July 2 – Mandated Testimonies. 2 Timothy 1:12; “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
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For Christians there are no set mandates one must follow when it comes to sharing your testimony. You simply share your story about the things Jesus has done for you, and who He is. For Mormons, it’s a whole other ball game. Their prophet today, (Thomas S. Monson), told members it’s ‘incumbent’ upon them to ‘share their testimony once they have one’. That phrase is like a foreign language to a Christian!
There are a few questions you’ll want to ask the Mormon about the policies they have regarding what they must do to share a testimony.
1.Why do they have to follow a set of rules when sharing their testimony? See Mormon reference below.
2.Do they classify you as a non-Christian?
3.Why did Jesus lie in Matthew 16:18 when He said the gates of hell wouldn’t prevail against the church? In no uncertain terms, the comment about Joe Smith makes it clear they’re teaching that Christianity was nonexistent until he came along.
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Mormon Doctrine, p. 786; “Three great truths must be included in every valid testimony: 1. That Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world (D. & C. 46:13); 2. That Joseph Smith is the Prophet of God through whom the gospel was restored in this dispensation; and 3. That The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.” (D. & C. 1:30.)”
Also included in every testimony is “I know the Book of Mormon is true”.
Mormons have a real hard time thinking outside the box.. Whatever is discussed in Sunday School, General Conference, Stake or Ward Firesides, etc, is the same old regurgitated stuff.
How sad it is to watch some kid, or ever an older adult, having to repeat the sacrament prayer numerous times because of a mispronounced word or a slight stutter when reciting the prayer. Nothing spiritual about that. I can see Jesus eyes filling with tears watching this person being humiliated in front of his family and the whole ward.