November 23 – Who’s in charge – Joe Smith or God? Amos 9:11-12; “In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.”
Acts 14:16-18 “Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.”
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Restoration of tabernacle… God Himself did this work by raising His Son from the dead and instilling each believer with His Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul boldly proclaimed God’s mighty works even while he was being severely persecuted in Iconium (modern day Konya, Turkey). He relied heavily upon God’s Holy Spirit to guide and protect him while traveling with Barnabus on his 1st mission. If we are ever found to be alone, it’s of our own doing. In Mormonism, we find just the opposite to be true.
They’re taught God’s Spirit left the earth for 1,700 years. They believe that when the last apostle died, God’s Spirit left mankind and didn’t return until Joe Smith brought the kingdom of God back to earth.
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Discourses of Brigham Young, p 700 “I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord raised up and ordained, and to whom he gave keys and power to build up the Kingdom of God on earth and sustain it. These keys are committed to this people, and we have power to continue the work that Joseph commenced, until everything is prepared for the coming of the Son of Man. This is the business of the Latter-day Saints, and it is all the business we have on hand. 3:51.”
Everyday Mormons are leaving the church because they have become aware of many of the details of Joseph’s life and the life of Brigham young. The church has always been very efficient at hiding certain details about it’s past. The Internet comes along and shines a light on the things that the church has worked so hard to conceal.
Point is, My son has a couple of buddies hat have always been very strong Mormons. My son told me last week that both these guys are no longer true believers in the faith. They read something, likely on the internet, that has hit their Mormon faith like a hammer.
Like Pres Uchtdorf encouraged members a couple of years ago: When you begin to have doubts about the church, then it is time to doubt your doubts.
“When jesus had received the vinegar, he said, it is finished and then gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30)….”But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to be called “Children of God.:” (John 1:12)
“In him we have redemption thru his blood, the forgiveness of sins of our tresspasses, according to the RICHES IN HIS GRACE.” (EPHESIANS 1:7)