Galatians 1:6-7 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

It is very disconcerting to see two contradictor phrases placed so close to each other. This occurs here as “another gospel which is not another”. It is not fair to automatically label this “other gospel” as a cult if here Paul says it is not another gospel. If you are not confused please understand that others can be easily confused and still firm in their beliefs.

The first use definition of cult in the Merriam-Webster definition is a formal religious veneration. Under that definition we are all cults. In this we must be careful in throwing around labels we do not understand. In religious circles a cult is considered to be a different opinion. I know that does not sound dangerous but the use of the word itself screams danger, avoid at all cost.

What if a religion believes in the total depravity of mankind and that man is powerless to save himself? Jesus Himself said it is impossible for a man to save himself in Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27 and Luke 18:27. What if in this awareness of the weakness of man, they set in order rules to follow to hold their members closer to Christ? In their understanding adherence to rules makes an attempt to have unity in the body. Is that a cult? They do not intent to preach another gospel but place demands on their members that the bible does not.

Perhaps this does not speak to their faith in Christ but rather their trust of you. How does that make you feel, not to be trusted? Does that make you feel defensive or were they who will not trust you taking a defensive posture?

1 Corinthians 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

Unless you are in the same church in which you came to Christ, I would expect that you have had some experience in differences in administrations. If you have moved and sought a new home church body, you may have rejected one or more fellowships for a variety of reasons.

Now administration is more than just how a church keeps its books. It is more than the type of music it uses in worship. It isn’t about elders vs. deacons, or if you have fixed pews or chairs. It is about how the Word of God is administered within a body of believers.

In this, once you have established a unity within the body, any amount of challenge to that comfort zone can cause isolationism. From the outside it looks dangerous, but from the inside it is a defensive mechanism. The longer these administrations have been in place, generation after generation of leadership, the harder it is to break out of this defensive posture.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Isolation narrows fellowship to the point that Christ isn’t seen outside that administration. The result is limited joy.

2 Corinthians 2:3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.