This sermon focuses on the dangers of false prophets, cults, and Christian excesses, with a strong emphasis on biblical warnings against deception. Pastor Bob Rotola warns the congregation about the infiltration of false teachings into the church and urges vigilance in testing teachings against Scripture. The sermon is rich with biblical references, particularly from Acts 20:28–31, Jude, Matthew 24, and 2 Peter 2. Read the summarized highlights of the sermon below, or listen to the full sermon for March 17, 2025, here.
Sermon Highlights
Paul’s Warning to Church Leaders About False Teachers
Referencing Acts 20:28–31, Pastor Rotola emphasizes Paul's deep concern for the church:
“Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears.” Paul knew that as Christianity grew, Satan would also be actively working to corrupt it through false teachers.
The sermon stresses the responsibility of church leaders to protect the doctrine of God, beware of false prophets, and avoid embracing new ideologies without biblical backing: "Do not buy into new things easily. Make sure it is thoroughly and completely backed by scripture."
The Danger of False Prophets and Deception
Pastor Rotola explains that a false prophet may appear righteous, but manipulate people to gain power and control. He quotes Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. Wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them."
He also warns that many cult leaders were once Christians: "Almost all the leaders of cults, almost all of them, were at one time Christians who Satan deceived and they became worldwide leaders of false prophecy."
How to Recognize A Cult Leader or False Prophet
The sermon provides eight key cult leader traits and the general characteristics of cults and false teachers:
They idolize a person rather than Christ.
They claim unique revelations that no one else has.
They rely on extra-biblical writings that distort scripture.
They teach another gospel, another Jesus, and another spirit (2 Corinthians 11:4).
They discourage members from outside relationships with other Christians.
They have an authoritarian structure that demands control over followers.
They financially exploit their members.
They overemphasize certain scriptures while ignoring others to support their agenda.
The sermon lists several examples of false prophets throughout history, including:
Muhammad (Islam). Muhammed taught that Jesus was only a prophet, and that he (Muhammad) was the final prophet.
Joseph Smith (Mormonism). Smith introduced extra-biblical books and claimed unique revelation.
Charles Russell (Jehovah's Witnesses). Russell rejected the notion that Jesus is God and the Trinity doctrine as a whole.
Mary Baker Eddy (Christian Science). Eddy claimed the physical world does not exist.
Sun Myung Moon (Unification Church). Claimed he was sent to complete what Jesus started.
Jim Jones (People’s Temple). Led his followers to commit mass suicide in Jonestown.
Pastor Rotola also exposes a new cult in Wichita, Kansas, called the World Mission Society Church of God, which promotes the belief that Korean Zahng Gil-jah is "God the Mother.”
The Occult and its Dangers
The sermon warns against divination, astrology, necromancy, tarot cards, and Ouija boards based on Deuteronomy 18:10-12: “For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord.”
Pastor Rotola strongly condemns mediums who claim to speak to the dead, explaining: "It's not really your dead relatives giving that message... it's demons impersonating them."
Christian Excesses and Doctrinal Errors
The sermon concludes with warnings about modern Christian excesses, including:
The Hyper-Grace Movement. “Some churches now teach that you don’t have to repent or confess anything. That’s not the Gospel.”
Denial of Hell. “Even though scripture speaks more about Hell than Heaven, some Christians now deny it.”
Universalism. This is the false belief that everyone will eventually be saved.
Over-spiritualization of everything. “Not every dream or thought has some deep spiritual meaning.”
Denial of Christ’s Return. Some now claim there is no Rapture or Second Coming.
Mixing New Age beliefs with Christianity. There is a rising trend of blending energy healing, mysticism, and law of attraction with Christian teachings.
The Shepherdship Movement. “Some church leaders are taking ‘spiritual authority’ too far, controlling people’s personal lives.”
Final Call to Action: Stay Rooted in God’s Word
Pastor Rotola invites those who have dabbled in cults or the occult to renounce these influences: "If you've participated in these things, I want to pray over you. Stand to your feet."
He led the congregation in a prayer of repentance and commitment to scripture as the sole authority: "Say, ‘I renounce this in Jesus’ name. My loyalty and learning are to the Word of God.'"
He also extended an altar call for anyone who wanted to give their life to Christ.
The sermon urges believers to stay rooted in Scripture, be vigilant against false teachings, and avoid spiritual deception, emphasizing that "Satan has his own ministers, his own prophets, his own pastors. But God’s word is the final authority. Test everything by scripture."
Tune Into the Word With Word of Life Church
Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community and to empower Christians to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus.
To that end, we have two convenient locations serving both North and South Wichita, and we also offer accessible church services to support you in your journey. If you’re unable to attend in-person church services, you can watch our live stream sermons or listen to our podcast sermons from the comfort of your home or preferred location. If English isn’t your primary language, you can take advantage of our weekly international and Spanish-language services.
Our church offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God and enhance a mindset of gratitude. Contact us today to find out how we can serve you!
