Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged bible, Doctrine and Covenants, false doctrine, false prophets, grace vs. works, Jesus, joseph smith, Mormon Dilemmas, mormonism, polygamy, salvation on 06/21/2011| 1 Comment »
Mormon Dilemmas 15
The ex-communication of Hyram Brown
It’s a problem when the Church practices one thing while preaching another. On Thursday, February 1, 1844 the Times and Seasons published a notice declaring one of their adherents, Hyram Brown, had “been preaching polygamy and other false and corrupt doctrines…” (Times and Seasons vol. 5, pg. 423)
Posted in Polygamy & Mormon Church Leaders, tagged bible, Book of Mormon, Brigham Young, Doctrine and Covenants, false doctrine, false prophets, Heber Chase Kimball, Jesus, joseph smith, mormonism, Nauvoo, polyandry, polygamy, Redeemer, salvation, Savior, utah on 06/15/2011| Leave a Comment »
Polygamy and Mormon Church Leaders Overview
Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy 1841-1846; A Preliminary Demographic Report, George D. Smith, pg. 32; “Over the six years when polygamy was practiced in Nauvoo, 1841 to 1846, Smith, Kimball, and Young were the most-married men in Nauvoo; they accounted, in fact, for 117 of the 434 Nauvoo polygamous marriages, over one-fourth of the marriages by the community of 153 polygamous husbands. After Nauvoo, Young married fifteen more wives and Kimball married eight. At the funeral of his wife, Vilate, Kimball, pointing to the coffin, said: “There lies a woman who has given me forty-four wives.””
Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged Abraham, Abrahamic Covenant, bible, covenant, dilemmas, Doctrine and Covenants, false doctrine, false prophecies, Isaac is the promise, Ishamel is the promise, Jesus, mormonism, salvation on 06/06/2011| 2 Comments »
Abrahamic Covenant is a Dilemma for the Mormon Church
The dilemma this time is something I wish every single Mormon knew about. It’s imperative as a Christian to know who Abraham was. Who was he, where did he live, why did God like him, when did he live, and what significance does his life story play in Christianity, why do I need to know? What is the Abrahamic Covenant? What does it mean for me as a Christian today?
Posted in Adam and Eve's Sin, tagged Adam and Eve, atonement, cross, Doctrine and Covenants, fall of man, false gospel, false prophet, Garden of Eden, Garden of Gethsemane, Genesis, Jesus, joseph smith, mormonism, original sin, redemption, sacrifice, salvation on 05/11/2011| 3 Comments »
Adam and Eve’s Sin and the New Mormon Website
In my daily LDS Gems e-mails I received notice today (February 26, 2008) of another new website launched by the Church. Here in part is what it said;
“The new site is a helpful resource for anyone who wishes to know firsthand what Latter-day Saints believe about Jesus Christ. It is also a valuable reference that Church members can use as they share their beliefs with others.”
Posted in Thought of the Day about Mormonism, tagged bible, Doctrine and Covenants, elohim, false gospel, false prophet, God, grace vs. works, Heavenly Father, Jesus, joseph smith, mormonism, Redeemer on 05/11/2011| 1 Comment »
Contradictions in the Doctrine and Covenants
Today we’re wondering why the prophecy declared by Joseph Smith contradicts what has taken place in the Mormon Church. As you’ll see from the text, God told Joseph that whoever performs or declares more than repentance and coming to Christ is not in obedience.
Posted in Confessions of a 6th Generation Mormon, tagged assurance of salvation, bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, doubting salvation, false gospel, false prophet, Jesus, joseph smith, mormonism, Redeemer, salvation on 05/10/2011| Leave a Comment »
Confessions of a Sixth Generation Mormon
Heaven. Do you know if you’re going there? If you died today, do you know with certainty where you would go?
Posted in Joseph Smith Prophecies, tagged bible, Civil War prophecy, Doctrine and Covenants, false prophecies, false prophet, grace, Jesus, joseph smith, mormonism, salvation, truth on 05/04/2011| 1 Comment »
Civil War Prophecy
D&C 87:1-6; “Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls; 2 And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place.3 For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations.4 And it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war.5 And it shall come to pass also that the remnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation.6 And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations.”
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, false prophet, grace, Jesus, joseph smith, mormonism, utah, Zion on 04/22/2011| Leave a Comment »
April 22 – Heb 12:22; “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.”
Posted in Book of Mormon Inspired of God?, tagged bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, false gospel, Jarom, Jesus, joseph smith, Lamanites, lds church, Moroni, Nephites, Omni, Red Sea, Redeemer, salvation, Shiz on 04/21/2011| Leave a Comment »
Inspired of God? Difficulties in the Book of Mormon
“All scripturei s given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16.
The key word here is inspiration. This word in the Greek is theopneustos. It means God breathed. Look anywhere in the Bible, there is nothing in it that contradicts itself, there are no mistakes, and it is all one hundred percent perfect! Archaeologists will sometimes use the Bible to search for the spots they want to investigate. There are hundreds of documents which prove the Bible to be true, from Josephus of the first century to the Dead Sea Scrolls. Each time they find something new, it validates what the Bible says!
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged bible, Christianity, Doctrine and Covenants, Everlasting, forever, God, godhood, grace, Jesus, lds church, mormonism, never ceasing, salvation, without end, works on 04/15/2011| Leave a Comment »
April 15 – Heb. 13:8-9; “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried away by strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged assurance of salvation, believers temple of God, bible, body of Christ, Book of Mormon, Bruce McConkie, Comforter, Doctrine and Covenants, false apostles, false gospel, false prophet, false teachers, freedom, God, Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit down payment, indwelling, Isaiah, Jesus, lds church, Mormon doctrine, mormonism, salvation, Savior, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, trustworthy, truth, Works for salvation on 03/12/2011| Leave a Comment »
March 12 – John 16:17; “Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you”.
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Please show the Mormon the truth about the Holy Spirit. He actually dwells inside of the believer!
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“Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself…that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time…” Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 151.
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged bible, Doctrine and Covenants, Emmanuel, false prophecies, false prophet, false teachings, forgiveness for sins, freedom, God incarnate, God with us, God's love for mankind, Jesus, Jesus is a god, Jesus is God, Jesus is God Incarnate, joseph smith, lds church, miracle, mormonism, Only Begotten Son, Redeemer, salvation, Savior, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, truth on 02/25/2011| Leave a Comment »
February 25 – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death of the cross.” Phil. 2:5-6, 8.
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There are actually two subjects to notice with this verse. Explain the word “robbery” to the Mormon. In the Greek, it means “grasped”. The other subject is the belief that Jesus had to perform, or work, to receive His salvation.
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“If a man gets a fullness of the priesthood of God he has to get it in the same way that Jesus Christ obtained it, and that was by keeping all the commandments and obeying all the ordinances of the house of the Lord.” Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 308
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged 8 years old, age of accountability, bible, Doctrine and Covenants, fall of man, false gospel, false prophet, false teacher, Garden, Genesis, God, Jesus, joseph smith, lds church, mormonism, nature of man, of Eden, original sin, Redeemer, salvation, Savior, truth on 02/24/2011| Leave a Comment »
February 24 – “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. Romans 3:23.
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Not one Mormon believes that children can sin. They baptize at the age of eight to be cleansed from their sins because this is when they believe you become accountable for your actions. Have a Mormon try to explain away a two-year-old child’s behavior. Also ask them why they’d have to be baptized for a remission of sins if they were perfect up until they got baptized.
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D&C 29:47-8; “Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me; For it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own pleasure, that great things may be required at the hands of their fathers”.
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged body of Christ, Christianity, Doctrine and Covenants, false gospel, false prophet, freedom, gospel, grace, Jesus Christ, joseph smith, lie, Messiah, mormonism, Redeemer, salvation, salvation through LDS prophet, Savior, truth on 02/03/2011| Leave a Comment »
February 3 – We find salvation in no one else but through our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 says; “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”.
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For the Mormon there is a list of people holding the keys of salvation. At the top of this list is their heavenly father, then Jesus, then Adam, Joseph Smith and next in line is the living prophet. If you happen to be a woman in the church you will also have your husband to answer to.
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“The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds the keys of salvation for all men now living because he is the only one by whose authorization the sealing power of the priesthood can be used to seal men up to salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God. (D&C 132:7).”
