August 8 – Is rewriting scripture really inspired? Matthew 14:15-21 “And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. 16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. 17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. 18 He said, Bring them hither to me. 19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. 21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.”
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Today we’re looking at another example of Joseph Smith’s plagiarisms. This time you’ll want to gently point out to the Mormon you know how Jesus’ miracle was superseded only by Smith’s prolific story telling abilities.
Not only does the BoM have the same events taking place, but Smith had to make this into a magic trick by saying the Lord made the food and drink come out of nowhere. One has to wonder why Smith felt he had to not only rewrite biblical events, but embellish them as well.
Always remember beloved, we’re not here to bash Mormons, but lovingly show what Joseph Smith has done to the word of God. The evidence of Smith’s work speaks for itself.
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3 Nephi 20:3-7 “And it came to pass that he brake bread again and blessed it, and gave to the disciples to eat. 4 And when they had eaten he commanded them that they should break bread, and give unto the multitude. 5 And when they had given unto the multitude he also gave them wine to drink, and commanded them that they should give unto the multitude 6 Now, there had been no bread, neither wine, brought by the disciples, neither by the multitude 7 But he truly gave unto them bread to eat, and also wine to drink.”
What is sad is that most Mormons seem to be in the dark about so many things. There are, of course, reasons for that. I remember one day in Sunday School, I pointed out various scriptures in the BOM that said that Jesus was God in the flesh. The response I got was varied. The Sunday School teacher was not happy that I brought this matter up. The teacher immediately took the conversation in a different direction. After class, I had several people thank me for pointing out these scriptures. What surprised was the fact that most of these people had no idea that these particular verses were even in the BOM. What about the Book of Abraham? This particular text has been proven to be false. Does the average Mormon even know that? If so, does it matter to them?
I can only speak for myself, but my understanding of what was in the BoM was VERY rudimentary. Since working in ministry I’ve met many who’ve had similar experiences.
As for the BoA, I can only say I had no idea what was in it as a member. I was always encouraged to focus on what the leaders told us. In my secret rebellion, I took it upon myself to read the Bible they gave me instead of the books on how to be a good wife and mother someday. Oh brother…
God, in His infinite mercy, spoke to me through His word even with no one else around who’d speak with me about His word.
When people (especially LDS) ask about those who’ve never heard about Him because of their environment, I’m always reminded of what He did for me! 🙂 PTL! Romans 1:20-25
I personally believe there are many others out there that know the truth, but for personal reasons only they know, won’t leave. There’s a lot at stake for many people – home, jobs, family, etc, and it can be quite overwhelming.