First an apology to my email subscribers. Trying out a new WordPress format and wouldn’t you know, when it says “Post a Photo” it means exactly that. But photos seem easier to upload, so here we go. Pictures are what I want to share. I received two things in the mail that really drew a contrast for me today.
Any former SDA who gets these knows exactly what they are and who they are from. But no one else does. As usual the church name, website, phone number, and pastor’s name can’t be found. Inside it says, “Meet Our Speaker”. There we find a picture of a girl who might be all of 16, who it claims became inspired for evangelism at an intensive Youth evangelistic program. Internet searches showed her to turn up on a 3ABN show, and a couple of Youtube videos where it seems the child is extremely gifted for music. Preaching a three week doctrinal series? I suspect not. The copy under the headliner refers to her as “a speaker”.. not “THE speaker”.
But even if they practiced total disclosure and honesty – the pictures, as usual, speak volumes more. This exercise isn’t about picking on a group of people. It’s about discernment and learning to spot the frauds and cons in life. They are everywhere. Ask yourself here what first impressions do these images give and what do you expect to hear? What motivator are they playing on? What’s the agenda?
This one lists all the major distinctive doctrines necessary to convert people to “the church”, which would include their beliefs on the Sabbath day, hell, what happens when you die (nothing), and the second coming, which is closely tied to the Sabbath and the Mark of the Beast (er.. keeping Sunday as the Sabbath).
Sorry next one is fuzzy. Too late to re-take the photo.
Still I have to ask, what IS Life’s Greatest Battle? This entire brochure implies extreme danger and fear. You have to know about this battle and how to fight it or all might be lost. This impression does accurately portray the belief system as a whole, in its historical form.
Then I opened my other mail, one of my favorites for years – a magazine dedicated to raising awareness for the persecuted Church, worldwide. Do they have an agenda? Most certainly. Matthew 25, Hebrews 13. The cult flyer cloaked their identity and Jesus both. He was a footnote. When I look at these pictures, all I see is Jesus.
I think these believers must know, that “Life’s Greatest Battle” is already won. Yet they are caught in the cross fire over and over in a world that hates the Victor. Their testimony and witness continues to focus me and my priorities on a regular basis. They tear away the facade and let the reality of who we are, and who Jesus is, shine out. What a beautiful picture.
8thDay4Life 
Amazing. The first photo was all fear, the VOM was all victory. My trivial worries disappeared in the light of their courage and faith. Thanks for posting. We need this spiritual regrouping often.
What Jan said =o).
I will add: The burden of the Gospel is light =o).
Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
AMEN to that!!
Amen, JGIG!!!!! His heart to ours exactly!!!!
So funny, I received the first brochure, looked at it only briefly and threw it in the trash. I love how you explain what I just disregarded and now I know it is something I can pray about, so that all who received it will not be deceived.
Thank you for showing the difference of truth vs. untruths side by side. Very powerful,
I was wondering how many people I know will be getting them. Honestly, they have not changed their outreach approach in 50 years. I think maybe its appeal is outdated – and less effective. I hope. You tossed it exactly where it belonged. But yes, praying people are not deceived. This church is just right around the corner from yours Nona.