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Families are Forever

Posted in Families are Forever, tagged , , , , , , , , , on 01/16/2011| Leave a Comment »

ARE FAMILIES REALLY FOREVER?

      I was reminded of a familiar phrase well known by church members this past week when I received my LDS-Gems e-mail of the day.  The topic was about the Families are Forever plan the LDS Church promotes to its members. 

     While I have entertained many questions about this doctrine throughout the years, I was saddened and perplexed by the content of the message that had originated from an article in the November 1996 issue of the Ensign.  The message was delivered by Robert D. Hales, one of the apostles for the LDS Church. 

     The very first line of the e-mail said the following:  “While our individual salvation is based on our individual obedience, it is equally important that we understand that we are each an important and integral part of a family and the highest blessings can be received only within an eternal family.”

     “Wow”, I thought to myself, “am I ever thankful this isn’t truth”!  It reminded me of what it says in 2 Nephi 25:23; “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”  Just those two teachings from the Church have me exhausted already!  It is certainly all about mortal man and his obedience to perform good works and then if he got anything wrong, Jesus will be the sweep-up man “just in case”.

     In contrast, here is what Paul said in Romans 2:12; “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law.” 

     If I am the one responsible for making sure I get to heaven then I am doomed from the get-go.  I am unworthy to live under the Law of Moses.  I do want to obey; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak – Matthew 26:41.   I am unworthy because of my sin.  I am absolutely certain I would not go to heaven if my salvation was dependent upon the Law.

     The first thing that comes to mind is that I am without a temple to perform sacrifices unto God.  The LDS temples we see dotting various landscapes throughout the world are not patterned after the specifications of what our Holy and Righteous God commanded the Israelites must build when He gave them the Law.  

     Next, I am without a proper sacrifice to offer to God.  Now I could probably come up with enough money to purchase a sacrifice outside the walls of the temple from those who sell that commodity.  But where am I going to find a temple?  Would I even know which sacrifice to purchase to give to the priests inside the temple so they could sacrifice in my name?  There are 613 laws in the Old Testament.  If I am to live by obedience to get me into heaven, I have a lot of studying and behavior modification to take into consideration and get performing! 

     Then and only then, I see in 2nd Nephi that I have the privilege of looking to Jesus and honoring his name by knowing he died after I did all my duties to obey the Law of Moses.  It reminds me of a friend of mine.  She was expecting company to come in from out of town that she hadn’t seen in years.  She wanted everything to be perfect for the visit so she invested almost $500 to have a cleaning brigade come in and help her in advance.  Before they got there she spent an entire week bleaching walls, scrubbing floors and washing windows so no one would see the “real Janet”.  I felt so badly for her.  She was in a complete mess by the anticipated arrival of family members.  They stayed for a few days, but most of their time was spent site-seeing and very little time was spent in her ultra-clean home. 

     To the members of the LDS Church:  are you racing around like Janet trying to clean things up before Jesus’ arrival?  I guarantee you; it’ll never be enough when you don’t believe your salvation is free!  Hebrews 10:5-6 tells us that God isn’t interested in your sacrifices.  “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.”

     The other part of that first sentence in the e-mail I received gave me more things to think about as well.  “…, it is equally important we understand that we are each an important and integral part of a family and the highest blessings can be received only within an eternal family.” 

     For those who are not intimately aware of what this really means, here’s the translation:  If you do not go to the temple and take oaths to be sealed to your family for eternity you will not be going to the highest level of heaven, the Celestial Kingdom.  For the Mormon, this is where “true salvation” is found.  

     The Teachings of Joseph Smith, pg. 300 says this; “Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is, they will not have any children after the resurrection. But those who are married by the power and authority of the priesthood in this life, and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost, will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory.”

      Here’s reality with the family I was born into – my parents are divorced – an eternity for them is being in the same room together for longer than five minutes.  I am fully aware I am not the only person that has been Mormon with this situation.

     So – if I were still a member of the LDS Church, with whom would I be spending eternity with?  My father isn’t active and my step-mother is; while my mother is very active, but my step-father isn’t active at all.  Let’s complicate the matter a little further by imagining that my husband and I were active, as well as his parents.  Do we live with his family or mine?  What if our kids get married and have a family – if they decide not to reside with us wouldn’t that negate the phrase “Families are Forever”? 

     Tired yet?  I know I am and I also know that this must be what goes on in the minds of many Mormons.  Just think of all the time wasted on the “I wonder if’s” in life instead of the one sure thing – that being Christ Jesus!  2 Cor. 10:5 tells us to hold all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.  Philippians 4:8 says whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good repute and worthy of praise; these are the things that we are to have our minds dwell upon.  Does the scenario of possibilities with my family exemplify these admonitions from Paul?

