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Light of Christ

Posted in Light of Christ, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/17/2011| 1 Comment »

LIGHT OF CHRIST

     As of late the Mormon term “Light of Christ” has been on my mind.  As a member of the LDS Church, I heard this used many times in reference to an individual possessing it.  It’s amazing how differently I think about things now versus a year ago when I was newly out of the LDS church. Back then I never would have contemplated what the word “light” meant from a biblical point of view.

     I’ve discovered several passages and examples in the Bible where God teaches us who He is and how He manifests Himself to us through His word. 

     The first mention of “light” is in Genesis 1:3, when God says “let there be light”.  Then in Psalms 119:105 it says “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”.  Another example is found in 2 Samuel 22:29 which says; “For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness”. The “light” mentioned in the latter verses are referring to the Word of God.

     We learn from John 1: 1-5, 7 that Jesus is the Word of God, that he is the light.  In John 12:16 Jesus says, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”  As I will explain later, the “light” that people see in us is the Holy Spirit that dwells in us when we are saved. Before we are saved we are in darkness.  In the hymn Amazing Grace we sing “…Was blind, but now, I see…” Jesus tells us about this “light” in Luke 11:34-36.

     The phrase “light of Christ” doesn’t appear in the Bible, but is used often in the LDS community. They believe that we are all born with “the light of Christ” in us.  Neal Maxwell said;

 “It is possible for all to develop such love, because carried within each soul born on this planet is the Light of Christ, which can illumine the landscape of life, even if the carrier does not understand that light within (D&C 93-2)( All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience pg 51-70)

      What the Mormon Church isn’t telling you in the above reference is their belief that being born with “light of Christ” goes hand in hand with their belief about original sin.   The Church teaches that everyone is literally a child of God, born without sin. 

     A couple of years ago I recall being in a meeting with a group of Christian ladies (I was LDS at the time) and somehow we got on the topic of sin and children.  When I said, “How can babies sin? They are perfect” the ladies just kind of stared at me.  I obviously hadn’t been taught and didn’t understand the doctrine of “Original Sin”! 

     I was taught that we would “be punished for our own sins not for Adam’s transgressions” (The  Articles of Faith #2).

     In the Improvement Era, Dr. James E. Talmage said:

 “The Church holds that children are born to earth in a sinless state, that they need no individual redemption; that should they die before reaching the years of accountability, they return without taint of earthly sin; but if they attain youth or maturity in the flesh, their responsibility increases with their development.” (Improvement Era, 1901 Vol. Iv. April, 1901. No 6)

      I have a son that is almost two years old and I know that he is capable of sin!  Whenever he doesn’t get his way he has a temper tantrum. Other times as I tell him not to touch something he will look right at me and touch or reach for the thing I told him not to. Children are not without sin. God has given to us the responsibility of teaching our children to obey.  Proverbs 22:6 says:

 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

     God knows that we all of us are born with a sin nature. No one ever had to teach us to sin; it was in us from the very beginning having inherited our sin nature from Adam. Romans 5:12 states;

 “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.”

      Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savoir the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence in our body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says:

 “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your boys and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

      Many times you will hear LDS say that they can see or could see the “light of Christ” in an individual. They are referring to the “good works” that they see in this person and their personality. The truth is we are all sinners. Romans 3:23 says; “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”.  Once we are saved people can see the workings of God in us and this is known as the Holy Spirit.  It is what attracts the unbeliever to us!  Remember though that this is not us – it’s Him!  In Mormon Doctrine, Bruce R. McConkie states;  

 “The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a Personage of Spirit, a Spirit Person, a Spirit Man, a Spirit Entity. He can be in only one place at one time and he does not and cannot transform himself into any other form or image than that of the Man whom he is, though his power and influence can be manifest at one and the same time through all immensity.”  (Mormon Doctrine pg 358-359)

      God teaches us in the Bible that McConkie’s statement is wrong by showing us the Holy Spirit is in fact omnipresent, like in Psalms 139:7;

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?”

      Here’s what Ephesians 2: 17-18 and 1 Corinthians 12:13 say respectively about this subject;

 “And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

“For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond of free; and have been all made to drink into the one Spirit”.

