This is La Luz del Mundo, and Don't You Ever Forget It!
If you drive up US 59 from the North Loop, you will soon pass a bizarre building on your right. After driving by it hundreds of times commuting to work, I finally had to stop. It is Iglesia La Luz del Mundo. This is it seen from the south:
It basically consists of two buildings--a main building, which as a Greek temple-style front and a huge golden dome beside it, and then another, smaller greek temple-like building off to the southwest of the main building. This is the smaller structure.
You can see that in front of the smaller temple is a circular colonnade.
It is perhaps the most beautiful (and certainly the most mysterious) feature of the whole complex.
The main building is not only deep, but very wide as well, due to two curved wings in front.
The building is fronted by very large marble columns (and is indeed made entirely of marble), topped with a pediment decorated with sculptural elements.
So what is this remarkable complex? La Luz del Mundo is a Protestant Christian sect headquartered in Guadalajara, Mexico.
When I was taking pictures, I got a chance to speak with the young watchman. He told me that the church took five years to build. He offered to let me see the interior, but I wasn't allowed to take pictures there. A shame, because as mindblowing as the outside is, the inside is even moreso.
Even though they clearly spent a fortune on this church, they really should have spent a little more on the sculptures.
This pediment is inhabited by various Biblical figures, but unlike a Greek pediment, the figures don't have a visual or spatial relationship with each other or with the architecture of the pediment. One thing that so appeals about the finest Greek temples is the unity of compsition. Everything fits together wonderfully and naturally. Here, it is as if the various elements were sculpted separately and then stuck onto the pediment randomly, with no sense of composition.
The front gates feature similarly clumsy sculptures.
La Luz del Mundo is not without controversies. And this building seems clumsy, grandiose, crass, and overpowering. Usually when one sees hispanic Protestant churches, one is struck by their modesty and humility. "Humility" is not a word that can be associated with La Luz del Mundo.
And yet, I like it. For two reasons I like it. First, it pays homage, in its own clunky way, to our classical heritage. And second, it is the attempt of a church to glorify God in the best way they know how. All church buildings used to be grand like this, and much of the greatest art ever made served the purpose of glory to God. Folks used to go to church every Sunday in their very best clothes. Nowadays you'll see people walking into church in t-shirts. I'm not a religious guy, but the idea of saving the very best for God has an ancient appeal. The Greeks did it with the Parthenon, and La Luz del Mundo have done it here.
(Crossposted on The Great God Pan Is Dead)
It basically consists of two buildings--a main building, which as a Greek temple-style front and a huge golden dome beside it, and then another, smaller greek temple-like building off to the southwest of the main building. This is the smaller structure.
You can see that in front of the smaller temple is a circular colonnade.
It is perhaps the most beautiful (and certainly the most mysterious) feature of the whole complex.
The main building is not only deep, but very wide as well, due to two curved wings in front.
The building is fronted by very large marble columns (and is indeed made entirely of marble), topped with a pediment decorated with sculptural elements.
So what is this remarkable complex? La Luz del Mundo is a Protestant Christian sect headquartered in Guadalajara, Mexico.
When I was taking pictures, I got a chance to speak with the young watchman. He told me that the church took five years to build. He offered to let me see the interior, but I wasn't allowed to take pictures there. A shame, because as mindblowing as the outside is, the inside is even moreso.
Even though they clearly spent a fortune on this church, they really should have spent a little more on the sculptures.
This pediment is inhabited by various Biblical figures, but unlike a Greek pediment, the figures don't have a visual or spatial relationship with each other or with the architecture of the pediment. One thing that so appeals about the finest Greek temples is the unity of compsition. Everything fits together wonderfully and naturally. Here, it is as if the various elements were sculpted separately and then stuck onto the pediment randomly, with no sense of composition.
The front gates feature similarly clumsy sculptures.
La Luz del Mundo is not without controversies. And this building seems clumsy, grandiose, crass, and overpowering. Usually when one sees hispanic Protestant churches, one is struck by their modesty and humility. "Humility" is not a word that can be associated with La Luz del Mundo.
And yet, I like it. For two reasons I like it. First, it pays homage, in its own clunky way, to our classical heritage. And second, it is the attempt of a church to glorify God in the best way they know how. All church buildings used to be grand like this, and much of the greatest art ever made served the purpose of glory to God. Folks used to go to church every Sunday in their very best clothes. Nowadays you'll see people walking into church in t-shirts. I'm not a religious guy, but the idea of saving the very best for God has an ancient appeal. The Greeks did it with the Parthenon, and La Luz del Mundo have done it here.
