“Beware of false prophets.”
Totally agree. I had a close relative who was involved in one of those cults that really tries to isolate their people from any kind of outside influence. It was a nightmare getting them back into the liberty they had in Christ. There are repercussions to this day.
And of course they had all the marks of a cult:
Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Pretty interesting. Many will claim to have spoken for God. Not good enough. Many will claim to have done exorcisms for God. Nor good enough. Wonderful works for God. Not good enough. Then comes that terrifying word, "I never knew you." To people who were totally confident they were God's true representatives.