Posted in Polygamy in Centennial Park, tagged Arizona, bible, blasphemy, Book of Mormon, Centennial Park, Doctrine and Covenants, everlasting covenant, false gospel, FLDS, Fundamental Mormons, Jesus, joseph smith, mormonism, polygamist, polygamy, salvation, Savior, truth, utah on 01/20/2011| 4 Comments »
Centennial Park
Here we are in the twenty first century and still talking about polygamy. On Tuesday, February 13, 2007, ABC aired a program called “The Outsiders”. The focus was of course the polygamous community of Centennial Park, AZ that lies just two miles south of Colorado City, home to the infamous group of the Fundamental Latter-day Saints.
This particular group of polygamists wanted to make it clear that they are not part of the group in Colorado City. They claim they don’t have the problems of child sexual abuse and forced marriages that seem to plague Warren Jeffs group; although they did admit to having bouts of jealousy towards each other.
The main subjects of the interview focused on one young family within the clan. ABC was invited into the 1,400 sq. ft. home of a husband with two wives and their nine children. The polygamists wanted the world to see how they take care of their own and they portrayed this community effort of building an addition onto the home of the young family.
The husband, Ariel Hammon met both of his wives at school. He was the math teacher for both when they were in school. His first wife is now 30 years old and mother to seven of the children with another one on the way. His second wife is 20 and mother to the remaining two children. Mr. Hammon is roughly 35 years old.
At one point during the interview the reporter, John Quinonez gathered a group of about 15 teenagers to ask them some questions. He asked the girls what their dreams were for their lives. One girl answered that she is praying to be just one of her future husband’s wives, yet she had no idea who it was that she’d want to marry. She said that it was “up to the priesthood”. When asked how she’d feel if he had a lot of wives, she answered by saying; “If he has six or seven wives, I’d accept that. The man is not ours. We are given to the man but we can’t claim him. So as many wives as he would want, he can have. As long as it’s what God wants.” The young men in the group all claimed they had no problem with obeying the elders by having two to fifteen wives. If that is what God wanted, then so be it.
As I was watching the show it was so hard for me to sit still and keep my mouth shut as I listened to the lies they told and witnessed the obvious brain washing that has taken control of these beautiful people. However, out of all the lies they told and keep telling to the next generation, I was also very grateful for the invention of television. I’m not a big advocate for television, but there are times when God will use it for His purpose and I truly believe this is one of those times! The news reporter gave a short blip about Joseph Smith’s teachings of polygamy, godhood and salvation.
I would imagine that it’s incredibly difficult for the modern-day member of the LDS Church to reconcile the truth about Joseph Smith and the persona they are trying to portray in this, the twenty-first century. Their latest push of wanting to be included into the “mainstream” body of Christ has to be a hard sale when the truth of their doctrine is a glaring reminder of why they don’t belong. In contrast, the polygamist groups don’t feel the added pressure of wanting to fit in – they have purposefully kept themselves separated from the “secular world”.
The husband that the show focused on, Ariel Hammon, admitted they do believe Jesus was a polygamist and that black people are the curse of Cain.
Moses 7:22; “And Enoch also beheld the residue of the people which were the sons of Adam; and they were a mixture of all the seed of Adam save it was the seed of Cain, for the seed of Cain were black, and had not place among them.”
I don’t know if it’s true or not, but it was reported on this show that Mr. Hammon is the first person to admit to the teachings of Jesus being a polygamist and the curse of Cain.
So for all those who write in to Life After Ministries and tell us we’re being sensationalistic, or that we’ve lied, you’ve now heard it from the “horse’s mouth” so to speak. We haven’t pulled some obscure teaching out of the annals of the LDS Church’s history to twist things around; these are the basic tenets of Mormonism.
The truth is Joseph Smith did teach that Jesus was a polygamist and Joseph Smith did in fact teach that black people are cursed. Let us pray for these people! Of course they also claimed that sex has absolutely nothing to do with polygamy, but we already know the truth to that story. We’ll have more on these topics in the near future on our website so stay tuned.
Mr. Hammon claimed the Bible commands polygamy to be practiced, but nowhere in the Bible have I ever seen such a commandment. I’m certain that if he truly believes in the teachings of Joseph Smith he’d also claim the Bible isn’t translated correctly either. How is it they can claim the Bible commands something if they don’t actually believe the Bible to be correct?
While trying to portray the wonderful attributes of polygamy, the women of this particular group have gathered together to fight what they call the “injustices” they face because of their religion. They said that by living in America they should be able to worship the way they see fit without being persecuted.
They’ve dubbed themselves the Centennial Park Action Committee and have begun pushing their agenda for “religious tolerance”. Following in their mother’s footsteps are the children of not only these multiple wives, but others as well who are speaking out, publicly demanding respect and tolerance from mainstream society in both Arizona and Utah.
Funny, the term “tolerance” sounds eerily familiar when you listen to the groups that want same-sex marriages to be legalized. Isn’t this also what the ACLU tries to impose upon the citizens of America today when they want the Ten Commandments ripped from all public buildings and when they fight to have Christmas trees taken down from airports like they did here in Seattle this past Christmas season?
The mainstream LDS Church can claim they don’t believe these doctrines any longer, but in reality they still do. The Doctrine and Covenants still contains section 132 which warns members they cannot be saved without having multiple wives and women will be damned if they reject it.
D&C 132:4; “For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory.” Also see D&C 132:51-56.
They still teach that you must be married in order to gain exaltation and they still teach they will become gods and goddesses someday with their own earths. (D&C 132:19-20.)
When you witness to a Mormon whether it be a missionary or a close friend or relative, they may try and tell you that they don’t personally believe in the section of D&C that commands polygamy. If this is the case ask them if they’ve denounced Joseph Smith for their as well. After all, the teachings mentioned here originated with none other than Smith himself.
Deut. 18:20-22 says that we are to disregard any prophet who gives a false prophecy.
Because the “everlasting covenant” of having multiple wives was outlawed by the US government and subsequently abandoned by the mainstream LDS Church, it can’t possibly be qualified as everlasting, but qualifies as a false prophecy.
I have always maintained that Mormonism is based upon two principles. Sex and godhood; you can’t get one without the other. You can’t be truly saved (godhood status) if you’re not married; i.e. polygamy. You can’t be married without taking oaths in the temple to pledge loyalty to the Mormon god who is a polygamist. (In reality yes, you can be married outside of the temple. However if you’re a TBM (true blue Mormon) and truly love your Heavenly Father you’ll be needing that temple marriage.)
When the younger sister wife of the host family being interviewed was asked how she would get to heaven, her response made me cringe. She answered by stating that being married and following Jesus’ example to bring children here to earth, obeying the commandments (D&C 132) and having a happy family is the way she can go to heaven.
Where is the gospel in this? Where is there any hope provided by a Savior? Now whether or not she articulated the proper tenets of that particular sect is irrelevant. Her understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ is totally warped! This is the “fruit” of true Mormonism. While I know she’s only twenty years old and still very young, this is what she will be passing on to her children.
Think about it, she’s twenty and has two kids.
As an example I was born and raised in mainstream Mormonism and lived with the average thought process of any average Mormon for thirty years. The young woman’s thought process mentioned here isn’t any different than mine was before I got saved and I wasn’t a polygamist. The last polygamist in my family was alive three generations ago. My parents were 16 and 18 when they got married and I was born a day before their first anniversary. My mother hadn’t finished 9th grade when she dropped out of school to be married. The similarities are striking and sadly enough my experience is typical of Mormon behavior patterns.
My parents weren’t married in the temple and while my mother did become active in her twenties, my father only on rare occasions would go to church. They did however pass down the “heritage and culture” of being active in the Church as a youngster, thus my brothers and I were summarily dropped off at the ward building when the schedule demanded we be there.
The residual effects of polygamy are far reaching and when the members of the LDS Church went into their temple one hundred years ago they took oaths upon themselves and the heads of the next third and fourth generations. Don’t think those oaths are just some silly rituals they go through that don’t carry a spiritual price to pay. Temple-worthy members of today are still taking those oaths. Although they have changed the ceremonies drastically since the days of the early church, the oaths and effects are the same.