     The teaching of the “light of Christ” dwelling in us is not biblical. The things people see in you once you are saved comes from the Holy Spirit. These qualities are known as the “fruit of the Spirit”; Galatians 5:22-23.  Additionally, Ephesians 5:18-19 shows that when a person is filled with the Spirit they have a joyous and cheerful attitude toward God.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit: Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

      I pray that if you are LDS and are reading this article you will come to know the true Jesus as your Savior.  We’re praying for you.

 In Christ,

Melissa Grimes

melissa@lifeafter.org

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Denouncing Mormonism

Posted in Denouncing Mormonism, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/17/2011| Leave a Comment »

DENOUNCING THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

 First of all we must tell you congratulations on getting out of the Mormon Church!  We are celebrating your new found freedom and rejoice with the angels as you begin your new walk with the Lord Christ Jesus!  Please keep us updated on your progress so we may be blessed by continuing to pray for you and your loved ones.

 We have found over the years that it is in the best interest of the new ex-Mormon if they go out and find a Bible believing church which they feel comfortable in attending and get re-baptized into the Lord Jesus Christ.  If you’ve been married in the temple or by a Mormon bishop or chaplain you might think about renewing your wedding vows as well.

 It’s vitally important to denounce any of the vows that you’ve taken in the temples or ward meetings to help free yourself from the Mormon way of thinking.  This is a step which separates you spiritually from the Church and gives Jesus the power to do His work in you.  You might want to pray something like this:

  “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the authority I possess as a believer in Him, I rebuke any and all lying and deceitful spirits of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which may still think that they have a claim on me or my family. In Jesus’ name, I renounce the spirits of priestcraft, the spirits of Moroni and Mormo and declare that you have no power over me any more, for I am bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus of Nazareth who died for me on Calvary.

 I renounce any covenants made by me at my baptism into the LDS Church and any priesthood or Bishopric blessings given to me. (If a former Temple Mormon: I renounce any and all covenants made in the LDS temple— especially those placing my family and children under bondage to demonic principalities and powers!) By the power of the blood of Jesus, I also renounce any generational sin or hereditary bondage which may be oppressing me or my family through covenants made by my parents or ancestors; and I nail all these things to the cross of Christ, “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  (Phil.3:13-14) In Jesus’ name.  Amen.”

 

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Christian or Cult?

Posted in Christian or Cult?, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/17/2011| 2 Comments »

Christian or Cult?

 This is one of the handouts we provide at our workshops.  It’s a simple side-by-side comparison of Mormonism vs. Christianity.

 Who is God?

 Bible:  John 4:24; “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

LDS:   D&C 130:22; “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.”

 Who is Jesus?

 Bible: John 1:1, 14; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

LDS:  Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 724; “Jesus Christ, whose main title was Jehovah, was the firstborn spirit child of God the Father and thus the eldest brother and preeminent above all other spirit children of God.”

 Who is the Holy Spirit?

 Bible: John 14:17; “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

LDS:   Doctrines of Salvation 1:39; “I have never troubled myself about the Holy Ghost whether he will sometime have a body or not because it is not in any way essential to my salvation. He is a member of the Godhead, with great power and authority, with a most wonderful mission which must be performed by a spirit. This has satisfied me without delving into mysteries that would be of no particular benefit.”

 Salvation

 Bible:  Acts 4:12; “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

LDS:  D&C 1:30; “And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth…”

 Other teachings of the LDS Church

 All churches but the LDS Church are the whores of the earth

 1 Nephi 14:10; “And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth.”

Jesus said this about His Church – Matthew 16:18; “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.”

 Joseph Smith is god to the Mormons

 “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.” – Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 363.

God said this about other gods – Isaiah 43:10-11; “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.  I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.”

 No Need For LDS Members to Think

 In the June 1945 issue of Improvement Era Magazine, pg. 345 it says; “When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done”.

Paul tells us this about thinking – 2 Tim. 3:16; “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

 Joseph’s Consent Needed for Entrance to Heaven

 From Journal of Discourses 7:289 it says; “…that no man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith.”

 Book of Mormon Most Correct Book

 Joseph Smith in History of the Church 4:461; “I spent the day in the council with the Twelve Apostles at the house of President Young, conversing with them upon a variety of subjects. Brother Joseph Fielding was present, having been absent four years on a mission to England. I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

 By the late 1980’s there had been 3,913 changes made to the Book of Mormon that changed either the doctrine, the meaning or the full message of what was originally said.  These changes are not of the typographical sort.

