Not long ago the Mormon Church highlighted an article on their site titled “How Would Your Family Describe the Sabbath?” In the article the author talks about noticing that her children don’t seem to enjoy Sundays. In it she shares the conversation she had with them, and the ideas they come up with to help them get more out of their Sabbath day observance.
Posts Tagged ‘Mormon Church’
The Sabbath
Posted in Sabbath, tagged Law vs. Grace, LDS, Mormon Church, Sabbath Day on 09/17/2016| 1 Comment »
Tip of the Day, March 6
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged Acts of the Apostles, Alma, bible, body of Christ, Book of Mormon, Christian church, Christianity, Christians, church, false gospel, false prophecies, false prophet, families are forever, gospel, grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus, joseph smith, lds church, lies, Mormon Church, mormonism, mormons, resurrection, salvation, Savior, truth on 03/06/2015| Leave a Comment »
March 6 –The first time the followers of Jesus were called Christians is recorded in Acts 11:26b; “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
Baptismal Interview Questions – Part 1
Posted in Baptism into the Mormon Church, tagged baptism, exaltation, God the Father, Jesus, joseph smith, Mormon Church, salvation, temple works on 11/14/2013| Leave a Comment »
This is part one of my series on the interview questions asked of people before they’re baptized in the Mormon Church. The first question has two parts, one is asking them if they believe God is their “Eternal” Father and the second is about Jesus.
1. Do you believe that God is our Eternal Father?
Notice the word “eternal” in this question? Mormons believe that all of us are born children of God and that He has always been our Father, even before we were born. They believe that all of us lived in a pre-existent state as spirit children of the Father and his goddess wife/wives before we were born on earth.
November 2013 Visiting Teaching Message
Posted in Visiting Teaching, tagged Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Membership, Mormon Church, Relief Society on 11/12/2013| Leave a Comment »
Because the November issue of the Ensign contains all the General Conference talks from October it doesn’t provide a Visiting Teaching message. Women are encouraged to “prayerfully select” one of the conference addresses to use as their message this month with those they visit.
I choose Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk “Come, join with Us”.
Is Mormonism really just another Christian religion? You decide.
Posted in Mormonism on 20/20, tagged Jesus, Mormon Church, salvation, three heavens on 07/28/2012| Leave a Comment »
A few weeks ago Barbara Walters of ABC’s 20/20 interviewed many different religious leaders for a special titled “Heaven”. Throughout the special Barbara continues to ask each religious leader who will go to Heaven and how they get there.
False Teachings of the Mormon Church
Posted in False Prophecies of the Mormon Church, tagged bible, false doctrines, Jesus, Mormon Church, no peace on earth, salvation on 10/31/2011| Leave a Comment »
Peace
Doctrines of Salvation 3:48; “NO PEACE AGAIN UNTIL CHRIST COMES. Peace has been taken from the earth, and it will not return until Christ comes to bring it. When that day arrives, he has promised to “send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity,” but when that day comes, he further says, “then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
Mormon Dilemma # 42
Posted in Mormon Dilemmas, tagged gospel, Jesus Christ, Mormon Church, sin on 08/08/2011| Leave a Comment »
Threats, intimidation and fear
I didn’t grow up in the Mormon Church but converted to the church in my early twenties, so I never had the opportunity to attend any of the youth firesides or activities as a young woman. When I came across this quote by a leader in the Young Women’s organization of the Mormon Church it broke my heart. It makes me feel such sorrow for those who were in attendance during this fireside or for those who will hear this quote in one of their classes. The quote reads as follows:
Prophets, Prophecy and the Mormon Church
Posted in Prophecy and the Mormon Church, tagged bible, Christian prophets, false gospel, false prophets, grace, Jesus, Jewish prophets, joseph smith, Mormon Church, New Testament prophecy, Old Testament prophecy, Prophets, salvation on 04/25/2011| Leave a Comment »
Prophets, Prophecy and the Mormon Church
Why the ‘prophecy’ spoken by the Mormon Church is not from God
by Mark Grote
When we examine the behaviors of the Mormon Church, we must compare that which it practices with the examples set by those in the bible who followed God before us. In His ministry, the Lord Jesus said at times, “You have heard it said … “; then He would quote a verse from the Old “Testament. He would follow that by saying, “But I say to you” (Matthew 5). These new words brought change, a different understanding and new practice.
