COVENANT MINDED MINISTRIES

Excerpts from Watchman Fellowship’s 2001 Index of Cults and Religions

The following Christian Cults and affiliated names and/or practices should be avoided, in that, they are misleading, corrupt, and destructive.

Aaronic Order, Maurice Glendenning, Murry, UT: Splinter group from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), founded in 1942 by Glendenning after he was excommunicated by the LDS Church for receiving and publishing revelations later known as the Levitical Writings.

Adams, Dennis, Mt. Shasta, CA: New Age, man is God.

All-One-God-Faith, Emanuel H. Bronner, Escondido, CA: Sells Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap, which claims to clean both body and soul. The soap is widely available in health-food stores. Teaches (like Process Theology) that God is continually recreating Himself. God desires all nations and religions to unite in an "All-One-God-Faith" on Spaceship Earth. This unification will come about through following 13 precepts and 20 directives revealed to Bronner by God.

All Souls Unitarian Church, John Wolf, Tulsa, OK: See Unitarian-Universalist Association for similar theological perspective.

Ambassadors For Christ, Tustin, CA: See Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for similar theological perspective.

American Constitution Committee: Political organization of the Unification Church.

American Fellowship Services: Splinter group of  The Way International.

American Study Group, UT: Defunct splinter group from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) that used the Book of Mormon and the teachings of LDS leaders to speculate on end-time events.

American Temple, Michael Whitney, Portland, OR: A "fourth wave" esoteric and mystical order led by "Patriarch" Michael Whitney reviving the doctrines of the now defunct Holy Order of MANS. 

Anglo-Israelism: See British Israelism. 

Annihilationism: Taught by most Adventist groups, including the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, this doctrine denies the conscious, eternal punishment of the lost. Instead, humans who do not receive eternal life will be destroyed and cease to exist.

Answers Research and Education, Bud Cocherell, San Jose, CA: Man’s destiny is to become a God, keep Old Testament festivals.

Apostolic Churches: A branch of Pentecostalism including several denominations as well as independent churches with the name "Apostolic"; many (but not all) Apostolic churches adhere to Oneness Pentecostalism.

Apostolic Overcoming Holiness of God, Inc., Birmingham, AL: Pentecostal church, stresses the oneness of God while accepting the Triune Being of the Godhead. Salvation depends upon baptism, tarrying to receive the Holy Spirit, and holiness. Publishes The People's Mouthpiece magazine.

Apostolic United Brethren: See Corporation of the Presiding Elder of the Apostolic United Brethren.

Applewhite, Marshall: See Heaven’s Gate.

Aquarian Academy, Robert E. Birdsong, Eureka, CA: Jesus only an avatar of the Cosmic Christ, of the Great White Brotherhood of Light. Man’s purpose is to reach the transcendental plane, release from the wheel of fate, astral projection, meditation, cosmic truths.

Aquarian Age Teaching, Ruby Focus, Sedona, AZ: Discover the God within, the Father-Mother god, Atlantis, Christ-consciousness.

Aquarian Church of Universal Service, Paul Shockley, Portland, OR: Teaches cosmic awareness but with no specific doctrine. Similar to Unitarian-Universalist.

Armstrong, Garner Ted: Son of Herbert W. Armstrong who formed his own rival Armstrongism splinter group, the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association. See Church of God, International.

Armstrong, Herbert W.: See Armstrongism, Worldwide Church of God.

Armstrongism: The doctrines and religious movement originating with Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986), who founded the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). Armstrong rejected such essential doctrines of evangelical Christianity as the Trinity, the full deity of Jesus Christ, and the personality of the Holy Spirit. Armstrong taught British Israelism and believed that worthy humans could eventually “become God as God is God.” Teaches salvation by works predicated on Sabbatarianism, tithing (20-30%), and keeping the Old Testament feast days and dietary laws. Under the leadership of Armstrong’s successors, Joseph W. Tkach and his son Joe Tkach, the WCG has undergone a radical doctrinal transformation. Scores of splinter groups, such as the Global Church of God and the United Church of God, continue to teach various forms of Armstrongism.

Aryan Nations Church, Hayden Lake, ID: A neo-Nazi paramilitary organization in the Christian Identity movement that preaches against all non-Caucasian groups. The Order, an Aryan Nations break-off group, killed Alan Berg, a Jewish radio personality in Denver, in 1984. The Aryan Nations received national notice in 1992 when the wife of member Randy Weaver was killed in a shootout with the FBI in Ruby Ridge, ID.

As It Is: See Process Church of the Final Judgement.

Assemblies of Yahweh (7th day), Cisco, TX: See Sacred Name movement.

Assembly of Yahweh, Holt, MI: Founded in 1930, perhaps the oldest of the Sacred Name groups in America. Sabbatarianism. Publishes The Faith.

Assembly of YHW Yoshua, Pueblo, CO: Sacred Name movement.

Association for Christian Development, Kenneth Westby Auburn, WA: Armstrongism splinter group.

Association of Unity Churches: The denominational structure affiliated with the Unity School of Christianity.

Association Sananda & Sanat Kumara, Mt. Shasta, CA: New Age, channeling Christ-consciousness teachings.

Bet Hashem – The House of YHWH, New Haven, IN: Sacred Name, man is the offspring of light, conversion is the union with the light.

Beth El Shaddai, Dick Amos, Plano, TX: Dual Covenant doctrine, denies Jesus is God.

Beth HaShem, Jacob Hawkins, Odessa, TX: Sacred name, Sabbatarianism, keeps Old Testament feasts and laws for salvation. Publishes The Prophetic Watchman newsletter.

Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Oneness Pentecostalism denomination

Biblical Church of God, Santa Cruz, CA: Armstrongism splinter group.

Biblical Research Centers: Regional centers for The Way International.

Black Christian Nationalist Movement: See Pan African Orthodox Christian Church.

B’nai Noah: Dual covenant doctrine, teaches Jesus is not the Savior of the Jews, Gentiles are to keep the Seven Laws of Noah and study the Torah (or Old Testament) with Jewish Rabbis.

Book of Mormon: One of the scriptures or “Standard Works” accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other sects originating from Joseph Smith, including the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and various Mormon Fundamentalist groups.

Boston Church of Christ: See International Churches of Christ.

Branch Davidians, Benjamin Roden: Splinter group of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. David Koresh (A.K.A. Vernon Howell) was leader from 1984 to 1993. He and many of his most devout followers were killed when their headquarters near Waco, TX, was destroyed by fire in 1993 during a government raid. Taught knowledge of the Seven Seals of the Book of Revelation brought salvation. Many followers still believe Koresh’s messianic claims and expect him to be resurrected soon.

Branham, William, (1909-1965): Oneness Pentecostal preacher who claimed he received healing and prophetic powers from an angel. Denied the Trinity, taught the serpent seed doctrine, and rejected other Pentecostal and traditional Christian churches. “Branhamism” is still taught at the Branham Tabernacle in Jeffersonville, IN, and in many other places around the world.

Brethren, Jim Roberts: Also known as “the Garbage Eaters,” the group follows the teachings of “Brother Evangelist” Roberts. The group requires renouncing both family and worldly possessions in order to earn salvation (see Salvation by works). Members travel nomadically, earning their nickname because of their practice of eating discarded food. Family members note that Roberts hides relatives, moving the individuals to avoid familial contact. Note: This group is not affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, an Anabaptist denomination.