 False Prophecies

 God tells us in 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.  And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?  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.”

 No river has ever emptied into the Red Sea, yet it says the following in the Book of Mormon:

 1 Nephi 2:8 says; “And it came to pass that he called the name of the river, Laman, and it emptied into the Red Sea; and the valley was in the borders near the mouth thereof.”

 Joseph Smith prophesied the following

 “Inhabitants of the Moon are more of a uniform size than the inhabitants of the Earth, being about 6 feet in height.  They dress very much like the Quaker Style and quite general in style, or the one fashion of dress.  They live to be very old; coming generally near a thousand years.  This is the description of them as given by Joseph Smith the Seer.” – The Oliver Huntington Journal, Book 14; also found in The Young Woman’s Journal, published by the Young Ladies’ MIA, 1892, 3:263-4.

 Jesus was married

 Journal of Discourses 4:259-60 says; “It will be borne in mind that once on a time, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and on a careful reading of that transaction, it will be discovered that no less a person than Jesus Christ was married on that occasion. If he was never married, his intimacy with Mary and Martha, and the other Mary also whom Jesus loved, must have been highly unbecoming and improper to say the best of it.”

 Jesus and Lucifer are brothers

 From the book Gospel Through the Ages, pg. 15, it says; “The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer, son of the morning.”

 God had sex with Mary

 Journal of Discourses 4:218 says; “When the time came that His first-born, the Saviour, should come into the world and take a tabernacle, the Father came Himself and favoured that spirit with a tabernacle instead of letting any other man do it. The Saviour was begotten by the Father of His spirit, by the same Being who is the Father of our spirits, and that is all the organic difference between Jesus Christ and you and me.”

 Pre-existence & Heavenly Mother

 From the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 1123 it says; “There is indeed indication that the intelligence dwelling in each person is coeternal with God. It always existed and never was created or made (D&C 93:29). In due time that intelligence was given a spirit body, becoming the spirit child of God the Eternal Father and his beloved companion, the Mother in Heaven. This spirit, inhabited by the eternal intelligence, took the form of its creators and is in their image (Ballard, p. 140).”

 No cross, just Moroni, an angel of light

 Bible:

1 Cor. 1:18 says; “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

 Mormon:

“…the cross, with its focus on the death of Christ, does not symbolize the message of a living, risen, exalted Lord who changes the lives of his followers. Thus, President Gordon B. Hinckley, counselor in the First Presidency, stated that the lives of people must become a “meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship” (p. 92).”  Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 345.

 Bible:

2 Cor. 11:14; “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

Gal. 1:6-8; “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 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.”

 Mormon:

Introductory page of D&C (1976) says; “…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.”

 True Salvation to the Mormon

 Gospel Through the Ages, pg. 116, 119; “Here, then, is eternal life—to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you… namely, by going from one small degree to another…”  (Also see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 346).

“Marriage is not only a righteous institution, but obedience to this law is absolutely necessary in order to obtain the highest exaltation in the Kingdom of God.”

 Bible – Isaiah 45:22; “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”

 What is “scripture”?

 Members of the LDS Church have what they call the “Standard Works”.  This compilation of four books constitutes their scripture.  These four books include the Bible (as far as it is translated correctly), the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.  This is what they’ve said about the Bible:

 Doctrines of Salvation 3:190; “We are informed in the Book of Mormon that the Hebrew scriptures went “forth from the Jews in purity unto the Gentiles, according to the truth which is in God,” and after they went forth from the Jews many changes were made, and “many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away.”  (Also see 1 Nephi 13:23-32).

 Bible – Isaiah 40:8; “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

 If this doesn’t look or sound like the God of the Bible that you’ve been taught; you’re not alone!  The reason we have written this paper is to warn as Jude 3 tells us to do and because our hearts are broken over the false doctrine of the LDS Church.  After being a Mormon from Utah and spending 30 years in the Church I can assure you that everything we’ve presented is indeed truth.  We’ve checked and double checked to make sure all of our research is well documented for the investigator to review on their own.