Tip of the Day, December 16
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged false gospel, Jesus, lds church, Mormon Church, restored gospel on 12/16/2010| Leave a Comment »
December 16 – Isaiah 53:5, 11; “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”
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These are only two of the 48 prophecies in this chapter of Isaiah. He lived about 700 years before Christ. Ask the Mormon why they believe Jesus paid the price for their sin in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Hebrew word for wounded is: chalal. It means bore, pierced. Our crooked nature needed more than our obligatory sacrifices could atone for, so He willingly hung there for us. Yet the crucifixion was nothing in pain compared to the sins He had to carry for us.
Also share Zechariah 12:10 with them. It says He was pierced.
I realize going over the simplistic part of the gospel may seem redundant for a Christian; however for the Mormon if they are asked the same question repeatedly they will actually begin to think about it. Remember they need to be taught to take responsibility for their own thinking, just like you taught your toddler.
You won’t find commentaries or speeches about the sufferings of Jesus in the Mormon writings. When they refer to the crucifixion they use the term “atonement” and it is coupled with what they think happened here in the Americas at the time He died and how much the early saints of Mormonism have suffered. Also notice that they say the darkness lasted three days, in the Bible it lasted three hours.
In addition to all that, when Jesus was crucified people who had been dead in their graves came up out of them. He came to bring life, not death! Nowhere in the Bible does it say there was great groaning and howling of the people. From the biblical accounts the only thing destroyed was the temple and that is something to praise God for! Why was there a great destruction in Mesoamerica if Jesus was crucified in Israel?
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“And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them.” 3 Nephi 8:23.
Tip of the Day, December 14
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged false gospel, Jesus, joseph smith, Mormon Church, resurrection, Son of God on 12/14/2010| Leave a Comment »
December 14 – Revelation 1:18; “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
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The resurrected Jesus is where I personally hold my hope. The God I worship raised His Son from the dead and is in full control and has all the power. The Mormons say they worship God and Jesus; however they pay an unholy and unwarranted homage to Joseph Smith by believing the teachings he spewed forth from his mouth. You can stand next to his grave in Carthage, Illinois where he is still there. Joseph “worked to go to the celestial kingdom”, something that doesn’t exist. Compare that with Jesus who paid the ultimate price for our freedom!
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“Highest among the kingdoms of glory hereafter is the celestial kingdom. It is the kingdom of God, the glory thereof being typified by the sun in the firmament. An inheritance in this glorious kingdom is gained by complete obedience to gospel or celestial law. (D. & C. 88:16-32.)” Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 116.
Tip of the Day, December 10
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged Doctrine and Covenants, false gospe, Mormon Church on 12/10/2010| Leave a Comment »
December 10 – 1 Peter 2:6; “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.”
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Our Lord is so good to us! Here He promises that we shall never be confounded when we believe in Him. The Greek word for confounded is kataischunoô. It means to shame down, dishonored or disgraced. Now the Mormon teachings say that if you ever speak against the Church you will be confounded. I don’t know of anyone yet who this has happened to, myself included.
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“And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time.” Doctrine and Covenants 71:10.
“CONFOUND’ED, Mixed or blended in disorder; perplexed; abashed; dismayed; put to shame and silence; astonished.” Webster’s 1828 Dictionary-Gospel Link Dictionaries.
Tip of the Day, November 22
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged apostasy, false gospel, LDS first presidency, Mormon Church, Mormon temples, ordinance work changes 2005, Temple Ordinance, temple work on 11/23/2010| Leave a Comment »
November 22 – Romans 8:3-4; “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
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Jesus served as the fulfillment of the Law, meaning there is absolutely nothing we could ever do to work for our own salvation. Remember, God isn’t the one that changes; we look to Him as our constant in life.