(Crossposted on The Great God Pan Is Dead)
Labels: architecture, Houston Streets
posted by Robert Boyd at
9:34 PM
56 Comments:
Great post. I have always wondered about this whenever I drive up to or back from IAH. It usually gets a rise out of out-of-towners, too :)
Great pix of an intriguing place. Thanks for visiting and providing the photos.
Sometimes you just gotta get out of the car and snap a few. There are quite a few totally intriguing yet utterly mysterious architectural objects in Houston. If I ran the Chronicle, I'd have a feature every Sunday called "What's the Story Behind This?", and it would deal with these oddball places. Of course, that's what I attempt to do when I pick a neighborhood and ride on every street--to discover previously unknown pockets of architectural or decorative individuality and extroversion in Houston. Not always successful, but occasionally I strike gold.
Thanks for the kind comments.
Very beautiful photos
Correction: La Luz Del Mundo is not a protestant Christian sect. The teachings of this church do not resemble those of any protestant churches, nor has it stemmed from any of them either. Its roots are solid on the teachings of Jesus Christ of the New Testament. Everything thins else in your post is accurate though. Nice photos.
It is a cult, nothing to do with the Bible's teachings. They believe the only way to heaven is through their church and their "Apostle", leader of the church. Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me".
These are beautiful pics of a bueatiful structure,but don't let appearances fool you! "This is La Luz Del Mundo, and Don't You Ever Forget It!" WHAT A JOKE!!! If you have ever been to a part of that church you wouldn't even have to say that.It was the most horrifying experience of my entire life to date. I have faced cancer and looked death in the eye and still it didn't compare to the 7 years I had to endure in that cult. The bible teaches that we should not worship false idols, instead it teaches us worship the Lord. These people are hipocrytes. They worship a man they call the "APOSTLE OF GOD" and they are so brainwashed that they can't see what it is doing to them and their families. They are so poverty stricken because they give all their money to the church and to this man "Samuel Juaquin Flores". While they live with roaches and mice in their homes Samuel has a home in every city near every church. While their children walk around with holes in their shoes and ratty clothes HE walks around in beautiful suits and perfectly manicured hands. I could go on for days about this joke of a church but I'll leave you with this, NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING.
January 11 2010
whoever you were that had a horrifying experience you are lying. because if you didnt believe in the servant of god you would have never joined the church. may god have mercy on you.
i am a proud member of the church and we are taught always to live by the teachings of the bible to be good respectable and honorable people. so if you ever want to know more just stop by and visit we love visitors and there are no obligations
Dear tabitha-a,
Your reaction to "Anonymous's" post about their experience is just that their experience.
Why call them a liar?
I am self see the "holy contributions" to either Sameul or his wife asked of from the memebers of LLDM on a weekly basis and unless you, as a memeber of LLDM, belong to one of the more prominate LLDM churches regualr, down to earth, poor congregations see very little of the money.
The real issue, in a nut shell, is that LLDM believes and teaches that there must to be a “Man of God” here on earth for mankind to receive salvation from Jesus Christ this is called the “time for salvation”.
LLDM teaches that with the death of the last original apostle John around the year 100 a.d. approximately 2000 years ago this “time for salvation” ended and the truth of Jesus Christ left mankind, and was hidden way not to return until another “Man of God” or Apostle is revealed to man here on earth.
LLDM teaches that it was not until the year 1926 with the self proclaimed new “man of God” Aaron Flores, who is the father of the current LLDM leader Samuel Joaquin, declared that the “time for salvation” had returned to the world through him.
AFter Aaron's death (cause of death unknown!) his youngest son Samuel took over and declared himself the new “Man of God” and even gave himself the title of Apostle so that the “time for salvation” may continue uninterrupted.
This uninterrupted time for salvation is the only reason that LLDM is still in existence to this day because with out a “Man of God” on earth there is no salvation and therefore no reason for LLDM or any other churches at all, because with him there is no salvation.
So to become a member of LLDM you must first believe and declare your faith in not Jesus Christ, but in Samuel Joaquin as your earthly savior and only then would you be allow to be baptized.
LLDM also teaches since Samuel Joaquin is the only true “Man of God” here on earth; if you are not baptized under his authority by one of his authorized pastors (disciples) you will not receive forgiveness for your sins and therefore will not receive salvation from Jesus Christ through Samuel Joaquin.
This is very similar to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), and no I am not of the faith of the RCC.
