By: Kiera

Read: Numbers 8:1-9:23, Mark 13:14-37, Psalm 50:1-23, Proverbs 10:29-30

At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
(Mark 13:21-22)

Relate: Every time I went to and from school, I’d always pass by this magnificent blue church. Its extravagant architecture catches my eye each time I pass it, though I’d never thoroughly paid attention to what it actually boasted until a few weeks ago. With the words “IGLESIA NI CRISTO” plastered across the front of the structure, I had always assumed it was just some typical Filipino Christian or Catholic church. 

No, not until I’d searched it up.

Turns out “IGLESIA NI CRISTO” is a cult. And it’s not just a singular structure cult—they have their innovative structures littered all over the Philippines, boasting a whopping 4.5 million members altogether. “IGLESIA NI CRISTO” is a nontrinitarian cult that believes in the so-called prophet and messenger of God, Felix Y. Manalo (1886-1963), who claims that he is the fulfillment of prophecy. The cult describes itself as the “one true church” and demands its members not to attend other churches, as well as constantly pushing them to give their money—No wonder they have such magnificent structures!

React: This is exactly what God has warned us about in Mark 13:21-22. False prophets such as Manalo are all over the world. If a church ever claims that it is the one and only true church in the world—RUN. God has already instructed you on what to do. “If anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it” (Mark 13:21 NIV). Keep your eyes open and avoid these cults that distort God’s word for their benefit.

https://thebereans.net/cult-listing/

In other words, we should learn from this that not all churches that claim to be of God or Jesus are true churches. Even groups with large followings, such as Iglesia ni Cristo, even those who are elect—”If possible, even the elect” (Mark 13:22)—will try to deceive you. Ever since I had discovered that this structure that uses Christ’s name as its title is not truly of Jesus, I’ve been extra careful in choosing what sources to listen to. Just because it looks like a church doesn’t mean that it is a church. Just because the website has the word God doesn’t mean that it actually speaks the word of God. Make sure that what you listen to is Orthodox and truthful. Do not be deceived by such false prophets and teachings.

Respond:

Dear God,
I pray that you will guide your believers to the truth. I pray that we will not be deceived by false messiahs and false prophets, nor will we be influenced by any falsehoods mentioned by the elect. For your truthful believers and these people who teach false things will all be judged by you, who is righteous above all of us.
Amen.