Succumbing to what was politically and socially acceptable in the 21st century, the LDS Church changed their initiatory ordinances in the temple in January of 2005. The only place they now touch you is on your forehead and the top of your head instead of touching your private body parts. Yet, read what they had to say in 1982.
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“As temple work progresses, some members wonder if the ordinances can be changed or adjusted. These ordinances have been provided by revelation, and are in the hands of the First Presidency. Thus, the temple is protected from tampering.” W. Grant Bangerter, executive director of the Temple Department and a member of the First Quorum of Seventy, Deseret News, Church Section, January 16, 1982
Tip of the Day, November 21
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged bible, false gospel, God, godhood, grace, joseph smith, LDS, Mormon Church, Mormon god, salvation, Teachings of Joseph Smith, truth on 11/21/2010| Leave a Comment »
November 21 – Jude 1:24-25; “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”
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We all have our own favorite scriptures that we lean on for our strength when nothing else better could be said. These two in Jude are some of my personal favorites. Thank You Jesus for Your words, Your comfort, the salvation You gave to me and separating me from the LDS Church. Thank You for forgiving me when I believed the atrocities spoken here by Joseph Smith.
Ask the Mormon in your life what they think of Joseph Smith stating that he is their god. From what he said, it is clear they are not worshipping the One and Only True God of the Bible.
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“God is not willing to let me gratify you; but I must teach the Elders, and they should teach you. God made Aaron to be the mouthpiece for the children of Israel, and He will make me be god to you in His stead, and the Elders to be mouth for me; and if you don’t like it, you must lump it. (April 8, 1844.).” Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 363.
Tip of the Day, November 20
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged bible, false gospel, false prophet, Jesus Christ, joseph smith, lds church, martyr, martyrdom of Joseph Smith, Mormon Church, mormonism, Nauvoo, test of a false prophet, truth on 11/21/2010| Leave a Comment »
November 20 – Hebrews 11:36-38; “And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”
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The above scriptures are a classic example of what it means to be a martyr. It means that you don’t fight back; you don’t have the mentality of “kill or be killed”. You die willingly for the sake of the gospel. Notice how Joseph and Hyrum Smith died and see if they qualify.
I’ve had people in the LDS Church tell me that Joseph died for the Mormon people and my question is always the same. What did Joseph’s death personally do for you?
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“I shall never forget the deep feeling of sympathy and regard manifested in the countenance of Brother Joseph as he drew nigh to Hyrum, and, leaning over him, exclaimed, ‘Oh! my poor, dear brother Hyrum!’ 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.” Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7: 102 – 103. The 3rd President of the Church, John Taylor made the above statements.
Tip of the Day, November 15
Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged Book of Abraham, Doctrines and Covenants, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Mormon Church, Nephi, Pearl of Great Price on 11/15/2010| Leave a Comment »
November 15 – Colossians 1:16-17; “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
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There are two problems with the Mormon quote today. First, they do not believe that Jesus created the earth; they believe he helped organize it (Abraham 4:1). Secondly, they do not believe in the Deity (D&C 130:22).
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3 Nephi 9:15-16; “Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name. I came unto my own, and my own received me not. And the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled.”
Mentoring Handbook Chapter 8
Posted in Mentoring Handbook, tagged apostacy, bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, Doctrine and Covenants, false gospel, Mormon Church, mormonism, truth Christianity on 10/22/2010| Leave a Comment »
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE TRIPLE COMBINATION
There are so many subjects in this topic that people could write books about it; in fact a few of my good friends have! The contradictions within the writings of the LDS Church are vast so I am not going to go into much detail here. Suffice it to say that I highly recommend getting the Christian Companion to the Triple Combination written by Colleen Ralson, you can purchase this from our website or Personal Freedom Outreach; a subsidiary of Utah Missions.