I have a blog site that goes into more detail about LLDM’s doctrines and faith in Samuel Joaquin for salvation.
http://thetruthaboutlldm.blogspot.com/
God’s blessing to all through the Lord Jesus Christ and by His Holy Spirit.
people just open ur brain please..if u dont know about church please dont even speak. first of all LA LUZ DEL MUNDO does not worship the apostle of god..we just honor him so get that straight. 2nd he HAS never asked anyone for money. we give to be blessed as we are. it says in the bible if u honor the one who god has sent to spread my word u will be blessed. so please dont be fake and misjudge the church.
Que Hermoso Templo! Se mira como Dios Bendice a esta Iglesia cada Dia mas, y mas!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so--take a look at the picture of the plaque that bears the name of the "church" and its leader/CEO. You will notice the size of his name in comparison to that of my dear Lord and God, Jesus Christ. This man is on an ego trip so enormous, he believes he's bigger than Jesus. Shame on this false and corrupt "Apostle" for associating his name with the name of the Almighty. There will be hell to pay....
I am a member of La Luz Del Mundo and we are not a cult we arn't ask to do anything we don't want to do. A cult they have control of you and you are obligated to do what you are asked.
No I do not live in a rat hole I have a Beautiful house and have nice clothes my children are good they have everything they want.
You do not know what really goes on we are not asked to give all our money to the church it is to each is own what ever you want to give not more that any other church required with some of this money after many ane many years they have built a college, medical offices, hostpitals and low cost houses for the people that cannot afford to by a house or send there kinds to college. These chldren are there to study and have a chance in life they don't learn religion in there it't like any other college.
They help the community also just not long ago the sent some of there medical staff to help in hati and chile and sent medical supplies during the horrifing earthquakes relief.
A cult cares for there own not for others!
As, for our churches yes they are beautiful but they work together helping the construction workers to build these churches, some of our members are contruction workers, plummers, roofers, etc. etc... but there all out there helping even the women..
The ones who can't help do pot lucks to feed the workers.
The pictures are really great I had seen a few from our website but yours are incredible and breath taking.
Rita: Thank you for your kind comment. I don't have an opinion about the controversy expressed in these comments because I don't know enough about the internal workings of the church. However, I welcome anyone who wishes to comment on it to do so, as long as all commenters remain civil and polite. Whatever your opinion of this church as an institution, one must admit that it is a striking and memorable piece of architecture in a city otherwise full of rather boring architecture.
In response to rita's comment "A cult cares for there own not for others!"
That's hardly true. The Mormon church is also a cult, but Mormons are some of the nicest, most caring people in the world. Sad to say, but if your car broke down on the side of the road - it would probably be a Mormon who stops to help you.
Being a nice person who cares for others doesn't have any reflection on whether someone's beliefs are true.
I must agree, The houston temple is a beauty! You did a wonderful job on the pictures, great angles and very good camera quality. However, I find it very outraging how people find every opportunity they can to try and "speak badly" about this church. It is quite interesting that some of these individuals say that they were members of the church.. First off, if they we're really members, they would KNOW, we do no worship a man, or give him or the church "all our money".. That is one of the most foolish comments I have ever heard. All worship belongs to god, there is a difference between worship & honor. And yes there are many members of the church who live in poverty, Of course! There are members around the whole world!.. It is obvious that a member who lives in the United States will have more economically than a member who lives in Hiati; thus United States members gather money every year for fellow members who are in need in other countries, so if you don't know the facts, why speak? You we're never a true member of the church if do not know that we do not give "ALL OUR MONEY" are you kidding me? We have bills to pay, all offerings are made voluntarily so who are you to tell someone what to do with their money? The plaque mentioned in one of the comments was made by members of the houston church, so NO, the leader of the church had nothing to do with the largeness of the font used, so your the one who should be ashamed for having posted such a futile comment. As for the mormon comment.. Yes they are really nice people I have met many personally, but some of them practice polygamy and they are racist, they believe african americans have the "curse of
cain" so if your and african american and your car does break down on the side of the road.. A mormon most likely will NOT stop to help you.
I suggest you don't listen to people who "pretend" they were members/ blog about the church. I am an active member of the church, have been for 19 yrs, since birth, and I invite you to join us at a lldm church nearest you and we will gladly answer questions for anyone and explain our beliefs (:
Robert, Thank you for these wonderful pictures you have taken! The immensity of this temple is truly breathtaking, I think its wonderful that you have captured it on film!