     When I presented my mother with her reality, she told me it wasn’t for her to worry about here on earth; she’ll be getting all those answers after she dies.  I’ve no doubt she will and it’s what makes me so sad for her.

     As we read further into the “Gem” of the day we see the following:

  “It is not enough just to save ourselves. It is equally important that parents, brothers, and sisters are saved in our families. If we return home alone to our Heavenly Father, we will be asked, ‘Where is the rest of the family?’ This is why we teach that families are forever. The eternal nature of an individual becomes the eternal nature of the family.””

      Again, all I can say is “wow” as I shake my head in bewilderment.  If you choose to believe you must work your way to heaven, so be it.  I’d never say that I agree with your precepts; however you’re free to worship as you see fit.  The issue I have is with the doctrines of the LDS Church.  They are in exact opposition to the most basic teachings of historical Judeo-Christian theology. 

     My heart is sad all over again not just for my mother, but for all Mormons as well when I read statements like the one made by Mr. Hales, the LDS apostle.  What a burden it must be for the Mormon believing they are responsible for the salvation of those in their family as well as for themselves.  Talk about a guilt trip! 

      In the Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith’s Teachings it says; “The question is frequently asked “Can we not be saved without going through with all those ordinances, &c.?” I would answer, No, not the fullness of salvation. Jesus said, “There are many mansions in my Father’s house, and I will go and prepare a place for you.” House here named should have been translated kingdom; and any person who is exalted to the highest mansion has to abide a celestial law, and the whole law too. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 6:184).”

      To show that I am not taking things out of context let’s take a look at yet another doctrine of the LDS Church.  It’s fascinating, the more I read about the necessity of being sealed to family members, the more incredible the story becomes. 

      The Doctrines of Salvation 2:173-5 says; “When everything gets finished, we will all be one family…And we will all be subject to our first progenitor, Adam, Michael, the archangel, who has been appointed and given authority under Jesus Christ to stand at the head and preside over all his posterity….There will be cases where some of our ancestors will not be worthy and will drop out, but the links will have to be joined without them…And, therefore, when the Prophet says we cannot be exalted without them, he is thinking of the family connections-generation to generation. And if we are going to sit down and do nothing…we are just setting ourselves off on the side.”

     Let’s take a good look at what God says in the Bible about works and our salvation.  Galatians 2:20-1 says; “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.  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”

     It wouldn’t matter where you turn in Mormonism, the message is pretty clear.  Sure, they say that they believe Jesus is the Son of God; why yes, they also say He was crucified for man’s sin and then resurrected on the third day so that we can live forever with Him. 

     Tell me though my friend, where in the above LDS teachings did you see anything said about the cross?  I saw they exalted Adam and named him as Michael the archangel, which of course isn’t true either.  They exalted man, a created being, and tried lowering the status of Jesus.  His blood means nothing according to what Paul says if living by righteousness is needed.

     There’s something else that needs attention to this matter.  Jesus Himself said in Matthew 22:23-29; “The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.  Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:  Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.  And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.  Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”

     Obviously the Sadducees had a few issues and Jesus answered them plainly letting everyone know the ways of the Lord God in heaven.  Isn’t it interesting that when we have our minds set on earthly things we cannot, or will not, believe there are other things possible that man cannot imagine? 

     This is another example of what happens when man exalts himself and chooses to de-glorify Christ Jesus.  How much of a “coincidence” do you think it is that this passage of scripture is in the Bible?  It’s just like what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 1:9-10; “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.  Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.”

     The real New and Everlasting Covenant is Christ Jesus, God’s perfect Sacrificial Lamb provided for you.  You can read about it in the book of Hebrews chapters 7-10; Jesus is the only one who holds the priesthood now.  The New and Everlasting Covenant is not that of marriage in the LDS temple.  You’ve been lied to my friend and we are praying that you know the truth because we are convinced that in your hearts you truly want to know and love the Jesus of the Bible!

 With Love in Christ;

Michelle Grim

1 Cor, 1:18

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Praying to Jesus

Posted in Praying to Jesus, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/15/2011| Leave a Comment »

Mormons Told Not to Pray to Jesus

Our relationship with Jesus Christ must be the most important relationship that we ever have.  In addition, the most important avenue we have in cultivating any relationship is through communication.  On March 2, 1982 Bruce McConkie delivered a ‘Fireside and Devotional Speech’ at BYU on the correct protocol for having such a relationship with the ‘godhead’.  Today we’re looking at what McConkie said and comparing it with what God says about a relationship with Him.

 “There are yet others who have an excessive zeal that causes them to go beyond the mark.  Their desire for excellence is inordinate.  In an effort to be truer than true they devote themselves to gaining a special, personal relationship with Christ that is both improper and perilous.”

 Get ready…he’s going to tell us that having a personal relationship with Jesus is a hobby that is unholy.

