La Luz del Mundo: Revisited
A couple of months ago, I published a blog about a church, La Luz del Mundo (LLDM), and to my surprise, it has caused quite some stir! I have since learn much more about the church and the mentality of some of the members that attend. As you may know, I pointed out that the church’s foundation is based on lies- due to their belief in a modern-day apostle, Samuel Joaquin Flores, who is at the core of the congregation’s teaching. Emphasis is placed on this man… more-so than Christ. Being straight to the point, people have to believe in this “chosen one sent by God” for their salvation in heaven, and what is worse: the church naively proclaims that outside of LLDM, there is NO salvation. It appears that our Lord Jesus Christ, dying for our sins, was not enough and people must revere this new “apostle” to be saved. As honest individuals, what are we to think of such bold blasphemies and blatant lies? The church hierarchy, beginning with Samuel himself, to his sons, and his elite inner-circle possess mostly dubious behavior, to say the least. Personally, I would not feel safe if surrounded by this group. They are interested in money and holding their position at any cost. In my other blog, La Luz del Mundo: A Church Founded on Lies, I was fortunate to meet several people with a genuine love of God and who put forth their testimonies regarding their negative experiences with this church, if it can even be called that, since it appears to be more like a cult… unbeknownst to the poor, misinformed people who attend, of course. My aim, and of others here, is not to offend at all but to expose the church for what it is. We are conscientious that many, many people that attend do so out of their love and genuine faith in God, what they do not know is that Samuel preaches a different gospel altogether.
When exposing the truth of this church, we point at the history of the church, the subsequent inheritance of the church by Samuel, and how the church is molded today. I mostly have focused on the history and the life-impacting aspects of the church while others, like Colin, Blue, Christopher and Alberto have put forth very solid and fool-proof biblical Scriptures challenging the authenticity of “Apostle” Samuel Joaquin Flores. A connoisseur of the Holy Bible, Colin has submitted evidence that convince, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Samuel’s “apostleship” is a farce.
Revelations 2:2 instructs thus:
“…You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.”
As Colin has pointed out elsewhere, Samuel Joaquin Flores is 0 for 5 in the requirements of a true apostle:
Samuel has never seen Jesus Christ, Samuel was never chosen by Christ, Samuel has never performed a sign or miracle, Samuel has never written an Epistle, and Samuel never had the role in the foundation of the universal church by preaching the original and only Gospel of Jesus Christ… in short, Samuel soundly fails the prerequisites of a true apostle. Moving on, if you take an objective view on the lifestyle Samuel has had, it is not on par with the rest of the true apostles of Jesus Christ. For example, Samuel is very wealthy, living in luxurious mansions, owning luxurious cars, owning ranches with a zoo of exotic animals, owning other properties all over Mexico and abroad, vacationing frequently to Las Vegas, and dressing in expensive Italian designer clothes… it begs the question, were the biblical apostles filthy rich? All these are facts. Though we live in modern times, living like this was not the example set by the original apostles. Jesus, in Matthew 6:19, even commands us to not collect treasures on earth, but that is precisely what Samuel Joaquin Flores does.
