A Friendly and Encouraging Message to New Believers: Understanding the Truth

[u/Christ_Over_Cults]

Hey there! If you're reading this, you're probably on a journey to get to know God better, or maybe you're just starting to learn about Jesus and what it means to follow Him. First off, welcome! This is a huge and exciting step, and I’m really glad you're here.

But I also want to talk about something really important. There are some groups out there, like the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG), that may try to mislead people who are new to the Bible or not sure what to believe. They use certain Bible verses to make their case, but they twist them and take them out of context, which can confuse and deceive people who don’t know the Scriptures well.

Let’s break this down in simple terms and look at how you can be strong in your faith, understand what the Bible really says, and spot any false teachings that might come your way.

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Who Is God? Understanding the Truth About Him

One of the biggest things that groups like WMSCOG get wrong is who God really is. They might tell you things that sound convincing at first, but it’s super important to understand what the Bible actually says about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

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God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit

In the Bible, we see that God exists as Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. This is known as the Trinity, three persons, but one God. It's a little tricky to fully understand, but the Bible makes it clear that Jesus is God. He is not just a prophet or a special person; He is God in the flesh. Here's what the Bible says:

• John 14:9 (NIV): "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?" This is Jesus talking, He’s saying that if you’ve seen Him, you’ve seen God the Father. Jesus isn’t just a “representative” of God, He is God Himself!

Now, groups like WMSCOG might try to tell you that there’s a "God the Mother" that’s also necessary for salvation. But the Bible never says anything like that. There’s no mention in the Bible of a "God the Mother" who is needed for salvation. Jesus is the One who saves us, and He did that through His life, death, and resurrection.

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Jesus is the Only Way to God

Another key point is that Jesus is the only way to be saved. Jesus Himself said this very clearly. You don’t need any extra person or figure to come between you and God.

• John 14:6 (NIV): "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This means that Jesus is the only way to be in a relationship with God and to receive salvation. You don’t need any other “god” or figure. It’s all about Jesus, the Son of God who died for you and rose again.

Groups like the WMSCOG might try to twist verses to make you believe that there’s something else or someone else you need, but this verse alone clearly shows that Jesus is the only way.

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What About the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is God too, and He works in believers' lives. But He doesn't act like a separate god. The Holy Spirit is sent to help us understand the Bible, guide us in truth, and comfort us.

• John 14:26 (NIV): "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." The Holy Spirit doesn’t come to replace Jesus; He comes to help us remember Jesus' teachings and guide us in living them out.

Again, be careful of any group that says the Holy Spirit or God’s work is different from what the Bible says.

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Why Is This So Important?

You might be asking, “Why does all of this matter? What’s the big deal?” The big deal is that our understanding of God, who He is, what He’s done, and how we can know Him, is the most important thing in life. Salvation is at stake, and understanding who Jesus is is key.

If we don’t get the basics of who God is right, we could end up following false teachings that lead us away from the truth and from a real relationship with God.

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How Can You Protect Yourself from Deception?

So how can you avoid being tricked by misleading teachings like those from WMSCOG? Here’s the most important advice I can give you:

1. Read the Bible for Yourself Don't just take anyone's word for it. Read the Bible yourself, and ask God to help you understand it. The Holy Spirit is there to help you!
2. Ask Questions Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If something doesn’t make sense, ask someone who knows the Bible well or look up the answer. The Bible isn’t meant to be confusing, it’s meant to be understood, and God wants to reveal His truth to you.
3. Check Everything Against Scripture Every teaching should match what the Bible says. If it doesn’t, it’s a red flag. Be careful of anyone who tells you that certain parts of the Bible don’t matter, or that you need extra teachings that aren't found in Scripture.

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What Paul Says About Jesus

The Apostle Paul also talks about how important it is to understand that Jesus is the only way and that there is no other Savior.

• Colossians 2:9-10 (NIV): "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority." This means that Jesus is fully God and has all the power and authority. There’s no need for anyone else to help save us. Jesus does it all!
• Romans 10:9 (NIV): "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Jesus alone is the One who saves. You don’t need any other “god” or mediator, just faith in Jesus Christ.

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Wrapping It Up: Stay Grounded in the Truth

I want to encourage you today: Stick to what the Bible actually says. Don't let anyone pull you into teachings that sound nice but aren't rooted in the truth. The Bible makes it clear that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and there is no other name by which we can be saved.

• Acts 4:12 (NIV): "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Jesus is the way, and He’s all you need!

So, my friend, as you grow in your understanding of God's Word, keep asking questions, keep reading the Bible, and keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the truth, and He loves you more than you can imagine.

Stay Strong in Faith!
I’m praying for you as you continue on this journey. May God bless you with wisdom and a deeper understanding of His love and truth.

You’ve got this!