Help - Search - Members - Calendar
Full Version: He Calls Himself God
Unexplained Mysteries Discussion Forums > Unexplained Mysteries > Spirituality vs Skepticism
__Kratos__
Feb. 5, 2007 issue - At first glance, the congregation gathered in a warehouse in Doral, Fla., seems like a typical Hispanic evangelical group. There's the 10-piece band, the singing and swaying, the whooping and hollering. But look a little more closely. There's not a cross in sight. The lectern is emblazoned with a near replica of the U.S. presidential seal, except that it reads in Spanish, government of god on earth. Off to the side stand three burly guys in dark suits with Secret Service-style earpieces. When a door by the stage opens, the guards leap into action. They surround the man with slicked-back hair who emerges and escort him to his seat. When the crowd spots him, it goes wild. People chant, "Lord! Lord! Lord!" It quickly becomes clear that they're referring to him. "It's Jesus Christ himself!" a preacher onstage announces. "Let's welcome Jesus Christ Man!"

In the rapturous eyes of his flock, Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda is, in fact, the second coming of Christ. As the head of the Growing in Grace International Ministry, he presides over a sprawling organization that includes more than 300 congregations in two dozen countries, from Argentina to Australia. He counts more than 100,000 followers and claims to reach millions more through a 24-hour TV channel, a radio show and several Web sites. He is supported by the generosity of his devotees, who have launched some 450 businesses to pour cash into Growing in Grace's coffers. Though de Jesus' followers worship him, others denounce him as a charlatan. Everyone, however, agrees on one thing: his teachings are incendiary.

A native of Puerto Rico, de Jesus, 60, spent his youth drifting from the Roman Catholics to the Pentecostals to the Baptists. Then one night in 1973, he says, he awoke to a vision of two hulking men at his bedside who announced the arrival of the Lord, who, says de Jesus, "came to me and integrated with me." In the early years after founding Growing in Grace in Miami in 1986, de Jesus didn't claim to be Christ. Instead, he worked as a pastor spreading his doctrine: that under a new covenant with God, there is no sin and no Satan, and people are predestined to be saved. But as his following expanded, his claims did, too. In 1998, de Jesus avowed that he was the reincarnation of the Apostle Paul. Two years ago at Growing in Grace's world convention in Venezuela, he declared himself Christ. And just last week, he called himself the Antichrist and revealed a "666" tattooed on his forearm. His explanation: that, as the second coming of Christ, he rejects the continued worship of Jesus of Nazareth.

All members of Growing in Grace are expected to tithe—which, along with offerings, yielded $1.4 million for headquarters last year. One of the first orders of business at every service is the collection of money (credit cards accepted). Those who have pledged their businesses to de Jesus donate much more. Alvaro Albarracín, a savvy, successful businessman given the title Entrepreneur of Entrepreneurs by de Jesus, is an example. Over the course of Albarracín's 14 years in the church, he estimates that he's given roughly $2.5 million. Such funds help underwrite a lavish lifestyle for de Jesus, including diamond-encrusted gold rings and fancy cars. But most of the money goes to his broadcast operation.

Some observers call Growing in Grace a cult. De Jesus exerts total authority over the ministry. As a result, many have defected over the years, including Albarracín's mother, Regina, who initially turned her son on to the church. "They brainwash you," she says. Because of their disagreement, Regina and her son haven't spoken in years (she now attends an evangelical church). "This is my only family," Alvaro says of Growing in Grace. Such submission concerns Daniel Alvarez, a religious-studies instructor at Florida International University. "I hope [de Jesus] doesn't metamorphose into Jim Jones," he says, referring to the cult leader who led his followers to mass suicide in Guyana. "He has that kind of control over people." (De Jesus responds that congregants are free to come and go as they please.)

Over the past year, de Jesus has encouraged his followers to protest the alleged lies of other churches. In response, supporters have picketed Catholic congregations and burned religious materials, including crucifixes. "Our purpose is to open up people's minds," says de Jesus' right-hand man, Carlos Cestero, who says that the group rejects violence. Jesus wouldn't have it any other way—the question is whether de Jesus feels the same.

Source
--------------------------------------------------
I think he's telling as much truth as other religions do. wink2.gif
GoddessWhispers
laugh.gif The mansions that gullibility build, is astonishing!