Now, when you present these points to people who attend LLDM, we are the enemy. A member even claimed that I live a horrible life, made-so by the devil! They call us ignorant, stupid, morons, and other things that aren’t of a “Christian” nature. Regarding his wealth and properties, fanatics will always counter that God has simply blessed Samuel and if he lives in luxury, so be it. Members state that their “apostle” never asks for anything (though he sure is quick to accept a yacht, among other things) and that they simply want to “accommodate” and treat their spiritual leader well. Pretty preposterous, right? Most of the congregation are dirt poor, and pastors are sent with family in-tow to the poorest of regions to start-up new churches. As one commentator most eloquently put on the other blog, some of the pastor’s families only have tortillas with salt to eat (if that), while the tithe was mailed religiously to Guadalajara for Samuel and his family to live like royalty. Still, members see nothing wrong with this. They have filters for the reality surrounding their leader. The widows of the pastors exploited by the church do not even receive a pension. On the contrary, the church convinces widows and other members who are ill and close to death to donate their houses and/or their other properties to the church. Pastors have no insurance. As another frequent commentator stated, if a pastor falls ill and needs surgery and medication, he is pretty much on his own and headquarters reluctantly loan money to that particular church to temporary cover the medical costs, money that has to be paid back by the people that attend that church (basically, they pitch in money for the cause). All these points lead to the conclusion that LLDM executives are full of greed and unscrupulous. Yet another example of this is that members are pretty much required to pilgrim to Guadalajara on August 14th and February 14th to pay homage to the self-labeled “apostle”. What might surprise you is that February 14th is his birthday! Again, members will say that during this “holy supper”, mention of his birthday is never made. Be as it may, the day is still his birthday. As you read this, LLDM churches from every location are collecting and raising money to buy gifts for Samuel. Since most of the members have little to no education, it is an easy matter to brainwash them. For instance, they are told that the Bible can only be properly interpreted by their pastors, as it is too sophisticated for them to understand on their own. This, of course, means most of the members know very little about the Holy Bible. Even the ones that know the Scriptures interpret them in their own skewed way and defend their faux apostle with such zealot that it is almost admirable. They should remember the old adage “Just because you believe in something… it doesn’t mean it’s true”.
Naturally, the truth hurts and LLDM proponents have come out to defend their church. Unfortunately, most only state their opinions and cannot defend their beliefs, while rebuking us for “insulting” their religion. On the other hand, those who share my view mostly state clear biblical truths. What is closer to the truth? Contents from the Bible or opinions? If we are honest, and as academics it is our duty to be so, one can easily discern that what we write is VERITAS. Sadly, it has even come to the point that a member has researched me, trying to find out who I truly am, where I live, etc., as well as investigating my father’s history. Very creepy behavior, wouldn’t you agree? Yet, not unexpected. Still, who would go through such lengths to find out about a blog writer if the truth written here is not damaging their church? Digging into my family’s history and contacting some of my father’s siblings from the church is rather disturbing. It gives an unsettling feeling that I may be targeted for elimination. How far would this cult go to protect its interest? We have but to look to the past to see how fanatics were quick to shed blood like say in the crusades, all for their beliefs. Let us remember David Koresh who preyed on the ignorance of his followers and manipulated them to carry out his whims. The only difference here is that Samuel uses his claim as an “apostle” to get rich. Yes, many members are mad at my blog and for writing about LLDM. In their minds, they are blasphemies and God will surely punish me for it.
To make matters worse, some people have given testimonies that on top of all I have mentioned, sexual abuse has been occurring from long ago. Allegedly, Samuel has had many young women working in his mansion in Guadalajara and, intuitively, one can gather that the apostle has engaged in sexual intercourse with more than one woman throughout the years. Is it true? I do not know, I was not there. What is known is that said young women do wear clothing that reveals their voluptuous feminine figure. Investigation to these claims have always led to dead ends, primarily due to the money and influence of this church in Mexico.
Samuel Joaquin Flores is in his 70s, and his death is imminent. Will he chose a son of his to carry the mantle of “apostleship” just as he received it from his father Aaron?! That is precisely what will happen… and it will happen quite soon. LLDM criticizes the Roman Catholic Church for having the Pope as their maximum spiritual leader, failing to see that they themselves have their own ‘pope” who lives just as luxuriously and worse, by lying to 5 million people that he was appointed by God himself! Samuel has no education… but to make amends, he purchased an ‘honorary doctorate’… so he is now called “doctor”! It is an abomination that this man has never been convicted. In Mexico, government authorities like the police are easily bought and controlled. That LLDM steers its congregation to vote for PRI in every election guarantees them immunity from the government. Members always will tell you that Samuel is a kind hearted human being who builds schools, hospitals, clinics, and such… what they fail to understand is that none of those services are free. They are all charged for.