British Israelism: (Anglo-Israelism/Israelitism) The doctrine that the true identity of modern Israel (or the “ten lost tribes”) is Britian and (sometimes) the British colonies (America). The monarchs of England sit on the throne of David. In more extreme forms, Israel is identified with a particular race—usually white Anglo-Saxon, Germanic, and Scandinavian people. Opposing versions of doctrine teach that Blacks are God’s Chosen People, Israel. See Christian Identity Movement, Serpent seed doctrine.

Brotherhood and Order of the Pleroma, Richard Duc de Palatine, Sherman Oaks, CA: New Age revival of Gnosticism, God and man are the same being.

Brotherhood of the Followers of the Present Jesus, Ann and Peter Meyer, San Diego, CA: Alchemy, Christ-consciousness in each person, channeling and clairvoyance.

Builders, Norman Paulsen, Oasis, NV: New Age, Christ-consciousness, meditation, Father-Mother God, enlightenment.

C.O.B.U.: See Church of Bible Understanding.

Catholicism: See Roman Catholicism.

CAUSA: Organization affiliated with the Unification Church.

Celtic Christianity: Augustine of Canterbury evangelized England in the late 6th – early 7th centuries. His work was later taken by Patrick to Ireland, who is largely credited with establishing the Celtic church. Celtic Christianity was heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, to which it was allied, although many individuals claim a greater reverence for nature in the Celtic tradition. Differences in practice within the Celtic church were gradually eradicated during the Middle Ages as the Roman papacy asserted its authority over Ireland. Modern groups that claim to revive Celtic Christianity are frequently a mixture of Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, with few legitimate ties to the early Celtic church. Nonetheless, these groups should not be confused with neo-pagan groups that also claim to be Celtic.

Center for Wisdom Spirituality, Paradise, PA: Universalism. Publishes the Interconnections newsletter.

Champaign-Urbana Church of Christ: Member, International Churches of Christ.

Chen Tao, Hon-ming Chen (The Right Way, God's Salvation Church, God Saves the Earth Flying Saucer Foundation): Apocalyptic Taiwanese UFO group that drew international media attention when they predicted that God would descend to their Garland, TX, headquarters in a flying saucer on March 31, 1998. Publishes Practical Evidence and Study of the World of God and Buddha, God's Descending in Clouds (Flying Saucers) on Earth to Save People.

Chicago Bible Students, Chicago, IL: Largest and best known of the independent "Bible student" groups. Reprints the early writings of Watchtower Bible and Tract Society founder Charles Taze Russell, including Divine Plan of the Ages.

Children of God: See The Family (Children of God).

Christ Cathedral for Divine Abundance, Alexius Bassey, London: Universalism, Divine Consciousness.

Christ-consciousness: New Age term expressing the belief that Christ is a divine potential in all human beings of which only some people are aware or conscious, rather than a unique title for Jesus.

Christ Family, Charles McHugh: McHugh, a.k.a. Lightening Amen, claims to be the incarnation of Jesus. Followers dress in robes, no shoes, practice vegetarianism.

Christ Light Community: See New Age Church of Truth.

Christ the Savior Brotherhood: See Holy Order of MANS.

Christadelphianism, John Thomas: Teaches that Jesus is a created being, Holy Spirit is Power of God, and salvation by works. Also rejects the ideas of heaven and hell. It has several splinter groups.

Christian Community: Based on teachings of Rudolf Steiner, founder of the Anthroposophical Society.

Christian Fellowship, The: See Potter’s House.

Christian Identity movement: The belief that the true identity of the ten lost tribes of Israel is the white, Anglo-Saxon race. The belief is similar to but distinct from the doctrine of British Israelism. A number of independent churches and organizations (including some militant racist groups) make up the general movement. Most deny the Trinity. Some teach a form of the Serpent Seed doctrine, believing that Jews are descendants of Eve’s alleged sexual relations with the serpent (Genesis 3) and are thus not fully human. Many also hold that non-Whites are descended from the union of Cain and a woman from a supposed pre-Adamite race.

Christian Millennial Fellowship, Hartford, CT: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society splinter group (see Bible Students). Publishes The New Creation periodical.

Christian Prayer Center, Mother Martin, Washington, D.C.: Native American spirituality and rituals, voodoo.

Christian Renewal Ministry, Saratoga, CA: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society splinter group (see Bible Students).

Christian Rose Cross Church, Olympia, WA: Based on the teachings of Max Heindel (see Rosicrucian Fellowhip), Cosmic Christ, Universal religion.

Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, Boston, MA: Officially called Church of Christ, Scientist. Eddy’s teaching heavily indebted to Phineas P. Quimby, a mesmerist. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures functions as a virtual second canon of Scripture. Views God as infinite Mind, “the animating divine Principle of all that is real and good.” Matter is unreal; thus, so are sickness and death, which are overcome by believing that we are Mind. Seeking medical help is discouraged, frequently resulting in preventable deaths. Christ is “the divine manifestation of God” most fully seen in Jesus, who only seemed to die. The “Holy Ghost” is Divine Science, that is, Christian Science. The orthodox doctrine of the Trinity is rejected as polytheistic. Many New Age ideas have historical roots in Christian Science and related Mind Science groups. 

Christward Ministry, Escondido, CA: New Age, guided meditation, Christ-consciousness.

Church of Bible Understanding (C.O.B.U.): A controversial network of churches, headquartered in New York, that historically has been charged with spiritual abuse due to legalism, undue influence, and control mechanisms.

Church of Christ: See Churches of Christ.

Church of Christ-Consciousness: See Center of the Light.

Church of Christ Jesus: See International Churches of Christ.

Church of Christ, Scientist: Official name for Christian Science.

Church of Christ, Temple Lot, Granville Hedrick, Independence, MO: Splinter group that broke away from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Church of Christ with the Elijah Message, Otto Fetting, Independence, MO: Splinter group that broke away from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Church of Christ with the Elijah Message, Greenwood, MO: 1998 splinter group from Otto Fetting's group of the same name.

Church of God and True Holiness, Robert Carr, Raleigh, NC: Allegedly practice slavery and mind control.

Church of God Evangelistic Association, David J. Smith, Richardson, TX: Armstrongism splinter group. Denies Trinity, personality of the Holy Spirit, and the bodily resurrection. Teaches annihilationism, salvation by law-keeping, Sabbatarianism, and that man can become a member of “the God family” (Godhead). Publishes Newswatch Magazine and Newswatch radio and television programs.

Church of God, (Abrahamic Faith), Wenatchee, WA: Adventist group, similar to the Bible Students groups; rejects the Trinity, teaches annihilationism. Publishes Notes For Bible Students newsletter.

Church of God Family Counseling Center, William Miller, Dallas, TX: Miller claims to be the savior.

Church of God General Conference, Oregon, IL: Rejects the Trinity. Main headquarters for the Church of God, Abrahamic Faith.