To my brothers and sisters in faith... LPDS. i feel happy to see that I'm not the only one defending the TRUE Apostale of God... WE as true beleivers of His doctrine know that He is the ONLY ONE that can give us salvation because Jesus lives in him and we are SURE that he was sent from GOD... as to the other posts acussing him all I'm going to say is that may God have mercy on your soul. You DO NOT know what you're talking about... it's a REAL shame that you were in church for 7 years and thought like that... in my opinion YOU are the hypocrite... and please get your facts straight... we DO NOT worship... we HONOR and we're not the only ones who do it. Even the gentiles can see ALL His hard work and effort he has done to help the community... "the greatest ignorance is to reject something you know nothing about"
This is not a Church..but a cult..cults followers are always nice caring people so they can recruit more followers..true cults have a leader who proclaims no salvation but through them..is that not true about la luz del mundo..also there are plenty of ex luz members who allege sexual abuse and torture from none other than samuel himself...such cases have not been proven false..look into the story of Moises Padilla and his sister Magdelena Padilla..both are sick storys..just as you find in the mormon church...I have been doing a lot of investigating on this so called church as i never heard of it before i moved to mexico(thank the Lord)...i believe in freedom of religon but not at the sacrafice of innocents.
The "church" La Luz Del Mundo is not a cult,if you dont belive that then maybe you need to go on your own to see and here about it. We don't worship a man but we do honor the Apostol of God. Yes we belive there must be a man of God for a church to be the church of God 1st Corinthians 12:28; Why is it that there is the need of an Apostol? Answer is in Mathew 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. We belive that the Apostol of God is Brother Samuel J Flores. You need faith to belive and you get faith by hearing the word of God. Before you comment about any church, go and talk to someone there to understand them. Listen to what they say and what they belive. The Apostol of God teaches us to love God and his son Jesuscrist over anything and anyone. Jesuscrist teaches us to love and honor those who he has sent and already honored.
Luz del Mundo has a history of lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of minors by their apostle, who is the son of the original founder. He is a fabulously wealthy man. Marriages are all arranged and the couples don't meet until they are married. The lawsuits state that the children of such unions belong to the apostle and are called into his personal service when he wants. The buildings are works of art. The designs are magnificent and a lot of thought has gone into them. Each temple is symbolic of its locale. I love the architecture. But like any cult, it does sound as if privileges are grossly abused.
wow its so insane how people can misjudge the church.. for One I'm replying to the person who stated that we live in roaches and mices and how no money.. God has blessed us so much, I'm currently a junior at u of h, and God has never left us with anything.We are not cult and not similar to the catholics.. the catholic live in their ignorance..adoring gods that can't hear, touch, Gods that men built with their own hands..Psalms 115.So those that speak so evil of this church.. be aware that there is a God , a God that isn't made from Men. We believe and honor the Apostol Samuel Joaquin, he never askes for money.. I personally know Apostol Samuel Joaquin, and he has provides..He helps the poor that aren't even members from the church.So please, please be aware of that you say.. This people that talk nonsense are not educated..
They have one in Sunset Park, Brooklyn NY. They are the most annoying cult on earth. They pray three times a week and block the entire neighborhood with all of their cars, so that locals can't park anywhere.
book of Luke, when jesus says whoever recives this child in my name recives me and if you recive me you recive him that sent me, this shows you that whoever he sends, age is not a matter you have to belive who he is
Why are all of you idiots, even giving your opinion on what type of church this is, or why it is or it is not better than another church. Should you not also be compasionate, understanding, love one another and non-judgemental when it comes to speaking about GOD? Don't judge that you shall be judged. To each it's own, all I know is I have only my soul to worry about, not everyone else's. Focus on yourselves first, then write when you become "perfect" as Jesus Christ is. Your pictures are beautiful, I think it's amazing what people can accomplish when they come together in their faith. May GOD Bless All!!!!
[eva]I am a member of this church and first of all i'd like to say beautiful pictures. i see there's a lot of ngative talk about our church. all i have to say is what kind of person takes 7 yrs of their lives and then after so long decides they dont like it. we're not hypocrites and if it sometimes seems like we are well what can i say? just because we go to that church doesnt make us perfect. we're still human like everyone else. yeah we fall into temptation but unlike everyone else we have an APOSTLE of GOD who prays for us each and every day. and about the "moises Padilla" story honestly people. if u are one of the people who believed that you'd be one of the ppl who would believe the devil himself. instead of going with what you THINK we are how about just go to one of our services or talk to one of the members. i'm sorry to be very blunt but this is the one and only church that will get salvation.its not only going to church and being a member. lik i've said w're not perfect and we fall into temptation and we often have ppl that critisize our church and it really bothers me but i'm not going to attack or threaten anybody. sooner or later when Jesus Crist comes for his church and everyone's questions are answered eveyone will know that LLDM is the only right church and that the apostle of God is really a man of God. hopefully it doesnt take you all that long because then it'll be too late. either way i will keep you all in my prayers. May God have mercy on Your souls.
