Today a memorial was unveiled in Oakland, California in remembrance of those who lost their lives thirty years ago at Jonestown, Guyana. It was there, under the cult leadership of a madman named Jim Jones, that nearly 1,000 souls died. Although most of the victims committed suicide in a deluded state of obedience and/or resignation to their messianic "Man of God," others were actually murdered as they tried to escape -- their understanding of the situation having come far too late for them to survive the assault by Jones and his henchmen.

Some individuals survived and were present at the ceremony, their memories still vividly haunting them as they looked at the Memorial's inscription: "In memory of the victims of the Jonestown tragedy. Nov. 18, 1978, Jonestown, Guyana." Marking the place where 406 unclaimed bodies lie buried (mostly children), the memorial wall forever will stand as a reminder the world that "cults" are real, they are harmful, and that can even be deadly -- not only from temporal perspective, but also spiritually.

According to Dr. Jynona Norwood, who lost 27 family members in the horrendous suicide-homicide, the memorial wall "will serve as a memorial for generations to come. It will raise public awareness that you never give up your free thinking ability to anyone. And, if it sounds too good to be true, more than likely it is."

We must never forget that a true man of God is measured by the Word of God—not a nice white suit, a charismatic manner, lots of money, or a big congregation (or a small congregation). And a teaching that might make you feel good doesn't necessarily mean it's scriptural.

There are false teachers and false prophets everywhere. But we shouldn't be dismayed. Jesus said it would be so, and also warned us to be discerning about such men (and women): "False Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible" (Matt. 24:24).Peter agreed, warning us: "There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves" (2 Peter 2:1).

So as Christians, let us not step back from our responsibilities to not only share the gospel in a positive way (e.g., sharing our personal testimony, loving others, and doing good works), but also by correcting those who have slipped into error. We are commanded to do so by nothing less than scripture: "Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 3). Like Jude, Paul wrote: "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Tim. 4:2).

Let us all join today in praying for the many millions of searching souls who are still lost in The Kingdom of the Cults (as Dr. Walter Martin called it)—pray that one day they will come to know the peace, joy, love, and truth available in Christ's wonderful Kingdom of Light! And may we, in our own small way, be part of their deliverance—whether we plant, water, or harvest. And to God be all the glory.

peace,

Richard Abanes
PoP CulTuRe MiX