The residual effects of polygamy can also be seen in the vital statistics of life in Utah today. Every 18 months or so I write an article on the statistics of various subjects for the state of Utah – you can read the latest one here: http://www.lifeafter.org/vitalstats2006.asp
The findings are remarkable to say the least. Suicide, rape, and incest are higher there than the national average and they can’t figure out why. The studies for trying to understand these phenomena have been ongoing since the mid-fifties. They have been quoted as saying they are positive that religion has absolutely nothing to do with it. One “expert” even said he felt the rates are that high because the Intermountain west has easy access to guns. Yeah, okay…
Here is what part of my article says about Utah stats: “Another comparison that I found to be very telling is from the Utah Department of Health. It says that in Utah 1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 5 boys will be sexually assaulted by the age of 18. Nationally the rates are 1 out of 6 women (17%) and 1 out of 33 men (3%) will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives.”
In other words you’re twice as likely to be raped in Utah if you’re a female and if you’re a male it’s six times higher than the national average. Pretty scary if you ask me. Let’s face it; this is the residual effect of polygamy.
This is the legacy the early pioneers have left for the “Land of Zion”. Now I’m not stating that the rest of the nation or the world for that matter is any better. Goodness this world is filled with evil people who commit evil sins. However, when the “prophets of God” proclaim something to be a direct revelation from the Almighty you’d think that the fruit of such an act would produce godly legacies, not bad ones. Yet here is this “holy land” that is continually suffering a worse record of sexual crimes than the rest of the nation and I’m sure I’m not the only person who can figure this out.
The biggest impression I was left with after watching that show was the sadness I felt for those women and girls. I’m not a feminist mind you, but I cannot imagine living another day like that. I love my husband and I know how blessed I am that God gave me two daughters, but without Jesus and His spilled blood I am nothing and have nothing. It’s been almost 14 years since I accepted Jesus into my heart and working in this ministry reminds me of what He saved me from. This show is a great reminder of just how desperate the situation is for those caught in the trap of the evil one. Help us won’t you to reach out to them through prayer and witness? May God bless you for your willingness and love!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle Grim
1 Cor. 1:18
Posted in Food Storage, tagged bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, false prophets, grace, Jesus, lds church, Mormon food storage, truth, works on 01/15/2011| 1 Comment »
Mormon Food Storage
Not long after I became a member of the Mormon Church I started learning about the LDS principle of food storage. In every General Conference broadcast, at least one LDS leader would use words like preparedness and self-reliance in their talk on planning. . Their talk would usually include the verse from the Mormon scripture Doctrine and Covenants 38:30 that says; “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” Their message conveyed that storing food and other essentials was a commandment from God and if we didn’t heed this warning then we were somehow less righteous then the rest of our fellow Latter-day Saints who did. Not long ago, the members were told to have a year’s supply.
Now memebers are told to have at least three-month supply to begin with, then they can work on getting their year supply. If this idea of food storage were from God, why would he change the amount of food he wants us to store?
If the Mormons believe their god is an all-knowing god he would be able to give them an exact amount of food they should store for the exact amount of time they would need it.
The Mormon leaders tell members they’ll need this food and supplies before the Second Coming. They’re told that there are going to be many wars and calamities making it impossible for them to get to a store to buy food. This sounds like they have an absence of complete faith and trust in God in their religion. They’re putting their trust in mortal man telling them what to store, how to store it, and how much of it to store. They aren’t trusting in the Creator of the universe to provide for them.
When I think about all the ways God has taken care of His follows in Biblical times, I can’t understand why the LDS think He wouldn’t do the same now. We need to look no further than the Israelites in Exodus to see how God provides for His people. If we believe in an all powerful, caring, loving God, why would He not see to it that our needs are meet when we ask?
Matthew 6:30-33 reads;
“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore, take no thought, saying What shall we eat? Or What shall we drink? Or Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But see ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Recently I learned about a man by the name of George Muller. Pastor Muller was an awesome man of God, spending most of his life in England where he pastored many churches. He had a heart for the orphans of England and established many orphanages. He never went out and asked people for money, nor did he go into debt to keep the orphanages going. Pastor Muller simply relied on God to provide, and he was blessed mightily for his faith. In one of his sermons he said;
“Think not, dear reader, that I have the gift of faith, that is, that gift of which we read in 1 Corinthians 12:9, and which is mentioned along with “the gifts of healing,” “the working of miracles, ”prophecy,” and that on that account I am able to trust in the Lord. It is true that the faith, which I am enabled to exercise, is altogether God’s own gift; it is true that He alone supports it, and that He alone can increase it; it is true that, moment by moment, I depend upon Him for it, and that, if I were only one moment left to myself, my faith would utterly fail; but it is not true that my faith is that gift of faith which is spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12:9.”
It concerns me the LDS don’t feel that they can rely on Jesus Christ to help them in times of need, but on their own righteousness and obedience. In a letter to the LDS people the First Presidency of the LDS Church said;
“We encourage you to follow this counsel with the assurance that a people prepared through obedience to the commandments of God need not fear.” – First Presidency Letter, 24 June 1988
Past president of the LDS Church Ezra Taft Benson said; “The Lord was warned us of famines, but the righteous will have listened to prophets and stored at least a year’s supply of survival food”. (Ensign, Jan 1974, page 68)
So if someone could not afford to have a year’s supply of food they are not “righteous”? The “survival food” Mr. Benson is speaking of doesn’t have to be food that you or your family will eat. Mr. Faust explains it this way;
“Every father and mother are the family’s storekeepers. They should store whatever their own family would like to have in the case of an emergency. Most of us cannot afford to store a year’s supply of luxury items, but find it more practical to store staples that might keep us from starving in case of emergency.” (James E. Faust, ‘The Responsibility for Welfare Rests with Me and My Family,’ Ensign, May 1986, 20)
Wouldn’t storing food this way create waste? If it’s only food that you and your family would eat in case of an emergency what happens when there is no “emergency” and the food expires? What is the point in storing the food in the first place if its food their family will not eat unless they are starving?
In closing, I just want to say I think that having a little extra food and essentials on hand would be beneficial depending upon where you live. Some of us may live in climates’ where we receive a lot of snowfall. Having some extra food, blankets, alternative heating, and power supply would be very helpful. What we must keep in mind is that throughout the Bible God tells us not to fear but trust in Him. No matter what lies ahead of us, He will provide for us.
Psalm 56:4 reads; “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”
I pray that the LDS people will begin to trust in God more and know He will watch over them.
In Christ,
Melissa Grimes (melissa@lifeafter.org)
Posted in Interesting Facts of the 3-in-1, Uncategorized, tagged 3-in-1, bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, false gospel, false prophecy, forgiveness, freedom, God, grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus, joseph smith, Land of Jerusalem, Lehi, mormonism, Moroni, Nephi, Pearl of Great Price, redemption, salvation, Triple Combination, truth on 01/12/2011| Leave a Comment »
Interesting Facts about the 3 in 1, pt. 5
The reason for this work and ministry is threefold.
The first is to bring honor and glory to our Lord God Jesus Christ in all that we do. The second is to provide information from the LDS Church to its members in a cohesive manner to help answer their questions. And the third is to provide our Christian readers with truthful information about the LDS Church they can use as an effective tool for witnessing to those caught in the lies of the evil one.
I cannot begin to tell you, the reader, how many times we’ve cried for the situation the Mormons find themselves in because we were once there ourselves and know how desperate it feels.
Oh if I could find a way to articulate to them how much Jesus truly loves them! And how I pray our Lord will continue to lift our heads in encouragement for those who are lost.
The series of articles “Interesting Facts about the 3-in-1” (or triple combination) are a simple tool to get a quick glance of how the Mormon Church deliberately chooses to confuse its members.
As I write this there is a picture of some of my family members on my laptop and my heart breaks they cannot see these simple truths. My mother and grandmother look beyond tired. The dark circles under their eyes speak silently to the decades of disappointments and fears. A cousin of mine that is three years my junior looks twenty years older than me.
Heavenly Father tells us that His word does not come back void in Isaiah 55:11. I pray each day they will remember the glorious message of God’s love for them I was able to share when they allowed me to take their pictures just a year ago. Twenty-eight of them gathered for a family picnic last summer…that picture sits next to my open document on the desktop of my computer screen.
I pray you’ll be able to use these discrepancies in their own sacred works to ask them what they think. While a few of the items provided do not come from the Triple Combination they are easy enough to find on the web.
All materials used come directly from LDS Church writings.
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
Jude 1:24-25
Born into Sin or Born Perfect?