 “I say perilous because this course, particularly in the lives of some who are spiritually immature, is a gospel hobby that creates an unwholesome holier-than-thou attitude.  In other instances it leads to despondency because the seeker after perfection knows he is not living the way he supposes he should.  Another peril is that those so involved begin to pray directly to Christ because of some special friendship they feel has been developed.  In this connection a current and unwise book, which advocates gaining a special relationship with Jesus, contains this sentence – ‘Because the Savior is our mediator, our prayers go through Christ to the Father, and the Father answers our prayers through His Son.’  This is plain sectarian nonsense.”     –Bruce McConkie, March 2, 1982

 Shocking isn’t it?  I found this to be one of the top ten most heretical teachings of the Church.  All throughout scripture we read that God wants nothing more than for us to have a personal relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.  The apostle John goes into great detail on how to achieve this and what it means to know and love Him in 1st John, in fact the letter was directed to the saints to beware of the Gnostics.  The theme for chapter one is fellowship with Christ.  Then Peter tells us in his second epistle how important it is to know Jesus Christ.

As you’re aware, there are different kinds of knowledge.  I know President Bush.  I’ve seen him on television and heard him speak.  And then there’s the knowledge that is on the more intimate level.  I know my good friends; I’ve shared meals and prayed with them.  Most importantly I know Jesus Christ.

In 2nd Peter 1:8; it says; “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He’s telling us that we need to know Him, really know Him.  Our salvation is dependent upon this knowledge of the Lord and He wants nothing less than for us to be with Him.

In vs. 8 the word knowledge in the Greek is epignosis.  It means the full discernment or recognition of.  This is the same type of knowledge as found in 1 Peter 3:7; having the experience of knowing someone very well.

Let’s look at 2 Peter 1:5;   “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.”    The word knowledge here is gnosis.  This means the act of knowing (as by science).  This type of knowledge enables us to avoid error.  We see this example again in 2 Peter 3:18; “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

The next example is the word gnosko.  It means to know experientially, to be sure of.

1 John 2:13-14; “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.  I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.”

Hebrews 3:10; “Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, they do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.”

Oh dear ones don’t be tempted or fooled by statements such as the ones given by McConkie.  It is vital and necessary to really know Jesus Christ.  Your relationship with Him can and should be the most important relationship you’ll ever have in your life.  It should be above your relationship with your spouse, your children and your friends.  No one can compare with Him!

Here are some other things said by McConkie in this speech:

 “I shall speak of our relationship with the Lord and of the true fellowship all saints should have with the Father.  I shall set forth what we must believe relative to the Father and the Son in order to gain eternal life…

There is no salvation in believing any false doctrine, particularly a false or unwise view about the Godhead or any of its members.  Eternal life is reserved for those who know God and the One whom He sent to work out the infinite and eternal atonement…”

 I pray the Mormons think about the statement by McConkie and sincerely contemplate the following things;

 Why isn’t it arrogant to believe you can become a god?

What is so improper and perilous about having a relationship with Jesus Christ?

If the verses I used are mistranslated, what are the correct translations?

Why does the Bible have so many references to having a relationship with His Son if we aren’t supposed to do that?

Why is praying to Jesus wrong?

 My heart is so sad over this speech.  I think of all the blessings that are missed out on by not having a deep relationship with Jesus and cannot imagine what it would be like to live like that again.  The main blessing of course is our salvation.  This subject is far more important than just the ‘little red school house’ or ‘mother love’.  I don’t get my feathers ruffled over such trivial things.  The truth is that he is lying about God and Jesus Christ.  The truth is that we are told by God to love and know Jesus Christ and not to be tricked into believing that knowledge will gain our salvation.  You can read about all these things from the epistle of second Peter of being diligent, to John’s first epistle teaching us about the love of God and how to abide in Him; these are the quintessential truths of His Word.

The basics of Christianity are to know and worship God.  We do this by accepting His Son as the atoning sacrifice on the cross.  We also worship Him by knowing that having a true relationship can only be done through communication.  My husband and I have a strong marriage because we have an open line of communication at all times.  I can’t imagine not talking with my husband each day of my life.  It would be no relationship at all.  Prayer is and must be the necessary element of any Christian’s life!

Being a Christian also means knowing our position within the boundaries of the relationship, being a follower of the Lord and knowing His Word.  I’m not bringing God down to my level by worshipping His Son.  I’m worshipping God the Father by worshipping His Son.

I’ve been in ministry work for over ten years now and each time I quote McConkie I am told that his writings, etc., are not what the church believes.  To this I say; hogwash!  This is what the church believes, they do listen to him and they do obey his council, even since his death in 1985.  His writings and speeches are listed all over their products and still sold in their bookstores.