Thanks to all of you who have commented.
Question: How u guys know he its a man of God? On the past people may have belive or not on the messengers of God! like Moses but he got the torah or the tablets, David but he got the psalms, Jesus but he born of a virgin and got the evangelious or message. At the present time there are many persons who proclaim they are man of God or profet or apostle or something and claim that the bible speak of them and their followers testified that they are truth. Because God make the followers believe on them or something. But what new word from God this man of God that u follow brings forward?
@ Anonymous, you say: "Why are all of you idiots, even giving your opinion on what type of church this is, or why it is or it is not better than another church. Should you not also be compasionate, understanding, love one another and non-judgemental when it comes to speaking about GOD? Don't judge that you shall be judged."
Pretty hypocritical thing for you to say after you yourself just called these people "idiots," don't you think?
LLDM is a cult, they do worship Samuel Joaquin and his dad Aaron, and this can be confirmed by simply looking at the worship songs about Samuel & Aaron in the LLDM hymnal.
Members always say "We don't worship him, we just honor him," the same excuse the Catholics use to defend their songs & prayers to Mary and the saints.
They may build beautiful temples in LLDM, but so did Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and so did Alexander the Great, to worship myths. The "calling" and "election" of Samuel is not Biblical, just another myth.
You could say I'm an ex-member of this religion. I left on my own will, it's just to stringent, why be a hypocrite and seemingly free of so called sin. But I would like to clarify that when when I was there I NEVER worship, adore, the so called apostle, you could be uncomfortable about him, but i still respect him, even if he has committed heresies by some, who cares. I always believe in a monotheist deity in this universe, he should be THE only ONE adored than anything else in this universe, and is up to you if you want to believe in christ or nothing.
I would just like to say that i am a member of La Luz Del Mundo. I am a teacher with a beautiul home and a brand new car. I have been very blessed and i give because i have it in my heart to give not because of obligation. May God bless the Servant of God Samuel Joaquin Flores.
May God be with you all,
Personally, I believe the architecture is spectacular. All La Luz Del Mundo churches are extremely original and beautiful. As for all the people who speak badly about this church.. What do you gain in all the bad talk? Does it make you feel better or help you in any way? I always wonder this about all the people who speak badly illy about any subject. If you don't have anything nice to say how about not saying anything at all?? Another thing, does anyone else notice that all the bad comments are anonymous? Why hide your name? If one hides something it usually makes me not trust them in any matter. This church does so many great things for the community and for people who need help. The devotion to God is grand in so many ways. The temples amaze even the greatest of architects. I know tons of people from this church and they do not live among rats or cockroaches. Nobody I know has been denied any of their wishes. Everyone is free to live their lives and do whatever they want. If the members do something, it is of their own desire, they are never forced. Nothing is greater then loving God and praising him for all the blessings he lays upon us every minute. Also, this blog is on the architecture, not the religious beliefs this church holds. So thank you Robert for these amazing pictures. The church is absolutely beautiful to the human eye. It amazes me how much mankind is capable of and the beauty one can create from scratch. Thank you, and God bless you all. :)
The pictures her are breathtaking. I cant amagin what they would look like inside.
i had the misfortune of being born into the cult. they teach love n forgiveness but my parents havent spoken to me in almost 10 years. yet they still talk to my uncle who sexually abused me n my sisters. samuel joaquin is another tony alamo. if you are in this cult, run and run fast. according to lldm my children will go to hell. his own son had a horrible accident, i dont see him working any miracles for him.
I am also a living member of lldm and have been for 20 yrs and my whole life ive witnessed many miracles from god and from the very first time i saw the servant of god Samuel Jouaquin Flores i felt that he is the one chosen by god. hes never asked us for a penny so its funny to see how you claim to have been a member for 7 yrs your a fake and if you have a sickness and have been living through hell its for denying your belief and speaking bad about a true man of god so i would suggest you keep quiet before you make god angry. for all visitors we keep yall in our prayers and if yall have any questions or concerns our doors are open to anyone who is interested god bless.