Church of God, International, Garner Ted Armstrong, Tyler, TX: Armstrongism break-off group. Armstrong recently stepped down from his top leadership position amidst allegations of sexual misconduct and litigation. Publishes the International News and Twentieth Century Watch periodicals.

Church of God Philadelphia Era, David Fraser, Pasadena, CA: Armstrongism break-off group. Publishes the Proclaim Liberty magazine.

Church of God (Seventh Day), Denver, CO: One of the older Sabbatarian churches in America. Publishes Bible Advocate.

Church of God, Seventh Day, Caldwell, ID: Sabbatarianism; observes Sabbath and Feast days; baptism necessary for salvation (see baptismal regeneration). Publishes The Herald of Truth newsletter.

Church of God (7th Day) Salem, WV: Rejects the Trinity; teaches Sabbatarianism; observes Feast days and Sabbath; baptism required for salvation (see baptismal regeneration). Publishes The Advocate of Truth newsletter.

Church of God, The Eternal, Raymond C. Cole, Eugene, OR: Armstrongism splinter group; Sabbatarianism; observes Sabbath and Feast Days.

Church of Hakeem, Hakeem Rasheed, Oakland, CA: Teaches how the god within makes people rich.

Church of Illumination, Quartertown, PA: New Age, Divine Spark in all humans, Gnosticism, similar to Rosicrucianism.

Church of Israel, Day Gayman, Schell City, MO: Radical Christian Identity movement sect. Publishes The Watchman.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The, Joseph Smith, Salt Lake City, UT: (Latter-day Saints, LDS, Mormonism) Main body of Mormonism; recognizes Brigham Young as Smith’s successor. Smith claimed that the Father and Son appeared to him and called him to restore the true Church. LDS Church teaches that God the Father was once a man and was exalted to Godhood. God (and his heavenly Wife) begat billions of spirit children, the firstborn of whom was Jesus. Lucifer was the leader of God’s rebellious spirit children.

Church of Jesus Power, E.S. Cooke, Sr., Boulder City, NV: Astral projection via “Jesus Powered Sakraments” (sic) which changes man’s electro-magnetic polarity.

Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Apostolic Faith: Oneness Pentecostal church.

Church of the Brigade of Light, Charlotte, NC: Divine Mother in everyone, Jesus called the Gentle Brother, Metaphysical philosophy. Publishes the Crystals of Light newsletter.

Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times, The, Joel LeBaron, Colonia LeBaron, Chihuahua, Mexico: Polygamous, Mormon Fundamentalist splinter group organized in 1956 by Joel LeBaron, who was assassinated in 1972, allegedly by his brother Ervil, who formed a rival splinter group, The Church of the Lamb of God. The assassination was allegedly carried out on the grounds of the Blood Atonement Doctrine.

Church of the Great God, John Ritenbaugh Charlotte, NC: Armstrongism break-off group. Publishes the Forerunner newsletter.

Church of the Lamb of God, The, Ervil LeBaron, Salt Lake City, UT: Polygamous, Mormon Fundamentalist splinter group formed in 1974 by Ervil LeBaron, who was removed from The Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times following accusations that he was responsible for his brother’s assassination. The church has also been suspected in the deaths of other rival Mormon Fundamentalists, including Rulon Allred, founder of the Corporation of the Presiding Elder of the Apostolic United Brethren. LaBaron died in a Utah State Prison in 1981.

Church of the Living Stone Mission for the Coming Days, Bang-ik Ha, Seoul, Korea: Predicted Jesus would return on October 28, 1992. See False Prophecy.

Church of the Most High God, Marvel, TX: God the Father is male and the Holy Spirit is female or God the Mother.

Church of the Most High Goddess, Mary Ellen Tracy, Los Angeles, CA: Revival of Egyptian religions, temple priestess, salvation through sexual relations.

Church of the New Birth: See Foundation Church of Divine Truth.

Church of the New Jerusalem: See Swedenborg Foundation.

Church of the Plains Indians: Native American spirituality, sweat lodge.

Church of the Tree of Life, San Francisco, CA: No doctrine of God, sin, etc., only doctrine is anything goes within legal limits.

Church of the Trinity, A. Stuart Otto, San Marcos, CA: New Age; By Jesus’ C.E.R.A. (Crucifixion, Entombment, Resurrection and Ascension) he imparted his Consciousness into the psyche of all.

Church of the White Eagle Lodge, Jean LeFevre, Montgomery, TX: Divine or Christ light in each person, visualization, yoga, chakras, astrology. Publishes Newsletter for The Americas.

Church of Universal Love, Linda Foreman, El Paso, TX: Similar to I AM Movement, use teachings of St. Germain, channeling, guided meditation. Publishes Cosmic Channelling newsletter.

Church of Unlimited Devotion: Worships Jerry Garcia of the rock-and-roll band, The Greatful Dead. They believe Garcia’s guitar is a channel for God.

Church of Y, Tylwyth Teg, Smyrna, GA: Pagan, occult philosophy.

Church Universal and Triumphant (CUT), Mark Prophet, Corwin Springs, MT: New Age, Great White Brotherhood, God-consciousness, similar to I AM movement. Currently led by Elizabeth Clare Prophet. 

Churches of Christ: The independent Churches of Christ movement was one of several associations and denominations that developed from Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott and Barton W. Stone’s restoration movement of the early 19th century, which was designed to promote unity among Protestants. Many (but not all) Churches of Christ today, however, differ from traditional Protestant doctrine in two key areas. Many maintain that water baptism and/or other commandments (rather than salvation by grace through faith alone) are a requirement for salvation (see Baptismal regeneration, Salvation by works). Some also believe that today’s Churches of Christ are the only true churches on earth and that they can literally trace their history to the first century church in Jerusalem.

Community of Christ, Joseph Smith, III, Independence, MO: Smaller of the two main groups that originated from Joseph Smith’s alleged restoration of the true church. When Smith died, those who accepted Brigham Young as Smith’s successor followed him west to Utah; they are known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Those who rejected Young and accepted Smith’s son, Joseph Smith, III, remained in Missouri and became known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS).

Concerned Christians, Monte Kim Miller, Denver, CO

Conciliation Ministries, Dusean Berkich Lawrence, KS: Conversion should be inward to self, not to Jesus.

Confraternity of Deists, Homosassa Springs, FL: Reject sin, no need for a Savior, no consciousness after death.

Congregation of God, San Jose, CA: See Answers Research and Education.

Congregation of God Seventh Day, John Pinkston: Armstrongism break-off group. Publishes The Herald magazine.

Congregation of the Firstborn, Raymond Glenn, Grapeland, TX: Teaches that Jesus is not God; also sabbatarianism, festival keeping.

Congregation of Yahweh, Pittsburgh, PA: Sacred name group, sabbatarianism, Old Testament feast days and dietary laws kept, the Holy Spirit is the power of God. Publishes The Restoration Message newsletter.

Cooneyites (Go Preachers, No Name Church, Two by Twos): Meet in homes. Jesus is only part human and part God. Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to live sinless life and can do the same for any person. Salvation by works.

Cornerstone, Jim Rector, Texarkana, TX: Armstrongism splinter group. Publishes Cornerstone.