He didn’t teach anything that the church didn’t already teach.  I would encourage the Mormon to visit the website of BYU to see the speech in full.  You can read it for yourself and then read what Jesus has to say about a relationship with Him!

 www.byu.edu   You’ll find his speech under ‘Devotionals’.  The title of the speech is; ‘Our Relationship with the Lord’.

 

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Praying to Jesus

Posted in Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/15/2011| Leave a Comment »

Mormons Told There is No Salvation in Praying to Jesus

Our relationship with Jesus Christ must be the most important relationship that we ever have.  In addition, the most important avenue we have in cultivating any relationship is through communication.  On March 2, 1982 Bruce McConkie delivered a ‘Fireside and Devotional Speech’ at BYU on the correct protocol for having such a relationship with the ‘godhead’.  Today we’re looking at what McConkie said and comparing it with what God says about a relationship with Him.

 “There are yet others who have an excessive zeal that causes them to go beyond the mark.  Their desire for excellence is inordinate.  In an effort to be truer than true they devote themselves to gaining a special, personal relationship with Christ that is both improper and perilous.”

 Get ready…he’s going to tell us that having a personal relationship with Jesus is a hobby that is unholy.

 “I say perilous because this course, particularly in the lives of some who are spiritually immature, is a gospel hobby that creates an unwholesome holier-than-thou attitude.  In other instances it leads to despondency because the seeker after perfection knows he is not living the way he supposes he should.  Another peril is that those so involved begin to pray directly to Christ because of some special friendship they feel has been developed.  In this connection a current and unwise book, which advocates gaining a special relationship with Jesus, contains this sentence – ‘Because the Savior is our mediator, our prayers go through Christ to the Father, and the Father answers our prayers through His Son.’  This is plain sectarian nonsense.”     –Bruce McConkie, March 2, 1982

 Shocking isn’t it?  I found this to be one of the top ten most heretical teachings of the Church.  All throughout scripture we read that God wants nothing more than for us to have a personal relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.  The apostle John goes into great detail on how to achieve this and what it means to know and love Him in 1st John, in fact the letter was directed to the saints to beware of the Gnostics.  The theme for chapter one is fellowship with Christ.  Then Peter tells us in his second epistle how important it is to know Jesus Christ.

As you’re aware, there are different kinds of knowledge.  I know President Bush.  I’ve seen him on television and heard him speak.  And then there’s the knowledge that is on the more intimate level.  I know my good friends; I’ve shared meals and prayed with them.  Most importantly I know Jesus Christ.

In 2nd Peter 1:8; it says; “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He’s telling us that we need to know Him, really know Him.  Our salvation is dependent upon this knowledge of the Lord and He wants nothing less than for us to be with Him.

In vs. 8 the word knowledge in the Greek is epignosis.  It means the full discernment or recognition of.  This is the same type of knowledge as found in 1 Peter 3:7; having the experience of knowing someone very well.

Let’s look at 2 Peter 1:5;   “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.”    The word knowledge here is gnosis.  This means the act of knowing (as by science).  This type of knowledge enables us to avoid error.  We see this example again in 2 Peter 3:18; “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

The next example is the word gnosko.  It means to know experientially, to be sure of.

1 John 2:13-14; “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.  I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.”

Hebrews 3:10; “Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, they do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.”

Oh dear ones don’t be tempted or fooled by statements such as the ones given by McConkie.  It is vital and necessary to really know Jesus Christ.  Your relationship with Him can and should be the most important relationship you’ll ever have in your life.  It should be above your relationship with your spouse, your children and your friends.  No one can compare with Him!

Here are some other things said by McConkie in this speech:

 “I shall speak of our relationship with the Lord and of the true fellowship all saints should have with the Father.  I shall set forth what we must believe relative to the Father and the Son in order to gain eternal life…

There is no salvation in believing any false doctrine, particularly a false or unwise view about the Godhead or any of its members.  Eternal life is reserved for those who know God and the One whom He sent to work out the infinite and eternal atonement…”

 I pray the Mormons think about the statement by McConkie and sincerely contemplate the following things;

 Why isn’t it arrogant to believe you can become a god?

What is so improper and perilous about having a relationship with Jesus Christ?

If the verses I used are mistranslated, what are the correct translations?

Why does the Bible have so many references to having a relationship

with His Son if we aren’t supposed to do that?

Why is praying to Jesus wrong?

 My heart is so sad over this speech.  I think of all the blessings that are missed out on by not having a deep relationship with Jesus and cannot imagine what it would be like to live like that again.  The main blessing of course is our salvation.  This subject is far more important than just the ‘little red school house’ or ‘mother love’.  I don’t get my feathers ruffled over such trivial things.  The truth is that he is lying about God and Jesus Christ.  The truth is that we are told by God to love and know Jesus Christ and not to be tricked into believing that knowledge will gain our salvation.  You can read about all these things from the epistle of second Peter of being diligent, to John’s first epistle teaching us about the love of God and how to abide in Him; these are the quintessential truths of His Word.

