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One of the most compelling pieces of evidence for the existence of God lies in the fine-tuning of the universe. Scientists have discovered that numerous physical constants, such as the strength of gravity and the value of the cosmological constant, must be precisely set to allow for the development of life. Even a slight alteration in these values would render the universe uninhabitable.

The remarkable precision and delicate balance required to sustain life in the universe strongly suggest a purposeful design. Such intricate fine-tuning implies the presence of an intelligent Creator Who carefully fashioned the universe with the intention of supporting life. Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Billy Graham once said, “The existence of the universe is evidence enough for me that God created it. The intricacy and complexity of the cosmos point to a divine design.”

For one to ignore this evidence is scandalous to the point that the Bible says that such an individual is “wilfully ignorant.” “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water” – 2 Peter 3:5 (KJV).

Big bang theory

According to the Big Bang theory, the universe began in an extremely hot and dense state approximately 13.8 billion years ago. It states that all matter, energy, space, and time originated from a singularity—a point of infinite density and temperature. The universe then rapidly expanded and cooled down, undergoing a process known as cosmic inflation. As it expanded, matter and energy started to form, which eventually led to the formation of galaxies, stars, and other cosmic structures.

This theory has its issues. The joke question is “Why did the Big Bang go to therapy?” the answer is, “It needed to work out some universal issues.”

Cosmic inflation

Modern cosmology has revealed that the universe is in a state of constant expansion. Our moon, for instance, is moving away from the Earth at an average speed of approximately 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) per year. This universal expansion is supported by extensive observational evidence. Edwin Hubble, for instance, observed in the 1920s that the light from distant galaxies shifted towards longer wavelengths (known as redshift), indicating that they were moving away from us. He discovered a linear relationship between the distance of a galaxy and its recessional velocity, known as Hubble’s Law. Additionally, astronomers have observed that distant supernovae (extremely bright stellar explosions) appear fainter than expected. This dimming effect, known as time dilation, occurs because the light from these supernovae has travelled across an expanding universe and has been stretched to longer wavelengths.

Galaxies are actually moving away from each other, indicating that in the past, the universe was denser and hotter. The theory of cosmic inflation proposes that a rapid expansion occurred in the early moments of the universe that scientists attribute to the Big Bang, leading to the formation of the universe as we know it.

A problem emerges as we grapple with the mystery of why the universe appears to be geometrically flat rather than curved. The flatness problem arises from the fact that the universe appears to have extremely flat geometry. Even a slight deviation from this critical density in the early universe would have led to a dramatically different universe today. For the Big Bang theory to be true, the universe’s density must have been extremely fine-tuned in its early stages to achieve this flatness.

Another problem we encounter is the horizon problem. Regions of the universe that are currently too far apart to have had any direct interaction with each other appear to have the same temperature and exhibit similar properties. This muddies the waters for Big Bang proponents because these distant regions of space, based on their current separation, have not had enough time to exchange information since the beginning of the universe.

Divine inflation

Cosmic inflation, with its idea of a rapid expansion from a primordial state, resonates with Biblical accounts of creation. This expansion was so quick that it smoothed out irregularities in the fabric of space-time, leading to the remarkably uniform distribution of matter and energy observed in the universe today. The precision required for this expansion to occur in just the right manner to allow for the formation of galaxies and cosmic structures is awe-inspiring. The intricate balance of initial conditions and the laws of physics necessary to drive cosmic inflation indicate the presence of a Guiding Hand at the initial stage.

Divine inflation offers the solution to the flatness and horizon problems. The alignment between the predictions of inflationary models and the observed characteristics of the universe suggests a purposeful orchestration, indicative of a Divine Planner.

This concept of God stretching out the universe is mentioned multiple times in the Bible. It explains the expanding universe theory known as cosmic inflation in modern science.

Isaiah 40:22 (NIV): “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He STRETCHES OUT the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.”

Job 9:8 (NIV): “He alone STRETCHES OUT the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.”

Psalm 104:2 (NIV): “He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he STRETCHES OUT the heavens like a tent.”

Isaiah 42:5 (NIV): “This is what God the LORD says—the Creator of the heavens, who STRETCHES THEM OUT, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it.”

Isaiah 45:12 (NIV): “It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands STRETCHED OUT the heavens; I marshalled their starry hosts.”