 If you’re a Mormon, our first concern is that you know we’re not here to bash you or to make you feel as if we’re out to get you.  Our concern for your salvation is so heavy on our hearts that we have provided this information for you.  Please keep in mind that it’s not the Mormon people we have an issue with; it’s the doctrine of the LDS Church and you are not a church!  Please know also that there are thousands of people in the body of Christ who pray for you every single day!

 If you have a burden to reach those lost in the Mormon Church, we could use your help!  Please write to receive materials that you can share with your friends.

 If you’ve never asked Jesus to be your Savior and God it is easy to do!  Just sit for a moment and ask Him to come live in your heart.  Tell Him you’re in need of a Savior, you’re a sinner and you want a relationship with Him.  Next thing to do…share your news!

 You can reach us at:

 Life After Ministries

PO Box 901

Woodinville, WA  98072

 Phone:  425-939-6013  or  877-362-2751

Email:  www.lifeafter.org

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13 Articles of Faith and 13 Principles of Faith Compared

Posted in 13 Articles of Faith vs 13 Principles of Faith, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/16/2011| Leave a Comment »

13 Articles of Faith in Mormonism AND 13 Principles of the Jewish Faith Compared

       For those who are students of Mormonism, including me, it is interesting to take note of “coincidences” that present themselves for comparison.  What I find fascinating is how many times Joseph Smith came up with the idea of incorporating so many genres of religions and ideologies into what we know today as Mormonism. 

     Belief in a pre-existence reminds me of Hinduism and re-incarnation.  You can essentially make yourself over, so to speak, and try the best you can to become a god.  In Mormonism we see the temple oaths which obviously come from Masonry; Mormonism mimics Catholicism by having to repent to man for forgiveness.  It is very much like Islam by the way they worship the founders, Muhommad and Joseph Smith.  Not to mention the way they both treat women by subjugating them to a class just under cow status. 

     I don’t know how many times I’ve been reminded that Mormonism is nothing more than modern day Gnosticism.  Or how they seem to be like the early Israelites when Moses went up to Mt. Sinai to speak with God and receive the Ten Commandments; remember how they worshipped around the golden calf and forgot the promises they made to God?    And let us not forget the modern-day custom of bigotry and slavery based on skin color.

     The subject of this article is one of those examples as I’m having a difficult time believing this is a “coincidence”.  So come along with me as we look at the Thirteen Articles of Faith in Mormonism and the Thirteen Principles of the Jewish Faith. 

     Before we begin let me clarify one major point.  I am not well versed in the Jewish faith.  It was only a few short weeks ago that I learned of the Thirteen Principles of the Jewish Faith!  I’ve never seen this in the Bible and have been unaware.  Since then I have tried to learn as much as possible about it, but by no means am I an expert.  If you are intimate with these Thirteen Articles of the Jewish Faith and have more insight to share, please write to us!  Please forgive me if I have sounded ignorant enough to offend and know that is not my intention.  I e-mailed a friend of mine who is a director for Chosen People Ministries and asked him to give me a short synopsis of these Thirteen Principles so my thanks go out to Daniel!  He shared with me that the “wording varies in the different ways the articles are enunciated”. 

     Because there are various sets of these “principles” that have been adapted by different sects within Judaism, I am using what seemed to be the most common.  I’ve listed another set at the end of this article.

     Below are side by side comparisons of the LDS Thirteen Articles of Faith and the Thirteen Principles of the Jewish Faith.  The LDS’ version won’t be in order as this makes it easier to show the similarities. The Jewish Principles are in order. 

     You can also find a copy of the Thirteen Articles of Faith in order at the back of any Pearl of Great Price, or on the Mormon website here: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/a_of_f/1   

     This particular version of the Thirteen Principles of the Jewish Faith used was taken from the website of Wikipedia at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_principles_of_faith and are listed at the end of this article as well.

     You the reader may find that you would have placed the LDS Articles of Faith with a different Jewish Principle of Faith, so please share your ideas.  My purpose in putting this on the site is to show the members of the LDS faith how similar Smith’s “revelation” was to something that had been created by a Jewish rabbi who lived from 1135 to 1204 AD.  The Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon formulated the principles while studying at the University of Fes in Morocco.  It wasn’t until after the “Enlightenment Period” that his teachings were widely accepted by a large majority of the Jewish believers.  They now serve as part of their daily prayers. You can learn more about Rabbi Maimon at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maimonides  

     Again, the reason we write these articles and share them with you the reader, is to plant the idea that it’s okay to ask questions.  It’s all right if you want further clarification on the doctrines of the Church or any church for that matter!  Your eternal soul is at stake and I would hope this fact would mean more than the fear you may harbor inside. 