The basics of Christianity are to know and worship God.  We do this by accepting His Son as the atoning sacrifice on the cross.  We also worship Him by knowing that having a true relationship can only be done through communication.  My husband and I have a strong marriage because we have an open line of communication at all times.  I can’t imagine not talking with my husband each day of my life.  It would be no relationship at all.  Prayer is and must be the necessary element of any Christian’s life!

Being a Christian also means knowing our position within the boundaries of the relationship, being a follower of the Lord and knowing His Word.  I’m not bringing God down to my level by worshipping His Son.  I’m worshipping God the Father by worshipping His Son.

I’ve been in ministry work for over ten years now and each time I quote McConkie I am told that his writings, etc., are not what the church believes.  To this I say; hogwash!  This is what the church believes, they do listen to him and they do obey his council, even since his death in 1985.  His writings and speeches are listed all over their products and still sold in their bookstores.

He didn’t teach anything that the church didn’t already teach.  I would encourage the Mormon to visit the website of BYU to see the speech in full.  You can read it for yourself and then read what Jesus has to say about a relationship with Him!

 www.byu.edu   You’ll find his speech under ‘Devotionals’.  The title of the speech is; ‘Our Relationship with the Lord’.

 

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DVD Distribution near Mormon Temple

Posted in DVD Distribution in Arizona, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on 01/15/2011| Leave a Comment »

This morning I awoke to a news alert from Google directing me to a story in the Salt Lake Tribune.  The headlines of the story read like a Mormon probably picked the title and if not Mormon, then they’ve been in Utah too long and picked up the lingo of the locals.

Concerned Christians produced and distributed 5,000 DVDs (The Bible vs. Joseph Smith) showing the contradictions between the Bible and Mormonism. 

The problem I have with all this is the way even the liberal Salt Lake Tribune arbitrarily decided what’s good and what isn’t.

You’d think they might find a problem with their grammatical choices by the response the Church gave out.  The Church hasn’t seen it but they know it’s a lie.  So because the Church says that Concerned Christians is lying and the Church says it’s “Anti-Mormon”, they’re right and no further investigation is needed?  Why didn’t they question the spokeswoman of the Church about her statement?

Whatever happened to good journalistic skills?

For the record – we’re praying for Andy and the entire staff at Concerned Christians.  Experience has taught me personally with handing out DVD’s and other informative materials in bulk like this, there will indeed be Mormons who come to know the truth.  Praise God!

Michelle Grim

Concerned Christians website:

http://www.concernedchristians.com/index.php?limitstart=4

You can see the Trib’s article here:

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/world/51053212-68/dvd-ariz-bible-church.html.csp 

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Bishops and Young Women

Posted in Bishops, Bishops and Young Women, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/15/2011| 4 Comments »

Bishops and Young Women in the Ward

      Throughout my life as a Mormon I served in many areas of the Church. However, the one place I spent most of my time was in the Young Women’s program. I served as a counselor to the president and then as a Young Women’s president.

(more…)

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Food Storage

Posted in Food Storage, tagged , , , , , , , , , 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)

 

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Converting to Mormonism

Posted in Converting to Mormonism, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/15/2011| Leave a Comment »

Converting to a Religion

         Now that I’m a Christian I’ve discovered there’s a big difference in converting to a religion versus being converted to Christ.  As a Mormon I never felt like I could do enough to earn God’s love and could never measure up.  Now I can see the reason I never felt good enough.  I was trying so hard to conform to the image of a religion and not to the image of Jesus Christ.

     It was only after I began looking to Him and trusting in Him completely that I felt whole.  I felt a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders.  Nothing compares to the peace you have in your heart when you lay all your burdens and insecurities down at the feet of Jesus.  When you let Him into your heart and have control of your life, you begin to conform to His image.

     The culture of Mormonism is very different from anything you will see or experience in Christianity.  With being LDS comes a constant yearning to be perfect.  As soon as you convert to Mormonism, there is a list of “to do’s” in order to stay a member in good standing with “the Church”.

     You’re told you must do these things for the Holy Spirit to remain with you and to receive blessings from God.  When someone can’t meet the requirements, or do things that the church considers grievous sins they are stripped of their church membership and they aren’t allowed to participate in the basic tenants of church membership.

     One of those tenants is partaking of the sacrament, or communion. In the Gospel Topics section of the LDS Church’s site under sacrament it says, “Today the sacrament is an ordinance which Church members partake of bread and water in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice. This ordinance is an essential part of worship and spiritual development.”