QUOTE
the lord "came to me and integrated with me."
During the 90's, charlatans of the new age movement would call it "Walk ins". Back in the 1600's it was called "possession" and got you burned at the stake, or hanged. Lucky for him things have changed. Now we enrich the possessed and call them preacher. But say what he says after committing a crime, and you're declared a liar and insane! w00t.gif He'll milk it for all it's worth and in the process provide a lesson that there's no end to what people will give, to believe. (Now, worst case scenario, imagine if that lord declared a Jihad! When does faith stop, if someone believes what is spoken is gods will!? )
Bigfoot_Is_Real
If hes the anti christ shouldn't we kill him rolleyes.gif
ND-DAVE
One thing to look at is in the book of Revelation, Christs coming is not in the form of a man but as a god on earth coming from the heavens. By scripture this guy seems more like the second antichrist who will be a prophet inforcing the way of the "real" God (Who in scripture will be the devil in disguise.) When this guy starts forcing bar codes and the rest of the prophesy stated is when I'll consider him more than just another bag of wind using Christianity as a get rich and powerfull scheme like so many others past and present have done.
Razer
This is very sad.
M.A.D
QUOTE(__Kratos__ @ Jan 30 2007, 02:27 AM) [snapback]1521671[/snapback]
Feb. 5, 2007 issue - At first glance, the congregation gathered in a warehouse in Doral, Fla., seems like a typical Hispanic evangelical group. There's the 10-piece band, the singing and swaying, the whooping and hollering. But look a little more closely. There's not a cross in sight. The lectern is emblazoned with a near replica of the U.S. presidential seal, except that it reads in Spanish, government of god on earth. Off to the side stand three burly guys in dark suits with Secret Service-style earpieces. When a door by the stage opens, the guards leap into action. They surround the man with slicked-back hair who emerges and escort him to his seat. When the crowd spots him, it goes wild. People chant, "Lord! Lord! Lord!" It quickly becomes clear that they're referring to him. "It's Jesus Christ himself!" a preacher onstage announces. "Let's welcome Jesus Christ Man!"

In the rapturous eyes of his flock, Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda is, in fact, the second coming of Christ. As the head of the Growing in Grace International Ministry, he presides over a sprawling organization that includes more than 300 congregations in two dozen countries, from Argentina to Australia. He counts more than 100,000 followers and claims to reach millions more through a 24-hour TV channel, a radio show and several Web sites. He is supported by the generosity of his devotees, who have launched some 450 businesses to pour cash into Growing in Grace's coffers. Though de Jesus' followers worship him, others denounce him as a charlatan. Everyone, however, agrees on one thing: his teachings are incendiary.

A native of Puerto Rico, de Jesus, 60, spent his youth drifting from the Roman Catholics to the Pentecostals to the Baptists. Then one night in 1973, he says, he awoke to a vision of two hulking men at his bedside who announced the arrival of the Lord, who, says de Jesus, "came to me and integrated with me." In the early years after founding Growing in Grace in Miami in 1986, de Jesus didn't claim to be Christ. Instead, he worked as a pastor spreading his doctrine: that under a new covenant with God, there is no sin and no Satan, and people are predestined to be saved. But as his following expanded, his claims did, too. In 1998, de Jesus avowed that he was the reincarnation of the Apostle Paul. Two years ago at Growing in Grace's world convention in Venezuela, he declared himself Christ. And just last week, he called himself the Antichrist and revealed a "666" tattooed on his forearm. His explanation: that, as the second coming of Christ, he rejects the continued worship of Jesus of Nazareth.

All members of Growing in Grace are expected to tithe—which, along with offerings, yielded $1.4 million for headquarters last year. One of the first orders of business at every service is the collection of money (credit cards accepted). Those who have pledged their businesses to de Jesus donate much more. Alvaro Albarracín, a savvy, successful businessman given the title Entrepreneur of Entrepreneurs by de Jesus, is an example. Over the course of Albarracín's 14 years in the church, he estimates that he's given roughly $2.5 million. Such funds help underwrite a lavish lifestyle for de Jesus, including diamond-encrusted gold rings and fancy cars. But most of the money goes to his broadcast operation.

Some observers call Growing in Grace a cult. De Jesus exerts total authority over the ministry. As a result, many have defected over the years, including Albarracín's mother, Regina, who initially turned her son on to the church. "They brainwash you," she says. Because of their disagreement, Regina and her son haven't spoken in years (she now attends an evangelical church). "This is my only family," Alvaro says of Growing in Grace. Such submission concerns Daniel Alvarez, a religious-studies instructor at Florida International University. "I hope [de Jesus] doesn't metamorphose into Jim Jones," he says, referring to the cult leader who led his followers to mass suicide in Guyana. "He has that kind of control over people." (De Jesus responds that congregants are free to come and go as they please.)