It works as a great tool to emphasize to the ex-Mormon that LDS doctrine is indeed flawed. It also serves as assurance to the ex-Mormon the contradictory teachings weren’t their imagination. While they work through this workbook they are able to see for themselves the magnitude of the errors.
The 3-in-1 (also known as quad or triple combination) is what the Church considers to be their standard works or scripture. They are a compilation of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. It becomes a “quad” if the Bible is in the same book. They believe that all the books but the Bible are inerrant. Their 8th Article of Faith states: “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.”
Notice how they didn’t say; “we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly”. There is obviously a difference in the way the Bible is a more deficient book of God. For a few ex-Mormons going through the exodus process, it may take some time before they truly believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God. Remind them of scriptures like
Isaiah 40:8; “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
Another scripture that I prayed a lot when I got out was Mark 9:24 when the rich man asks Jesus to help him with his unbelief. Intellectually I believed in Jesus. In my heart, well that was sometimes “iffy”. Mark describes the man who came to Jesus and begged him for help. He told Jesus he knew God had sent Him; in his heart the old tapes kept playing the same old song…what if? Jesus won’t desert you in your hour of need! Also share with them factual information about the Bible mentioned in the previous section. And as always, if there is a favorite verse that you rely upon, share it with the ex-Mormon!
There are of course many good, reliable books and websites to use as tools for when there is doubt. The websites I’ve found over the years give verifiable truth to the issues raised and works through each scenario meticulously. While going through this life change there will be times when the ex-Mormon goes through a myriad of emotions and doubts all at the same time. One thing that is going to be there for sure is anger and hatred towards Joseph Smith. I haven’t been immune to the whole process and remember well what it felt like discovering the truth.
The emphasis of how important Joseph Smith was and still is to Church members cannot be overstated. His words still reverberates within the covers of their “scripture” and in the hallways of their ward buildings. The lies that the members have espoused are deep-seated in the hearts and minds of the believers. It’s no wonder the new Christian experiences a multitude of emotions all at once as they continue learning the truth about their heritage. Case in point is the following doctrine about the triple combination.
I’ve taken a speech from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pgs. 405-7 and listed it in sections below. The purpose in doing this is to show the general public the pages of doctrine that are soaked into the minds of these dear people. Anyone reading and listening to this year after year would have a difficult time staying focused.
After each section I have posted a few questions for the ex-Mormon. Allow them to read the paragraphs individually and ask them to list what problems they may see. Then show them the list of questions (add some of your own!) and compare. Encourage them as they begin to take control of their own thought life. You know the old saying: “Garbage in, garbage out”. The magnitude of lies they’ve been taught and have believed is incredible.
Don’t forget: 1. Prayer. 2. Bible.
“The Doctrine and Covenants is a compilation of revelations, most of which were received by the Prophet Joseph Smith for the establishment and governance of the kingdom of God in the latter days. It is a standard work of the Church… Its main focus is to build up the Church of Jesus Christ and to bring people into harmony with Christ’s kingdom… It is viewed as the capstone of the Church; its companion volume, the Book of Mormon, is seen as the keystone…” (pg. 405)
What or who is the capstone in the Bible, give proof. __________________________________________________
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What or who should be the “keystone”, biblically speaking.
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What is the purpose of the Bible? Compare that with what was said above in regards to the D&C and the BoM.____________
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Whose “job” is it to edify and unite the true body of Christ? Show proof of your answer! _______________________________
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Because of copyright laws I did not reprint all three pages of the example I am giving here. If the ex-Mormon wants to see it in full, (which is something I highly recommend), my quotes in the paragraph above to the end of this section came from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pages 405 through 407.
“The Book of Mormon was written to convince all individuals that Jesus is the Christ… the Doctrine and Covenants was given to organize and orient them according to God’s mind and kingdom.”
Where does it say (if it does at all) in the Bible that it was written to convince all individuals that Jesus is the Christ?
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According to the Bible, who does the convincing of man’s soul?
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Also, why is it they need to “organize and orient them to God’s mind and kingdom”? Wouldn’t the Bible already have served that purpose? These “further revelations” aren’t just simple additions to the Bible; they serve as replacements.