1 Nephi 20:8; “Yea, and thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time thine ear was not opened; for I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.”
D&C 29:47; “Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me.”
Romans 3:23; “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Ephraim, does he or does he not have descendants?
2 Nephi 17:8-9; “For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus, Rezin; and within three score and five years shall Ephraim be broken that it be not a people. 9 And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If ye will not believe surely ye shall not be established.” – BC 559 to 545
Answers to Gospel Questions 1:140; “Latter-day Saints pride themselves because they are of Israel; but they are also of the Gentiles. We are the descendants of those members of the house of Israel who were scattered among the Gentiles to be a blessing to the Gentile nations and make them of the blood of Israel through the gospel… The Book of Mormon came by way of the Prophet Joseph Smith, a descendant of Ephraim, yet it came “by way of the Gentile,” and in the time of the Gentiles.
Hosea 9:11-17; “As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception.12 Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them! 13 Ephraim, as I saw Tyrus, is planted in a pleasant place: but Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer. 14 Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. 15 All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters. 16 Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb. 17 My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.”
Who is King?
D&C 38:21-22; “But, verily I say unto you that in time ye shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be your king and watch over you. 22 Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, and you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws but my laws when I come, for I am your lawgiver, and what can stay my hand?”
Times & Seasons 5:618; “…to build up the kingdom upon the foundation that the prophet Joseph has laid, who still holds the keys of this last dispensation, and will hold them to all eternity, as a king and priest unto the most high God, ministering in heaven, on earth, or among the spirits of the departed dead, as seemeth good to him who sent him.”
Improvement Era 1909, Vol Xiii, No. 1; “Every man reigns a king over the kingdom of—self. He wears the crown of individuality that no hands but his own can ever remove. He should not only reign, but—rule. His individuality is his true self, his best self, his highest self, his self victorious…Man reigns over this miniature kingdom of self—alone. He is as much an autocrat as is God in ruling the universe. No one can make him good or evil but he, himself.”
1 Timothy 1:17; “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Baptism for Dead not Necessary
2 Nephi 9:38; “And, in fine, wo unto all those who die in their sins; for they shall return to God, and behold his face, and remain in their sins.”
D&C 124:29-30; “For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my saints, may be baptized for those who are dead—30 For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house unto me.”
Isaiah 64:6; “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
Bible is Eternal
2 Nephi 9:16; “And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away.”
8th Article of Faith; “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”
Matthew 5:18; “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
Matt. 24:35; “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
Prov. 30:5-6; “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”
Mormon god cannot keep promise
Mosiah 27:13; “Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.”
Psalm 31:23; “O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.”
Psalm 37:28-29; “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. 29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.”
Mormon Jesus Says No to Food Storage
3 Nephi 13:31; “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”
D&C 109:8; “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”
Matthew 6:31-32; “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”
Biggest Lie (one of them anyway) in Mormonism
Ether 12:11-12; “Wherefore, by faith was the law of Moses given. But in the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way; and it is by faith that it hath been fulfilled. 12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.”
Matthew 5:45; “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Romans 3:3-4; “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.”
Honestly, how is this “inspired”?
Moroni 10:1; “Now I, Moroni, write somewhat as seemeth me good…”
Jarom 1:1-2; “Now behold, I, Jarom, write a few words according to the commandment of my father, Enos, that our genealogy may be kept. 2 And as these plates are small, and as these things are written for the intent of the benefit of our brethren the Lamanites, wherefore, it must needs be that I write a little; but I shall not write the things of my prophesying, nor of my revelations. For what could I write more than my fathers have written? For have not they revealed the plan of salvation? I say unto you, Yea; and this sufficeth me.”
1 Nephi 6:3; “And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God.”
Jacob 1:1-2; “Nephi gave me, Jacob, a commandment concerning the small plates, upon which these things are engraven. 2 And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious”
Omni 1:1; “Behold, it came to pass that I, Omni, being commanded by my father, Jarom, that I should write somewhat upon these plates, to preserve our genealogy.”
2 Peter 1:20-21; “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Who Visited Joseph that Night – Moroni or Nephi?
Introductory page of D&C 1976, 3rd paragraph; “This took place in the early spring of 1820. In September, 1823, and at later times, Joseph Smith received visitations from Moroni, an angel of light, who revealed the resting place of the ancient record from which The Book of Mormon was afterward translated.”
Joseph Smith History 1:32-33; “The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me. 33 He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil…”
Times and Seasons, vol. 3 (November 1841 – October 1842): pg. 753; “The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him I was afraid, but the fear soon left me. He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Nephi. That God had a work for me to do, and that my name should be had for good and evil…”
2 Cor. 11:13-15; “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
Posted in Interesting Facts of the 3-in-1, Uncategorized, tagged Alpha, apostasy, baptism for the dead, bible, Book of Mormon, Christianity, Doctrine and Covenants, false gospel, false prophecy, Jesus, Jesus is God, joseph smith, Omega, Pearl of Great Price, salvation, Triple Combination, truth on 01/12/2011| Leave a Comment »
Interesting Facts of the 3 – in – 1 Part 4
Alpha and Omega – Jesus is God
One of the biggest shocks for me when I left the Church was finding out that Jesus is God. I felt very small for a really long time afterwards, wondering how I had never known this big piece of theological information.
Fifteen years later I’ve come to know how easy enough it is for all of us to become “immune” to the true meaning of every day vocabulary. However, when you’re LDS this is compounded by not knowing that dictionaries can also be used for help when reading our Bibles to find out things like Jesus is God.
Recently while doing research for another article I found that the use of Alpha and Omega was used so frequently in the D&C it’d be a good idea to stop and think about the meaning of this phrase. Here is how the Holman Bible Dictionary describes Alpha and Omega;
“ALPHA – ALPHA AND OMEGA are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and are used in Revelation to describe God or Christ (Rev. 1:8, 17; 21:6; 22:13.) “Alpha and omega” refers to God’s sovereignty and eternal nature. God and Christ are “the beginning and the end, the first and last.” (Rev. 22:13). Thus they control all history and all humans of all generations.”
“OMEGA (oh mee’ guh) Last letter in the Greek alphabet. Together with the first letter, alpha, omega designates God and Christ as the all-encompassing Reality (Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13).”
The idea that God and Christ control everything is simply mind boggling to me! This God that we worship has created everything, yet knows me intimately and loves me too…there are no words to describe the comfort this brings. Our prayer for the Mormon people is for them to know the inexpressible peace this God can bring to them as well. I just can’t imagine Smith proclaiming this joy to the people when we read his works. So the questions are as follows:
Is Jesus God or not?
If He isn’t then why do several verses in D&C say that He is?
Was Joseph mistaken or was he purposefully trying to confuse members of the Church?
If God hates liars why would He allow only part of His word to be truth?
The following list gives 22 examples of how the Mormon Church lies. D&C 130:22 alone contradicts the examples below and does not support that Jesus is God. There were verses in my little study I didn’t include on this list and I’m sure there are still others I’ve accidentally missed.
D&C 10:70; “And now, remember the words of him who is the life and light of the world, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Amen.”
D&C 17:9; “And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen.”
D&C 18:31; “And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it.”
D&C 19:1; “I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world.”
D&C 20:28; “Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen.”
D&C 27:1; “Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God, and your Redeemer, whose word is quick and powerful.”
D&C 29:1; “Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins.”
D&C 34:1; “My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer.”
D&C 35:1-2; “Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday, and forever.2 I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world…”
D&C 36:1, 8; “Thus saith the Lord God, the Mighty One of Israel: Behold, I say unto you, my servant Edward, that you are blessed, and your sins are forgiven you, and you are called to preach my gospel as with the voice of a trump. 8 I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple. Even so. Amen.
D&C 38:1; “Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made.”
D&C 39:1; “Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to all eternity, the Great I AM, even Jesus Christ—”
D&C 51:1, 20; “Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and I will speak unto my servant Edward Partridge… 20 Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh quickly, in an hour you think not. Even so. Amen.”
D&C 53:1-2; “Behold, I say unto you, my servant Sidney Gilbert, that I have heard your prayers; and you have called upon me that it should be made known unto you, of the Lord your God, concerning your calling and election in the church, which I, the Lord, have raised up in these last days. 2 Behold, I, the Lord, who was crucified for the sins of the world…”
D&C 62:1; “Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted.”
D&C 63:59-60; “Behold, I am from above, and my power lieth beneath. I am over all, and in all, and through all, and search all things, and the day cometh that all things shall be subject unto me.60 Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ.”
