I have been reading about the cult known as Heaven’s Gate. Those who survived have a web-site that reminds me very much of Ardith Keef’s. At first glance it seems quite normal. Their web-site is lovely with all the bright colors of hot pink, white, bright blue and yellow lettering on a black background. As I looked in Wikipedia I found many similarities of the two groups.
I also found a lot of information on Heavens Gate on the web-site of Rick Ross. (well-known cult expert) Ardith and Bill Keef are also listed there as cult leaders in alphabetical order just between the two infamous cult leaders, Jim Jones and David Koresh.
In 1997 ,39 people followed Marshall Applegate in committing suicide believing they would catch a comet and their souls would go to heaven. They all wore wrist bands that read, “Heavens Gate - Away Team” They even talked about “Jesus Christ and His Heavenly Kingdom.”
Heaven’s Gate was known by three names over the years, HIM, Total Overcomers Anonomous, and Heavens Gate. So was Anchor Missionary Fellowship. Anchor was Christian Musicians Assn, COA, and AMF. Cults often change their names.
Heavens Gate included computer whizzes, musicians, English Teachers, National Merit Scholorship winners, a former Republican Candidate for state office, a grandmother, daughter of a judge, son of a telecommunications mogul. Anchor Missionary Fellowship includes, Teachers, Musicians, Grandmothers, Professors, Dancers, Computer whizzes, pilots and others. It is led by a Lawyer and a Telecommunications Engineer.
A video tape taken shortly before their suicides showed Heavens Gate to be excited about their future!
The Heavens Gate web-site says “If you study the material on this web-site you will hopefully understand our joy and what our purpose here on earth has been.”
Ardith is very excited to say, “Great release is experienced by those who know they are Heaven Bound.” “We are being prepared for heaven - investments must be Heavenly.”
Heavens Gate says, “As was promised- the keys to Heavens Gate are here again as they were in Jesus 2000 years ago.”
Guess whether Ardith Keef or Heavens Gate said this:”No one can travel very far while carrying baggage. Certainly no one will be taking any baggage to heaven.”
Guess who said this,”Jesus said it wouldn’t be easy. He asked for total commitment, and that means walking away from everything, including your families.”
Who said this? “If you follow us you must obey everything we say. That includes giving up your possessions, your family, and yourself.”
Which one said this? “It is so easy to live as if the promises wern’t true, but they are true.”
What about this one? “You may even find your boarding pass to leave with us.”
One more..who said it AK ot HG? “Make sure hands are CLEAN AND FREE. Lifted up in anticipation of what is to come.”
Well, I hope the reader gets the point that anyone can say anything. Don’t foolishly believe something just because it sounds good. Be careful who you follow. Many cults have believed many bizarre things. Some things can sound quite normal. But the fruit of their lives tells us the whole story. Some can talk about Heaven , but it doesn’t mean they will be there if they are off the mark and far from Jesus in reality. Jesus will say, “Get away from Me , I never knew you!” Mr Applegate led 39 people to their deaths on the presumption that they were “Heaven Bound.” They were so sure of themselves, and excited to go to Heaven, but now they lay in the ground like every other dead person who awaits the Judgment.
Jesus said, “Be careful what you are hearing.” He also said, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit. but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. because many false prophets have come into the world.” 1John 4: 1-2 There may be a little truth ,but a lot of hype and falsehood. There may be what seems like a lot of truth and excitement , coming from a charismatic someone, but it’s mixed with a deceptive lethel concoction of poison to numb your spiritual senses , and to keep you under someones control. Test the spirit. Examine the fruit. Be sure you are really and truly “Heaven Bound” and not caught up in someones “Heavens Gate.”
The five questions above were stated by 1. Ardith Keef 2. Heavens Gate 3. Heavens Gate 4. Ardith Keef 5. Heavens Gate 6. Ardith Keef
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