“Over the years after the first printing, other revelations were received and some earlier materials were deleted… In subsequent editions, more sections were added…” (pg. 406)
Stop the presses! The term “earlier materials” has jumped off the pages and captured my full attention! Why would you delete some earlier materials if they are revelations from God? Why does this god keep changing his mind?
What does Numbers 23:9 say about God? ______________
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Is it okay with you if the god you worship changes his/her mind at their own whim? What does Malachi 3:6 say about God? ____________________________________________________
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“Despite the fact that many of these revelations are personally directed to certain individuals or groups in nineteenth-century times and places, they contain principles that have eternal application and thus current value.” (pg. 407)
There has been a ton of “stuff” to dissect in just this little section but it will be well worth the study!
The first problem I see in the example above is applying revelations meant for specific people to the general population of today. The Bible has never operated in this fashion and neither should anyone else, biblically speaking and otherwise. An example of this philosophy would be the prophecy given to the elders of the LDS Church that they must build a temple in Zion.
How could prophesying that Zion would be found in Independence, Missouri, apply to someone like my mother who lives in Utah right now? My mother is in her sixties; she’s raising her grandchildren and lives across the street from her ailing parents. How can she take these “scriptures” and apply them to her daily life? D&C 57:1-3 says that the elders of the church should build a temple in Independence in 1831.
How does this failed prophecy help my mom in her walk with her Heavenly Father?
“The revelations include warnings of divine judgments upon the wicked; teachings about the progression of human souls toward exaltation and eternal life through the gospel of Jesus Christ; information about scripture, including the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the translation of the Bible by Joseph Smith.” (pg. 407)
I would have the ex-Mormon look in the index of the D&C, BoM, and PofGP for a variety of subjects, look up the references and begin really looking into the claims and warnings. See if the warning to obey “such and such” is still a gospel law they have to obey or if they’ve received further revelation to discontinue that “law”, i.e. polygamy (new and everlasting covenant).
“ …instructions about the priesthood, its restoration, functions, offices, and ordinances; commandments and instructions to people of the Church regarding personal behavior, education, lands and property, buildings, and caring for the poor; and callings and counsel to preach and live the gospel.” (pg. 407)
What laws or ordinances are no longer required in the LDS Church and why? _________________________________________
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In October of ‘06 Kirk and I participated in a live debate on a Christian radio talk show in Seattle. A local stake president that took part in the debate told me at the end of the show, off-air of course, that the Church never forbade the members from drinking caffeinated colas or coffee. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard! He said that I was trying to be “sensationalistic” just to get attention! Argh! He said; “Members listen to one thing and hear another; therefore they are the ones getting things all wrong”. In other words; “The 12.5 million members didn’t quite understand the prophecy that is now part of the Word of Wisdom”.
The Church will always have instructions for everything, and sadly enough the members’ understanding of each of those doctrines varies from person to person. If anything about this chapter sticks out for the ex-Mormon I pray it would be you won’t forget the truth about the “Standard Works”.
From the moment the first Book of Mormon was printed in 1830 to date, there have been over 4,000 changes made to the Book of Mormon – these do not include typographical or printing errors. All of the 4,000 plus changes are grammatical in nature. You can purchase or see proof of this from many reputable websites. There will be a list of recommendations in the Bibliography for Chapter 8. The Utah Lighthouse Ministry run by Sandra Tanner has a book she and her late husband compiled that shows a side-by-side account of the 1830 BoM and the latest edition printed in the nineties.
Joseph Smith said in TPJS, pg 299 that he didn’t use any Greek or Latin when translating the Book of Mormon.
“To the Editor of the Times & Seasons: Sir:—Through the medium of your paper, I wish to correct an error among men that profess to be learned, liberal and wise; and I do it the more cheerfully, because I hope sober-thinking and sound-reasoning people will sooner listen to the voice of truth, than be led astray by the vain pretensions of the self-wise. The error I speak of, is the definition of the word “Mormon.” It has been stated that this word was derived from the Greek word “mormo.” This is not the case. There was no Greek of 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.”