It is sad how humble people with a desire to know God are being taken advantage by this false “apostle”.
March 7th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
I want to share this thoughts with all my ex-correligionaries because now I’m free of LLDM indoctrination, I can see very clear things and issues that before were “normal” to me.
How come anyone can know in advance President Obama’s Schedule minute by minute, to know what is he up to, where is he going to be and who is he going to meet, sometimes even what is he going to EAT or say. President Obama is the most POWERFUL man on earth, the most HATED by his enemies, and the most valuable target for any extremist group.
TO THE CONTRARY , Nobody knows what is in Samuel Joaquin’s mind, where is he going to be in the next 24 hours (not even think in a detailed agenda), who is he meeting or WHAT IS HE REALLY UP TO (Although, we could have an educated guess in accord with his previous behavior).
NOBODY knows for which of the doors of “Jerico 775″ is going to show up, which car is he going to use for his “errands”, or which congregation he is going to “bless” with his presence.
NOBODY knows who is he going to promote (Not even his sons) or degrade or even curse or punish with public humiliation. There is not really a PERFORMANCE PLAN for ministers or any close aide to him.
EVERYTHING is controlled at his whims and by the information that gets to him first.
IS THIS REALLY THE WAY A “SERVANT OF GOD” WOULD BEHAVE?
OR IS THE WAY ALL TYRANTS AND DICTATORS USE TO CONTROL THE LIVES OF THOSE UNDER THEIR POWER?
I always noted a very close similitude between Samuel Joaquin and a character of a classical motion picture called “Quo Vadis”, Nero the emperor, with his cowardeness and puerile and whimsical way to govern.
NOW I KNOW THAT EVEN-THOUGH HE CONTROLS THE LIVES OF HIS FANATICS, HE HIMSELF IS CONTROLLED BY FEAR, FEAR OF BEING THROWN DOWN, FEAR OF BEING UNCOVERED, FEAR OF LOOSING HIS WEALTH AND POWER, BUT OVER ALL, FEAR OF ETERNAL CONDEMNATION BECAUSE HE KNOWS WHO HE REALLY IS.
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Yes, I agree with Frank Medina. His Definition about Samuel is ALL correct. Samuel Joaquin is the Anti-Christ!!
hahaha Did somebody attend the lecture of a new “espistle” of the “apostle” samuel?
WHAT A SHAME, WHAT A BLASFEMY, to compare a simple Greeting Card, (greeting to his people and himself because his birthday) with the AUTHENTIC apostolic letters, like Paul’s, Peter’s, John’s, etc.
I WAS IN SHOCK when I witnees that lldm congregation actually COMPARES to the same level, that greeting cards writed by Samuel with the apostolic letters. IS UNBELIAVABLE SUCH MADNESS!!
Oh, Lord. Help me.
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:32 am
Holy Mole OSCAR! I thought it was “el chupacabras”!
In spite of Samuel’s expensive and exotic attire, he is really ugly!
But his external appearance is not his biggest drawback BUT HIS MORAL CHARACTER! CORRUPT, DECEITFUL, DEPRAVED, EVIL, MERCILESS, RANCOROUS, SADISTIC, TYRANNICAL, HARD HEARTED, AND THE WORST, AN USURPER OF GOD!
THAT’S THE REAL SAMUEL BEHIND THE EXPENSIVE MASK AND LUXURIOUS GUCCI SUITS AND PRADA SHOES.
Y COMO REZA EL DICHO VULGAR:
“AUNQUE LA MONA SE VISTA DE SEDA, MONA SE QUEDA!”
February 24th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
It was either this photo or one in which he had a huge decoration behind him, with the words: Este Es Mi Enviado.
Maybe you guys have seen it in LLDM websites!
February 24th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
hahahaha what an awful and horripilant photograph you post uh Oscar?
I never think that samuel were as ugly than that awful photo!
what a shame!! that some people tell to this man: “the most beautiful man over all earth!!”
