Hello Diana.
Thanks for visiting our website. And thanks for writing. You've asked a wonderful question. In its simplest terms, the Christian Church is made up of people who, through repentance and forgiveness, have given their lives over to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Over the years, the church has also developed the doctrine of the "visible" versus the "invisible" church. The visible church is made up of the organized, institutional churches on earth, together with their formal members. Very "visible." The invisible church is made up of all those who have a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ, but may not be a part the "visible" church on earth. They might be traveling "incognito" if you will. There is considerable overlap between the visible and the invisible church, but not all institutional church members may truly be Christians in their heart, and not all true Christians may take part in an institutional church. I hope that's not too confusing.
Beyond that, there are pseudo-Christian cults. The word "pseudo" means "not genuine, but having the appearance of." Pseudo-Christian cults may look like Christian churches on the surface, but underneath they distort the Bible, the gospel and the teachings of Christ. This is dangerous, because the gospel is "the power of God unto salvation for all who believe." But if the gospel becomes perverted, it loses its power to save. That's why the writers of the New Testament placed such an emphasis on accurate teaching. Pseudo-Christian cults, then, are dangerous for individuals on two counts. First, because the cult has distorted the teachings of Christ, the person may not have responded to the genuine gospel, and may not actually be saved. Pretty important. Second, the person may take part in promoting the distorted teachings of the cult, encouraging others to believe the cult teachings. This is sin, very serious sin, because they are actually leading others away from an accurate understanding of Christ.
Jesus said, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." And He has been faithful to His word. His has extended His church ever since, in every age, to the most remote parts of the world. And He is doing the same today. In every age there have also been counterfeit, cult, churches to distract and detract from His genuine message. "Satan prowls around looking for whom he may devour." But Christ's church continues to grow in spite of those detractions. Our website and ministry are dedicated to helping cult members understand the error of their ways before it is too late.
Thanks again for writing Diana. Please let us know if there is any other way we can help.
Blessings to you,
Paul Trask