     If you’d like more information on Mormonism or would like to add someone to our prayer list, send us an e-mail!

 With love in Christ;

Michelle Grim

1 Cor. 1:18

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is the Creator and Guide of everything that has been created; He alone has made, does make, and will make all things.”

LDS – “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is One, and that there is no unity in any manner like His, and that He alone is our God, who was, and is, and will be.”

LDS – “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is not a body, and that He is free from all the properties of matter, and that there can be no (physical) comparison to Him whatsoever.”

LDS – “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is the first and the last.”

LDS – “We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that to the Creator, blessed be His Name, and to Him alone, it is right to pray, and that it is not right to pray to any being besides Him.”

LDS – “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that all the words of the prophets are true.”

LDS – “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that the prophecy of Moses, our teacher, peace be upon him, was true, and that he was the chief of the prophets, both of those who preceded him and of those who followed him.”

LDS – “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”

Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that the entire Torah that is now in our possession is the same that was given to Moses, our teacher, peace be upon him.”

LDS – “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that this Torah will not be exchanged, and that there will never be any other Torah from the Creator, blessed be His name.”

LDS – “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.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, knows all the deeds of human beings, and all their thoughts, as it says: “Who fashioned the hearts of them all, Who comprehends all their actions.” (Psalm 33:15)

LDS – “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, rewards those that keep His commandments and punishes those that transgress them.”

LDS – “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah; and even though he may tarry, nonetheless I wait every day for his coming.”

LDS – “We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.”

 Judaism – “I believe with perfect faith that there will be a revival of the dead at the time when it shall please the Creator, blessed be His name, and His mention shall be exalted for ever and ever.”

LDS – “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”

 Maimonides’ 13 Principles of Faith

 From the website:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_principles_of_faith

 1 I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is the Creator and Guide of everything that has been created; He alone has made, does make, and will make all things.”

2 I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is One, and that there is no unity in any manner like His, and that He alone is our God, who was, and is, and will be.

3 I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is not a body, and that He is free from all the properties of matter, and that there can be no (physical) comparison to Him whatsoever.

4 I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is the first and the last.

5 I believe with perfect faith that to the Creator, blessed be His Name, and to Him alone, it is right to pray, and that it is not right to pray to any being besides Him.

6 I believe with perfect faith that all the words of the prophets are true.

7 I believe with perfect faith that the prophecy of Moses, our teacher, peace be upon him, was true, and that he was the chief of the prophets, both of those who preceded him and of those who followed him.

8 I believe with perfect faith that the entire Torah that is now in our possession is the same that was given to Moses, our teacher, peace be upon him.

9 I believe with perfect faith that this Torah will not be exchanged, and that there will never be any other Torah from the Creator, blessed be His name.

10 I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, knows all the deeds of human beings, and all their thoughts, as it says: “Who fashioned the hearts of them all, Who comprehends all their actions.” (Psalm 33:15)

11 I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, rewards those that keep His commandments and punishes those that transgress them.

12 I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah; and even though he may tarry, nonetheless I wait every day for his coming.

13 I believe with perfect faith that there will be a revival of the dead at the time when it shall please the Creator, blessed be His name, and His mention shall be exalted for ever and ever.

 LDS 13 Articles of Faith

 1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8 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.

9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. –10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

 http://www.moshiach.com/discover/articles/thirteen_principles_of_faith.php

1. Belief in the existence of the Creator, be He Blessed, who is perfect in every manner of existence and is the Primary Cause of all that exists.

2. The belief in G-d’s absolute and unparalleled unity.

3. The belief in G-d’s noncorporeality, nor that He will be affected by any physical occurrences, such as movement, or rest, or dwelling.

