Episode 2: Defender Of The Faith - Vol 2 (22 Signs Of A Cult) | By Dr. Bern Zumpano

This teaching outlines a study on identifying and deprogramming individuals from cults, including those that claim to be Christian. The central theme is based on John 8:32, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"1. Bern asserts that many denominations traditionally considered true churches are, in fact, cults because they incorporate "doctrines of men" in addition to Christ's teachings. The Bible, specifically its unadulterated doctrine, is presented as the sole authority.

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Bern examines 22 signs of a cult:

1. Exclusive doctrine not found in scripture.
    
2. Salvation through works, often exclusively through the group.
    
3. An undetermined future existence.
    
4. Extra-biblical revelation (revelation outside the Bible).
    
5. Presumptuous leadership that displaces the Holy Spirit's role.
    
6. False doctrines embraced as truth.
    
7. Syncretism (mixing pagan and divine elements).
    
8. Scripture twisting for doctrinal advantage.
    
9. Mind control through fear or doctrinal programming.
    
10. Absurd lies perpetrated as truth.
     
11. Trafficking in the souls of men.
     
12. Absolute submission to human authority and doctrines of men.
     
13. A false gospel or "another gospel".
     
14. Presence of a religious spirit.
     
15. Presence of a spirit of antichrist.
     
16. Presence of a pharisaical spirit.
     
17. Presence of a Jezebel spirit.
     
18. Presence of a control spirit.
     
19. Presence of the spirit of error.
     
20. Presence of Nicolaitanism (clergy control over the laity).
     
21. Control of people's will through fear.
     
22. Resistance to the Holy Spirit.
     

This study also addresses understanding individuals caught in cults, noting they often do not understand the sole authority of God's Word (Sola Scriptura) and rely on traditions or human interpretations. Their belief system may represent a lifetime investment, making it difficult for them to accept they could be wrong. They may use tactics like defining discussion terms or claiming interpretations are subjective to avert hearing the truth.

Finally, ten principles for deprogramming are given:

1. Take them to an authoritative literal translation of the Bible.
    
2. Pray beforehand for the Holy Spirit to prepare their heart and mind.
    
3. Show them what scripture says about its own authority (e.g., 2 Timothy 3:16, John 17:17, Numbers 23:19).
    
4. Ask them "what is being said here by the Holy Spirit?" to encourage their own thinking.
    
5. Be patient and loving.
    
6. Emphasize that the words are from the Holy Spirit, not you.
    
7. Ask strategic questions about their doctrines' origins.
    
8. Bring them to the Bible to show what scripture says about their beliefs.
    
9. Take time, covering hardcore doctrines first to dismantle the belief system's infrastructure.
    
10. Undermine the authority of their doctrine, source of truth, and false leadership using the Word of God.