Watch out for scammers...

October 12th, 2024

A few months ago, we started receiving random gifts in the mail. At first, it was kind of fun—like Christmas had come early! We got a high-end car deodorizer, a nice tool kit, a giant teddy bear and even some gift boxes.

Naturally, I went into detective mode. I combed through our bank statements, credit card bills, and even checked Amazon and eBay purchases. I figured somewhere along the line, we must’ve been charged for this stuff. But nothing. It was all free. Suspiciously free.

I kept an eye on the monthly statements like a hawk, but nothing ever popped up. Then, Leigh-Ann found a news report that made everything click. Apparently, this is a scam, and it has a name—"Brushing." Here’s how it works: Scammers somehow get your name and address, send you “free gifts,” and include a QR code inside. And if you scan that code? Boom—your phone gets hacked, and they can access and download everything. Just like that.

Now, here’s the thing: If people would use their creativity and intellect for good, the world would be a better place. I mean, you’ve got the smarts to run a QR code scam—you could probably make more money starting an actual business! But no, they’ve chosen to deceive people instead.

This reminds me a lot of the false teachers Jude was talking about in the first-century church. They sneaked into the church like scammers, twisting the message of grace and using it as an excuse to live however they wanted. They convinced some people that because they were saved by grace, they could now exploit others or even celebrate immoral lifestyles. But Jude wasn’t having it—he called them out and warned the church to reject that deception.

The truth is, we’ve got to be on guard, whether it’s against shady scammers sending us giant Teddy Bears or false teachers distorting the gospel.

This Sunday, Pastor Don will be diving into Jude 5-16 to show us how to expose and reject deception. We’d love for you to join us and hear how the incredible grace of Jesus, purchased by His death, burial, and resurrection, calls us to live differently.

You can join the New Life family at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Additionally, we are also publishing our sermons on Spotify.

Have a great weekend and maybe don’t scan any random QR codes in the meantime. ?

Troy