Yeah, I'm not getting it. I mean how many people did Jim Jones have following him. And why was that a good thing.
Jim Jones deceived those people because they didn't know what the bible said, BDBoop. Had they known what the Word of God declares - they could never have been deceived like that.
The scriptures declare that God said, My people perish for lack of knowledge. What was he speaking of? He was speaking of their lack of knowledge concerning what the scriptures say. For instance - I believe there are over 400 scriptures in the Word of God that identify or refer to hell and describe it in vivid detail.. Mainly in the Torah which is also known today as the Old Testament... yet the Jews do not believe in hell. Why?
Because they haven't studied the Hebrew bible. So when the Beast shows up as identified in the book of revelation - and they see fire called down from heaven - other miracles performed by this False Messiah - they will be deceived because they do not know the scriptures that warned of what he would do. The one thing they do know is that if someone claims to be God they are dealing with a false prophet. So when he declares himself to be G-d Almighty they will reject him and realize their mistake. Meanwhile he will go on an unprecedented slaughter of christians, demanding they take his mark ( the chip ) and demanding they be beheaded because they refuse to bow down and worship him. That is the one world religion coming that Abrahams adopted children - the Christians will reject and choose to be put to death instead. Why can't the Jews see the truth about hell?
They only see what they want to see out of the scriptures. Being right is more important than seeking to know the truth. Jesus said, You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. So the problem is not on His end - it is on the end of those who reject him and end up with folks such as Jim Jones or this future Messiah they are now waiting for!
We must take in the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD on a matter - not pick and choose what fits what "we want" to believe. You see? Jesus makes clear in John 7:18 that he that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory which is why you see religions with prophets who elevated themselves to God status - you see false teachers abounding claiming "they are" the Messiah.. and soon you shall see One come on the scene who will deceive even the very elect if it were possible! Scriptures warn us of this anti - Christ and the day is fast approaching that Deceiver will reveal himself on the earth. I won't be bowing down to any man, any prophet, any false god - My knee is bowed to Jesus Christ - King of Kings and Lord of Lords and my tongue confesses Him as Lord. Have a nice day. - Jeri
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through the Son. People should be pointing others to JESUS. He holds the answers and the Holy Spirit who is the author and revelator of the scriptures is the one who reveals scripture and will teach you. The bible says the Holy Spirit is our teacher - if a pastor teaches something that cannot be found in the word of God you have no duty to believe him or listen. Instead you should leave. Listening to a lie leads to believing a lie... that is how people end up in cults and with lunatics such as Jim Jones. Do not marvel over it. Jesus warned us these things would happen. Read the bible.