4. The belief in G-d’s eternity.

5. The imperative to worship Him exclusively and no foreign false gods.

6. The belief that G-d communicates with man through prophecy.

7. The belief that the prophecy of Moses our teacher has priority.

8. The belief in the divine origin of the Torah.

9. The belief in the immutability of the Torah.

10. The belief in divine omniscience and providence.

11. The belief in divine reward and retribution.

12. The belief in the arrival of the Messiah and the messianic era.

13. The belief in the resurrection of the dead.

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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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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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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.

(more…)

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Interesting Facts of the 3-in-1

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

Interesting facts of 3-in-1 Part 1

3-in-1 Introductory page of the Book of Mormon says; “Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God”

  The LDS Church does not believe in the Trinity.  In the book Articles of Faith, pg, 40-1, it states; “Unity of the Godhead….this cannot rationally be construed to mean that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one in substance and in person, nor that the names represent the same individual under different aspects.”

 There are two more items of interest just in this one sentence on their introductory page.

 1-What is the meaning of eternal?

2-They only believe that Jesus has earned the right to become a god because of his good works here on earth.  This statement does not mean that Jesus is our God, just that he is a god.

(more…)

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Jesus in the Book of Mormon

Posted in Jesus in the Book of Mormon, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on 01/12/2011| 1 Comment »

Jesus in the Book of Mormon and the LDS Church

      Mormon Jesus 2As is usually the case, I stumbled across something interesting in the Book of Mormon while looking for something else.  This time I was reminded of what the Nephites thought of Jesus and His skin color in 3 Nephi 19:30;

 “And when Jesus had spoken these words he came again unto his disciples; and behold they did pray steadfastly, without ceasing, unto him; and he did smile upon them again; and behold they were white, even as Jesus.”

      How can this be you ask?  Yeah, well you might want to hold that thought so you can ask the same question about all the things they say about Jesus.  So this got me to thinking…is there a concise list of all the things Mormons are taught about Jesus?  I remember being a Mormon and being confused about the truth.  I wanted so badly to know Him, but didn’t know how or even where to look.  Each time I read my MIA or Relief Society manuals to compare them with the Bible I kept getting more and more confused.  I couldn’t keep the stories about Him straight and often wondered where the atonement took place and when.

     It wasn’t until I started investigating on my own years later did I find the truth.  I’m a visual learner and remember things better when they’re written down so I’m a fan of making lists.  Below is a small list of the teachings about Jesus according to the Mormon Church.

     And because the Church claims the Book of Mormon is the “fullness of the gospel”, we’re comparing what they say in the Book of Mormon to the teachings of other Church leaders.  We’re simply asking:

 Why aren’t all of their teachings found in the “fullness of the gospel”?

      If you’re LDS please know that we pray for you each and every day here at Life After Ministries.  It is our sincere desire that you know the truth about what the leaders have taught and most importantly that you would know the real Jesus of the Bible.  All of our information comes directly from Church authorized books and manuals.

With Love in Christ;

Michelle

1 Cor. 1:18  …

 Teachings about Jesus found in the Book of Mormon

 A Son of God – Alma 36:17

 Ascended multiple times into heaven – 3 Nephi 18:39

 Belief in Jesus saves you – Helaman 14:8

 Blood of Jesus is only way to salvation – Helaman 5:9

 Born in Jerusalem – Alma 7:10

 Cannot save you in your sins – Alma 11:34, 37

 Crucified for sins of the world – 1 Nephi 11:33

 Eternal Father – Alma 11:39

 Eternal God – Front Cover of BoM; 2 Nephi 26:12

 Father and the Son – Ether 3:14

 Father, Son and Holy Ghost is One God – Mormon 7:7

 God – 2 Nephi 26:12; Mosiah 13:34, Alma 11:39

 God above all – Mosiah 5:15

 Lamb of God – 1 Nephi 11:19

 Law fulfilled in him – 3 Nephi 15:5

 Lifted up on cross to draw people to him – 3 Nephi 27:14

 Lord and God – Moroni 8:8; 3 Nephi 19:18

 Name is Christ – 2 Nephi 10:3; Mosiah 5:9

 Named Jesus Christ – 2 Nephi 25:19

 One God – Alma 11:34

 Redeemer – Alma 11:40

 Savior of the world – 1 Nephi 13:40

 Son of the Eternal Father – 1 Nephi 11:21 (note: in the 1830 BoM edition it said Jesus was the Eternal Father in this verse.  Joseph Smith changed this and other verses in 1837. – Power of the Word: Saving Doctrines from the Book of Mormon, pg. 11 – Robert Millet)