     It’s odd that when a Mormon is going through a rough time in their life, trying to get back into the good graces of their church leaders and to God, the church would strip them of something that might give them comfort and hope.

     When it comes to salvation, the LDS are taught their religion holds all the cards and there is no salvation, meaning living in the presence of God, outside of their church.  Bruce McConkie stated in Mormon Doctrine page 670,

 “If it had not been for Joseph Smith and the restoration, there would be no salvation. There is no salvation outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”.

      It’s because of this idea the Mormons have an undying loyalty to their church, and an unyielding superiority complex when it comes to “non-members”. When someone decides to leave the Church it causes the active family members to weep and mourn for family member as if they were dead.  Many times I’ll read stories of those who have left and they often talk about their active Mormon family members who have accused them of separating the family in the eternities

     Mormons are taught salvation comes through church membership and don’t realize it comes through, by and because of Jesus Christ. We see this in 1Timothy 2:10 and 2 Timothy 3:15 respectively;

 ”Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”

 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

    When your salvation is tethered to a relationship with a religion you will always have a salvation that is conditional. Case in point; in the Gospel Topics section of the LDS Church’s web site under the topic “eternal life” it reads;

 “Like immortality, this gift is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. However, to inherit eternal life requires our “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel”

      It’s very important to remember when an LDS resource or individual says “the Gospel” they are talking about the Mormon Gospel, not the Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Another thing to remember; Mormons believe the atonement only makes it “possible” for them to live with God.

     There are many stipulations to becoming exalted and having the gift of Mormon salvation. They don’t believe Jesus did all the work necessary for our salvation.  They believe there are other things needed for salvation and eternal life. They will always fall back on their individual “works”.

     They don’t have a full understanding of grace. Everything is attached to living the Mormon gospel, and doing what it says for the grace of Jesus Christ to kick in.  In the Book of Mormon it says, “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (2 Nephi 25:23)

     Usually when a Mormon is challenged by examples of the duplicitous nature of the past and present LDS leaders, they fall back on the works of their church. They will say things like “Look at what our church has done!” or ask “What has your church done?” In a recent email to the ministry one Mormon said,

 “The LDS Church is usually one of the first to give humanitarian aid to others who live across the world when tragedies appear. (Example- Immediately after the great flood happened in New Orleans from the hurricane, the LDS church already had millions of supplies on trucks headed for the city, before others could pull their forces together.)”

     Everything points back to the church.  Even when God may use them as a body to do good things to bring comfort and meet the physical needs of others, they still don’t see it’s Him doing the work through them.  They pat themselves on the back and give glory not to God, but to their church. In the May 2005 Ensign, then prophet of the Church Gordon B. Hinckley said;

 “Now, as a Church we have worked with others in lifting the sorrow and sufferings of those who are in distress. Our humanitarian efforts have literally blessed the lives of countless thousands not of our faith. In the terrible tsunami disaster, and in other disasters incident to conflict, disease, and hunger, we have done a great and marvelous work assisting others without worrying about who gets the credit.”

 In this year’s October General Conference, speaker Ann Dibb said,

 “Heavenly Father has not left us alone during our mortal probation. He has already given us all the “safety equipment” we will need to successfully return to Him. He has given us personal prayer, the scriptures, living prophets, and the Holy Ghost to guide us.”

      Jesus is, as one former LDS puts it, nothing more than a “footnote” to their religion. If you were to ask a Christian what “safety equipment” God has given us, they would say Jesus Christ. With Jesus Christ we don’t have to clean ourselves up first before we come to him. We read in Romans 5:8

 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

      When we have a relationship with Him, His love is unconditional. He loves us no matter what; He wouldn’t rescind the gift of the Holy Spirit when we fail or fall in our spiritual walk as the LDS believe!

     I am so thankful I now have the one true God in my life that is so much bigger and awesome than the god I left!  Jesus Christ doesn’t want you to be indebted to a religion. He wants you to have freedom from legalism. Most of all He wasn’t you to have a relationship with Him, not with a religion.

 In Christ,

Melissa Grimes

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Romans Road

Posted in Romans Road, tagged , , , , , , on 01/14/2011| 4 Comments »

The Romans Road

 

 

 

 

 



 Water baptism is one of the ways you first show that you have been joined to Jesus. The symbolism is this: When you go down in the water you show that you have been crucified and buried with Him, and when you come up out of the water you show that you have been raised to walk with Him in newness of life.   (See Romans chapter 6)

 You have been born again.   (See John chapter 3)  Your body has become God’s temple.  Your heart is where He lives. Forgiveness is yours in Jesus. And you belong to Him. You were sin’s slave. But now…You are a child of GOD!