D&C 66:13; “Verily, thus saith the Lord your God, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.”
D&C 76:1; “Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior.”
D&C 81:7; “Behold, and lo, these are the words of Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ. Amen.”
D&C 130:22; “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.”
Gal. 6:7; “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Dead People Repent
The following is interesting.
D&C 138:58-59; “The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God, 59 And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation.”
How can dead people repent?
How can dead people pay a penalty for their transgressions?
What about Jesus?
Didn’t the vicarious service of baptism for the dead settle their account?
Gnashing of Teeth
Alma 14:21; “And many such things did they say unto them, gnashing their teeth upon them, and spitting upon them, and saying: How shall we look when we are damned?”
Questions:
How exactly does one go about gnashing teeth upon someone?
Does this sound inspired of God?
Strange Acts of God
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit into the adopted children of God has to be one of the best miracles God has ever performed. I sit in awe each time I dwell upon His love for me and for the way He is ever faithful. Nothing about His works has ever been to demean or abuse us. And knowing He is always there to provide for me will always be a comfort to me. I wouldn’t pretend to know what lies ahead for me personally in this life, but I know I will always be humbled and safe. That is why I find it offensive when I discovered this verse in the Doctrine and Covenants.
D&C 95:4; “For the preparation wherewith I design to prepare mine apostles to prune my vineyard for the last time, that I may bring to pass my strange act, that I may pour out my Spirit upon all flesh.”
John 14:16-18; “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
No Polygamy!
Ugh, this is one of my most dreaded subjects that we deal with concerning Mormonism. The demoralization of this vulgar practice knows no bounds. Those who are caught in its snares are affected in one way or another for life; men, women and children alike. The warnings from Moses down to Paul weren’t meant solely for their day, but for ours as well. It makes me think that maybe God knew what He was talking about!
D&C 42:22, 26; “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else. But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out.”
Deut. 17:17; “Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.”
8 Months Later…Another Prophecy on Polygamy and Temptation
D&C 66:10-11; “Seek not to be cumbered. Forsake all unrighteousness. Commit not adultery—a temptation with which thou hast been troubled. 11 Keep these sayings, for they are true and faithful; and thou shalt magnify thine office, and push many people to Zion with songs of everlasting joy upon their heads.”
Ex. 20:14; “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
Save Yourselves
Just about everyone I’ve met tells me the same thing; “If the Mormon really believes all this then why are they so nice?”
I do admit on the outside they do seem amiable enough, but being friendly doesn’t get you into heaven any faster than saving yourself can. And this is what breaks my heart for the Mormon people. They are nice, but they also believe they are their own Saviors. Try as I might I cannot convince my mother that being a doormat for the Relief Society doesn’t gain her Brownie points with God. Yet this is the only message the Mormons ever preach.
D&C 38:40-42; “And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded. 41 And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness. 42 And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen.”
Gal. 2:16-17; “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.”
Odd Reactions
Whenever I see things like this I have to wonder…
Is this really inspired?
The Holman Bible dictionary says this about the inspiration of scripture; “As indicated in the biblical explanation, inspiration is a divine-human encounter whereby God reveals truth. It is a message from God and of God, as well as through persons and for persons.” From this understanding we can therefore ask ourselves if it is an inspired work of God.
Is the “scripture” below a message from God and of God?
Is it for people like you, me or even my mother?
How is this “scripture” beneficial for your spiritual growth?
Alma 14:8-11; “And they brought their wives and children together, and whosoever believed or had been taught to believe in the word of God they caused that they should be cast into the fire; and they also brought forth their records which contained the holy scriptures, and cast them into the fire also, that they might be burned and destroyed by fire. 9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of those who were consumed by fire. 10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames. 11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.”
Questions:
If these holy men had the opportunity to save righteous people from the fire why didn’t they do it?
How was watching these people burn so that others would go to hell be the proper thing to do?
From a Christian who wrote in asking the following question and providing the verses below:
“Would you say there is a correlation here?”
3 Nephi 17:23-24; “And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones. 24 And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.”
Lev. 18:21; “And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.”
As always we are praying the LDS will stop for just a moment and contemplate a few of these scenarios. I personally know what it means to be overwhelmed with it all, but when that scenario was taking place for me fifteen years ago, the one thing I knew I had to do was listen to Jesus’ voice more above my family’s heritage.
With Love in Christ;
Michelle Grim
1 Cor. 1:18
Posted in Interesting Facts of the 3-in-1, Uncategorized, tagged bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Ether, false gospel, grace, Jaredites, Jesus, joseph smith, lds church, Nephi, Nephites, Pearl of Great Price, salvation, Triple Combination, truth on 01/12/2011| 1 Comment »
Interesting Facts about the 3 – in – 1 – Part 3
We’re taking a deeper look at the claims of the Triple Combination for the sake of the Mormons as well as the Christians! So here we go with the third installment of Interesting Facts about the Triple Combination.
What’s in a Name – again!
2 Nephi 10:3;
“Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name.”
False Promises
I asked a few friends to help me count how many verses they could find containing Greek words in the Book of Mormon. Thanks to everyone’s help we came up with the discovery of several Greek words which appeared in 752 verses throughout the BC era of the Book of Mormon! The reason for pointing this out is twofold. First of all why were Greek words being used in the BC era?
Secondly, Smith publicly proclaimed the Book of Mormon contained no such thing! In Times & Seasons 4:194 it says;
“There was no Greek or Latin upon the plates from which I, through the grace of God, translated the Book of Mormon Let the language of that book speak for itself.”
Whenever I am reminded of this scenario I think of what the Apostle Paul told the Galatians in 1:6-9;
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
“Why or better yet how, could you not question these things?” This is the question I receive from Christians all the time when writing in to ask why their loved one has fallen into the trap of Mormonism. With all of the evidence of plagiarism, lies, and improbabilities, it is amazing that people do not question. When I was LDS I remember seeing these things and then blaming myself for not understanding or for questioning the Church. Remember though one of the other things the Apostle Paul warned us about in Ephesians 6:11-12;
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Eve Praises God for Their Sin
The contradictions found in LDS theology run rampant in regards to the subject of sin. The average Mormon truly believes two things that are diametrically opposed to what God declares. 1 – Man is inherently evil. 2 – They believe it was necessary that Adam & Eve sin.
As you dig deeper into Mormon theology, you can easily see how they keep members confused. The following two examples are found in the Pearl of Great Price. As you can see in the first example they are lauding Eve’s choice and in another instance they are being taught that by sinning you are choosing to be separated from God.
Moses 5:11; “And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.”
Moses 6:48-50; “And as Enoch spake forth the words of God, the people trembled, and could not stand in his presence. 48 And he said unto them: Because that Adam fell, we are; and by his fall came death; and we are made partakers of misery and woe. 49 Behold Satan hath come among the children of men, and tempteth them to worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God. 50 But God hath made known unto our fathers that all men must repent.”
Compare this with what the Bible says in Romans 3:23;
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Also see Rom. 5:12;
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
The Making of Mankind
Moses 2:27;
“And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female created I them.”
If God created male and female after His own image and God is an exalted man as they claim in D&C 130:22, would this mean that God is also an exalted woman?
Timeliness is of the Utmost Importance…
Abraham 3:24 says;
“And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell.”
Where exactly is “down there”? Wouldn’t that mean there was already something down there that had been created and if so, wouldn’t that contradict Abraham 3:22 which says;
“Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones.”
Packing Your Bags…Travel Itineraries for Nephites & Jaredites
First Nephi tells us about the travels of the prophet Lehi and his sons, one of which is Nephi of course.
Is it reasonable that Lehi and his family could have left Jerusalem and walked 210 miles in three days to get to the Red Sea? See 1 Nephi 2:4-7.
Also note 1 Nephi 2:6, 8 which tells us Nephi & company traveled 3 days in the wilderness to get to the Red Sea and then set up camp next to a river called Laman.
1 – Most travelers in those days could travel roughly 15 miles on a really good day’s travel. The distance between the northern tip of the Red Sea to Jerusalem is approximately 153 miles. That’s roughly ten or so days and as you can see Nephi said he did it in three. Is this really possible?
2 – There has never been a river that has emptied into the Red Sea; even to this day. There are and have been canals built for shipping for the past 200-300 years, but no rivers.