 Son of God – 1 Nephi 11:24

 Additional teachings about Jesus

 A god – Doctrines of Salvation 1:32

 A god named Christ – Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, pg. 6

 Alpha, Omega, Jehovah, I AM – Jesus the Christ, pg. 34

 Atonement of Jesus, Crucified for polygamy – Journal of Discourses 1:346, Jedidiah Grant

 Atonement of Jesus, Crucified for sins – Doctrines of Salvation 1:132

 Atonement of Jesus, Crucified for sins of the world – D&C 21:9, 46:13, 53:2, 54:1; 76:41

 Atonement of Jesus in Garden of Gethsemane – D&C 19:18

 Atonement of Jesus in Garden of Gethsemane – MD, pg. 85

 Atonement of Jesus in Garden of Gethsemane – EM, pg. 542

 Atonement of Jesus in Garden of Gethsemane – Learning for the Eternities, pgs. 104-105

 Atonement of Jesus in Garden of Gethsemane – Selected Writings of Daniel H. Ludlow: Gospel Scholars Series, pg. 244

 Atonement of Jesus in Garden of Gethsemane – Conference Report, April 1961, pg. 119

 Atonement of Jesus in Garden of Gethsemane – Seventies Course in Theology 4:113-114

 Atonement of Jesus in Garden of Gethsemane – Sermons and Writings of Bruce McConkie, pg. 208

 Became master over elements – Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin Ballard: pg. 177

 Became the Father – Gospel through the Ages, pg. 24

 Begotten by man – Doctrines of Salvation 1:18

 Begotten by the father of his spirit – Mormon Doctrine of Deity, pg. 264

 Birth brought darkness to earth – Answers to Gospel Questions 3:45

 Blood of Jesus is perfect sacrifice – D&C 76:69

 Blood of Jesus not enough for murderers – D&C 42:79

 Blood of Jesus not enough – Doctrines of Salvation 1:133

 Born the same race as God – Doctrines of Salvation, pg. 103

 Born to a virgin – Mormon Doctrine, pg. 822

 Bows to Adam – Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 157

 Brother of Lucifer – Mormon Doctrine, pgs. 192-195

 Brother of Lucifer – Jesus the Christ, pg. 8

 Brother of Lucifer – Gospel through the Ages, pg. 15

 Chosen to be savior – Jesus the Christ, pg. 30

 Christian Jesus is ½ horse and ½ ass – Journal of Discourses 4:217, Brigham Young

 Conception result of natural act – Journal of Discourses 8:115-116, Brigham Young

 Conception through sexual intercourse – Teachings of Harold B. Lee, pg. 14

 Contention with Lucifer – Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 357

 Created by God – Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 548

 Death of Jesus was death of a god – Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin Ballard, pg. 226

 Died for all sins – D&C 132:27

 Doesn’t need man’s adoration – Best of Lowell L. Bennion: Selected Writings 1928-1988, pg. 79

 Earned godhood status – Gospel through the Ages, pgs. 20-21

 Elder brother – Doctrines of Salvation 1:15

 Emmanuel – Mormon Doctrine, pg. 376

 Father and Son – Gospel through the Ages, pg. 23

 Firstborn spirit child of God – Encyclopedia of Mormonism, pg. 724

 Forgot everything coming to earth – Doctrines of Salvation 1:32

 God – Building Faith with the Book of Mormon, pg. 127, Reid Bankhead, Glenn Pearson

 God – D&C 1:20, 10:70; 17:9; 18:33, 47; 19:1, 4; 20:28; 27:1; 29:1; 34:1; 35:1, 2; 36:1, 8; 38:1; 39:1; 51:1; 53:1, 2; 54:1; 62:1; 63:59, 60; 66:13; 76:1, 81:7; 93:3

 God of this earth – This is the Truth, pg. 46, Mary Pratt Parrish

 Grew into Messiah – Even As I Am, pg. 69, Neal Maxwell

 Had to qualify to become redeemer – Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, pg, 8

 Held power of priesthood with Adam – Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 158

