Give God the glory for what? 

 In Acts 12, we read the story concerning Herod the king who had James, the brother of John killed, and who also had Peter arrested (vs. 1-3). As the chapter came to a close, we are informed about Herod’s dislike for the people of Tyre and Sidon (vs. 20). However, those people were longing for peace with Herod because his country supplied them with food.

Therefore, the king arrayed himself in royal apparel, sitting on his throne gave an oration to the people (vs. 21). After he spoke the people shouted out to Herod, “The voice of a god and not of a man!”(vs. 22). Now, because he did not give the glory to God, he was struck by an angel of the Lord and was eaten by worms and died (vs. 23). 

The obvious question arises, with Herod being such an evil king, who not only had Peter arrested, but had James killed, what could he have given glory to God for? I mean, was he to thank God for using his power to hurt His children? Of course not. What kind of glory would God expect this man to give to Him? The answer is, it is easy to give God the glory if he was willing to admit some things.

No matter what he says, he is just a man

The people were crying out that his words were not of a man. Yes they were. Even children of God are warned about thinking of themselves more highly than they ought (Rom. 12:3). People in position of power, shouldn’t forget there is a supreme power. Kings were created by the Creator (Gen. 1:26).

Even as a king, that has food, he didn’t create it

Not only was this man’s words, were not divine, his ability to prove food for them came as a result of that which God provided. Whether it be the seed, the soil and the rain – none of which any king can make. The only way to describe someone like Herod, is to call him a fool. Why? Only a fool says in his heart there is no God (Psa. 14:1). Or in this case, accept the he is a god.

As a ruler, even he could not stop God

When Herod had Peter arrested, he was determined to bring him before the people after the Passover (Acts 12:4). To be assured of this, the king delivered Peter to four squads of soldiers to keep him. We are told the apostle was bound with two chains between two soldiers, and there were guards before the door of the prison (vs. 6). Not only that, we learn when Peter was freed by an angel of the Lord, they still had to get past the first and second guard posts (vr. 10).  Even though the king had the guards killed (vs. 19), certainly he ought to have feared the God that was able to set Peter free.

Having wealth doesn’t guarantee good health

Not only should he have been thankful for creation, but to bring it closer to home – his life. Rain falls on the just and unjust (Matt. 5:45). Evil people can have good health, and they have God to thank for it. No, God wasn’t giving Herod a special blessing of good health (until the end) because he was good. Good things happen to bad people and good people. But the fact is, God needs to be thanked – even though the wicked don’t. God deserves the glory.

This man was eaten by worms and died because pride got the best of him. This is a transgression that will keep many people out of heaven (I Jn. 2:16).  Let us learn the lessons from Herod and give God the glory for all things.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Chuck

Are you a good recruit for a cult?

Based on my experiences, members of cults seem to share some common characteristics. This article will examine the qualities that make a person a prime target for recruitment into a religious cult. We will do this by noting people in New Testament times who exhibited the same traits and became victims of false teachers.

Be influenced more by the teacher than the teaching

An example of this is found in Acts 14:8-18. Paul and Barnabas healed a man. The people tried to worship them as Gods, but Paul and Barnabas insisted that they were just men and should not be treated that way (verses 12-14). Even after this, they could not stop the multitude from sacrificing to them (verse 18). This happened with teachers who tried to stop correct the crowd - imagine what could happen if Paul and Barnabas encouraged the crowd to worship them instead! Cult teachers tend to be intimidating to begin with. When they find someone who can be so influenced by a teacher, they will have an easy time recruiting followers.

Do not question the teacher nor their teachings

Stories about the shady practices of cult leaders are easy to find in the media, yet their followers are often not dissuaded. Why not? Followers have blind allegiance and refuse to ask hard questions about the cult, its leaders, its teachings, etc. Not only that, followers will defend their actions and teachings. This sounds Biblically familiar.

Jesus asked, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher,” (Luke 6:39-40). Just as a righteous teacher can foster righteous disciples, false teachers can foster lost, unquestioning followers.

Avoid those who believe differently

The biggest fear cults have is losing their converts. If they had the truth, they would not have to be afraid. However, they want complete and utter control of all their members. This is achieved by isolating them from family and friends. They are trained only to talk with those who will listen and not question – other people like them. In contrast, Christians are encouraged to associate with non-Christians in order to have a positive influence (Matt. 5:13-16; I Cor. 7:13-16, I Cor. 5:9-10). We do not want Christians to fall away but also do not fear a fallen Christian exposing “secrets” or the inner-workings of the church like those who leave cults tend to do.

Develop an irrational confidence in the cult’s teaching

Christians are told to examine themselves regularly to make sure they are in the faith (II Cor. 13:5). Many Christians, including the apostles, had to be rebuked for doing things that were wrong (Gal. 2:11-12; Gal. 1:6-9; I Cor. 5:1-2; Acts 5:1-5). I have been in many studies with those who belong to cults. I consistently tell them that while I do not believe I am wrong, I will certainly admit that I am if it can be proven. When I ask them to state the same, they refuse. Why? They are puffed up and think the cult is infallible. We all need to remember the words in Romans 12:3, “…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”

Cults only have as much power as their members give them. Let us consider these Biblical examples and remember that faith grounded in genuine truth has nothing to hide!

                                                                                  Chuck