The story in Nephi would be considered a false prophecy. I realize this is “tough language”; but we need to be honest here and call it what it is – a lie. A good concise map and data can be found at www.encyclopedia.com for info on this subject.
In the book of Ether we find Jared, his family and friends building and then packing their boat for the trip to the Promised Land. There are several items of note within this text that we could spend a good amount of time in, however let’s just look at a few interesting “facts”.
In Ether 2:2 it says;
“And they did also lay snares and catch fowls of the air; and they did also prepare a vessel, in which they did carry with them the fish of the waters.”
If they’re going to be sailing for a bit of time, why would they need to pack fish? Noah was out on the waters for about 370 days and the Bible doesn’t mention one thing about him packing fish of any kind to take with him. See Gen. 7:11-13 & Gen. 8:14-15 for length of time Noah was on the Ark.
Didn’t they (the Jaredites) have any food? If they didn’t need to eat the fish, where were they kept – an aquarium?
Ether 2:18-20 says;
“And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me. 19 And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light; whither shall we steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish. 20 And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: Behold, thou shalt make a hole in the top, and also in the bottom; and when thou shalt suffer for air thou shalt unstop the hole and receive air. And if it be so that the water come in upon thee, behold, ye shall stop the hole, that ye may not perish in the flood.”
Why didn’t the Lord remember to put air holes in the “barges” so they could breathe and why was there a “plug” in the bottom of the boat? How could air come into the boat if you’re using the plug in the bottom? Wouldn’t only water be coming through?
Why was there an Apostasy?
3 Nephi 28:1-18 is the account of when Jesus told three of the Nephites they would never die. (Also see “This is My Gospel, Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual”, pg. 185)*
Here we have a few people wandering the earth with the “truth” and no one intervenes to warn the Christians they were falling into an apostasy?
The history of Joseph Smith in 1:19 says that God told Joseph not to join any of the churches, for they were all wrong.
Joseph Smith History 1:19; “I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.””
For a concise explanation of what the Church considers to be “the Apostasy” see what the Apostle Bruce McConkie said in Mormon Doctrine, pg. 699;
“Existence of the sects of Christendom is proof positive of the universal apostasy. Truth is one; Christ is not divided; those who enjoy the Spirit, all speak the same things; there are no divisions among them; but they are “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Cor. 1:10-13.) When Joseph Smith retired to the Sacred Grove, it was to ask the Lord which of all the sects was right and which he should join. The answer: “I must join none of them, for they were all wrong.” (Jos. Smith 2:14-20.)”
Of course we know this is nothing but lies. Jesus promises us in Matthew 16:18 that His church will always stand the test of time!
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Dietary Laws for the People of the Book of Mormon
It is difficult at best to believe the Jewish people wouldn’t know or understand Torah. The life of a typical Israelite is lived obeying and observing it. The country they lived in or traveled through wouldn’t matter; they knew the Law just as much as you and I know the pledge of allegiance as it was ingrained in them from one generation to the next.
About Wine:
This first example puzzles me because here we have a direct example of how to take the Lord’s Supper using wine. Apparently this wasn’t a sin, but now it is? Also note how they prayed in the name of the Eternal Father. The god of Mormonism isn’t eternal.
Moroni 5:1-2;
“The manner of administering the wine—Behold, they took the cup, and said: 2 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.”
About Raw Meat:
1 Nephi 17:2;
“And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.”
1 Nephi 17:12;
“For the Lord had not hitherto suffered that we should make much fire, as we journeyed in the wilderness; for he said: I will make thy food become sweet, that ye cook it not.”
Lev. 7:26-27;
“Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings. 27 Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.”
Lev. 19:26;
“Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.”
About Swine:
Ether 9:18;
“And also all manner of cattle, of oxen, and cows, and of sheep, and of swine, and of goats, and also many other kinds of animals which were useful for the food of man.”
Leviticus 11:7-8; “And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.”
How Did Ammon Know to Quote Jesus in 90 BC?
Alma 19:10;
“And Ammon said unto her: Blessed art thou because of thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites.”
It’s obvious that Smith is plagiarizing Jesus. How would someone in Mesoamerica know to say something like this 120 years before it was said by Jesus Himself in Luke 7:9;
“When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”
Personal Injuries
1 N 4:19-21;
“And after I had smitten off his head with his own sword, I took the garments of Laban and put them upon mine own body; yea, even every whit; and I did gird on his armor about my loins. 20 And after I had done this, I went forth unto the treasury of Laban. And as I went forth towards the treasury of Laban, behold, I saw the servant of Laban who had the keys of the treasury. And I commanded him in the voice of Laban, that he should go with me into the treasury. 21 And he supposed me to be his master, Laban, for he beheld the garments and also the sword girded about my loins.”
Notice there was no mention of any blood found upon the body of Nephi from the beheading of Laban…Alma 44:12-16;
“And now when Moroni had said these words, Zerahemnah retained his sword, and he was angry with Moroni, and he rushed forward that he might slay Moroni; but as he raised his sword, behold, one of Moroni’s soldiers smote it even to the earth, and it broke by the hilt; and he also smote Zerahemnah that he took off his scalp and it fell to the earth…16 Now it came to pass that Zerahemnah was exceedingly wroth, and he did stir up the remainder of his soldiers to anger, to contend more powerfully against the Nephites.”
Zerhemnah gets scalped and all it says is that he’s “wroth”? I would imagine that I’d be a little more than angry if I got scalped.
Twelve years of war and not one person died… really? Alma 56:56;
“But behold, to my great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war.”
Living Under Law
The following verse in the Doctrine and Covenants make me absolutely heart sick for the Mormon people and angry with the leadership that will not tell the truth about God. Memories of my mother working herself almost to death for the sake of a false gospel has left me baffled on many an occasion.
If we were to work under the Law then why pray tell even bother with the Jesus side of things?
D&C 132:32;
“Go ye, therefore, and do the works of Abraham; enter ye into my law and ye shall be saved.”
There are two passages of scripture that keep coming to mind whenever I read this in the Mormon “scripture”. Romans 4:2-3 and Galatians 2:20-21;
“For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
Clearly we are living under grace now, if you’ve accepted the Messiah actually delivered on His promises that is. The scripture is also very clear about living under the Law:
Galatians 5:3-4; “For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”
Romans 5:19; “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
Notice how Paul said that by one man’s obedience. This demonstrates it isn’t by your works or my works, it is by one person’s obedience, that being Jesus Christ.
Deacons
The list of discrepancies, contradictions and outright lies are many in the teachings of the LDS Church, so when I’m going through my list of what to publish for these articles, I am trying to just pull out the most prevalent. This particular subject matter caught my attention because of its levity.
When we take communion it is a very serious event for those of us who participate in it. In fact the Apostle Paul said this in 1 Cor. 11:26-27 regarding the Lord’s Supper;
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 27Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.”
I could go on and on about the elements of bread & wine or juice in the Christian churches vs. the “Wonderbread” and water the LDS Church uses and the way they administer it with everyone just eating and drinking at their own will, but that’s for another time…
The LDS Church ascribes to the teachings of Joseph Smith by observing the perfunctory ordinances at each and every event, but I am left to wonder why they haven’t changed their “scripture” for this one.
D&C 20:58 says;
“But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands.”
This must have been a pretty important rule if Smith thought enough of it to make it “scripture”, so I have to ask the proverbial “why” on this one. Mormon Doctrine pg. 361 says this about the deacons and sacrament;
“Twelve-year-old LDS males usually receive the Aaronic Priesthood and are ordained deacons, continuing in that priesthood office until age fourteen. Deacons receive assignments from their bishops that may include distributing the Sacrament to the congregation, serving as messengers, collecting fast offerings, providing assistance to the elderly or disabled, and caring for the meetinghouse and grounds.”
Again, please know that we don’t publish our findings or write these articles to bash or demean the Mormon people. We love the people dearly and our prayer is that they will come to know the real Jesus Christ of the Bible who died for them.
With Love in Christ;
Michelle Grim
1 Cor. 1:18
*The following “note” appears at the end of page 185 in Gospel Doctrines Teachers Manual. It’s interesting how they teach their members to keep secret about things and to not discuss them amongst each other. Could it be they might logically come to the conclusion this was a fabricated story? “Note: Stories often circulate about the three Nephites who were translated. Members of the Church should be careful about accepting or retelling these stories. You should not discuss them in class.”