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Atonement of Jesus Christ

Posted in Atonement of Jesus Christ, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/14/2011| Leave a Comment »

THE ATONEMENT

Answers to Gospel Questions 4:17; “To many, like the writer, such a custom is repugnant and contrary to the true worship of our Redeemer. Why should we bow down before a cross or use it as a symbol? Because our Savior died on the cross, the wearing of crosses is to most Latter-day Saints in very poor taste and inconsistent to our worship.”

      For many of us there has been a time or two in life when we knew things were about to change.  This happened to me several years ago as I sat listening to a pastor challenge his audience about their personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Life as I knew it up to that point was radically different than what I was about to embark upon!

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Heavenly Mother

Posted in Heavenly Mother, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/14/2011| 1 Comment »

The Heavenly Mother of Mormonism

 By Melissa Grimes

 One of the core beliefs in Mormonism is that not only do they have a Father in Heaven, but a Mother in Heaven as well.  This doctrine came from what they call “latter day revelation”, yet it isn’t something you’ll find in any of their extra scriptures.

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Joseph Smith Descriptions, Part 2

Posted in Joseph Smith & Lucifer Compared, Joseph Smith Descriptions of, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/13/2011| 1 Comment »

“Martyrdom” of Joseph

Gospel Kingdom, pg. 360; “He, however, instantly arose, and with a firm, quick step, and a determined expression of countenance, approached the door, and pulling the six-shooter left by Brother Wheelock from his pocket, opened the door slightly, and snapped the pistol six successive times. Only three of the barrels, however, were discharged. I afterwards understood that two or three were wounded by these discharges, two of whom, I am informed, died.” – John Taylor (Third prophet of the Church.)

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Joseph Smith Descriptions

Posted in Joseph Smith & Lucifer Compared, Joseph Smith Descriptions of, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/13/2011| 4 Comments »

Joseph Smith Descriptions

         Google the name of Joseph Smith and you’ll find a plethora of websites that either lauds the praises of Smith or those who show vehement hatred for the man.  My objective for this list of descriptions isn’t to show hatred towards him because I don’t feel hatred for Joseph Smith; however, I am saddened for my people that have chosen to believe in his odious lies.  Our objective for producing articles such as these is to inform and educate.

     Aside from the LDS hymn “Praise to the Man”, let’s find out just how much the Mormon people love the false prophet Joseph Smith.  If the Mormon will stay on this site long enough to see just one egregious falsehood about Smith and begin thinking about it, then I’ve done the job God has given me to do.  Our main objective isn’t to sensationalize, but to inform and lead my people into the ever loving arms of our God and Savior Christ Jesus.

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Interesting Facts of the 3-in-1, pt. 5

Posted in Interesting Facts of the 3-in-1, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 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.

     3-in-1The 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.”

 

 

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Interesting Facts of the 3-in-1, pt.

Posted in Interesting Facts of the 3-in-1, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/12/2011| 1 Comment »

Interesting Facts about the 3 – in – 1 – Part 3

      3-in-1We’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.”

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Demonic and Ungodly Names in the Book of Mormon

Posted in Demonic & Ungodly Names in the Book of Mormon 1, Demonic & Ungodly Names in the Book of Mormon 3, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on 01/11/2011| 3 Comments »

Demonic & Ungodly Names in the Book of Mormon Part 3

      In the past six or so years I’ve written countless articles on many subjects regarding Mormonism, but there are a few subjects that continue to show up for another view and additional insight.  The subject of this article is my case in point.

     The first time I wrote on this subject I received many horrible reviews – all by members of the Church.  The reviews that were favorable of course were from the Christians.  At the request of former Mormons and Christians I was asked to write a sequel so I acquiesced – that was three years ago.  Now I’m receiving more requests to write another so here I am again.  Glory to God for His word, the truth and His guidance!

     This time we’re taking a look at Ishmael, Moab, Laban, Emer and Neum.  As you can see not all of the names are demonic, but serve as examples of the ungodliness of their names and the utter lack of information of the people involved.

(more…)

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Tip of the Day, January 11

Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged , , , , , , , , on 01/11/2011| Leave a Comment »

January 11 – Grace.  Hebrews 4:16 says we can “come boldly unto the throne of grace, so that we can obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”.

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The Greek word for grace is charis.  (Strong’s #5485)  The transliteration means favor or gift.  Think today about what God has graced you with.  Is it your very life, your spouse, children, or home?  Has He healed you from a disease? How has He personally blessed you?  Share with a Mormon how He has done this.

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Grace is not to be found in Mormonism.  There is no favor with God unless you earn it.  Bruce McConkie said; “Grace is granted to men proportionately as they conform to the standards of personal righteousness that are part of the gospel plan.  Thus the saints are commanded to “grow in grace”’.  Mormon Doctrine pg. 339.