A mexican self declared apostle? Pendejos pendejos
If the apostol of jesus christ has a house almost in every city where there is a church,is because we wanted to buy them just for him. He has never asked for any thing. So ppl please investegate before you say any thing.And for those who say that we worship samuel joaquin please take some time learn the diference between worship and honoring a person.God bless the authentic apostol of jesus christ.
MIEMBROS DE LLDM COMO YA SABEMOS CREER EN EL QUE DIOS HA ENVIADO ES POR FE Y LA OBRA Q DIOS HACE EN CADA UNO DE LOS CORAZONES, COMO TAMBIEN SABEMOS Q AUNQUE LOS EXTRANOS LO TENGAN CERCA SI NO SON PARA SALVACION JAMAS RECONOCERAN AL QUE DIOS HA ENVIADO,AND AS WE ALREADY KNOW WE SHOULDNT PAY ATTENTION TO THOSE WHO WANT TO TAKE AWAY OUR CONVICTION WE KNOW WHO HE IS AND WHO SEND HIM AND THATS WHAT REALLY MATTERS ...... AND AS THE BIBLE SAYS Y A UNOS LOS LLAMO APOSTOLES A OTROS PROFRETAS SIENDO LA PRICIPARL PIEDRA JESUCRISTO MISMO... SHAME ON PEOPLE THAT JUST WANTS TO CRITIZES WHEN THEY DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT R THEY TALKING ABOUT BUT GOD BLESS U ALL AND GOD HAVE MERCY OF ALL......... I IVITE EVERY ONE TO READ THE BIBBLE AND LOOK FOR THE CHARACTERISTICS OF JESUS CHRIST CHURCH
May The Peace Of God Be With All. I am a member of "LA LUZ DEL MUNDO." First of All I cant explain the Great and Glorias feeling it is to be part of this church.
Yes, there are Many negative comments against LLDM. We know it can be for many reasons, lack of Faith, Lack of asking the right questions. But like we have been taught by Jesus Christ in His Apostol, we have not been put on this earth to judge. Of course reading the negative comments have brought a Sadness to my Heart. For the Faith I have is Grand. Like when Jesus was on earth, many betrayed him, his own betrayed him. but lets bring in remembrance his words of Love, even thou they tortured his body, they mocked him, put a crown of thorns, Nailed his flesh to a wooded Cross, as his Blood ran down the Cross, what did he mention? " Father, Forgive them, for they know not what they do."
As True members of LLDM all we have to say is, " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they say."
I can write SO Many things in anger towards the negativity that i have read. But I am going to pray for all those who attack Thee TRUE APOSTOL OF GOD. He is Not in Need of Us. But as Jesus, He Had Love and Compassion for our Souls. May God Give Him Strength. Let not that day arrive that we mention, like those who mocked him and crucified Jesus AFTER he DIED, "TRULY THIS WAS THE SON OF GOD"
Because then it will be to LATE. Keep your Heart open for those who do not believe. There is a Righteous path on this earth. But like its mentioned in the Holy Bible, Its not for all.
I can say with Certainly I want to be SAVED. I had left the path of this church for about 2years. It was THE BIGGEST MISTAKE i ever did. I thank GOD he spared my life to return to THIS RIGHTEOUS PATH.
(FACT: LLDM does not Force or Brainwash, its a Voluntary Choice to be part of THIS GRAND GLORIOUS CHURCH! I returned not because i was forced. i feel Peace and Love and belonging to this church brings to my Heart the urge to do the right thing in ALL aspects of my life. You Cannot Imagine the Desire in My Heart to want to Transmitt this GLORIOUS!! GLORIOUS FEELING!!! All I can say, Its Unexplainable.
May the Peace Of God Be With You All and Your Families.
C. Munoz Frm National City CA.
Like I said before, there will be hell to pay for anyone presuming to be above the Lord Jesus Christ in worship. These people lie that they don't worship him because they are too brainwashed to think on their own. Their own hymns declare this and in one particular hymn they call him and "angel of God". Now their "angel" just realized he IS man, not a heavenly being, and the insiders are desperately trying to cover up the gravity of his disease because they don't know how to explain this to his blind sheep. Just look at the youtube videos showing the ridiculous worship that goes on there. It is disgusting!