Jeremiah 10:12 (NIV): “But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and STRETCHED OUT the heavens by his understanding.”

The creation story

God, the ultimate Architect and Creator, exists beyond the boundaries of space and time. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” – Genesis 1:1 (NIV). In an act of divine intention, He initiates the expansion of the universe, unfolding His divine plan, and stretching the fabric of space itself.

Just as an artist paints a canvas with ever-expanding strokes, God breathes life into the cosmos, allowing it to evolve and flourish over vast stretches of time. As the universe expands, it mirrors the awe-inspiring power and limitless nature of God. This expansion, guided by divine wisdom, leads to the formation of galaxies, stars, and other cosmic structures.

As He stretched out the universe, God fashioned a small planet and located it in the Solar System, which is a part of the Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way itself is just one of the billions of galaxies in the observable universe. In terms of size, this small planet is relatively modest. It has a diameter of about 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles) and a mass of approximately 5.97 x 1024 kilograms. In comparison to the vast expanse of the universe, it seems insignificant.

God places this planet within a habitable zone known as the “Goldilocks zone.” He places the planet at a suitable distance from the sun to sustain a stable average temperature and allow for the presence of liquid water, a fundamental requirement for life as we know it. Additionally, He encloses the planet in a protective atmosphere that helps shield it from harmful radiation and provides the necessary gases for respiration and climate regulation.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone?” – Job 38:4-6 (NIV).

What makes Earth truly exceptional is its ability to support and sustain life as we know it. The unique combination of factors, such as Earth’s optimal distance from the sun, its composition of gases in the atmosphere, and its dynamic geology, have harmoniously come together to create an environment perfectly suited for the sustenance of life. Earth’s distance from the sun allows for a stable and moderate climate, with suitable temperatures. The composition of Earth’s atmosphere, primarily consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases, provides the necessary conditions for respiration, protection from harmful radiation, and the regulation of temperature and climate. Additionally, Earth’s geology, marked by tectonic activity and the presence of a diverse range of landforms, contributes to the cycling of nutrients, the formation of habitable environments, and the generation of diverse ecosystems. It is the delicate interplay of these factors that has made Earth a haven for the incredible tapestry of life that flourishes upon its surface.

Scientific observations point towards the idea of a Powerful and Intelligent Force behind the cosmos. From the complexity and order of the natural world to the intricate design of living organisms, there are numerous indications of purpose and intentionality in the universe. God exists and played a vital role in the formation of our world.

Cults have long fascinated and troubled society with their ability to ensnare individuals in manipulative and harmful belief systems. Recognizing the signs of a potentially dangerous cult is crucial to protecting ourselves and our loved ones from falling prey to their insidious tactics.

Any group of people with a shared belief system, such as a church congregation, has the potential to degenerate into a cult-like character. As a congregation grows in size and fervor, the leadership may begin to isolate members from outside influences and establish their authority as unquestionable. Groupthink can also occur, where dissenting opinions are discouraged, and members conform to the group’s beliefs and behaviours. It’s essential for any church community to maintain a solid foundation of God’s revealed truth in the Bible to prevent this dangerous shift towards cult-like behaviour.

The development of a church congregation into a cult is a complex process influenced by various factors. While it is difficult to pinpoint a single cause, certain elements commonly contribute to this transformation. Here are some factors that can contribute to the evolution of a church congregation into a cult:

Charismatic and Authoritarian Leadership:

A primary characteristic of a dangerous cult is the presence of a charismatic leader who holds significant control over his or her followers. Such a leader exhibits authoritarian tendencies, using charisma and manipulation to exert influence and maintain a hierarchical structure within the group.

Jim Jones, born on May 13, 1931, was an American religious leader and cult figure who gained notoriety as the founder and leader of the Peoples Temple cult. He was known for his authoritarian leadership style, ruling the People’s Temple with an iron fist. He demanded absolute loyalty and unwavering obedience from his followers, employing punishment and psychological manipulation to enforce compliance. This included physical abuse, public humiliation, and emotional coercion.

Extra-Biblical Truth Claims:

Dangerous cults reject conventional Biblical truth and assert their own brand of absolute truth, proclaiming that they possess exclusive knowledge or a superior understanding of reality. They denigrate or reject mainstream beliefs, promoting their own ideology as the only path to salvation, enlightenment, or a better existence.

