A Conversation with the Church of Almighty God

A recent surge of friend requests I received on Facebook included members representing the Church of Almighty God, an organization I hadn’t heard of before. Their graphics accompanying their posts reminded me of those used by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Therefore, I suspected this group is a cult. To find out more about this “church”, I watched a BBC documentary about them that looked rather disturbing. Then I logged onto their website. Immediately, a chat window opened up. I decided to respond to the other person online. Here’s how the conversation went (my comments are in bold)…

Hello, and welcome to the Gospel of the Descent of Kingdom. Think back on the “Your kingdom come” prayer that we have often made in the past. Now, God's kingdom has already descended, and God has returned in the flesh to express the truth and carry out the work of judgment in order for us to be able to come face to face with God and listen to His voice with our own ears! Do you want to understand the details of God's work? You are welcome to get in contact with us.

What do you mean “carry out the work of judgment?” I thought we are to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

It means God has already carried the judgment work on earth.

How?

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17). In the last days, God has already comes into flesh and expressed a lot of truth to judge our corruption, He uses all aspects of truth to reveal our corruption, that is God's end-time judgment work.

How has "God has already come into flesh"? I thought that's supposed to happen at Armageddon. 

(My question got deleted and the first paragraph from them was repeated)

This sounds like a cult. Revelation 19 says Jesus will come back on a white horse with the armies of heaven. The Lord warned of deceivers prior to His return. 

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:23-24) Yes. there are may false christ will happened before Jesus return. But I think How to Distinguish Between the True Christ and False Christs that's a big thing for each of us.

So who is Jesus Christ to you?

The creator. Can I share with you a video about How to Distinguish Between the True Christ and False Christs? I think you are a devote [sic] Christian. About Jesus return is a big thing for us 

(This was followed by links to two YouTube videos, which I didn’t bother to watch)

Are you born again? If so, I’d like to know how you came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Sure. Why not. But it's a long story. Shall i add you on Fb or Skype?

How about sharing it here? Just a paragraph or two would be fine.

I couldn't express by very simple words.

I want to make sure you follow the real Jesus Christ…so please answer this question. How can someone know that if he (or she) dies before His return, he will go to heaven instead of hell?

How do i know if He is God. I know God form [sic[ His words. John 1:1-4  Today Jesus has returned in flesh and express truth in a new book. Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. God comes back let us recognize Him through His voice (words).

I cannot agree with your claim that “Jesus has returned in flesh” Revelation 1:7 says, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM…” There are other things that must happen before the Lord’s return such as the rapture of His Church and enforcement of the mark of the beast system in Revelation 13.

Yes. What is the real rapture only when Jesus come back and open the mystery of it. But the Bible also mentioned that “… I come as a thief” (Revelation 16:15). “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 24:36)

“… for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes” (Matthew 24:44). Luke 17:24-25. “For as the lightning, that lightens out of the one part under heaven, shines to the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and again be rejected of this generation.”

I have another question. What if someone came to one of your meetings and had a demon. What would you do?

What do you wanna to know?

I saw a news report about your group killing a woman because she had a demon. 

We welcome those who wanna seek the truth. who welcome the lord return. Do you believe the media?

Usually not.

Friend In my opinion We have to know the fact ourselves and master the principle of discernment, only in this way can we not repeat what others say. When Jesus performed His ministry in Judea. Many people resist Jesus. John 7:12 said :”Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he deceives the people.” Matthew 12:24 said :”But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” Mark 3:21-22 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving

I’m an evangelist that shares the gospel mostly on the streets of various cities. The priority of every born-again Bible-believing Christian should be getting people saved instead of trying to get them to join a particular church or group. Many people are in hell right now because they were taught false ideas such as doing good works or simply believing there is a God will get them into heaven. Even the demons believe there is a God and tremble.

Yes. You are right. Friend I would like share the truth about the report (another YouTube link was sent). Have you ever read more about Almighty God's words.

Now you sound like a Mormon

Almighty God's said "God seeks those who long for Him to appear. He seeks those who are able to hear His words, those who have not forgotten His commission and offer up their heart and body to Him. He seeks those who are as obedient as babes before Him, and do not resist Him.”