Corporation of the President of the Fundamentalist Church, Rulon T. Jeffs, Sandy, Utah: Mormon Fundamentalist splinter group of between eight and twelve thousand members. The group has a strong presence in Hilldale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona (once known as Short Creek), which was the site of a government effort to prosecute polygamists in 1953.

Corporation of the Presiding Elder of the Apostolic United Brethren, Rulon Allred, Bluffdale, UT: Polygamous, Mormon Fundamentalist splinter group of between five and eight thousand members in Idaho, Nevada, Montana and the United Kingdom.  Allred was murdered in 1977 by members of a rival Mormon Fundamentalist sect.

Cosmerism: Mixture of Christianity and Buddhism, but embraces all religions as having truth.

Cosmic Christ: See Christ.

Cosmic Light of Peace Center: See House of Divine Bread.

Creation Calendar, Verlis W. Johnson, Kermit, TX: Sabbatarianism, necessity of keeping the Law, Feast Days, etc., for salvation (see salvation by works).

Crossroads Church of Christ: See International Churches of Christ.

Crusade of Innocence: Believed to be a splinter group of Process Church of the Final Judgment.

Daily Word: A monthly publication of Unity School of Christianity.

Davera Mission Church, Korea: Alternate name for Church of the Living Stone Mission for the Coming Days.

David, Moses (King David): Pseudonym for David Berg, the late founder of The Family (Children of God).

Davis, Haviland: Albany, NY: Leader of a Bible Students splinter group from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Dawn Bible Students, East Rutherford, NJ: One of the original Bible Students splinter groups formed after Joseph Rutherford assumed leadership of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Deseret Shadow Church: See Church of Essential Science.

Divine Science, Denver CO: Similar to Christian Science theology: God is All, man is a part of the All, thus man is God.

Divine Word Foundation, Warner Springs, CA: New Age, channeled writings, Jesus and Christ are separate entities.

Epiphany Bible Students Association, Mount Dora, FL: Splinter group from Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement, one of the Bible Students groups that broke away from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Essene Gospel of Peace, Edmond Bordeaux Szekely: New Age, allegedly channeled by “Jesus,” enlightenment, illness is a mistake.

Essene Light Center, Mary L. Myers, Charlotte, NC: Has similarities to I AM movement, belief in Great White Brotherhood, ascended beings, Father-Mother god.

Faith Assembly Church, Raymond Jackson, Jeffersonville, IN: Similar to William Branham. Publishes The Contender newspaper.

Faithbuilders Fellowship, San Diego, CA: Theology similar to Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Family, The, Charles Manson: The followers of Charles Manson, some of whom were convicted for the 1969 Tate/LaBianca murders. Not related to the following entry.

Faithful Word, Chicago, IL: Armstrongism splinter group, teaches necessity of keeping the Law of Moses. Publishes The Faith Word magazine.

Faith Temple, Rosemary Cosby, Salt Lake City, UT: Apostolic Faith splinter group; Cosby has claimed to be the Messiah.

Family, The, David Berg: Originally called the Children of God (COG) and recently called “The Family of Love,” this group boasts communal “colonies” throughout the world. Best known for explicit sexual practices in recruiting converts and inner-group life, based on Berg’s writings, the MO Letters. Not related to previous entry.

Father Divine, né George Baker (1878–1965): Black founder of the Peace Mission Movement, believed by his followers to be God.

Fellowship For Spiritual Understanding, Marcus Bach, Palos Verdes Estates, CA: Similar teaching to Unity School of Christianity, denies reality of death, teaches man is God.

Fellowship of the Inner Light, Paul Solomon, Virginia Beach, VA: New Age; concept of “Meta-Human” teaches man to go beyond human to become Creator/Master.

First Universal Church of God-Realization, Bhagavan Sri Babajhan-Al-Kahlil, Redondo Beach, CA: New Age, God is the self within, many paths all lead to the One Destination.

Followers of Christ Church, Walter T. White, Oregon City, OR: Practices shunning, exhibits legalism, and holds to a strict faith-healing doctrine. Doctors and hospitals are not allowed. State medical examiner claims as many as 25 children have died in the last two decades from complications from otherwise common medical problems.

Fort Worth Bible Students, Fort Worth, TX: Bible Students group that republishes older Watchtower Bible and Tract Society materials.

Foundation Church of the Millennium: See Process Church of the Final Judgement.

Foundation Church of the New Birth: See Foundation Church of Divine Truth.

Foundation Faith, (Foundation Faith of God): See Process Church of the Final Judgement.

Foundation Faith of the Millennium, New York: Universalism. All religious leaders, including Jesus, Mohammad and Buddha were sent by God.

Foundation for Life Action, Tara Singh, Los Angeles, CA: Know one’s own Christ nature; promotes A Course in Miracles. Publishes A Call To Wisdom newsletter.

Free Bible Students: A small Bible Students splinter group currently consisting of only four congregations and approximately 27 home groups.

Freemasonry: A fraternal order revived in the early 18th century in England, loosely based on associations or guilds of stone cutters (“operative” masons). Freemasonry (“speculative” masons) sought to give philosophical, moral, or spiritual meaning to the lodge, tools, and oaths of the stone cutters. Branches of Freemasonry include the Blue Lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Shriners. Affiliated organizations include the Order of the Eastern Star (for women), the Order of DeMolay (for boys), and the Order of Rainbow (for girls).

Gatekeepers, Christopher James Turgeon, Pala, CA: A small cult formerly called Ahabah Sasah Prophetic Ministries in Everett, WA. Turgeon once claimed to be the prophet Elijah. He and another member, Blaine Alan Applin, were charged with first-degree murder in 1998 following the shooting death of former member Daniel Jess. Earlier that year a SWAT team served a warrant on the group's five-acre compound located 60 miles north of San Diego and recovered weapons and other stolen property.

Global Church of God, Roderick Meredith, San Diego, CA: Splinter group from Worldwide Church of God. Teaches a form of Armstrongism.

Gnostic Catholic Church of Canada, Edmonton, Alberta: Paganism, magic, Celtic rituals. Publishes the Sunspot magazine.

Gnosticism: From the Greek word gnosis (knowledge). Salvation comes through secret knowledge. A diverse belief influenced by Greek philosophy and similar to forms of pantheism, Gnosticism generally taught that matter was evil and spirit was good. Forms of gnosticism affected early Christianity. One Gnostic heresy taught that because matter was evil, Jesus could not have come in the flesh. Many New Agers regard Gnostic Christianity as the more enlightened form of Christianity.

Gnostic Order of Christ, The, Timothy Harris, San Jose, CA: An esoteric and mystical order reviving the doctrines of the now defunct Holy Order of MANS.

God’s House of Prayer for All People, Samuel T. Allen, Dallas, TX: Sabbath and Old Testament festivals kept for salvation (see Sabbatarianism).

God’s Salvation Church: See Chen Tao.

Grail Foundation of America, Abd-ru-shin, Binghamton, NY: Esoteric teachings, Christ’s call for “child-like faith” no longer valid.

Great Lakes Fellowship: Splinter Group of The Way International.

Great Lakes Society for Biblical Research, John Cheetham: Armstrongism splinter group.

Gunvik, Sigurd: This man’s teachings are a mixture of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Sacred Name theology.

Harris, Timothy: See “Gnostic Order of Christ.”

