How To Recognize An Apostate Church

In order to recognize an apostate Church, simply look at the name. If it doesn't say: The Church of GOD (YHVH) - the Body of Christ, chances are excellent, its an apostate Church. Apostate Churches focus more on the deity of Jesus the Christ. As one minister said one Sunday in an RMUE Church, "Forget about GOD and just concentrate on Jesus."

Quite naturally, I never went back to that Church. It was so unfortunate, because the congregation was saying Amen and Preach, when the Minister's words were blasphemous. Many of these Churches call themselves "New Testament" Churches. As stated in a previous post, there are over 38,500 different apostate Christian denominations, sects, cults, philosophies or religious beliefs. However, they all can be divided into 7 basic categories or types.

Seven Basic Types of Apostate Christian Churches

The First Category of Apostate Christian Churches is the one closest to the true Church of GOD - the Body of Christ. People are taught the "Word of GOD" and how to live righteously in the "Kingdom of GOD" on earth. New converts to the faith are taught to accept Jesus Christ as their LORD and SAVIOUR; by confessing with their mouth before men or women and believing in their heart that GOD (YHVH) raised him from the dead. This is the beginning of salvation.

The new convert is baptized in the name of the "Father", the "Son" and the "Holy Spirit" {Mat 28:19 (KJV)} or in the name of "Jesus Christ" {Act 2:38 (KJV)} either one is acceptable. New converts are given a Bible reading schedule starting with the "Psalms of David" and they are told to confess their "Sins", repent their "Sins", accept the finishing work Jesus Christ did on the Cross for remission of "Sins", Pray Daily" and to "Sin" no more. They are introduced to Church Officers, given a "Bible Study Schedule" for the week or month and are taught how to teach their family about the "Kingdom of GOD".

New converts to Christianity are told about "Tithes" and "Offerings"; and they are given a schedule for regular "Communion" (real wine and bread, not grape juice and crackers), "Sunday School" and "Worship Services". They are introduced to the various "Church Ministries" such as prison outreach, social outreach, evangelism, government policies, politics, teaching, music, community service, field ministry, salvation, healing, deliverance and setting people free. Once the new convert joins the congregation, he/she is educated about the "Word of GOD", "Gifts of the Spirit", how to test the "Spirits", the true "Natural Sciences", "World History" and the development of the Church over the centuries.

The entire congregation is taught what to study and how to study to become effective field ministers for Christ and Christian living. They are taught how to use "Biblical Scriptures" to validate their beliefs. They are taught the "Sacraments of the Church" and how to rightly discern the "Word of GOD" line by line and chapter by chapter. Old and New Testaments. They are taught how to walk in faith, live by "Biblical Principles" and obey GOD's Commandments. They obey the Sabbath Law by doing good deeds on Saturdays instead of shopping or working for provisions. On Sundays, they Worship GOD (YHVH), celebrate Jesus the Christ, fellowship and "Teach" instead of "Preach".

Shepherd's Chapel is one of the few apostate Christian Churches that "Teach" the "Bible" in depth and thoroughly by this method. However, there is an underlying philosophy that is historical, but not "Scriptural". Their beliefs are similar to those of some "Replacement Theologist"; that believe England and/or America is at least one, if not all the "10 Lost Tribes" of Israel. The Jehovah Witnesses also do a great job of teaching the Bible. But, many of the basic foundations of the true Church of GOD, they do not teach or believe in. In fact, a common saying among the Witnesses is, "Before I came into the knowledge of the truth". In addition, the Witnesses have one of the best, if not the best field ministries out of all the apostate Churches and, unlike the vast majority of the remaining apostate Churches, they do teach the "Kingdom of GOD" 99% of the time.

The Second Category of Apostate Christian Churches is the more traditional Protestant Churches; such as Reformed, "Old Line" Evangelicals, Holiness, Pentecostal, Baptist, Methodist, Methodist Episcopal, AME, RMUE, Non-Denominational and the Churches that follow a similar or the same doctrine. In these Churches, the overwhelming majority of the time, Ministers, Reverends or Pastors will base their Sunday morning sermon on a few "Scriptures"; and from these "Scriptures", they will Preach and whip their congregations into an emotional frenzy in order to excite or evoke a move of the "Holy Spirit". Many times the "Holy Spirit" does move; but far too often, what is moving is a "Familiar Spirit". If the congregation is more intellectual, the Pastor/Minister will simply give a talk or lecture from a few "Scriptures" and develop a theme from them. The theme or main message from the :"Scriptures" is applied to the daily religious, moral, ethical, economic, social and sometimes political short comings of the congregation.