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Tip of the Day, December 2

Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on 12/02/2010| Leave a Comment »

December 2 – John 3:16-17; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

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John 3:16 is always a favorite for Christians, but many times we overlook the very next verse.  Today pray for the Mormons and the immense amount of pressure they put themselves under by believing they’ll never be good enough to be saved.  As if teaching you have to save yourself isn’t bad enough, notice here today what else they believe about Jesus.

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  “Only Begotten Son; Only Begotten in the flesh, meaning in mortality. This designation of our Lord signifies that he was begotten by Man of Holiness as literally as any mortal father begets a son. The natural processes of procreation were involved; Jesus was begotten by his Father as literally as he was conceived by his mother.”  Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols., 1: 144.

 Also see:

 “And the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world; That through his atonement, and by obedience to the principles of the gospel, mankind might be saved.”  Doctrine and Covenants 138:3-4.

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Tip of the Day, November 26

Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on 11/27/2010| Leave a Comment »

November 26 – Romans 14:17-20; “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.”

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Again, we need to make sure all things are looked at in context, therefore, we look at and read all historical and geographical materials we can, as well as using dictionaries and concordances.  This way we have assurance we’ve exhausted all venues.  A great example is Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance; here’s what it says about the word kingdom:  in the Greek, the word is basileia. 

The transliteration for this is:  properly royalty, that is, (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):—kingdom, + reign.” 

Nowhere does it say in the actual text (or the concordance) anything about an organization being the kingdom of God.  In fact, when we research these verses, along with reputable commentaries, they all say the kingdom is where the Christian is living a life acceptable to God, living righteously and not causing others to stumble. 

According to the Holman Bible Dictionary it means it is the rule or sovereignty of God.

 It is not a “geographical area, nor is it a political entity such as the nation of Israel…  The establishment of the kingdom is a work of God.  God will reign, and people can contribute nothing to that reigning of God.” – Holman Bible Dictionary.

 Since the kingdom of God is not the nation of Israel, that would also include the Mormon Church.  If it’s not a nationality, not an organization and not a political entity, where does that leave the people of Mormonism?  I always think of my mother when I see things like this. 

 They claim it is the duty of the Church to prepare man to live with God.  However, Jesus says otherwise.  Jesus told everyone they are welcome to enter the kingdom and to have the heart of a child.  (Mark 10:14)

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“The church is a kingdom; it is God’s kingdom. . .and as such is designed to prepare men for an inheritance… which is the celestial kingdom. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Eternal King; his representative on earth is the President of the church…Where there is no kingdom of God there is no salvation.” Without the church, man cannot be saved.  “Whenever men can find out the will of God and find an administrator legally authorized from God, there is the kingdom of God; but where these are not, the kingdom of God is not. All the ordinances, systems, and administrations on earth are of no use to the children of men, unless they are ordained and authorized of God; for nothing will save a man but a legal administrator; for none others will be acknowledged either by God or angels.” Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 271-72, 274.”  Bruce R. McConkie, New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 326- 337. The Church-Its Nature and Purpose

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Tip of the Day, November 24

Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged , , , , , , , , on 11/24/2010| Leave a Comment »

November 24 – John 15:13-15; “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

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Communication is the fundamental key when having a relationship with anyone, whether it is a friend, a spouse, your child, or your boss.  You can’t have a relationship without this key component.  The way we communicate with Jesus therefore, would be through prayer.  Sometimes this is one of the hardest things to understand coming out of Mormonism.  It’s really okay to communicate directly with Jesus!

Read here how the Church explains to their people the proper guidelines in having a relationship with Jesus.

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“I shall speak of our relationship with the Lord and of the true fellowship all Saints should have with the Father. I shall set forth what we must believe relative to the Father and the Son in order to gain eternal life… Another peril is that those so involved often begin to pray directly to Christ because of some special friendship they feel has been developed.  And you have never heard one of the First Presidency or the Twelve, who hold the keys of the kingdom, and who are appointed to see that we are not “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14)–you have never heard one of them advocate this excessive zeal that calls for gaining a so-called special and personal relationship with Christ.” – Speech given on, March 2, 1982 at BYU by Bruce R. McConkie – Quorum of the Twelve.

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Tip of the Day, November 23

Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged , , , , , , , , on 11/24/2010| Leave a Comment »

November 23 – 2 Thessalonians 2:13; “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.”

Hebrews 13:12; “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.”

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In the Greek “sanctification” is hagiasmos.  It means the state of purification.  God, through the Holy Spirit, continues to sanctify us throughout our lives if we are willing to allow Him to refine us, but by no means are we able to do this on our own.  Today’s Mormon reference not just insinuates, but outright teaches a false gospel that the Christian is responsible for their own sanctification process.

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“Sanctification is a state of saintliness, a state attained only by conformity to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. The plan of salvation is the system and means provided whereby men may sanctify their souls and thereby become worthy of a celestial inheritance.”  Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 675.

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