Okay...after reading all of the posts I myself would like to comment. Being practically born in this religeon and after many, many years of service in it, I decided to stop attending. You ask why? Well I'm gay and according to the beliefs of this church, homosexuality is a sin according to the bible. But here is my question, who wrote the bible? Apparently it is the understanding and belief of the prophet, apostle, what have you, and THEIR belief. If being gay is a sin, why did God let me live? Is my homosexuality my cross to bare throughout my whole life? If God is full of love, why did he create this "cross" for me? Being in church and hearing the pastors, speakers tell you constantly that you will burn in hell, that you are not going to be saved kind of makes you want to not be there. But all in all, the years I spent going to this church helped me become the man I am today. I respect their beliefs but I need to be respected as well as a human being. Peace out!
If you are a current member of La Luz del Mundo and wish to defend your beliefs. Please do so in an intelligent manner. Your improper use of the English language only reinforces your lack of intellect and discredits your entire opinion. Especially from a member who claims to be a teacher. Utilize this forum and your choice of grammar to demonstrate substance. Also, there is no need to become confrontational or attack someone's point of view by publicly condeming them. Who gives anyone this authority. Remain calm, and carry on. Great pictures by the way! (Which is what this blog was initially intended for... looks like it just open a big can of worms!) :D
My name is Abraham Guevara, and as a member of this church I truly appreciate the beautiful pictures. I, along with many who worked on this construction are still in awe of what unity can do hand in hand with faith. As of the interior of the temple feel free to visit anytime, prayers are Mon- Sat 5:00 am, 9:00 am, and 6:30pm, and Sunday at 5:00 am, 10:00 am, and service at 5:00 pm,so there is always someone to attend you. If you have any questions we would love to personally give you a tour and explain anything you would like to know, thats why the temple was built in the first place, so that when people would pass they would ask themselves what is this place? We have constructed this beautiful temple for the Honor and the Glory of God, so please we would love to have you as an honored guest. God Bless You all
Im sorry! But being gay is a big sin! Ur very blind if u think its ok to be with another man..ur many of us have crosses to carry as well. It might be something different but we all do. Its all on us if we wanna do the right thing. You really think that god put us on earth to party,drink,steal, and do all those wrong things that people from the world do?? No!! We gotta sacrifice our material life and our bad temptations to enter the gates of heaven. How conviniet that when someone is dieing, after sining there whole life and not looking for god gets saved when a priest asked then if they believe in jesus! No..its not that easy...us sacrificing our material life is what keeps us pure...keeping ourselfs Clean till jesus comes for us. Now that's what our apostle teaches us...to b good christians and citizens. Because we r the light of the world.. to those that don't know nothing and is judging our apostle!! Yes there will be he'll to pay! To those who speak wrong of Samuel Joaquin flores may god have mercy on ur soul.
I do not belong to this church however I assisted to one of their services and for me it was a horrible experience. They went on and on about how everyone who does not belong to their church is going to hell. They believe that if a member of their church were to marry another person outside the church they are both going to hell including the children born in that union and the parents of the member of the church for allowing such union. There is a moment where they say a prayer in the name of the "apostle" Samuel and they began to cry loudly (both men and women) begging God to please take care of this man and his family. I found that very strange. They proclaim theirselves protestants but to me they worship this "apostle" as much as the catholics worship the virgin. The entire time I was there I felt attacked and humiliated because to them I was "worldly" I did not feel the presence of God only the presence of hate against people that do not belong to this church. I am no one to judge and I firmly
believe that GOD is the only one that can decide who goes to hell and who doesnt. I have been to other churches including baptist, methodist, and church of Christ and I enjoyed all of them because their message was beautiful only referring to the Father and Jesus not self-proclaimed "apostles" or saints. This is MY opinion based on my experience.
The iglesia La luz del Mundo is nothing more than a sect, they deny the preexistence of Jesus. deny that Jesus is God, and the believe there is no salvation unless there is a God-sent, so basically sinde the dead of the last apostle of the first century, there was no salvation until 1926, when God called on Eusebio Joaquin(the one who founded this bu$ine$$)
The reason why they build this kind of temples, is just to call the attention of people, so that people could acknowledge that there is something called Iglesia La Luz del Mundo, if they did not build such temples, then they will be like air: air exists, but no one notices air exists
also the so called, apo$tle says that : we need to live spiritually and not materially because when you die, you will take nothing with you, and at the end of the times, God will destroy everything and create everything new.. something like that
LLDM = $$$$
their apostles = Mormons
temples = Nemrod's Tower
Doctrines = Sectarian and non christian
The "apostle" $amuel Joaquin is nothing more than a deciever, who is there thanks to MONEY, CORRUPTION, AND TIES WITH POWERFUL PEOPLE OF THE GOVERNMENT... Mexico is a fertile land to cultivate dupes and the farmer is $amuel Joaquin
Thank you for speaking so well of our church. If you travel to see our church in L.A. or even in different parts of Mexico, you will see many as beautiful or more so than this one. Each one is built by its members with a lot of love and hard work because we believe God deserves the best we can give Him and more.