Founded by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles in the 1970s, Heaven’s Gate believed in the existence of extraterrestrial beings who would provide spiritual salvation. They claimed to have exclusive knowledge about the nature of the universe and believed that by following their teachings and undergoing a process of physical transformation, their members could ascend to a higher level of existence.

Manipulation and Control Tactics:

Cults employ various manipulative techniques to gain control over their members. These tactics include isolation from family and friends, strict control of information, monitoring and censorship of communication, and the use of mind-altering practices such as sleep deprivation or excessive meditation. The goal is to weaken individual autonomy and foster dependence on the cult for emotional, financial, and social needs.

Founded by Keith Raniere, NXIVM marketed itself as a self-help organization but operated as a cult. It employed emotional manipulation, blackmail, isolation, and financial exploitation as tools of domination. Members were subjected to intense indoctrination, coerced into providing collateral (potentially damaging personal information), and psychologically manipulated to remain loyal to the group.

Exploitation and Abuse:

In dangerous cults, exploitation and abuse are distressingly common. Members may be subjected to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse under the guise of spiritual or psychological purification. Financial exploitation, coerced labour, or excessive donations are also frequent occurrences. Any signs of mistreatment, secrecy, or non-consensual practices within a group should be taken seriously.

Under the leadership of David Koresh, the Branch Davidians engaged in sexual abuse and exploitation. Koresh practiced polygamy and had multiple wives within the cult, including underage girls. He exerted control over the sexual relationships of his followers, including instructing them to abstain from sex with their spouses in favour of him.

Breaking Ties and Shunning:

Cults separate their followers from their previous lives, discouraging contact with family, friends, or the wider community. They insist on exclusive allegiance to the group, isolating individuals from external influences that may challenge the cult’s authority.

Jim Jones and the People’s Temple utilized isolation as a means of controlling their followers. Members were gradually separated from their families and subjected to a highly controlled environment within the cult. This isolation prevented dissenting views and facilitated the cult’s manipulation and control over its members.

Resistance to Questioning or Criticism:

A hallmark of a potentially dangerous cult is the intolerance of dissent or critical inquiry. Followers are discouraged from questioning the leader’s teachings or practices, and any criticism is met with hostility or punishment. This suppression of independent thought stifles intellectual growth and prevents individuals from making informed decisions.

Scientology is notorious for its aggressive response to dissent or criticism. The organization employs legal threats, lawsuits, harassment, and intimidation tactics against former members, journalists, and critics who speak out against the group or its practices. This approach aims to silence dissent and deter critical inquiry into the organization.

Conclusion:

Recognizing the signs of a potentially dangerous cult is of paramount importance in safeguarding ourselves and others from the psychological, emotional, and physical harm they can inflict. The red flags discussed here, including charismatic leadership, extra-biblical truth claims, manipulation and control tactics, exploitation and abuse, breaking ties, and resistance to questioning, serve as a starting point for identifying such groups. By studying our Bibles and promoting critical thinking, we can protect ourselves from the clutches of dangerous cults and contribute to a Church that reflects the nature of Christ.

The debate over whether pastors should be paid or not is a sensitive one. Some Christians believe that since the position of pastor is one of service, those who fill the role should not receive a salary. Others play up the role of the pastor in the church and maintain that those who fill this role should be properly compensated.

There are a few key points that should be considered when debating this matter. In the present-day church model, the role of a pastor is not an easy one. Pastors are responsible for the spiritual lives of their congregants and must often work long hours. They also have to prepare and deliver sermons, counsel members of their congregation, perform weddings and funerals, and oversee various church activities.

To discern the Biblical position concerning this issue, it is important to study the relevant passages in their original context and consider the historical and cultural background of the time in which they were written.

Historical context

Most of the congregations in the early church lacked the wherewithal to pay for a full-time pastor. Paul the Apostle attests to the limited resources of the early church:

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not —to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him” – 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV).

Many church congregations weren’t able to financially sustain itinerant preachers or help fellow struggling churches (1 Thessalonians 2:9; Philippians 4:10–15). In the early church, leaders weren’t typically compensated on a full-time basis. There is no historical evidence to show that they were paid a full-time salary sufficient to cover their financial demands and commitments. They occasionally, however, received presents of food, clothing, and even some monetary support.