"Those who are not cautious when they encounter the new work of the Holy Spirit, who run their mouths off, are quick to judge, who give free rein to their natural instinct to deny the rightness of the Holy Spirit’s work, and also insult and blaspheme it—are such disrespectful people not ignorant of the Holy Spirit’s work? Are they not, furthermore, the ones of arrogance, inherently proud and ungovernable? Even if a day comes when such people accept the new work of the Holy Spirit, still God will not tolerate of them. Not only do they look down upon those who work for God, but also blaspheme against God Himself. Such foolhardy people will not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come and they shall forever perish in hell!”

Mat 12:31-32 Why I say to you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven to men. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Let me clarify by saying I’m not trying to stir up doctrinal debates but find out the truth about the Church of Almighty God since I’ve seen Facebook posts by other members of your group that looked suspicious. My concern is that you are not following a cult leader or counterfeit deity. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Thank You. can I have you name plz?

It's Todd. I will be leaving my house soon and need to log off when my roommate is ready to leave.

Okay. Would you like to know more detail about our Church? I would like to seek the truth with you.

I need to go now. Have a nice day. Jesus is Lord!

(end of chat session)

The Church of Almighty God claims Jesus has already come back to earth in China. If that's true, then why don’t they post videos and photos of the Lord Himself? Obviously the real Jesus Christ hasn’t returned yet. Let’s continue proclaiming the true gospel until He does.

“For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” - 2 Corinthians 11:4 

Redeeming Halloween

Next Saturday people around the world will celebrate Halloween. Christians have responded to this holiday in different ways. Some church-going parents allow their kids to go trick-or-treating not seeing anything wrong with that. Others ignore the day completely as to avoid “every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22) Then there are parents who send their kids to a “Hallelujah party” or some other alternative event. I’ve even heard of believers having “hell houses” (instead of haunted houses) to show people what eternity will be like if they die without knowing the Lord.

Since becoming a Christian in 1991, there were a few Halloween nights when I went out street evangelizing. Another time I attempted to give out tracts instead of candy to kids who showed up at my door. I quickly realized this wasn’t an effective way to reach children for Jesus. I remember trick-or-treating as a kid and would have been disappointed if an adult offered me a tract without any candy.

Six years ago a friend of mine planned to hand out bags of candy along with mini-Bibles but had a prior commitment. We prayed about what to do and a creative idea came to us. I volunteered to take her place dressed up as Jesus. I grew a beard for the occasion and wore a white toga plus fake blood marking the spots where the Roman spikes went into the Lord’s hands and feet. In front of the house, I placed a lighted pumpkin with a cross carved in it and also had a replica of the Ten Commandments instead of a tombstone.

Trick-or-treaters started showing up around 6:45 p.m. I offered bonus snacks to kids who could tell me who I was supposed to be. Many of them didn’t know. To my surprise, a lot of them didn’t know who Jesus was. It was mostly a night of seed planting since the kids were in a hurry to get to the next house. Fortunately, one girl prayed with me to get saved after she stopped to feel one of my fake wounds. Later two more salvations occurred...teenagers who were with two younger kids. Another young man asked me if it's wrong to celebrate Halloween. I replied, “There's a better way to do it.” That’s to glorify not the dead but the God of the Living.

Sharing the gospel with trick-or-treaters is a way of doing “door-to-door evangelism” without leaving your own house. Ask the Lord what He may want you to do this Saturday night.

“redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” - Ephesians 5:16

Hiding Behind Masks

Many people like to wear masks on Halloween. Often these same folks continue wearing masks as they go through life. They put their “happy face” on claiming everything is going great while deep inside they are full of despair, disappointment, and depression. If that is you, there is hope. God loves you and has an awesome plan for your life.

Some people avoid Christianity because of church-going people wearing religious masks. You might have said to yourself, “I don’t want to hang around a bunch of hypocrites.” It’s unfortunate not every professing Christian is a doer of God’s word. Still, when you stand before the Lord Jesus Christ, He won’t examine other people’s lives…only your own.