Over the past year, de Jesus has encouraged his followers to protest the alleged lies of other churches. In response, supporters have picketed Catholic congregations and burned religious materials, including crucifixes. "Our purpose is to open up people's minds," says de Jesus' right-hand man, Carlos Cestero, who says that the group rejects violence. Jesus wouldn't have it any other way—the question is whether de Jesus feels the same.

Source
--------------------------------------------------
I think he's telling as much truth as other religions do. wink2.gif


what is to be done with the false prophets in the end times are they going swimming like the rest.
ND-DAVE
QUOTE(M.A.D @ Jan 29 2007, 10:19 PM) [snapback]1521830[/snapback]
what is to be done with the false prophets in the end times are they going swimming like the rest.


When you read the Revelation they accually get worse punishment than the antichrist his followers and the devil do.
SilverCougar
I had a dream that Bast came to me...

Does this make me Her vessle here on earth?

X) *purrrowl*
Kaknelson
QUOTE(Razer @ Jan 29 2007, 07:06 PM) [snapback]1521702[/snapback]
This is very sad.

Cadetak
Theres only one way to find out...push him in a pool and see if he can walk.
__Kratos__
QUOTE(M.A.D @ Jan 29 2007, 11:19 PM) [snapback]1521830[/snapback]
what is to be done with the false prophets in the end times are they going swimming like the rest.


Why is he a false prophet? For all you know he could be Jesus. Have faith. Or wait... You want evidence now of his claims? original.gif
chaoszerg
This makes me laugh. laugh.gif But it also makes me very sad because of how silly some people can get crying.gif
SilverCougar
Remember... Jesus in spanish is pronounced "Hey-sues"

And there's about a few thousand Jesus out there. wink2.gif
GoddessWhispers
Yes there are. But don't ever call a "hey-sues" Jesus. I did that once. Once! innocent.gif laugh.gif
RachelM
Jeez, first this guy is Paul, then Jesus now he's the Antichrist. I wonder who he'll be next?
SilverCougar
QUOTE(GoddessWhispers @ Jan 30 2007, 08:06 PM) [snapback]1522678[/snapback]
Yes there are. But don't ever call a "hey-sues" Jesus. I did that once. Once! innocent.gif laugh.gif



Well.. you can't live near or around an area with a high hispanic population without knowing atleast one or two Jesus's. *knows one* XD
Irish
It seem like he’s a pretty bad imitation of an antichrist let alone the return of Jesus. If Jesus returns looking for cash to buy diamonds I’ll walk my self to the lake of fire. devil.gif
Somebody should tell him to at least read that book he’s waving around. disgust.gif

Irish

Tangerine Sheri
QUOTE(__Kratos__ @ Jan 29 2007, 06:27 PM) [snapback]1521671[/snapback]
Feb. 5, 2007 issue - At first glance, the congregation gathered in a warehouse in Doral, Fla., seems like a typical Hispanic evangelical group. There's the 10-piece band, the singing and swaying, the whooping and hollering. But look a little more closely. There's not a cross in sight. The lectern is emblazoned with a near replica of the U.S. presidential seal, except that it reads in Spanish, government of god on earth. Off to the side stand three burly guys in dark suits with Secret Service-style earpieces. When a door by the stage opens, the guards leap into action. They surround the man with slicked-back hair who emerges and escort him to his seat. When the crowd spots him, it goes wild. People chant, "Lord! Lord! Lord!" It quickly becomes clear that they're referring to him. "It's Jesus Christ himself!" a preacher onstage announces. "Let's welcome Jesus Christ Man!"

In the rapturous eyes of his flock, Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda is, in fact, the second coming of Christ. As the head of the Growing in Grace International Ministry, he presides over a sprawling organization that includes more than 300 congregations in two dozen countries, from Argentina to Australia. He counts more than 100,000 followers and claims to reach millions more through a 24-hour TV channel, a radio show and several Web sites. He is supported by the generosity of his devotees, who have launched some 450 businesses to pour cash into Growing in Grace's coffers. Though de Jesus' followers worship him, others denounce him as a charlatan. Everyone, however, agrees on one thing: his teachings are incendiary.