Qualifications for a pastor

Paul lists key qualifications for church leaders, and I wish to highlight three of them.

“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap” – 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NIV).

• Someone aspiring to be a pastor must be hospitable

The early church’s concept of hospitality comprised welcoming and entertaining visitors in a way that made them feel well cared for. It meant giving visitors the best experience possible through the provision of services and goods, or amenities. When Paul says that the candidate for a pastoral position must be hospitable, he means that the individual should be in a financial position to make visitors who come to his residence comfortable in every way. This is what we see Abraham doing in Genesis 18:1–8. Jesus Himself regularly received hospitality from sinners and tax collectors who provided Him with meals. In Luke 9, He sends out His twelve disciples without provisions, purposely asking them to rely on the hospitality of others.

So we see that not only must the candidate for church leadership have the willingness to welcome and serve others with kindness and generosity, he must also have the financial resources to actualize his hospitality. James asks the question: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” – James 2:14-17 (NIV). In effect, Paul told Timothy, “Don’t pick a broke, jobless person for the position of pastor.”

• Someone aspiring to be a pastor must manage his own family well

The Greek word used here for “manage” is the word “proistēmi” which means “to preside, maintain, to be over, or to rule.” Managing a household requires resources. From budgeting and grocery shopping, paying rent, medical, and school fees, to cleaning and maintenance, managing a household can be a complex task that requires energy and organizational skills. The candidate for the position of pastor makes the grade by providing material sustenance to his family. Later in his letter, Paul tells Timothy: “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” – 1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV).

• Someone aspiring to be a pastor must be able to take care of the church

The Greek word used here for “take care” is “epimeleomai.” It simply means “to care for, physically or otherwise.”

The only other place this word epimeleomai appears is in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). According to this story, a traveller is beaten, stripped of his clothes, and left for dead on the side of the road. A Levite and later a Jewish priest both approach the man, but neither assists him. Finally, the Samaritan arrives at the scene, applies oil and wine to the traveller’s wounds, and bandaged them. He placed the wounded man on his own animal and took him to an inn. He paid the innkeeper two denarii the following day and said:  “Look after him, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have” – Luke 10:35 (NIV).

The word epimeleomai as used in the story of the Good Samaritan depicts how a pastor should care for his church. The inclusion of this Greek word in the qualifications of a pastor means that apart from providing spiritual care to the congregation, the pastor should have some level of resources to meet some, if not all, of the material needs of his congregation. Being financially stable allows the pastor to be more generous and charitable toward others.

Let us also consider the word “pastor.” It is derived from the Latin word for “shepherd,” emphasizing the role of the pastor as a guide and protector of his flock or congregation. A shepherd’s primary responsibility is to look after his flock of sheep. This includes providing food and shelter, protecting the animals from predators, tending to their medical needs, monitoring their grazing, and transporting them to various grazing grounds.

Biblical model

The question must be asked: if pastors are to work to sustain themselves and their families, how can they find time to carry out their pastoral duties? Let us again examine the Biblical church model for answers.

• Church leadership

The biblical model of a church congregation does not envisage a situation where a single pastor acts as the sole dominant head honcho of a congregation. Church services in the New Testament were under the management of elders (plural), not an individual (Acts 14:23; Acts 15:4; Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

We always find elders (plural) in the New Testament churches.  These elders were born again, respected men in the church who provided guidance and spiritual oversight to the community. They were often chosen based on their wisdom, experience, and faithfulness. Each congregation should be under the leadership of a team of elders.

In Acts 20, when Paul was bidding farewell to the Ephesian church and wanted to deliver his last instructions, he called the church’s elders. “From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church” – Acts 20:17 (NIV). If the present model of a senior pastor being in charge of a congregation is the Biblical one, why didn’t Paul call for the senior pastor of the Ephesian church? The answer is simple: the Biblical model does not put a single senior pastor in charge of the congregation but rather a team of elders.