Hatikva Ministries, Joseph Good, Port Arthur, TX: Denies the doctrine of the Trinity and deity of Christ, seems to be Sacred Name.

Health and Wealth Gospel: See Word-Faith Movement.

Hinkins, John-Roger: Founder of Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness.

Holiness Tabernacle, Dyer, AR: See Alamo Christian Foundation.

Holy Body of the Coming Jesus Christ Mission in New York: See Church of the Living Stone Mission for the Coming Days.

Holy Order of MANS, Earl W. Blighton: Monastic New Age group that practiced esoteric, mystical religion blending biblical themes with reincarnation and other concepts from Eastern religions and the occult. Blighton, an ex-engineer who was once fined for practicing medicine without a license, began the order in 1968. "MANS" was an acronym for a phrase revealed only to initiates. After advancing through the order, men reached the status of Brown Brother of the Holy Light, while women might become an Immaculate Sister of Mary for Missionary Training. After the death of Blighton, the group underwent radical changes. The majority of followers converted to Eastern Orthodoxy and the order eventually was transformed into Christ the Savior Brotherhood, a sect of Eastern Orthodoxy. Several competing groups later formed claiming to preserve Blighton's original purpose and message. They include the Gnostic Order of Christ, Science of Man, and the American Temple.

Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity: See Unification Church.

House of David, Benjamin Purnell Benton Harbor, MI.: British Israelism; Purnell taught he was the seventh and last messenger or angel of Revelation. Publishes Shiloh’s Messenger of Wisdom.

House of Divine Bread, J.L. Mociulewski, Bayonne, NJ: Pantheism, Father-Mother god.

House of Prayer for All People, William Blessing, Denver, CO: Sacred Name, teachings on Atlantis and Lemuria.

House of Yahweh, Yisrayl (a.k.a. “Buffalo BiIll”) Hawkins, Abilene, TX: Armstrongism splinter group. Sabbatarianism, Sacred Name, British Israelism, only true church. 

House of Yahweh: Odessa, TX: See Sacred Name movement.

I AM Movement, Guy and Edna Ballard: Occult, New Age, pantheism, Great White Brotherhood, the god within. Founded 1930; directs praise and adoration on the 18th century French occultist, St. Germain. Publishes Voice of the I AM magazine.

Identity Movement: See Christian Identity movement.

Iglesia Ni Cristo, Felix Manalo: Rejects the Trinity; teaches salvation by works, salvation found only in this group.

International Churches of Christ, Kip McKean, Los Angeles, CA: Formerly called the Boston Church of Christ movement, this worldwide splinter from the traditional Churches of Christ originally developed out of the controversial "Crossroads" Church of Christ campus ministry in Gainesville, FL. Former members and critics allege mind control. Practices shepherding, teaches baptismal regeneration, and claims to be the only true church. Publishes Upside Down magazine. Aggressively recruits on college and university campuses throughout America and internationally.

International Community of Christ: See Jamilian University of the Ordained.

International Congregation of Yahweh, Pocahontas, AR: Armstrongism splinter group. Sabbatarianism. Publishes Insight.

Investigative Judgment: One of the unique doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that make the place of that church within evangelical Christianity questionable. First taught in Adventism by Hiram Edson, F.B. Hahn, and O.R.L. Crosier, it was accepted as “present truth” by those who would later become known as Seventh-day Adventists (SDAs) after it was confirmed and taught in visions received by Ellen G. White.

Jamilian University of the Ordained, Gene Savoy, Reno, NV: Esoteric teachings; Jamil (Gene Savoy’s son) was second coming of Christ; Jesus was a mystic.

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Official name of the religion that accepts the authority of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Jesus Only: Nickname for Oneness Pentecostalism. See Modalism.

Jones, Jim: Founder of the People’s Temple Christian Church.

Keys To Understanding: See Messianic Assemblies of Yahweh.

Latter-day Church of Christ, Merlin Kingston, Salt Lake City, UT: Polygamous, Mormon Fundamentalist splinter group led by Merlin and Ortell Paul Kingston. Membership estimates range between 300 and 1,500 members. The group is believed to own or control more than 24 companies and have holdings in Nevada, Idaho, and possibly Arizona and Mexico.

LDS: Acronym for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Light of the City Ministry, Renton, WA: Magic power of words, Christ-consciousness. Publishes the Let There Be Light magazine.

Lion and Lamb Ministries, Monte W. Judah, Norman, OK: Messianic Jewish ministry. Holds that Jesus is the biblical Messiah. Legalistic tendencies, Sabbatarianism, practices Jewish holy days. Judah falsely predicted that the Abomination of Desolation prophesied in the Bible would occur by March of 1997 promising he would be "totally discredited" and would "shut down" the ministry if wrong. On March 23, 1997 he apologized for the false prophecy but reneged on his vow to disband the movement. [Note: this group should not be confused with the Texas-based Lamb & Lion Ministries, a reputable Christian organization led by David R. Reagan.]

Living Stream Ministry: Publishing firm for The Local Church.

Living Waters, Lois Roden, Waco, TX: Sacred name; taught that the Trinity is Father, Mother (Holy Spirit) and Son. Published Shekinah newsletter. Now defunct. See Branch Davidians. 

Local Church, The, Watchman Nee, Anaheim, CA: Controversial movement begun in China in the early 1920s by Ni To-sheng (Watchman Nee). Growth and controversy developed during the administration of their second leader, the late Witness Lee, who moved to America in 1962 founding Living Stream Ministry. Among issues drawing criticism from evangelical Christians is the Local Church's use of the term “mingling” to describe the relationship between God and believers (i.e., Christians become both divine and human like Jesus). Some evangelicals have also charged that the church compromises the Trinity doctrine by confusing the Persons of the Holy Spirit and the Son in a way similar to modalism.

McKean, Kip: See International Churches of Christ.

Megiddo Mission Church, L.T. Nichols, Rochester, NY: Denies Trinity; Heaven and Hell are illusions; the Devil is of man’s imagination.

Messianic Assemblies of Yahweh, North Warren, PA: Sacred Name group; publishes The Messianic Messenger newsletter.

Miller, Monte Kim: See "Concerned Christians."

Modalism: (Patripassianism, Modalistic Monarchianism, Sabellianism, Jesus Only, Oneness Pentecostalism) Originally, a second and third century heresy that denies the doctrine of the Trinity, teaching there is only one Person in the Godhead.

Moon, Sun Myung: Founder of the Unification Church.

Moonies: Nickname for followers of Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church. Considered a derogatory term by members.

Mormonism: Common name for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Music Square Church: See Alamo Christian Foundation.

Nation of Yahweh, Yahweh ben Yahweh (a.k.a., Hulon Mitchell, Jr.), Miami, FL: Sacred Name group; believes God is Black and that Mitchell is God.

New Age Church of The Christ, Thomas Printz, Long Island, NY: Ascended Masters, karma, death is an Illusion, Father-Mother God, man is divine.

New Thot Free Thot, Bill Greenhouse, Los Angeles, CA: Seeks to combine the teachings of Christian Science, Unity School of Christianity and New Thought philosophy.

New World Translation: Official Bible translation published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Key verses have been inaccurately rendered especially to obscure the deity of Christ. This translation has been universally rejected as inaccurate by competent Bible scholars.