We recently completed a project counting how many time Greek or Latin words showed up in the Book of Mormon. After identifying over 60 words that derived from the Greek or Latin we stopped counting at 7,290 words.
The Book of Mormon holds many false prophecies; one of which is located very near the beginning. 1 Nephi 2:8 says that the river “Laman” emptied into the Red Sea. To date there has never been a river that has emptied into the Red Sea.
Jacob 2:25 says that polygamy is an abomination before God. That verse alone tells me someone is lying. Joseph Smith declared to Emma and the rest of the world in D&C 132 that unless you practice plural marriage you are damned!
Likewise the D&C contradicts itself and other sacred writings of the LDS Church. The writings in this can’t be trusted based on the passage listed above. Smith called plural marriage “the new and everlasting covenant”. If it’s everlasting then why did the US ban it from existence in 1890? If this was from God wouldn’t He have been able to do something about it?
D&C 114 is a false prophecy all unto itself. Smith prophesied that Patten would go on a mission the following spring – Patten was killed in a gun battle six months later, being unable to fulfill that prophecy for Joseph.
The Pearl of Great Price contradicts itself without even having to look at the other writings of the Church. For instance the creation story in Moses completely disagrees with the story in Abraham.
The false prophecies in Moses 7 place it in the same category as polygamy – a false prophecy. The prophecy is that the black people were to live under the “Curse of Cain” while here on earth. According to the LDS Church based on Smith’s prophecy here the blacks were not to hold the priesthood – ever.
In 1978 Spencer W. Kimball, then president and prophet of the LDS Church, received a new revelation from God allowing the blacks into the priesthood. So which prophet is right? If you say Kimball then what does that say about the beloved Joseph? No one ever speaks ill about him.
Lesson Plan for Chapter Eight
How many false prophecies does it take before you can safely say someone is not a true prophet of God? Show biblical proof. __________________________________________________
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What must we as Christians do with the “Standard Works” of the LDS Church in light of your answer above? ________________
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Read Galatians 1:6-9 and write down what you learn about other gospels.
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Are you (the ex-Mormon) aware of what the book of Jeremiah is about? I cannot speed over to the counter of books fast enough with you so that you can find out! If you do know then write out your thoughts below as you compare Jeremiah and the story of the Book of Mormon. Who are these Israelites the BoM talks about that didn’t obey God’s warning to stay put?
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© 2010 Life After Ministries, Inc.
Bibliography:
Websites for further research:
http://www.equippingchristians.com/
http://markcares.wordpress.com/
Link for Chapter 9:
Chapter 9. Mormon Terminology/Word Studies
© 2017 Life After Ministries, Inc.
Book of Mormon; Fullness of the Gospel?
Posted in Book of Mormon, tagged 600 BC, baptisms for the dead, Book of Mormon, elohim, endowments, fullness of gospel, god in embryo, godhood, golden plates, Jerusalem, lds church, Mormon, Mormon Church, mormonism, Nephites, ordinances, polygamy, pre-existence, salvation, temple on 10/20/2010| 1 Comment »
“Lord Increase Our Faith”, page 64; “The real focus on the Book of Mormon should be on the details of the book itself, not on the details of the process by which it came forth. Although we do not know everything about the process of its coming forth or its translation, the Book of Mormon is open to full scrutiny.” – Neal A. Maxwell
Ensign, May 2007, pg. 88; “This ancient volume of holy scriptures is a sacred companion to the Bible, containing the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.” – L. Tom Perry
My objective in this article is for members of the LDS Church to ponder the information presented here and honestly ask themselves if it makes sense the Book of Mormon is from God. While I don’t agree with Mr. Maxwell’s opinion on how people should view the Book of Mormon (Galatians 1:6-9), we’re going to take him up on what he said about it being open to full scrutiny.