Repugnant
February 18th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
I was told by a LLDM pastor, and also by several LLDM members on this blog and in person, that by not believing Samuel Joaquin is an Apostle, I was blaspheming God’s prophet. My very simple reply to all of them: “Please tell me of any prophecies Samuel has foretold which have come to pass, or tell me where I may read his prophecies.” The answer from LLDM members: none.
The answer from the LLDM pastor I posed this question to: Deuteronomy 18:15.
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.”
His claim was that “by not listening to Samuel, you are disobeying God’s command.”
No reference to any actual prophecies made true, but rather a presumption that Moses’ prophecy here was foretelling the coming of Aaron and Samuel Joaquin.
Initially, this made no sense to me. First of all, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, and says God will raise up a prophet from “among their own brothers,” but neither Samuel or Aaron Joaquin are Jewish, so how can they be raised from among their own brothers?
After further studying this passage, the Holy Spirit has revealed to me that this is a case of LLDM putting Samuel in the very place of Christ. Any LLDM members reading this, please look up all Bible references made for yourself. I will do my best to show how Moses’ prophecy in this passage actually foretells the coming of the Messiah.
Let’s look at more of the same passage.
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God or see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” The Lord said to me “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words which the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.”(Deuteronomy 18:15-19)
The singular pronoun emphasizes the ultimate prophet who was to come – Jesus Christ. Both the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 34:10), and the New Testament (Acts 3:22-23; 7:37) interpret this passage as a reference to the coming Messiah, who like Moses would receive and preach divine revelation and lead his people (John 1:21-25; 1:43-45; 6:14; 7:40). Jesus was also like Moses in many other ways:
Both were spared death as a baby (Exodus 2; Matthew 2:13-23); both renounced a royal court (Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 11:24-27); Both had compassion on their people (Numbers 27:17; Matthew 9:36); Made intercession for the people (Deuteronomy 9:18; Hebrews 7:25); spoke with God face to face (Exodus 34:29-30; 2 Corinthians 3:7); was the mediator of a covenant (Hebrews 8:6-7; 1 Timothy 2:5).
“But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death. You may say to yourselves “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
In contrast to the true prophet Christ, Moses also predicted there would be false prophet who would come to Israel (and to the world), speaking not in the name of the Lord, but in the name of false gods. How could the people tell whether or not a prophet was authentically speaking for God? Moses said “If the thing does not take place or come true”, it was not from God. The characteristic of false prophets is the failure of their predictions to always come true. Sometimes false prophets speak, and it does happen as they said, but they are representing false gods and trying to turn people from the true God – these prophets were to be rejected and executed (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). Other times false prophets are more subtle, identifying with the true God but speaking lies. If ever a prophecy of such a prophet fails, he is shown to be false (Jeremiah 28:15-17; Jeremiah 29:30-32).
In light of this more complete passage of Scripture, my question still stands. To any LLDM proponents who still insist that Samuel Joaquin is a prophet:
“Can you please tell me of any prophecies Samuel has foretold which have come to pass, or tell me where I may read his prophecies?”
February 12th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
As a son of a pastor in LLDM, I always wonder why when Eusebio, Samuel and the pastors of the church would apply for visas, permits and even for mundane tasks as registering for voting ALWAYS stated their occupation as MERCHANTS. Even nowadays when Samuel travels to foreign countries, NEVER disclose his occupation as APOSTOL or PROPHET, not even as MISSIONARY or PREACHER. He always identify himself as “Businessman”.
Now I understand why. Because in the old days they did not want to be prosecuted or stigmatisized for their real occupation.
And today, because he is unconsciously revealing his real OCCUPATION, a merchant of the word of God.
Now Samuel uses his apocryph title of DOCTOR.
Looking at the decorations of his houses in Hermosa Provincia, claded with strambotic fabrics and painted cardboard to look as french castles with the intention of impress the ignorant masses of LLDM, I see a parallel between the falsity of this hollywoodesque scenarios and the life of the “apostol”. Same scenography, same hypocrisy.