levity goes a long way.
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If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you would have $49.00 today.
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you would have $33.00 today.
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you will have $0.00 today.
But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for recycling refund, you would have received $214.00.
Based on these statistics, the best current investment strategy is to drink heavily and recycle. It's called the 401Keg plan.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1John 4:1).
False prophets and teachers are no stranger to Christianity. They proliferated in the times of the Old Testament and even moreso now. In fact, those with Godly discernment have surely read some here on the blogs. So how to we spot these cults and false teachers?
Aside from being indwelled with the Holy Spirit one can't. While it is certainly true that some cults are obviously errant in their teaching (and thus recognizable) those same unbelievers may believe that very thing of others who are in line with God's word.
Here then are some means whereby one may ascertain whether they have run upon a cult.
1. Most cults typically have someone at the top, that is, a leader. This person is often charismatic and wields such power (both real and ostensible) that cult members dare not speak out against him or her.
2. The aforementioned leader and his lieutenants will shun those who don't believe, including family members and friends. Too, they often highly encourage members of the cult to assemble with those of like "faith." It is highly likely that they will claim some "hidden" message or new revelation to entice the unknowing.
3. The charismatic leader is ever at work seeking total control. This may be sly and unassuming or be direct and assaultive. Invariably the person will be asked and/or required to donate sums of money and time to the "cause" for their best interest.
4. Sometimes very well versed in the Bible (albeit errantly and without proper exegesis) the leader will "brainwash" the congregation into his/her belief system, often with long Bible studies or teaching sessions. Too, he will provide his flock with answers to questions from others concerning their cultic or errant beliefs. At the heart of this teaching lies a demon who dilutes the truth, proffers a lie, and deceives.
5. Eventually the flock become mere drones and cease to think for themselves. The irony here is that few would recognize themselves in this position. False teachers often claim extraordinary powers of healing, prophecy and other false signs and wonders. They may make bold claims of lineage or ancestry.
6. Cult members begin to and finally do lose activities, proclivities and pleasures that formerely were part of their lives. These may include sports, clubs and/or activities that they derived pleasure and fun from. Old friends will be replaced with new friends from within the cult.
7. Also, at times some (but certainly not all) members may adopt a certain dress code, diet and daily routine on behest of their leader. In addition, once they have been ingrained with the doctrine of the cult (its teachings) they will be sent out on recruitment missions in person or on blogs and forums.
So who can we trust? The Bible provides the answer. ""Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD" (Jeremiah 17:5).
And too: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).