All those ppl from la luz del mundo have faith that sjf is the apostle of the lord.
Its not a fact,its all based on faith!
So its kinda dum just like catholics believe jesus was born on christmas bt truth is no one knows when he was born.
So its pretty dum when the ppl from la luz del mundo say they live and go by what the bible says..it clearly doesn't say sjf nd his dad aaron are his apostles!
I was told that my dad was burning in hell by his mother or my grandma because he wasn't apart of La Luz Del Mundo. And she keeps telling me she prays every day for my salvation and tells me I have an eternity of damnation waiting for me if I don't worship the "true" church. In fact. The drama that this church caused my family made me disbelieve that there was a god in general. So to all you members that have commented on this. Your all hypocritical in every form and fashion.
Nice pics! I was always curious about that gaudy building that reminds me of Las Vegas. They believe that their leader is "an apostle of God?!"…very funny. Its also very funny that they seperate the men and the women during services and the women are not allowed to wear makeup or pants…again…silly men with their silly rules.
I am part of it, and I have seen the inside,very majestic, I might say.
I believe the post was an analysis of the structure. Let's leave it at that. Don't judge something if you don't know the details and assumptions are made from not knowing everything. With that said, get over yourselves and just accept the post for the pictures.
im a member of lldm and can say for a fact that the accusations made about samuel joaquin are false!! my mom was in the servant of gods house during the yrs 1980 81 82 and she was 17!!! nothing happened to her or other youth members who were younger!!! the servant of god kept his distance and was always with his wife and grown men who are pastors!! its amazing the lies made up by moises padilla and others!!! my mother even spoke to the apostle samuel!! lol its funny for me to see how people dont take the time to get to know our beliefs. if anyone has questions or wants to debate feel free to do so!!!! im happy to debate at any time. god bless u all!
May I say first, I am a member of this church, it is not a cult, it is a religion and a beautiful pathway, I have never felt more peace and tranquility, before this church, God, and the Apostle of God entered my heart, honestly. The songs from the hymn book relating to the Apostle of God, are not under the label of Worship, but under Election, which basically speaks of his teachings. Yes some are under Honor, but the Pastors teach us that we are not allowed to Worship him, because he has said it before that only the Almighty is worthy of Worship. When we say he is the Angel of God, it's because that's the title God himself has given him, in one of his many revaluations. The accusations of "rape" are false, my grandmother studied english in Guadalajara with him, when the brother Aaron was around, and he is the most loving and caring man there is. It truly breaks my heart to hear ignorant people that speak bad about him. I truly hope God helps you people that just think horrible about us and about the Apostle.
This is a CULT or the closest thing to a cutlt. I was forced to go to this church from ages 7-17. We had to go to church every single day somtimes as much as 3 times a day. 5 am, 9am on Saturdays, and everyday at 6 pm. Most of the members were born in church and don't know anything different. Poople whe go to church everyday of their lives are brain washed from hearing the same thing over and over again. In my 10 years experience, we were not allowed to visit another church, not allowed to watch the news or any T.V. to avoid knowing what the controversies were about, when the leader was accused of rape. We sold most of our personal belongings to "donate money" to the curch, when our valuables were all sold, we were selling roses, or chocolates, or having car washes to raise money for the church. I spent most of my school nights selling roses in front of grocery stores instead of doing my homework. At age 14 the preachers wife told my mother to take me out of school because she "would rather see me in church than be a lawyer who would leave church" and therefore burn in hell. I sometimes visit the church to see my old friends, and every time I go, they are asking the members for more money, to give the leader a "gift" as if he needs another new car or new house. They say if you have pre marital sex that your first born will burn in hell unless the baby reaches age 14 and gets babtized. They say if you have pre marital sex with another member from church, then you are automatically married to eachoter in the eyes of god. I've seen countless 14, 15, and 16 year olds marry because of a moment of weakness and have babies that are born. Women are not allowed to wear make up or jewlery, yet the leader's wife wears both! I just feel so sorry for the members who spend everyday listening to all the lies and false preaching, I feel sorry for them because they give so much money to the leader. Most of the members I know are poor and live in poverty, yet they work so hard to donate as much money as they can to their great leader. Its so sad.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home