Oasis Fellowship, Florence, AZ: Similar to Unity School of Christianity.

Oneness Pentecostalism: (Jesus Only) A heresy that emerged from the mainstream Pentecostal movement during the years 1914–1916. Unlike traditional Pentecostals, “Oneness” followers deny the doctrine of the Trinity in favor of a view similar to Monarchianism. In addition to this heresy, most Oneness Pentecostal organizations also teach that speaking in tongues, baptism (in Jesus’ name only), and maintaining various moral “standards” are necessary for salvation. See Salvation by Works, Modalism.

Pan African Orthodox Christian Church, Detroit, MI: Founded by Albert B. Cleage, Jr. a.k.a. Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman. Part of the Black Christian Nationalist Movement. Teaches Jesus is the Black Messiah sent to rebuild the Black Nation Israel and liberate the Black People from oppression, brutality, and exploitation of the white gentile world (from the Black Nationalist Creed).

Panentheism: View of God taught in Process Theology.

Pantheism: The belief that all is One and that One is God, thus all is God. This God is an all-encompassing, impersonal principle or force. A central doctrine for most eastern religions and New Age groups.

Peace Community Church, Washington, D.C.: Jesus the mystic, “crystal clear vibration” techniques, Christ-consciousness, mystical meditation.

Peace Mission Movement: Based on the teaching of founder Father Divine, which contains elements of New Thought, asceticism, perfectionism, utopian communalism, and denies existence of race and strictly prohibits discrimination among members. Requires all members to turn over all property and income, severing all ties to everything but the Peace Mission. Room, board, and a small allowance for incidentals are provided in exchange for otherwise unpaid labor in Peace Mission owned businesses or projects. Father Divine did not actually claim to be God, but he fostered the belief in his followers, and required loyalty and obedience from them due only to God. The group claims the biblical prophecies about the coming Jewish Messiah and Christ’s second coming were all fulfilled by Father Divine.

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW), Indianapolis, IN: Oldest of the Apostolic churches. Oneness Pentecostal. Publishes Christian Outlook.

Pentecostal Churches of Apostolic Faith: Oneness Pentecostal denomination.

People House, Denver, CO: New Age, subjective truth, Inner wisdom guiding, karma.

People’s Temple Christian Church, Jim Jones, Jonestown, Guyana: Jones, influenced by Unitarian Humanism, Father Divine, and Marxism, founded his church in 1977. He later claimed at various times to be God, Buddha, and Lenin. In 1978 at Jones’ command, 914 people (including Jones) committed suicide or were murdered. The group is now defunct.

Peyote Way Church of God, Anne L. Zapf, Willcox, AZ: Native American rituals, use the drug peyote as a sacrament. Publishes The Sacred Record newsletter.

Philadelphia Church of God, Gerald Flurry, Edmond, OK: Armstrongism splinter group. Publishes The Philadelphia Trumpet magazine.

Philadelphia Congregation of Yahweh, William Scampton, Philadelphia, PA: Sacred name group. Publishes the Yahweh’s Watchman magazine.

Plain Truth, The: Magazine of the Worldwide Church of God.

Positive Confession: Alternative name for the Word-Faith movement.

Potter’s House, Wayman Mitchell, Prescott, AZ: Originally called Victory Chapel, churches affiliated with Mitchell go under the names Praise Chapel, The Door, Grace Chapel, The Christian Fellowship, La Capilla de la Victory, La Casa Del Alfarero, and La Puerta. Begun in 1970, Mitchell has over 1,000 churches in 73 countries including Mexico, South America, Australia, Europe, and the Philippines. Numerous former members have alleged mind control and authoritarian/abusive leadership, and the group was the focus of a CBS News 48 Hours investigative report. Mitchell’s churches are not affiliated with the Potter’s House in Dallas, TX, pastored by T. D. Jakes. Also, The Door is not affiliated with the religious satire magazine by the same name.

Process Church of the Final Judgement, Robert de Grimston: Occult, Three Great Gods who are Jehovah, Lucifer, and Satan. Dualism—unity of Christ and Satan, both are equally good and should be loved. Grimston who wrote, As It Is, was ousted in 1974. Several splinters formed. Charles Manson was reported to be a member at one time. 

Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS), Former name of largest Mormon splinter group. See, Community of Christ.

Restoration Branches: A conservative split from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints [RLDS] (now known as, Community of Christ) that holds what they believe to be a more classical, historical RLDS understanding of basic doctrines, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. They generally view the institutionalized Community of Christ church as being too liberal in theology and perhaps on social issues as well.

Reverend Ike, a.k.a., Frederick Eikerenkoetter, II: Pantheism; general prosperity doctrine.

Right Knowledge: See Ancient Mystic Order of Malchizedek.

Righteous Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gerald Peterson, Cedar City, UT: Small polygamous, Mormon Fundamentalist splinter group of about 100 people. Peterson claimed that the spirit of Rulon Allred, who founded the Corporation of the Presiding Elder of the Apostolic United Brethren, returned to restore the priesthood to him.

Right Way, The: See Chen Tao.

The Rock of Ages: Annual music concert and convention held by The Way International.

Roman Catholicism: Diverse worldwide religious tradition that officially looks to the Pope and his predecessors/successors as God’s human leader of world Christianity. Because of its size and scope—both in membership (about a billion people worldwide) and geographically, the actual beliefs held by devout Catholics are widespread and eclectic. Catholicism has been influenced by liberation theology, especially in parts of South America. In Africa, the Caribbean, and elsewhere, attempts have been made to blend Catholicism with spiritism, creating a type of Catholicism with occult elements. In addition, since the 1960s there has been a small but significant element of charismatic Catholics who have been influenced by the larger charismatic movement. A small percentage of Catholics are doctrinally evangelical, and others (such as Matthew Fox) are part of the New Age movement. As a whole, however, the differences between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism are still seen most clearly in the issues of the Reformation. The 16th century reformers distinguished themselves from Catholicism in two key ways. First, they saw the Bible as the sole foundation for authority (sola scriptura) rather than the Pope, church dogma or tradition. Second, the reformers taught salvation by “grace alone” (sola gracia). They also insisted that sola gracia could be faithfully maintained only by understanding the gospel to be the message of a free pardon and righteous standing with God through “faith alone” (sola fide) in the imputed righteousness of Christ. The Roman Catholic Church claimed (and still claims) to affirm sola gracia, but anathematized sola fide, teaching instead that grace is received and maintained by a combination of faith plus works (religious rites, sacraments, or human endeavor).

Sacred Name movement: Although some Orthodox Jews and others believe that the name of God is too sacred to speak (and/or fully write), as used in this Index the Sacred Name movement refers to a modern movement that claims that God must be addressed by a form of the Divine Name in the Old Testament (Yahweh, Jehovah, Yah, Yahvah, or some other preferred form). Whichever one true name is chosen, all other terms or names for God are considered incorrect or references to false deities. Salvation, it is believed, depends on referring to God by His correct name. Most Sacred Name groups also teach Sabbatarianism and observe Old Testament dietary laws and feasts.