All right, so I have an obsession with the book of Jeremiah; I’ll be the first to admit it! If you’re a Mormon, have you ever read the book of Jeremiah? There’s an important lesson to be learned in Jeremiah 36:20-32. King Jehoiakim had decided he didn’t like God’s written word so he cut it up and burned it thinking that would take care of God, but he was sorely mistaken.
I believe it was Matthew Henry who said “Those who hate it always seem to do things like this in life” …they either try to destroy or discredit God’s very words.
It was 600 BC and the prophet Jeremiah had been warning the Israelites for forty years that danger was lurking. He told them God had an important message He wanted for them to hear and if they obeyed Him they wouldn’t lose their lives. Times would be tough, but if they fled for Egypt on their own seeking safety, they would die by sword, famine or pestilence. If they stayed put in Jerusalem (Jer. 42:10) God would protect their lives in the upcoming onslaught of the Babylonian takeover. While they were in captivity for a time, there was a small remnant that was allowed to remain seventy years later.
The certifiably insane King Nebuchadnezzar (descendant of Queen of Sheba and Solomon) marched the Israelites out of Jerusalem, chained some of them nude alongside a river while partying on a boat nearby and eventually went totally mad, living with animals. He too hated God and turned the sacred scrolls into sacks filled with sand for the captive Israelites to carry into Egypt. No one escaped his wrath. (Eventually Nebuchadnezzar repented and worshipped God.)
Now some 2,400 years later we have the story of Joseph Smith and the “golden plates” which he said contains the “fullness of the gospel”, otherwise known as the Book of Mormon. One of the remarkable events about this story is the timeline. It’s the story of a lost tribe of Israelites fleeing Jerusalem in 600 BC and guess what? Yep, they’re headin’ for Egypt, seeking safety from the fall of Jerusalem.
Okay, foregoing the arguments, let’s say God told everyone but this lost tribe of “Nephites” to stay put in Jerusalem; what about Joseph Smith’s other assertion about the Book of Mormon?
He said a lot of things about this work so his claims should be investigated as Mr. Maxwell suggests. It’d be amazing if anyone escaped the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar, so these plates should be of significant value if true, right?
What do these brass plates tell us? Does the Book of Mormon contain the “fullness of the gospel”? Remember, parts of these plates are supposedly what the Nephites hauled over to the States when they sailed here.
Let’s begin with what Doctrine and Covenants 19:26, 27:5 and 135:3 says:
“And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the Book of Mormon, which contains the truth and the word of God—”
“Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my everlasting gospel, to whom I have committed the keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim.”
“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth…”
As you can see, we have confirmation through the prophecies above; the Church does believe it’s the “fullness of the gospel”. Now in light of those prophecies by Smith, we need to compare them with what the Bible says about prophets and prophecies, in addition to looking at a few core Mormon doctrines and see if they’re in the Book of Mormon. If they’re not found on those plates, we ask in all sincerity – how can this be the fullness of the gospel if it doesn’t contain all the requirements for salvation?
What the Bible Says:
Deuteronomy 18:20-22; “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
Deuteronomy 13:1-5; “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.”
Mormons believe a true and full salvation can only be attained in the highest kingdom of heaven which they call the “Celestial Kingdom”. The Celestial Kingdom is reserved solely for those who have been found worthy enough to become a god themselves after they have accomplished a number of works here on earth. Below are a handful of requirements and beliefs each Mormon needs for a true salvation in the Mormon Church.
What the Mormon Church Says:
Church Government
3 Nephi 12 says the twelve Nephite apostles received power to share the gospel, baptize and give the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is the closest we come to anything remotely close to the hierarchy we see in the Mormon Church today.