The Third Category of Apostate Christian Churches is the old line Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Chinese Orthodox, Macedonian Orthodox, etc., Lutherans, Calvinist, Presbyterians, Episcopals and all the Churches that still maintain the basic tenets of the "Holy Eucharist" even though they have broken away from the parent - the original apostate Church - the Roman Catholic Church. Church "Services" are highly organized and outlined. The Witnesses have a similar organized approach to Church "Services", but theirs is entirely different. There are 3 aspects of Christianity the Catholics and the old line apostate Churches associated with them retain - the "Bible", "Jesus Christ" and "Communion"; along with the "Sacraments". However, Biblical teaching is done primarily from the Catechism. When it comes to "Communion", Christ did say; "Do this in remembrance of me." Mat 26:20-30; Mar 14:16-26; Luk 23:19-22 (KJV)

The Fourth Category of Apostate Christian Churches is the sect; such as, Nazarean, Maranathan, Apostolic, House of Jacob, Seventh Day Adventist, Branch Davidian, Quakers, Mennonites and Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), there are literally thousands of Christian sects all over the world. The Quakers, Seventh Day Adventist and Mormons are the most well known because they are some of the largest and the wealthiest. Unlike the other sects, the Mormons have a State, Utah, an excellent field ministry and an excellent University - Brigham Young.

Despite their wealth, their doctrine is still apostate. The sign for an adulterous generation is the sign of Jonah (Jonas); not John Smith. {Mat 12:39; Luk 11:29 (KJV)} How do you know that? If any new doctrine about Jesus the Christ were going to be discovered, it would have been mentioned in the "Book of Revelation", the "Books of the Prophets" or revealed from the "Mouth of a Prophet" before He was born {Deu 13:1-4; 18:15;18;20;22; Num 12:6; I Sam 9:9 (KJV) not after His death, burial and resurrection.

I must be cautious about saying, "from the mouth of a prophet". There are thousands of false prophets being directed by "Familiar Spirits". {Lev 19:31; 20:6; Deu 18:11; 1 Sam 28:3;9; 2 Kin 21:6; 23:24; Isa 8:19 (KJV)} Everything concerning Christ was spoken of by the Prophets hundreds of years before His birth. {Mat 1:22; 2:5; 2:15;17; 3:3; 4:14; 8:17; 12:17; 21:4-5; 27:9;35; Luk 1:76; 4:17; Jhn 12:38 (KJV)} Therefore any "latter-day" prophet will have to be suspect when it comes to anything relative to Christ and His "Teaching".

The Fifth Category of Apostate Christian Churches is "New Age", "Modern Evangelical" or "Charismatic". There are so many different variations of this Church, until one never knows what he/she might find. "Jesus Christ Crucified" is rarely preached or taught. What is taught is "GOD's Love" instead of His "Wrath". "Sins" are rarely discussed. "New Age", "Modern Evangelical" or "Charismatic apostate Christian Churches are more touchy-feely, psychological and sensitivity driven than "Scripture" driven. The Old Testament is rarely used or discussed and the emphasis is on molding Christ to one's lifestyle or molding one's lifestyle to Christ.

Sermons typically focus on GOD's desire to work in personal situations; either individually or collectively as a congregation, or moving someone or the congregation to some new level of spirituality. In truth, GOD has only one level, obedience to his Commandments, Word and Will, repenting of one's "Sins" (failing to meet GOD's Righteous, Holy and Perfect Standards), accepting the "Redemptive" work Jesus the Christ did on the Cross, Holy, Righteous living and deeds, Daily Prayer, Reading and Meditating on GOD's Words, Communion, "Teaching the Gospel" and "Sinning No More".

To many in these apostate "New Age", "Modern Evangelical", or "Charismatic" Churches, coming to know Christ is achieved by an individual process. Many times in these type apostate Churches entertainment and/or "Rock Music" is used as a method to attract young people to the faith. The real danger to this type "Worship Service" is the "Holy Spirit" rarely moves. What does move into these fifth type apostate Christian Churches are "Familiar Spirits" {Lev 19:31; 20:6; Deu 18:11; 1 Sam 28:3;9; 2 Kin 21:6; 23:24; Isa 8:19 (KJV)} and "Demonic Spirits". There are no Biblical Scriptures that clearly define or explain the difference between "Familiar Spirits", "Seducing Spirits" {1 Tim 4:1 (KJV)} and "Devil/Demonic Spirits". What we do know for certain, is attracting them or consulting with them is an abomination in the eyes of GOD. Lev 17:7; Deu 32:17; 2 Chr 11:15; Psa 106:37 (KJV)

The Sixth Category of Apostate Christian Churches is the "Replacement Theology". In this "Church", followers are taught Christians have replaced the "Children of Israel" and the "Jews" as GOD's "Chosen". Far too often, these Christians believe America and/or Great Britain is the "Israel" of the Bible because of Britain's and/or America's status as world powers. Many believe America and/or Great Britain is at least one, if not all the "10 Lost Tribes" of Israel. The members of these Churches; which includes the so-called Church of GOD, are far more political, worldly, philosophical and intellectual than any other group of Christians, with the exception of the Christian Scientist.