Posted in Interesting Facts of the 3-in-1, Uncategorized, tagged angel of light, baptisms for the dead, bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, false gospel, false prophecy, false prophet, gospel, Jesus, joseph smith, Pearl of Great Price, salvation, Savior, truth on 01/12/2011| Leave a Comment »
Interesting Facts about the 3-IN-1 – Part 2
A few years ago I wrote an article pointing out a few discrepancies in the writings of LDS doctrines. My purpose in this is to lovingly point out some items that are indeed confusing. I had someone e-mail a few weeks ago that told me she is “Mormon doctrine” so it was always going to be insulting when I write things that are “anti”.
There are two things I have to say about that comment. 1 – People are not a rule written down on a piece of paper. You are a human being whom God loves and who He has created. 2 – The materials that I use for information on this website are not written out of maliciousness towards the Mormon people. The information gathered is taken directly from the writings of the LDS Church making it impossible to be “anti”.
FALSE PROPHECY ABOUT DARKNESS AT CRUCIFIXION
1 Nephi 19:10 says there would be three days of darkness on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion.
The Bible says there were three hours of darkness at the time of the crucifixion: Mark 15:33 says; “And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.”
NEPHI SAYS WOE TO THEM WHO DIE IN SINS; BIBLE ASKS WHY ARE YOU BAPTIZING DEAD PEOPLE; D&C SAYS IT IS GOD’S ORDINANCE TO BAPTIZE THE DEAD
2 Nephi 9:38; “And, in fine, wo unto all those who die in their sins; for they shall return to God, and behold his face, and remain in their sins.”
D&C 124:29-30; “For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my saints, may be baptized for those who are dead— For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house unto me.”
1 Cor. 15:29 says; “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?”
The question begs to be asked; what is going on here? The apostle Paul was asking the Corinthians why they were practicing a pagan cult ritual when they didn’t even believe in the resurrection. Nephi says there are no second chances in heaven; once you’re dead, that it folks, your time to obey and believe is done. And lastly we see how Joseph has said that God demands we baptize our dead relatives so they may be saved as well. This is a classic example of how the LDS doctrine confuses people.
THE COLOR ISSUE
2 Nephi 26:33 says; “… for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men… and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female…”
Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:188; “Kindly see chapters 15 and 16, in The Way to Perfection, for further light in relation to the reason why the Negro cannot receive the priesthood. In brief, it is as follows: Because of transgression in the first estate which deprives him in this second estate. Since Cain slew his brother… the children of Cain should not have the privilege of bearing the priesthood until Abel had posterity who could have the priesthood and that will have to be in the far distant future. When this is accomplished on some other world, then the restrictions will be removed from the children of Cain…”
The following passages of LDS “scripture” further explain why God turned people dark after they were here on earth and why they were not allowed to hold the priesthood until 1978: Abraham 1:21-7; Moses 7:7-8; 2 Nephi 5:21-4.
We’ve written articles on this topic before and will happily continue to do so in order for those in Mormonism to see the problems within their own doctrine and allow the Lord to speak to them through this. There is absolutely nothing in the Bible suggesting we are a certain color because of some supposed past behavior.
In addition, the Bible clearly proclaims that we were first created in the womb, not spiritually created first; 1 Cor. 15:46; “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.” Also see Jer. 1:5 which say God formed us in the belly.
Why do the doctrines of Mormonism vary?
If you’re a member of the LDS Church have you ever wondered why the writings of the Church haven’t changed in regards to this kind of thing? If the doctrines of God change, shouldn’t your published lesson books change as well to ensure that no one gets confused? And why did God change his mind anyway?
One more thing…if those who are dark sinned in the pre-existence, why was Jesus dark here on earth? He’s from the Middle East!
LANGUAGE OF THE JEWS?
There are many complex problems within the books of Ether and Mormon. First in the writings of the prophet Mormon, we see that God’s chosen people have changed their native tongue. By the time they got on a ship to sail for the Americas, they are speaking and writing in a language not spoken by anyone else on earth. They’ve called it “reformed Egyptian”.
If that wasn’t bad enough, when they begin to write their story down, the plates aren’t big enough to write out all the things God wanted them to write.
Then we move on to the next book, Ether, and it tells the readers that he is writing a synopsis of what it was like at the tower of Babel. Here is when God destroyed the tower and confounded everyone’s language, forcing people to scatter with their own languages. Now the Bible says everyone’s language was changed. Ether says that everyone’s language changed but Jared, Jared’s brother and just their friends.
So in Mormon it says they (the Nephites), changed the language before they got to the Americas and they were speaking the language of their fathers; that being reformed Egyptian.
Then in Ether we read how God answered their prayers and didn’t change a thing about their language. Way back in Mosiah 1:6 it says they were speaking the language of their fathers (reformed Egyptian) when they left Jerusalem.
So were all the Jews speaking reformed Egyptian in Israel?
Why did they alter their language after asking God not to confound or change it?
Mormon 9:32-4 says; “And now, behold, we have written this record according to our knowledge, in the characters which are called among us the reformed Egyptian, being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner of speech. And if our plates had been sufficiently large we should have written in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also; and if we could have written in Hebrew, behold, ye would have had no imperfection in our record. But the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and also that none other people knoweth our language….”
Ether 1:34-7; “And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon Jared; therefore he did not confound the language of Jared; and Jared and his brother were not confounded. Then Jared said unto his brother: Cry again unto the Lord, and it may be that he will turn away his anger from them who are our friends, that he confound not their language… and the Lord had compassion upon their friends and their families also, that they were not confounded.”
Gen. 11:7-9; “Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.”
NEPHITES BELIEVE IN CHRIST BUT KEEP LAW OF MOSES
Jacob 4:5; “Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness...”
Hebrews 9:14-5; “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”
ALMA, ALMA, ALMA… JESUS BORN IN JERUSALEM; MEN WASHED WITH BLOOD OF LAMB IN 82 BC; PEOPLE BAPTIZED, WOMAN SAVED BY JESUS, CHURCH ESTABLISHED IN 90 BC.
Throughout the first 600 years of the story in the Book of Mormon there are countless examples of people and places named that qualify the Book of Mormon as a false prophecy. The last 421 years have their own set of problems, but for now we’ll just be listing a few examples of the BC era for our proof, taken from the book of Alma.
Alma 7:10; “And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.”
Matthew 2:1; “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.”
Alma 13:11; “Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.”
Alma 19:29, 35; “And it came to pass that she went and took the queen by the hand, that perhaps she might raise her from the ground; and as soon as she touched her hand she arose and stood upon her feet, and cried with a loud voice, saying: O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy on this people!”
“And it came to pass that there were many that did believe in their words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and they became a righteous people, and they did establish a church among them.”
HOW TO BECOME SONS AND DAUGHTERS UNTO GOD
Moroni 7:48; “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.”
D&C 11:30; “But verily, verily, I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on my name. Amen.”
Moses 3:5, 7; “…For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth… And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth….”
“And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; nevertheless, all things were before created; but spiritually were they created and made according to my word.”
The last set of LDS “scripture” can be confusing to those who aren’t acquainted with Mormonism. The passage from Moses is located in the Pearl of Great Price and refers to the period of time the Mormons know as the “pre-existence”. They believe that all mankind was spiritually begotten by God (Heavenly Father) through a sexual union with a “Heavenly Mother”. When the time came for God to create mankind, He breathed “life” into Adam to live here on earth. Thus, man’s spirit is waiting for an earthly “tabernacle” to reside in so they can earn their way to godhood themselves.
Ask the Mormon how many times they really need to be born to be a son of God. Nicodemus asked Jesus in the gospel of John how many times he needed to be born and Jesus told him that he had to be born of the spirit. Mormons already did this in the pre-existence according to the book of Moses.
WHERE WERE MY SINS PAID FOR?
1 Nephi 11:33 says; “And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.”
D&C 19:18-9; “Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.”
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 542; “Modern LDS leaders have emphasized that Jesus’ most challenging experience came in Gethsemane. Speaking in a general conference of the Church in 1982, Marion G. Romney, a member of the First Presidency, observed that Jesus suffered “the pains of all men, which he did, principally, in Gethsemane, the scene of his great agony” (Ensign 12 [May 1982]:6). Church President Ezra Taft Benson wrote that “it was in Gethsemane that Jesus took on Himself the sins of the world….”