There is no “first presidency”, no quorum of the seventies, no bishops, no bishopric, no wards, no branches, no stakes and no stake presidents, no area presidency…compare it with what the Bible says about church structure:
1 Corinthians 10:32, 12:9-10, 18, 29, 30; Acts 13:1, Romans 12:8, Ephesians 2:20, 3:5, 4:11
God
Father God has a body of flesh and bones – D&C 130:22
God was once a man. – HC 6:305, Gospel through the Ages, pg. 105
God has many wives/Mother gods – Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pg. 25
God has a father – Gospel Truth, pg. 101; The Seer by Orson Pratt, pg. 132; Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 38
God had sex with Mary – Journal of Discourses 4:218 – Brigham Young, February 8, 1857; Journal of Discourses 1:50-51, 8:115, 11:268
God progresses/Eternal progression – Distinct Doctrines and Teachings of the Pearl of Great Price, pg. 76; Gospel through the Ages, pgs. 114-115; Articles of Faith, pg. 390
Three Separate Personages in Godhead – Mormon Doctrine, pg. 576; D&C 130:22-23; Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 552; Mormon Doctrine of Deity, pgs. 9-10; History of the Church 6:474, June 16, 1844
gods/polytheism
Many gods and councils of gods – Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 348; Abraham 4:25
Man may become a god – Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pgs. 136-137; Gospel through the Ages, pgs. 105-106; D&C 76:58, TPJS 342-345
Man is a god in embryo – Miracle/Forgiveness, pg. 3
Heaven
Three levels of heaven. – Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 367; D&C 131:1-4
Jesus
Jesus chosen to become a god – Mormon Doctrine, pg. 129, Abraham 3:27-28
Jesus and Lucifer are brothers – Jesus the Christ, pg. 8; Gospel through the Ages, pg. 15
Jesus was Married – Journal of Discourses 2:82, 2:210, 4:259-26
Jesus was a polygamist – Jesus was Married by Ogden Kraut, pg. 27; Journal of Discourses 13:309
Jesus Crucified for Polygamy – Journal of Discourses 1:346
Polygamy
Polygamy Condemned – Jacob 2:24
Polygamy is true salvation – D&C 131:1-4, 132:4-6, 20-21; Journal of Discourses 5:204 & 282, 11:269, 12:262, 13:167-168, 13:189, 17:225; Doctrines of Salvation 2:67; Mormon Doctrine, pg. 219; Evidences and Reconciliations, pg. 390; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 332…
Pre-existence
Elohim populating earth through sexually begotten spirit children –
Discourses of Brigham Young, pg. 24; D&C 49:17, 93:23-29, 138:55-56; Mormon Doctrine, pg. 516; Abraham 3:22-28; Journal of Discourses 4:216; Melvin Joseph Ballard, Sermons and Missionary Services, page 247; Answers: Straightforward Answers to Tough Gospel Questions, pgs. 5-6; Life Before, pg. 91; For Behold Ye are Free, pg. 42; Ensign, November 1997, pg. 65; Way to Perfection, pg. 29…
Salvation
Temple marriage a requirement for exaltation – Teens, Temple Marriage and Eternity, pg. 1; Doctrines of Salvation 2:62; D&C 131:1-4
President of Church Holds Keys to – Mormon Doctrine, pg. 591
Salvation after Death
Book of Mormon – none is available after death – 2 Nephi 9:15, 38; Alma 12:13-14, 34:31-34, 42:22-23
Other LDS teachings say it is necessary
Baptism for the dead – D&C 124:29-30, 128:15; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 191; History of the Church 4:568-569; Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 1258; Are Mormons Christians? pg. 19; Doctrines of Salvation 2:175…
As the reader can plainly see, not one of those core doctrinal teachings is in the Book of Mormon. The list here is brief in comparison to the hordes of all their teachings. What we’ve presented here is enough to show the Book of Mormon certainly doesn’t stand up to the claims Joseph Smith and other Church leaders have made.
How can the Book of Mormon contain the “fullness of the gospel” if their teachings are not to be found in the Book of Mormon?
If you’re LDS we want you to know that we pray diligently for you each and every day. We hope you’ll investigate these claims for yourself and see that God is not a God of confusion as it says in 1 Cor. 14:33. Ask yourself and your leaders why there is such a huge contradiction in what D&C says and what the Book of Mormon doesn’t say.
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
1 Cor. 1:18
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