• Church care

According to the Biblical model, the task of caring for the congregation is not just shared among the elders; most of the work is carried out by the congregants themselves. Members of congregations are the ones most intimately involved in each other’s lives and can provide the necessary support and care. Additionally, this approach fosters a sense of community and encourages members to take an active role in the well-being of their fellow congregants. The New Testament is full of instructions for congregants to actively care for one another. Here are some of those verses:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” – John 13:34-35 (NIV).

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” – John 15:12 (NIV).

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” – Galatians 6:2 (NIV).

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves” – Romans 15:1 (NIV).

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” – Romans 12:10 (NIV).

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” – Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV).

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters” – Hebrews 13:1 (NIV).

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart” – 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV).

The Biblical church model avoids the scenario where a team of pastors is burdened with the care of an entire congregation. Instead, it points to a more communal approach to spiritual guidance and support, with each member of the congregation, under the leadership of plural elders, taking an active role in supporting one another. This easily leads to a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility within the church.

In the current church model, congregants exercise care and concern vicariously through the senior pastors, visitation pastors, youth pastors, associate pastors, administrative pastors, family pastors, etc.; the list is almost endless. Of course, since the position of pastor in the present institutional church is a paying position, the church has come up with all these variations to accommodate the many theological job seekers who wish to join the gravy train. And since this model effectively transfers the care of the congregants to these salaried pastors, the congregation loses touch with one another and eventually grows cold toward one another.

• Church services

The Biblical church model does not countenance a single individual, in this case, the pastor, dominating a church service. In the current church model, the pastor is the presiding officer at church gatherings. He is the one who delivers all sermons, distributes the bread and cup, dedicates the infants, and offers the closing benediction. In truth, the tenuous reliance on his ability to deliver sermons is what keeps many churches together.

Paul makes it clear that the Spirit of God gives His gifts to different members of the congregation and not exclusively to a single individual.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines” – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NIV).

In view of this, participation in early church services was open to all under the leadership of elders and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Everyone with a special message or insight from the Lord was welcome to share it. This gave believers the chance to deepen their relationship with God and their community of faith.

“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up” – 1 Corinthians 14:26 (NIV).

The prosperity gospel

The present church’s violation of the Biblical model for the church has necessitated the prosperity gospel. Contrary to Paul’s directive that pastors must first be in a position to sustain themselves and their families, churches consistently employ jobless Bible College graduates to serve as ministers.

In their desperation to meet their daily financial needs and those of their families, these preachers have jettisoned the true gospel and have fashioned a false gospel that promises them material gain. In this false gospel, the accumulation of wealth is seen as a sign of God’s favour and blessings, rather than spiritual growth and obedience. The prosperity gospel allows preachers to exploit their congregants for financial gain. Pastors have adopted the Old Testament tithing system, which is not a requirement in the New Testament, in addition to first fruit offerings, seed planting, and other such gimmicks to weasel out as much cash from the congregation as possible.

Incidents of pastors using manipulative tactics to extract money from vulnerable individuals, and others being caught living lavish lifestyles at the expense of their followers are too frequent. John MacArthur, in his book Strange Fire, writes: “In hawking their gospel of greed, materialism, and self-promotion, Word of Faith teachers have made lucrative careers out of bad theology—backing up their false teachings by twisting the Scriptures or claiming new revelation from God.”

Conclusion

The rejection of the Biblical model for the church and church services has led to doctrinal decay in the body of Christ. Many churches have abandoned traditional teachings and practices in favour of modern and secular approaches whose end goal is to attract a large following rather than grow mature believers.

The sad truth is that the institutional church has used the Gospel to make money by exploiting people. We have more televangelists today than you can shake a stick at who use their platforms to manipulate vulnerable individuals into donating large sums of money, promising them salvation or blessings in return. Products and services are falsely advertised as having divine benefits to congregants who are vulnerable to manipulation and false claims. As a result, greed, materialism, and corruption have become commonplace, and on this account, many people have turned away from the authentic faith.

Contrast this with Jesus’ instructions to His disciples before sending them on an evangelistic mission. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the labourer deserves his food” – Matthew 10:8-10 (ESV). In Jesus’ mind, the ministry of the Gospel was not to be a career choice as it is today. Instead, Jesus saw the Gospel as a way of life and a calling to spread the message of God’s love and salvation to all people. He taught His followers not to seek personal gain or fame but rather to humbly serve others and live out his teachings.