The Seveth Category of Apostate Christian Churches is the Church of Christ, Scientist. Otherwise, known as Christian Scientist. There are hundreds of apostate Christian Churches and groups with similar beliefs; such as, the Church of Scientology, Religious Science and the mystical Rosicrucian Order. Rosicrucians do not profess to be Christians even though they were founded by a group of German Protestants. These Churches basically believe they have discovered GOD's Divine Laws or Sciences and they have learned and can teach others how to use them.

Other Ways To Detect An Apostate Christian Church

If everything fails; such as the name and doctrine and you still can't tell whether or not you are in an apostate Christian Church, ask to see the "Creed". If the apostate Church does not have a "Creed", that's even worst. At least the Bishops of the early Church did try to organize and standardize what they believed. The original Nicene Creed was first adopted in 325 AD at the First Council of Nicaea. At the time, the text ended after the words "We believe in the Holy Spirit", after which an anathema was added. Soon after the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, new formulas were composed at the Second Ecumencial Council in 381 AD.

The Third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD reaffirmed the Creed that was approved in 381 AD and decreed that: "It is unlawful for any man to bring forward, or to write, or to compose a different Creed or Faith as a rival to that established by the Holy Fathers that assembled with the "Holy Ghost" in Nicaea." As you can plainly read. The original Apostles and Disciples of the Church of GOD - the Body of Christ - were replaced with the Bishops that attended the 381 AD meeting of the Second Ecumenical Council.

The Nicene Creed As It Should Read

Below are the traditional and modern wording of the Nicene Creed and how they should read. GOD's real name is taken from the Masoretic Text or the Tanakh and written in an English equivalent YHVH. The computer I use does not type Hebraic characters. The Holy Catholic Church has been replaced with the (Biblical) Church of GOD that is identified as the Body of Christ in "Scripture".

The Communion of Saints has been replaced with the (Biblical) One New Man; neither Jew nor Gentile, without race, ethnicity or creed. And I believe in the Works of the Apostles and in working toward and for the (Biblical) Kingdom of God on earth so that all human life might benefit and be saved.

If the Creed of your Christian Church does not state GOD's true name and the Church of GOD - the Body of Christ, you know you are in an apostate Christian Church.

Traditional Wording

I believe in one God (YHVH),
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and of all things visible and invisible;

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only begotten Son of God (YHVH),
begotten of his Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light,
very God of very God,
begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father;
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation
came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit
of the Virgin Mary,
and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered and was buried;
and the third day he rose again
according to the Scriptures,
and ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of the Father;
and he shall come again, with glory,
to judge both the quick and the dead;
whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit the Lord, and Giver of Life,
who proceedeth from the Father [and the Son];
who with the Father and the Son together
is worshipped and glorified;
who spake by the Prophets.
And I believe in the Church of God (YHVH) - the Body of Christ,
The One New Man; neither Jew nor Gentile, without race, ethnicity or creed.

And I believe in the Works of the Apostles and in working toward and for
the Kingdom of God on earth so that all human life might benefit and be saved.
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins;
and I look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. AMEN.

Modern Wording

We believe in one God,(YHVH)
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only son of God (YHVH),
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son].
With the Father and the Son
he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in the Church of God (YHVH) - the Body of Christ,
the One New Man; neither Jew nor Gentile, without race, ethnicity or creed.

We believe in the Works of the Apostles and in working toward and for
the Kingdom of God on earth so that all human life might benefit and be saved.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. AMEN.

To the majority of modern apostate Christians, the Nicene Creed is regarded as the quintessential expression of Christian faith. In this traditional belief, all proper "Christians affirm the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed is referred to by Roman Catholics and Orthodox Catholic Churches as the "Symbol of Faith", and its recitation is often part of Christian "Worship Services". In the Catholic Mass, it is also referred to as the "Profession of Faith".

However, some apostate Evangelical Christians reject the Creed (and especially its recitation) not for its content, but, simply because it is not found in the Bible. Others, such as the Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Church of the New Jerusalem and The Jehovah's Witnesses, while accepting the Christian "Scriptures", reject the Nicene Creed as an error or a misinterpretation and, against some protest from other apostate Christian Churches, identify themselves as Christians.

For more information about the First Council of Nicaea click Here. For more information about the history of the Nicene Creed click Here.

See Also:

What is Sin?
How to Receive Blessings
How to Know GOD's Will
GOD's Laws of Increase
How to Know You are Born from Above
What is Worship and How do You Worship?
How to Sow and Reap in the Kingdom of GOD
Misconceptions - Academic & Scientific
Keys to the Kingdom of GOD
The Healing Scriptures
More Healing Scriptures
The Power of Faith