John 4 shows us the perfect illustration of how we are to act and react to these people.

vv. 6&7 - a true servant is always ready. Jesus made no excuses to ignore the woman although He had the perfect one, that Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. The woman knowing this was puzzled. Jesus makes Himself vulnerable to the woman by asking her for a drink of water. He relates lovingly to her as a human being, not accusing her as an adulteress.

vv. 10 - 14 - Jesus does not even begin by talking about the woman but he talks about Himself. He shows her that what He has is far better than what she has.

v. 15 - This leads the woman to want what Jesus has rather than being forced away.

vv. 16-18 - Jesus still has to deal with what is wrong in the woman's life but He does it in such a loving way. He begins with a question not an accusation. We can learn much from this - it is far better to ask a question of the cult member that will cause them to open up and think rather than accuse them which will cause them to clam up.

v. 21ff - Jesus is prepared to talk at her level.

v. 29 - She knows that something is different. She is not sure what it is but now there is a big '?' in her life. In summary

• Build bridges not brick walls
• Show them you have something better than they do but not with a 'holier than thou' attitude
• Ask questions not make accusations
• Sow doubt and share the real Jesus

UNDERSTAND AND SYMPATHISE
We are not to condone the wrong attitudes and beliefs of cult members. At the same time, we are not to put standards on them that God would not put on us. See Hebrews 4:14-5:8. Notice how the High Priest acts towards us and this is the way we are to act towards others. Understand the problems someone leaving the cult may have, for example, having to leave home or family; entering a church for the first time, or fear of reprisals.

SPEND TIME AND BE PATIENT
We need to show lots of love and care. The victims need compassion and restoration. See Jesus' treatment of Peter in John 21. Always be ready to restore after a fall.

USE OF APOLOGETICS
Many groups have their own spiritual language and this often leads to talking at cross purposes. Using apologetics is a vital part of our communication with cultists. The word apologetics is derived from the Greek word apologia and means 'a reasoned argument' not 'to apologise.' The word is used eight times in the New Testament: Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Corinthians 9:3; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Philippians 1:7, 16; 2 Timothy 4:16; and 1 Peter 3:15. It is shown in these Scriptures to mean 'a verbal defence, a speech in defence of what one has done or the truth which one believes.'

Although translated defence, it is not nega-tive, but a very positive vindication as these Scriptures show. It is just like the case put by the defence lawyer to the jury. Having studied his client and the case details he is able to present clearly and precisely why his client is innocent. We need to be able to present such a clear case to show why we are Christians and not anything else with a spiritual belief system.

THE ORIGINAL AND THE COPY
This is a helpful way of showing the difference between a cult and true Christianity and at the same time taking away the accusing finger. Talk about the painting masterpiece worth thousands of pounds and then about a very good copy that looks excellent but is only worth hundreds. Offer both to them and ask them to choose which one they want. From this point, you can show the differences between the group they are involved with and the Bible. Ask them which one they would prefer, the very valuable original or the good but lesser copy.

More details on this issue and all other matters concerning cults, occult and new age spirituality are available at the Reachout Trust website http://www.reachoutturst.org