1 Corinthians 1:18-19; “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
BIBLE IS ETERNAL, BUT THEN AGAIN…
2 Nephi 9:16 says; “And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end.”
Articles of Faith, pg. 214; “The historical and other data upon which is based the current Christian faith as to the genuineness of the Biblical record are accepted as unreservedly by the Latter-day Saints as by the members of any sect; and in literalness of interpretation this Church probably excels.”
Doctrines of Salvation 3:191; “We are all aware that there are errors in the Bible due to faulty translations and ignorance on the part of translators; but the hand of the Lord has been over this volume of scripture nevertheless, and it is remarkable that it has come down to us in the excellent condition in which we find it. Guided by the Books of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Spirit of the Lord, it is not difficult for one to discern the errors in the Bible…”
Isaiah 40:8 says; “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
2 Nephi 10:3; “Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name—should come among the Jews, among those who are the more wicked part of the world; and they shall crucify him—for thus it behooveth our God, and there is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God.”
Matthew 1:20-1 says; “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
While it may seem this isn’t all that important, let me expound a moment. Whenever a member of the LDS Church refers to the Lord they only refer to Him as Christ, never by His given name of Jesus. While that in itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing, His name is not Christ. Christ is a Hebrew title for Messiah or anointed one. It’s as if they’ve stripped Jesus of His personal identity by calling Him by His title only.
For instance, my name is Michelle Grim. Now if everyone referred to me by Mrs. Grim all the time, including my family, friends, and business associates, etc. it places a wall or barrier between them and me. I’m Michelle to my husband, close friends, acquaintances and relatives. Of course I’m mom to my children and finally I’m Mrs. Grim to those whom I interact with at the bank, grocery store, or the schools that my children attend.
Our first name is what helps identify us and personalizes our relationships with other people. When I hear the name Kirk, I think of my husband; if I hear the names Jacqui or Axi, I immediately think of my daughters.
When the Mormons refer to any of the apostles in the Bible they refer to them by their first names, why not Jesus? Could it be they do not want members of the Church to be on a personal basis with Jesus?
Mormon Doctrine, pg. 392 says this about using the name “Jesus”;
“Though it was a common name anciently, its use by the Lord God Omnipotent as his personal name has given it a sacred connotation for all succeeding generations. (Acts 2:36.) Accordingly its profane and repetitious use is not in keeping with the true spirit of reverence and worship.”
FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST ARE ONE GOD
D&C 20:28 says; “Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen.”
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 548; “Yet God the Father is not one in substance with the Son or the Holy Spirit, but is a separate being. The Father existed prior to the Son and the Holy Ghost and is the source of their divinity. In classical terms, LDS theology is subordinationist; that is, it views the Son and the Holy Ghost as subordinate to and dependent upon God the Eternal Father. They are his offspring. Thus Joseph Smith referred to the Father as “God the first” to emphasize his priority in the Godhead (TPJS, p. 190). The Son and the Holy Spirit were “in the beginning, with God,” but the Father alone existed before the beginning of the universe as it is known.”
Joseph Smith’s Testimony 1:17; “It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”
Isaiah 9:6; “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
These are just a handful of examples you can read in the doctrines of the Church and compare them with the true scripture; that being the Bible. We pray the Mormon people will look for themselves and go to the Heavenly Father to ask Him if these things are true.
With Love in Christ;
Michelle Grim
1 Cor. 1:18
Anyone or anything that disagrees with the LDS Church is considered anti-Mormon. Yet, the Church considers themselves to be a Christian church.
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Historical evidence proves Lehi & Nephi didn't exist!
20% of verses in the Book of Mormon contain the phrase "and it came to pass"
Almost 4,000 changes to the Book of Mormon and over 7,200 Greek and Latin words found
Book of Mormon Artifacts; Smithsonian & National Geographic says no artifacts found
Book of Mormon: broken promises, false prophecies, historically inncorrect, poor grammar...how can you trust this?
Does God speak to prophets with glowing stones in a hat?
Grab the info you need on several topics all in one easy access point!
More than 1/2 the witnesses denounced their testimonies! Find out who and why we shouldn't trust their testimonies.
How can the names in the Book of Mormon be holy if they're ungodly in the Bible?
News from around the globe about Christianity & the ministries God works through.
Are these incidents all coincidental, or well planned trickery?
The Lord says to disregard the prophet who speaks a lie in His name - Deuteronomy 18:20-22
See how the Mormon canon of scripture contradicts itself & the Bible
The Early Christian Church's Statements of Faith
The 10th Mormon president/prophet of the LDS Church called the cross 'repugnant'!
Why must Mormons follow a prophet and not God?
Who, or what, is the foundation of your Christian faith?
Why does Mormonism have so many false doctrines about our galaxy and the Lord?
Semi-annual reminders to follow the prophet
A look at the 3 gods of the Mormon godhead. Their godhead is nothing like that of the Christian Trinity - find out why!
Ishtar, an Assyrian and Babylonian Goddess known as the Queen of Heaven
Robert LeRoy Parker, aka "Butch Cassidy"
Moses 5:13; "And Satan came among them, saying, I am also a son of God..."
Ten questions about so-called apostacy
Witnessing tracts & handouts for missions and classes at your church
Why do Mormons attack the body of Christ if they're Christians?
How to Witness to a Mormon/Help for your Mormon friends & loved ones
Church leaders have said that without the vision of Joseph Smith, they'd have nothing so let's take a look at some of the things of Joseph
We know Jesus died for our sins, but what did Joseph die for?
Should we trust someone who's involved with these things?
Why would you place your salvation into the hands of a false prophet?
There are several versions of Smith's first vision; which one do you believe?
An examination of Joseph Smith's death
Kinderhook Plates and The Greek Psalter Incident serve as further proof Smith was a false prophet
Who was the real Joseph Smith?
LDS OT Sunday School Lessons
Mormon lives are busier than most. With meetings, temple attendance, food storage, the strive to be perfect - it's overwhelming and far from having peace in knowing Christ. Find out why!
The LDS Church doesn't ascribe to the orthodox belief in original sin; why is that?
Compare LDS doctrine w/ the Bible
Mormonism's True Agenda; Saving Souls or Ruling America?
Mormons are faced with confusing doctrine every time they open their scriptures.
Quotes & false prophecies from Mormon leaders
Why does Mormonism mimic so many religions? Astrology, witchcraft, Satanism, Masonry, Universalism, Hinduism...it's all there in one package called Mormonism. Why?
Jesus said; "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32
Moroni, Comoro off the coast of East Africa
Galatians 1:6-9 says not to accept another gospel from an angel of light, yet atop every LDS temple there sits an angel of light proclaiming a new gospel...
Why is talking to dead people condoned in Mormonism?
An examination of the LDS' latest teachings from the presidency to the women's groups. Find out why their monthly messages aren't biblical!
Why are there so many rules to obey for salvation if Mormonism is a Christian church?
Could this book cost you salvation in Jesus?
Why Doesn't the Church Practice Polygamy Today?
Ordained of God?
Find out what Mormon Church leaders really think of polygamy
All the rules of how to pray and what to say leaves no room for a conversation with the Lord!
"Prophet" John Taylor in prison for polygamy
Does a true prophet of God preach racism?
1978 Prophecy, Book of Moses, Curse of Cain, 2 Nephi 30:6, All are Alike Unto God...What is the truth?
Are comments like "blacks are slaves mentally" really from the God of the Bible or racist men?
Romans Road to Salvation
Mormon Salvation vs. Biblical Salvation. Find out why they're not the same!
Know the Difference between Christianity and pseudo-Christianity!
True Mormon salvation = godhood with multiple wives and countless spirit babies
A commandment from God or necromancy?
Sacred or secret?
How does swearing secret oaths glorify God?
The biblical temple and Mormon temples have virtually nothing in common; find out why
Mormon vocabulary is vastly different from the norm. If you're a Christian & feel you're speaking a different language, learn about the differences here.
How you can know and trust what God has to say in His word
A Collection of News Items and Prophetic Utterances from and about Mormonism
Mormonism & Christianity are not compatible - find out why.
"...for I know whom I have believed..." 2 Tim. 1:12
Would a true apostle say this? Heber C. Kimball; "I think no more of taking another wife than I do of buying a cow."
The Mormon pioneers trekking across America is re-enacted every year by faithful Mormons to honor the faith of their ancestors
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