Let me start by saying, I ABSOLUTELY love my church, the International Church of Christ (ICOC). So, any use of the word cult or being involved in a cult is only a spin on the definition. Cult by definition is a group of people who share religious or spiritual beliefs, especially beliefs regarded by others as misguided, unorthodox, extremist, or false.
Now if by that definition living by God’s scriptures such as Acts 2:42-44, 2 Corinthians 6: 14-19, Romans 12:2 which tell me to be “devoted to one another…having everything in common”, “not being yoked with unbelievers”, and “not conforming to the patterns of this world” paints me as a cult member, then I am in the cult of JESUS CHRIST My Lord and Savior! Now does this mean that we are in an exclusive club by no means, God has given every one the opportunity to have a deep meaningful relationship with him. (John 3:16-21 and 1 John 1:8-10).
Almost 4 years ago, I was shown these scriptures so vividly. By being involved in a horrific car accident, God allowed me to stare death in the face before realizing that my life was in fact headed nowhere but to an eternal flame. My sister had been a disciple at that time for over 18 years and lived in way that allowed me to see the Bible in real life. I was so moved by her exhibition of love, I decided to attend church with her one Sunday.
Shortly after attending, I began studying the Bible and was convicted by what I saw. I had been in “church” all my life and never saw where the word was living and active in people’s lives. People would “talk or preach” a good game but there was no accountability. The members of my church would genuinely love up on me and really be involved in my life despite my actions. In the past, I would go to different churches that would preach things that were not in the Bible. Perhaps they were “misguided”. I love that my church calls us higher and preaches God’s word ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17) which tells me “ALL scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”, so again if that is a cult then I am guilty as charged.
On December 28, 2008, I made my good confession that “Jesus is Lord” and that was the best day of my life. My name has been added to the lamb’s book of life (Revelation20:12). I am now free because of the truth (John 8:31). I no longer am listening to “just live your life” or “You only live once” (2 Timothy 4:3). I hold to what has been entrusted to me and freely share it with others (Philemon1:6). That being said: Please, Sign me up for this cult anytime!
Danielle Beavers