Sacred Order of Mystic Christianity, Mountain View, CA: New Age, mystic keys, Inner God, Christ within, higher self.

Santeria: Literally “worship of the saints,” a syncretism of Roman Catholicism and traditional African polytheistic religions established when African slaves were introduced to the Caribbean. Elements include animal sacrifice and voodoo.

Savior of All Fellowship, Montclair, CA: Universalism.

Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA), Washington, DC: The largest Adventist church. Ellen G. White, who claimed to have “the spirit of prophecy,” was an important early leader of the movement and taught a number of distinctive SDA doctrines, including the Investigative Judgment and Sabbatarianism. While the church’s official theology now appears to be generally in the tradition of evangelical Christianity, certain SDA claims and unique doctrines continue to raise questions. These doctrines include the SDA belief that Sunday worship will result in the “Mark of the Beast,” imbalanced teachings on keeping the commandments (baptism, Sabbath observance) that often implies a kind of salvation by works, the “Remnant Church” doctrine that implies that the SDA is or will be God’s only true church, and the doctrine of the Investigative Judgment.

Shepherd’s Chapel, Arnold Murray Gravette, AR: Denies the Trinity, teaching instead a doctrine similar to Modalism. Also teaches that humans existed as “gods” in a pre-creation existence with God. Advocates British Israelism and a form of the serpent seed doctrine. 

Shriners: See Freemasonry.

Smith, David J.: See Church of God Evanglistic Association.

Smith, Joseph: Founder of The Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints.

Solar Temple: See Order of the Solar Temple.

Songs of David, Marvel, TX: See Church of the Most High God.

Spirit of Prophecy Ministry, Las Vegas, NV: Predicted the return of Christ in 1998. Publishes Insights into Prophecy.

Summit Lighthouse/Summit University: See Church Universal and Triumphant.

Temple of Truth: See Light of Truth Church.

Triumph Prophetic Ministries Church of God, William Dankenbring, Altadena, CA: Armstrongism splinter group; publishes Prophecy Flash.

Triumph Publishing: See Triumph Prophetic Ministries Church of God.

True Mother and True Father: Titles of Rev. Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Church, and his wife.

Two by Twos: Alternative name for Cooneyites.

Unification Church, Sun Myung Moon, New York, NY: Full name, Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity. Jesus brought only spiritual salvation; another “savior” is needed to fulfill Jesus’ mission. Moon is that Messiah (or Christ) and “Lord of the Second Advent.” This group has over 200 front organizations. Moon’s Divine Principle is scripture. See Serpent Seed.

Unitarianism: Generically, the rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity in favor of the idea that God is exclusively one person. Unlike monarchianism or modalism, which view Jesus as a manifestation of the unipersonal God, or subordinationism, which views Jesus as a secondary divine being (e.g., the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society), Unitarianism views Jesus as a mere human being. Specifically, the term refers to the Unitarian movement that originated in late 18th-century New England and to the denominational body that merged with the Universalists in the 20th century to form the Unitarian-Universalist Association.

Unitarian Universalist Association: A denomination formed in 1961 by the merger of the American Unitarian Association (the principal religious body teaching Unitarianism) and the Universalist Church in America (which emphasized universalism). While the two parent denominations were rooted in liberal Christianity, the UUA does not even profess to be a specifically Christian body. Its churches exhibit an eclectic blend of liberal Christianity, humanism, atheism, and neo-paganism.

United Church of God: Armstrongism splinter group.

United Church of Jesus Christ: Oneness Pentecostal.

United Pentecostal Church International: The largest Oneness Pentecostal church body.

Unity Churches: Affiliated with the Unity School of Christianity.

Unity School of Christianity, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, Lee’s Summit, MO: New Age. God is the invisible, intangible something called Life. The Father is Principle, Jesus was the most complete manifestation of the One Mind, and the Holy Spirit is the activity of the God-Mind in the consciousness of man. Denies the reality of evil, pain, sickness and death.

Unity Village: Unity School of Christianity headquarters in Lee’s Summit, MO.

Universal Christian Movement, Glencoe, IL: God is Power, uses Mind Power for healing; all humans are God. Publishes The Christian Liberation newsletter.

Universal Life Church, Kirby Hensley, Medesto, CA: All people have the right to do what they feel is right; subjective truth.

Universal Life Church of the Seven African Powers, Miami, FL: Santeria; honor the god Ogun.

Universal Life Temple, New Port, MI: New Age, Atlantis, aura, fifth dimensional consciousness, levitation, telepathy.

Universal Light of Christ Church, Pat RaimondoAzle, TX: Raimondo claims that Jesus appeared to her; latter day revelation, Christ-consciousness.

Universal Temple of Divine Light, Don Slocum, Baton Rouge, LA: New Age, spirit entities, reincarnation, pantheism, Satan and Evil are illusions.

University of the Christ Light, Charlotte, NC: New Age; inner states of consciousness; man is the essence of God (cf. pantheism); Jesus was an Essene (i.e., a member of a first-century Jewish sect that New Agers theorize was more New Age than Jewish); Universal Mother.

University of the 12 Rays of the Great Central Sun: See University of the Christ Light.

Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Charles Taze Russell, Brooklyn, NY: Satan is the originator of the idea of the Trinity. The Father is the supreme God whose real name is Jehovah. Jesus is a created being known originally as Michael the Archangel; he is “a god,” not Jehovah. Jesus only rose spiritually, not bodily, from the dead. The Holy Spirit is the impersonal active force of God. Only the anointed class (or little flock) numbering 144,000 will go to heaven, while faithful “other sheep” will live eternally on a paradise earth; the lost will cease to exist (annihilationism). Publishes the Watchtower and Awake! magazines, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (their own version of the Bible), as well as numerous books. Originally called International Bible Students, followers today are called Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Way Corps, The: See The Way International.

Way International, The, Victor Paul Wierwille New Knoxville, OH: Jesus is not God or co-equal with God the Father, a Unitarian doctrine of God; latter-day verbal call from God to reestablish the true church. The group meets in small groups called Twigs, usually in members’ homes. Main recruitment course is the Way of Abundance and Power, which replaced the old Power for Abundant Living (PFAL) . The American Christian Press is their publishing arm. Their annual concert/convention, the Rock of Ages, has been discontinued. Current leader is Rosalie F. Rivenbark, installed as third president after resignation of Craig Martindale, who was under accusation of sexual misconduct. The Way has experienced several splits in recent years.

White, Ellen G.: See Seventh-day Adventist Church.

White, Walter: See Followers of Christ Church.

Wierwille, Victor Paul: See The Way International.

Word Over the World (WOW): See The Way International.

Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong Pasadena, CA: Under the leadership of its founder, Herbert W. Armstrong, this church rejected the essential doctrines of evangelical Christianity, denying the doctrine of the Trinity, the full deity of Jesus Christ, and the personality of the Holy Spirit. The church epitomized the somewhat eclectic set of beliefs and practices that became known as Armstrongism. Beginning in the early 1990s under the leadership Armstrong’s successors, Joseph W. Tkach and his son Joe Tkach, this group has undergone remarkable doctrinal transformation. They now hold to a traditional evangelical position on the nature of God and the gospel, teaching the Trinity and salvation by grace alone, through faith alone. Large numbers of its membership have left to join splinter groups that still teach classic Armstrongism. Publishes The Plain Truth magazine.

