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OUR FAMILY SYMBOL!       [EDITED: "Tract"]       GP 3103       8/93

       THIS COLOURFUL SYMBOL is a representation of our faith. Each of its parts has a special meaning. As you take a moment to consider our beliefs, aspirations, and goals in life, we pray that you will reflect on the great love God has for you!

       The Bible
       At the base of our symbol is a Book. This is not just any book. It is the Holy Bible, the Word of God, the solid rock foundation of Truth upon which our faith is built. The Bible is open, not only because we believe it, continually refer to it, and live it to the best of our ability, but also because we publish its Message throughout the world and encourage everyone we meet to read it and discover the life-changing Message it contains.
       Our Family is built upon faith in Jesus and the wonderful Word of God. This is our anchor, our cornerstone, our firm foundation, our comfort in time of trouble, a light that reveals the future and brightens the path we must take. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away" (John 1:1; Matthew 24:35).

       The Sword
       The Bible also tells us that "the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). Thus, the central figure which runs through the whole emblem is the sword of God's Truth, the Word of God, also known as the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal [EDITED: "physical"], but spiritual, mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4).
       Those who love and follow God are engaged in a spiritual warfare, because their enemy, the Devil, "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The great sword of God's Spirit, the Truth of His Word, helps us fight the fight of faith, and resist and defeat the enemy of our soul. It separates Truth from error and opens the way of Truth and Life for all who seek it with their whole heart. The sword of God's Word is also a "discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12), and as you see in the symbol, it pierces our own hearts with its Truth. But the Word of God brings life, not death, to all who receive it and do not resist it!

       The Heart
       The heart is symbolic of our Message of Love! The Bible says that God is the very Spirit of Love, for "God is Love" (1 John 4:8). He is true love, everlasting love, genuine love that never ends. He is the Lover of all lovers, and is pictured in His Son, Jesus Christ, Who came for love and lived in love and died for love, that we might live and love forever!
       God loves us so much that He sent His Own Son, the Living Word, Jesus, to save us. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

       The Cross
       A cross is formed in the centre of the heart where the sword of God's Word passes through it. Jesus loved us so much that He gave up His Own life on a cross and His Own heart was pierced for us. Jesus washes our sins away with His blood. "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Hereby perceive we the Love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1 John 1:7; 3:16). The job God has given us to do for Him can also be our cross. Jesus said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).

       The Harp
       The peaceful harp or lyre reminds us that our lives are to be filled with songs of praise and thanksgiving for all that God has done for us. This heavenly harp with its 12 strings is also symbolic of our unity and harmony. It represents our heavenly joy in living and working together as we are tuned together in God's Love, creating joyful music for Him! "He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God" (Psalm 40:3).

       The Yoke
       Although this harp symbolises spiritual freedom and happiness, its outline is also the shape of a yoke, which signifies our being yoked together in loving service to Jesus as His disciples. Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:29,30).
       However, many people in the world today are burdened by heavy yokes of sin, guilt, unhappiness and hopelessness. One of our duties in life is to "loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, to break every [EDITED: "ungodly"] yoke" (Isaiah 58:6).
       The yoke shape also reminds us of "omega," the last letter in the Greek alphabet. Jesus said He is the "Alpha and the Omega," the Beginning and the End (Revelation 1:8). We believe we now live in the Time of the End, the Last Days of Man's rule on earth.
       In the sixth century B.C., God had His prophet Jeremiah wear a yoke to demonstrate to the people of Israel that they would soon come under terrible bondage to a heathen nation as judgement for their evil doings. Likewise, Bible prophecies about the Endtime reveal that a time of terrible bondage will soon engulf the whole world as a judgement because of their turning away from God.
       So the yoke in our symbol reminds us that, apart from proclaiming the Love of Jesus, we must also warn the world of the dark days to come. The Bible tells us that in these Last Days a Godless one-world government promising peace will rise to power. At its head will be a false messiah known as the Antichrist because of his great hatred for Christ and Christians. This Devil-possessed ruler will eventually claim to be God and demand that everyone worship him or be destroyed. However, his terrible yoke of bondage will be broken by the triumphant return of Jesus, Who will destroy him and his followers and usher in a wonderful era of genuine peace upon earth!

       The Crown of Life
       The crown represents the Eternal "crown of life" which the Lord will give to all those who love Him (James 1:12). He promises that wonderful heavenly rewards await us when this life is over, if we are faithful in our service to Him. "There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8).
       "When the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you will receive a crown of glory that does not fade away" (1 Peter 5:4). "And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).
       The stars in the crown also represent all those whom we pray with to receive God's Love.

       The Heavenly City
       The Pyramid represents the Heavenly City, New Jerusalem, a beautiful city of crystal gold, lit by the presence and glory of God and Jesus, which will someday come down to the earth. It is our Eternal Home, a paradise where the faithful of all ages who are found written in the Book of Life will dwell and reign with God forever! In the Book of Revelation, Saint John described his vision of this Heavenly City, "coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:2).
       "And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:3,4).

       The Rainbow
       Surrounding the Heavenly City is the bright and beautiful rainbow of God's promises, symbolic of His everlasting covenant with His children of all nations. It represents the wonderful Eternal Life we will enjoy together with God after the storms of this present life are over!

       A Gift for You!
       Of course, one symbol and these few words can never express the happiness and fulfilment that comes from living a life of love in service to God and others, nor the great inner joy and peace that comes from knowing Jesus personally! Jesus promised, "Behold, I stand at the door [EDITED: "of your heart"] and knock. If any man will hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him" (Revelation 3:20). You can receive Jesus into your heart right now by sincerely praying this simple life-changing prayer:

              "Dear Jesus, please forgive me for all my sins. I believe You are the Son of God and that You died for me so I could have a new life in You. I open the door of my heart. Please come into my life and fill me with Your Spirit of Love, peace and happiness.--Amen."

       By praying this simple prayer and accepting Jesus Christ into your heart, you will receive God's free and wonderful gift of forgiveness and salvation. You will be "born again" (John 3:3-8), spiritually made new, and you will live with God and enjoy the eternal sunshine of His Love and Truth forever! As you prayerfully read His life-giving Words of love to you from the Bible, He will guide you and fill your life with purpose and joy!
       God bless you! Please contact us today at the address below for more information. We'd love to hear from you!

       Love,

              The Family

       
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