Many people hide behind a mask of good works even though Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Think of all the times you have lied, stolen, and disobeyed your parents. Those acts are offensive to God just as murder, rape, and other sexual sins like adultery and fornication.

You could put on a Bart Simpson mask and say, “I didn't do it. Nobody saw me do it. You can't prove anything!” Numbers 32:23 warns, “…you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.” Jesus said in Luke 12:2-3, “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.  Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.” Every secret thing done has three witnesses: the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Changing your appearance won’t help you be in right standing with God. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Often I hear sinners say, “God knows my heart.” What they don’t realize is the human heart “is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” (Jeremiah 17:9) 

Satan is the ultimate masquerader. He has disguised himself through animals like the serpent in Genesis 3. He influences criminals to put on masks to rob banks and other businesses. Someday in the not-too-distant future, the devil will enter into a politician who will deceive people into worshipping him. The Antichrist will initially come across as a man of peace but later transform into a ruthless dictator.

The good news is you don’t have to succumb to that deception. All your sins can be totally erased if “…your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) To receive the free gift of eternal life and reserve a place in heaven, you need to take off the masks you’ve been wearing and get real with God. Ask Jesus Christ to become your Lord and Savior today!

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” - Hebrews 4:13

New Disciples in North Dakota

This week I returned to Fargo, North Dakota where I was born (but raised in the bordering city of Moorhead, Minnesota). For several days prior to arriving here, I had recurring thoughts of sharing the gospel at North Dakota State University, a college some of my family members attended. My late grandfather also taught entomology there.

Two days ago as I was preparing to leave a Caribou Coffee shop in West Fargo, I noticed a young man working on his laptop and felt impressed to minister to him. Tito wasn’t sure of his eternal destiny but prayed to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Tito is originally from Manhattan and I noticed him wearing an MSUM (Minnesota State University Moorhead) shirt. But strangely enough, Tito is a student at NDSU. I took that as a confirmation that God wanted me to minister there that day.

After riding my bike to NDSU and briefly resting in the Student Union, I went out evangelizing and set a goal for 10 salvations. Nine more names were added to the Lamb's Book of Life. Among the most memorable salvations were two young men named Matt and Shane who were tossing a ball amongst each other. Both of them took off their baseball caps when they prayed to get born again.

During my time on campus, I also got into a lengthy conversation with an atheist who kept asking me questions. Aaron was a bit contentious and I correctly discerned that he wouldn’t pray with me to receive salvation. Nevertheless, many seeds were planted as various Scriptures kept coming up in my spirit. One issue Aaron repeatedly brought up was his idea that Jesus was poor. I took out my Bible and showed Aaron numerous Scriptures on prosperity (Psalm 35:27, Matthew 6:33, Luke 6:38, Philippians 4:19) and then asked him, “Would a poor man have a treasurer?” After about 15 minutes I felt it was time to end the conversation.

Later that afternoon I went to McDonald's to enjoy a cold drink and do more work on my laptop. There I noticed an employee who sat around for a long time. Adam had come to work early and was waiting for his shift to start. Eventually, I decided to witness to him. Adam originally thought that lying wasn’t “a bad enough sin” to keep him out of heaven. In response, I pointed out that Revelation 21:8 says, “…all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.” Adam prayed to get born again.

That evening I attended a party hosted by a former co-worker who I hadn’t seen in over 20 years. Before going to this party, I stopped at a grocery store to buy drinking water and meat for the grill. When I returned outside to unlock my bicycle, I initiated a conversation with a woman whose bicycle was next to mine. After Dorian prayed with me to get saved, she told me her mother had recently become a devout Jehovah’s Witness. Fortunately, Dorian hadn't been exposed too much to the Watchtower's false doctrine and was therefore very receptive to the gospel. Before leaving the store, I gave Dorian an NKJV New Testament in case the two bibles she has at home are both New World Translation.

The next day (yesterday), I evangelized in South Fargo and saw eight more precious souls get born again. The harvest is ripe. God needs more laborers. Will you go?

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “ Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” - Isaiah 6:8