WOW: (Word Over the World). See The Way International.

Yahweh ben Yahweh: Founder of Nation of Yahweh.

Yahweh’s Assembly in Messiah, David Barnard, Rockport, MO: Publishes The Master Key, Unlocking Bible Truth magazine. See Sacred Name movement.

York, Malachi Z., See Ancient Mystic Order of Malchizedek.

Zerubbabel, Inc., Hopkinsville, KY: God is All (pantheism), man is Christ in true essence. Publishes The Intercessor newsletter.

Zoroastrianism, Zoroaster: Religion thought to be founded about 600 BC in Persia (present day Iran). According to legend, Zoroaster received enlightenment by the Daitya river when, at age 30, he received a vision of Vohu Manah (“Good Thought”) who took him into the presence of lord Ahura-Mazda. Lord Mazda taught Zoroaster the “true religion,” rejecting magic and idol worship and promoting belief in heaven, hell, a devil (Angra-Mainyu) and one true god. Later followers, however, worshipped Zoroaster in addition to Mazda. Good Lord Mazda and evil Angra Mainyu are seen as equal in power. Teaches enlightenment and salvation by works, including fire worship and partaking of the hallucinogenic haoma (soma in India).

God Bless and Continue the Great Work through Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. (Matthew 24:4)

For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. (Matthew 24:5)

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. (1st Corinthians 3:18)

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6)

Therefore do not be partakers with them. (Ephesians 5:7)

Let no one deceive you by any means: for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdiction, (2nd Thessalonians 2:3)

The numberous cults and names above clearly demonstrates how Satan has skillfully and deceitfully intermingled his doctrines into mainstream Christianity to devour those whom his demons (through earthly vessels) can bait and get to eat doctrines of demons to their demise and destruction.  As you can see, there are countless groups/organizations and followers of Satan who have been deceived to believe and promote his demonic doctrines (knowingly and unknowingly); whatever the case, their end is destruction, which you do not have to be a part if you allow God to reveal His truth to you through His word by His Holy Spirit, sent in the name of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Sin and the Temple of God 

Sin is lawlessness, that is, not the absence of the law, but active rebellion against the law.

The body is the “temple of the God,” where the “Holy Spirit” resides in the “children of God.”

We are to glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which requires us to get rid of any filthiness and uncleanness of the flesh and of the mind. 

The “temple of God ” should be kept continuously clean for God to use as He wills for His glory in being witnesses to the world of His continued presence.

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (1st Corinthians 6:18)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1st Corinthians 6:19)

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1st Corinthians 6:20)

Children of "God or Satan"

All human inhabitants in the world fall into two (2) categories, which are "children of God" (born-again Christians) or "children of Satan"  (non-believers or non-Christians).

The Holy Bible makes it very clear that you're either one or the other based upon your belief or disbelief in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. (1st John 3:10)

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.  He who does not love his brother abides in death. (1st John 3:14)

Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. (1st John 3:15)

Love of God and not of the world is the renewed nature of Christians who have been truly born-again, in that, all who label themselves as Christians are not; love for God and others defines our nature.

Christians Living in Darkness

Believers who sin are not by any means expressing their true nature as children of God; instead, they are following the devil's pattern in expressing his corrupted nature.

Loving one another is absolutely basis to living for Christ and in advancing His kingdom as His servants and ambassadors.

Those who do not love their fellow Christians are not living in the light but instead in the darkness.

Such Christians are not abiding in life but in death, because what they are doing is not of God, but of the devil.

Eternal life is not abiding in these believers in the sense that love is not the controlling factor in their lives.

Measuring Up to God's Love

All that we do in the power of the Holy Spirit is acknowledged by God, regardless of what we allow our consciences to condemn us of.

God is superior to what our heart may condemn, in that, He takes everything into account, including, and most importantly, Christ's atoning work for us on the cross.

Therefore, we should not feel at any time insecure in approaching God's throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need.

We can be assured of the presence of eternal life within us when we demonstrate self-sacrificial love to others.

Believers who begin to truly love will know their behavior has its source in the truth and will therefore have confidence before God.  What a wonderful feeling.

Love, therefore, benefits the giver and the receiver; knowing that, we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him.

God is more compassionate and understanding toward us than we  sometimes are toward ourselves.

Therefore lets us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. (Philippians 3:15)

Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. (Philippians 3:16)

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) 

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.  Amen. (Romans 16:20)

Christ Died in Our Place

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6)

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. (Romans 5:7)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)

The Unpardonable Sin

The sin that will not be forgiven in this world or in the world to come is the stubborn refusal of the unbelievers to heed to the Holy Spirit's conviction and accept the forgiviness that Christ offers.

Particular in reference to the leaders of Israel, Jesus offered them all the proof that could be expected;

the ministry of John, the testimony of the Father, the prophecies of the Old Testament, His own testimony, and the substantiation of the Holy Spirit.

Because the leaders of Israel rejected all proofs regarding Jesus the Messiah, nothing else would be given.

Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. (Matthew 12:31)

Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. (Matthew 12:32)

The Apostle Paul, a devout Jew who turned to God in faith and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is a prime example of the individual salvation of Jews as it is with Gentiles.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The Humbled and Exalted Christ

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5)

who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, (Philippians 2:6)

but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:7)

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:8)

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, (Philippians 2:9)

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, (Philippians 2:10)

and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:11)

Israel's Rejection is not Final

The mystery concerning Israel is that she as a nation has been temporarily and partially hardened, but God has not rejected them altogether. 

Israel is still God's chosen people, and He watches over them and fights for them.

The time is coming that they will receive Him as Lord and Savior. and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (Revelation 1:5)

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them.  Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God,

who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands.

And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)

The Children of Israel Sealed

During the great tribulation (the hour of trial which shall come on the whole world), which will be an intensity such as has not been seen since the beginning of the world until this time; many will be save, including, 144,000 Israelites.

And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: (Revelation 7:4)

Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. (Revelation 14:1)

They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. (Revelation 14:3)

A Multitude from the Great Tribulation

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, (Revelation 7:9)

and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:10)

All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, (Revelation 7:11)

saying: “ Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever.  Amen."  (Revelation 7:12)

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” (Revelation 7:13)

 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.”
So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14)

Martyrdom (those who suffer death rather than renounce their faith in Jesus Chrsit) is most likely the means of escape from the wrath of God during the great tribulation. 

All who refuse the receive the mark of the beast more than likely will be killed.

The Kingdom Proclaimed

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”  (Revelation 11:15)

And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, Revelation 11:16)

saying: “ We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come,  Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. (Revelation 11:17)

The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, 

And those who fear Your name, small and great,  And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”  (Revelation 11:18)

Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple.

And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. (Revelation 11:19)

Great White Throne Judgment

And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (Revelation 20:1)

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, (Revelation 20:2)

And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (Revelation 20:3)

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God,

and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. (Revelation 20:5)

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6)

And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, (Revelation 20:7)

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. (Revelation 20:8)

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. (Revelation 20:9)

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (Revelation 20:11)

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  (Revelation 20:12)

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Revelation 20:13)

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Revelation 20:14)

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)