A native of Puerto Rico, de Jesus, 60, spent his youth drifting from the Roman Catholics to the Pentecostals to the Baptists. Then one night in 1973, he says, he awoke to a vision of two hulking men at his bedside who announced the arrival of the Lord, who, says de Jesus, "came to me and integrated with me." In the early years after founding Growing in Grace in Miami in 1986, de Jesus didn't claim to be Christ. Instead, he worked as a pastor spreading his doctrine: that under a new covenant with God, there is no sin and no Satan, and people are predestined to be saved. But as his following expanded, his claims did, too. In 1998, de Jesus avowed that he was the reincarnation of the Apostle Paul. Two years ago at Growing in Grace's world convention in Venezuela, he declared himself Christ. And just last week, he called himself the Antichrist and revealed a "666" tattooed on his forearm. His explanation: that, as the second coming of Christ, he rejects the continued worship of Jesus of Nazareth.

All members of Growing in Grace are expected to tithe—which, along with offerings, yielded $1.4 million for headquarters last year. One of the first orders of business at every service is the collection of money (credit cards accepted). Those who have pledged their businesses to de Jesus donate much more. Alvaro Albarracín, a savvy, successful businessman given the title Entrepreneur of Entrepreneurs by de Jesus, is an example. Over the course of Albarracín's 14 years in the church, he estimates that he's given roughly $2.5 million. Such funds help underwrite a lavish lifestyle for de Jesus, including diamond-encrusted gold rings and fancy cars. But most of the money goes to his broadcast operation.

Some observers call Growing in Grace a cult. De Jesus exerts total authority over the ministry. As a result, many have defected over the years, including Albarracín's mother, Regina, who initially turned her son on to the church. "They brainwash you," she says. Because of their disagreement, Regina and her son haven't spoken in years (she now attends an evangelical church). "This is my only family," Alvaro says of Growing in Grace. Such submission concerns Daniel Alvarez, a religious-studies instructor at Florida International University. "I hope [de Jesus] doesn't metamorphose into Jim Jones," he says, referring to the cult leader who led his followers to mass suicide in Guyana. "He has that kind of control over people." (De Jesus responds that congregants are free to come and go as they please.)

Over the past year, de Jesus has encouraged his followers to protest the alleged lies of other churches. In response, supporters have picketed Catholic congregations and burned religious materials, including crucifixes. "Our purpose is to open up people's minds," says de Jesus' right-hand man, Carlos Cestero, who says that the group rejects violence. Jesus wouldn't have it any other way—the question is whether de Jesus feels the same.

Source
--------------------------------------------------
I think he's telling as much truth as other religions do. wink2.gif



Even the most ignorant after years of nothing being true is gonna have to put up or shut up, I imagine we are gonna have alot of jesus sightings.......This is not unusual eveyry church has been started the same way.....LOL
Ashley-Star*Child
Oh and I though Tom Cruise was 'the Christ' laugh.gif
Ryo Ohki
How do people believe this stuff?
sbradj
QUOTE(Ryo Ohki @ Jan 30 2007, 08:23 PM) [snapback]1523180[/snapback]
How do people believe this stuff?

cause their Clueless!! w00t.gif
but there is a sad side some ppl actually would beleive this if it was taking place hmm.gif
EmpressV
QUOTE(RachelM @ Jan 30 2007, 03:21 PM) [snapback]1522696[/snapback]
Jeez, first this guy is Paul, then Jesus now he's the Antichrist. I wonder who he'll be next?

George W Bush
Tangerine Sheri
QUOTE(curiousity @ Jan 31 2007, 03:22 PM) [snapback]1524577[/snapback]
George W Bush

Of course i always forget about him LOL...... After all he does claim he is talking to the Imaginary diety...lol
AtlantisRises
I talk to Imaginary Dieties all the time. Perhaps I can be the next Ruler of the World once GWB has had enough of it
EmpressV
QUOTE(AtlantisRises @ Jan 31 2007, 06:32 PM) [snapback]1524592[/snapback]
I talk to Imaginary Dieties all the time. Perhaps I can be the next Ruler of the World once GWB has had enough of it

That will be when atlantis rises tongue.gif
AtlantisRises
That may ideed be true Curiosity.

However a more... concrete schedule would be appreciated.
JMPD1
ya know..... every time I think I have seen the worst of humanity, a new low is reached.

I don't know which is sadder:

The feckwit himself, or the schmucks that followe him.

One knucklehead donates $2.5 million a year

2.5 MILLION????????
SilverCougar
QUOTE(JMPD1 @ Feb 2 2007, 01:03 AM) [snapback]1526066[/snapback]
ya know..... every time I think I have seen the worst of humanity, a new low is reached.