 Jehovah – Jesus the Christ, pg. 135

 Literal son of God – Gospel Standards, pg. 4, Heber J. Grant;

 Literal son of God – EM, pg. 724, 729

 Man’s spiritual brother – Gospel through the Ages, pg. 21

 Married – Journal of Discourses 4:259-260, Orson Hyde

 Married in Cana – Journal of Discourses 2:82-83, Orson Hyde

 Mediator of the New Covenant – D&C 76:69

 Member of the council of gods – Behold the Lamb of God, pg. 17, J. Reuben Clark

 Must obey commandments – Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 308

 Name of Jesus Christ only for salvation – D&C 18:23

 Not begotten by the Holy Spirit – Journal of Discourses 1:51, Brigham Young

 Not the only savior – Joseph Smith the Prophet, pg. 13

 Offspring of God – Gospel Doctrine, pg. 69

 Offspring of polygamist David – Journal of Discourses 13:42, George A. Smith

 One of many redeemers – Journal of Discourses 14:71, Brigham Young

 Path of Jesus to godhood – God, Man, and the Universe, pgs. 193-194, Hyrum Andrus

 Perfect – Gospel through the Ages, pg. 19

 Polygamist – Journal of Discourses 2:210, Brigham Young

 Polygamist – Journal of Discourses 13:309, Brigham Young

 Polygamist – The Seer, pg. 172, Orson Pratt

 Progressed into godhood – Key to the Science of Theology, pgs. 39-40, Parley Pratt

 Rejected by all men – Mormonism and Early Christianity, pgs. 169-170, Hugh Nibley

 Related to Joseph Smith – Jesus was Married, pg. 94, Ogden Kraut

 Return of Jesus in 56 yrs (it was Jan. 1836 at time of prophecy) – History of the Church 2:180

 Saved being and prototype for faith – Lectures on Faith, pgs. 97-98, Larry Dahl, Charles Tate, Jr.

 Separate god from Father God – Documentary History of the Church 6:474, Joseph Smith, Jr., June 16, 1844

 Shed his blood because Adam had no blood – Answers to Gospel Questions 3:207

 Sired by God – Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, pg. 7

 Sired by God – Come unto Christ, pg. 4, Ezra Taft Benson

 Son of God who also had a father – Doctrines of Salvation 1:11

 Strange Powers within – Contributor, vol. 10 (November 1888-October 1889): p. 368-369

 The Great White God – Pamphlets: Latter-day Tracts, pg. 1, Mark E. Petersen

 Volunteered for atonement – Answers to Gospel Questions 1:32

 Wasn’t perfect – Times and Seasons, 20 January 1846

 Wasn’t perfect, wasn’t prepared – I Know that My Redeemer Lives: Latter-day Prophets Testify of the Savior, pg. 35, John Taylor

 Withdrew his spirit from the earth – Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 15

 Worked out his own salvation – Doctrines of Salvation 1:32

 Worships another god – Nature of God in the Book of Mormon, 1995 FARMS, Robert Millet

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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.

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Tip of the Day, December 23

Posted in Witnessing Tip of the Day, tagged , , , , on 12/23/2010| Leave a Comment »

December 23 – 1 John 2:1; “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

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Our advocate is forever with us; He promised to never abandon us in John 14:23 so we take that promise for ourselves and hold it dear to our hearts.  There is absolutely nothing we could ever do to establish our own righteousness.  Nothing. 

The Greek work for advocate is parakleôtos.  Para in the Greek means to come alongside, the whole word means intercessor, or consoler.  He’s not going to keep reminding us of our old sin that we’ve already repented of!  Jeremiah 31:31-34 tells us that He will remember it no more. 

The “authorities” in the LDS Church are laying an undue guilt trip upon its people.

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““And again, “. . . Unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God.” (D&C 82:7.)  Would this mean that the person who has returned to the sins he has professedly abandoned must start the process of repentance again from the beginning? that one cannot return to sin and then start repentance from where he left off?

To return to sin is most destructive to the morale of the individual and gives Satan another hand-hold on his victim. Those who feel that they can sin and be forgiven and then return to sin and be forgiven again and again must straighten out their thinking. Each previously forgiven sin is added to the new one and the whole gets to be a heavy load.”  Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, pg. 170.

Doctrine and Covenants 82:7; “And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God.”

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