Walter R. Martin, an authority on cults, gives this definition of a cult: "A group of people gathered around a specific person's misinterpretation of the Bible." B. Gray Allison reportedly said, "I fear we have two Baptist cults that are far more dangerous than the cults outside the church. In Baptist churches we have the cult of the comfortable and the cult of convenience." There are at least five more such cults. Beware of these cults too.

Beware of the cult of conformity. Adrian Rogers warns, "The chief religion in America is the cult of conformity. And the chief sin is to be different." Daniel dared to be different. Peer pressure is a central issue in this cult. Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:2, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." To avoid the cult of conformity, we must live steadfast open lives.

Beware of the cult of celebrity. The cult of celebrity is a part of the superstar syndrome or hero worship. Jesus cautioned His disciples, "but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:26b-28). To avoid the cult of celebrity, we must live service-oriented lives.

Beware of the cult of carnality. Those involved in this cult are followers of the flesh. We are warned about "the lust of the flesh" (1 John 2:16). Paul writes in Galatians 5:16, "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." We are also commanded to "be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18b). To avoid the cult of carnality, we must live Spirit-operated lives.

Beware of the cult of civility. Many today just want to "keep the peace." We read in Hebrews 12:14, "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Hear Paul's call to be holy in 2 Corinthians 6:17, "Therefore 'Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.'" To avoid the cult of civility, we must live separated obedient lives.

Beware of the cult of curiosity. Inquiring minds might want to know, but not all curiosity is wise. Remember Eve in the Garden of Eden. We must be forewarned that Satan boosts our curiosity for sin (Genesis 3:1-7). Paul writes, "But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3). To avoid the cult of curiosity, we must live Scripture ordered lives.

When you think of cults, beware of these cults too.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.