I don't know which is sadder:

The feckwit himself, or the schmucks that followe him.

One knucklehead donates $2.5 million a year

2.5 MILLION????????



I'd email that guy ..

"Dear sir.

I am the reborn Virgin Mary.
Please give me 2.5 million dollars, kklathx!!~~"

=( gods.. ya know... giving someone who calls themself Jesus that much money makes baby cougar cry like Jesus Camp.
jaylemurph
QUOTE(SilverCougar @ Jan 30 2007, 02:08 PM) [snapback]1522593[/snapback]
Remember... Jesus in spanish is pronounced "Hey-sues"

And there's about a few thousand Jesus out there. wink2.gif


Of course this begs the real dilemma of this thread...

What is the correct plural of Jesus? Jesuses? Jesi? Jeses? Jesuphim?

--Jaylemurph
M.A.D
QUOTE(__Kratos__ @ Jan 30 2007, 07:00 PM) [snapback]1522583[/snapback]
Why is he a false prophet? For all you know he could be Jesus. Have faith. Or wait... You want evidence now of his claims? original.gif


as to what i know ,the one thing i do know is that jesus in the flesh is not the one that is gonna be walking the earth in the end time.

in spirit yes ,but the medeum he'll use is through the bloodline in flesh.
M.A.D
QUOTE(Irish @ Jan 30 2007, 09:48 PM) [snapback]1522849[/snapback]
It seem like he’s a pretty bad imitation of an antichrist let alone the return of Jesus. If Jesus returns looking for cash to buy diamonds I’ll walk my self to the lake of fire. devil.gif
Somebody should tell him to at least read that book he’s waving around. disgust.gif

Irish


what if he needed help in acknowledging his fathers throne .

or would you go to your mother for your earthly wants.
Cadetak
QUOTE(jaylemurph @ Feb 2 2007, 11:05 AM) [snapback]1526829[/snapback]
Of course this begs the real dilemma of this thread...

What is the correct plural of Jesus? Jesuses? Jesi? Jeses? Jesuphim?

--Jaylemurph


I don't think there is a correct plural of anyone's name. It would be Jesuses though because if I remember 4th grade Grammar class if a word ends in S you make it plural by adding ES.
M.A.D
to find out about his first name one must understand his last the focus should be on christ and the understanding of.
HowdyDoo
Like it says somewhere in the Bible, "You will know the tree by its fruit." I may not know what the real Jesus would do upon his return, but I do know what he wouldn't do--bilk thousands of people out of their money for his own profit.

He sounds like a charlatan, or a deranged egomaniac, and either one can be dangerous. It is so very sad that poverty, desperation and ignorance make these people so eager to embrace him as a god.

To go from St. Paul to Jesus (holy men) and then to the Antichrist (the devil) is a little schizophrenic, isn't it? My god, man, make up your mind!
cloud0729
Mark 13:4-6

4Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

5And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

6For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.



Matthew 24:23-27

23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

25Behold, I have told you before.

26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

27For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Tangerine Sheri
QUOTE(cloud0729 @ Feb 6 2007, 02:36 PM) [snapback]1532287[/snapback]
Mark 13:4-6

4Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

5And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

6For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Thats every church from here to timbucktoo, interesting that the warnings are meant for the ones in the constructs and dogmas.....yet they are rarely heard......oh well...* shrugs*
P4P3R T1G3R2
Here's a video of the Caricature http://youtube.com/watch?v=037HvQ1TyGM .
Paranoid Android
QUOTE(Supra Sheri @ Feb 7 2007, 09:42 AM) [snapback]1532293[/snapback]
Thats every church from here to timbucktoo, interesting that the warnings are meant for the ones in the constructs and dogmas.....yet they are rarely heard......oh well...* shrugs*
blink.gif Sorry? Every church from here to timbucktoo? You must have a different meaning for this phrase than I do, because I see very few (miniscule even) churches that claim "I am Christ!". Indeed, I cannot even see how a church can claim to be CHrist. Maybe an individual within the church, but not the church itself.

Mark 13:4-6

4Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

5And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

6For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
ND-DAVE
Another saying I remember but dont remeber where it is (I dont have my Bible with me to look either) was when Christ is asked how will we tell when it is you or not you in the second comming. And he states that the false christ will come from the sky like I will in the same glory but his feet will touch the ground and mine shall not. In my faith thats one of the things that I will look for in the Revelation prophecy if I even live to see it.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
Invision Power Board © 2001-2008 Invision Power Services, Inc.