Thursday, December 10, 2015

To fear or not to fear? That is the question.

"Fear" by Skogalfar

     Fear.  We are gripped by it.  Compelled to act through it.  And, as of recently, seem to be in a constant state of it.  And rightly so.  Countless people have died at the hands of terrorism.  I'm not just saying this as an American either.  I say this as a human being, a member of this earth.  Too many people have died at the hands of extremists.  Sadly, terrorism has come to a point where it's almost not even news anymore.  We are less and less shocked that there was a bombing, or a shooting, or a bomb threat, etc.  It's madness.
     And with this madness, our fear has led us to say some pretty outrageous things in response.  Things that we cannot take back.  Things that aren't pretty.  Things that border on the lines of racism.  Things that are full of hatred and anger.
     Even our leaders and politicians are even guilty of it.  The people we put in charge, the people we elected to protect our homes and our borders are controlled by fear.  There have been talks and pushes to register people based on religion or race.  And I have to admit, I entertained the idea for a bit.  Even tried to justify it.  Then I started thinking..."this is pretty reminiscent of that time when the Nazis made all the Jews wear a Star of David" and my heart sank into my chest.  It retreated even further when I thought back to my history class and remembered what we did to Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor.  But nothing hurt my heart as much as when I reflected on the words of Jesus.

You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.  If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ..."You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
(Matt 5.38-39, 43-45, emphasis mine)

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  ...But love your enemies, do good to them...then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.  Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
(Luke 6:27-28, 35-36, emphasis mine)

     As Pastor Tom Mercer always says, "Jesus was right about everything.  And when I say everything I mean: Every. Thing."  And we as God fearing, Bible reading, Jesus loving, Sabbath church going, Christian living people need to live it.  Period.  There is no gray area on this.  Are these terrorists our enemies?  Absolutely! and Jesus said we need to love them.  Are these terrorists killing people without any rhyme or reason and with an unparalleled fury?  Undoubtedly! and Jesus commands us to pray for them.  Are they hijacking our way of life, hiding in the shadows, perpetuating fear with chaos and destruction?  Yes! and Jesus says we need to turn the other cheek.

     We cannot claim to be followers of Jesus and not actually follow Him.  Nowhere in the Bible does it say to treat people with hostility, or malice.  In fact is says the opposite.  "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31).  Since terrorists are our neighbors, Biblically speaking, then that includes them too.  And do you know why Jesus said this?  Because God does not treat any of us like that.  God has every right to condemn us, hate us, and kill us because of our sins against Him...but He doesn't.  You know why?  Grace.  We do not deserve anything we have.  We don't deserve the air in our lungs, the clothes on our back, the love and friendships we enjoy, or even our next heartbeat.  We deserve death, for the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23) and we all stand guilty.  But God showed us undeserved favor in the person of Jesus.
     Now, I know what you're thinking.  "But these people cannot get away with this!  Something has to be done!  They need to pay and we need to protect ourselves.  Are you saying we just do nothing?!?"  First of all, no.  That's not at all what I'm saying.  1 Timothy 5:8 says to provide for your family, and I think protection is something that needs to be provided.  So, by all means, take steps that directly ensure your family and your home are safe.  These things include buying food and water, stocking up on supplies, and maybe even a owning some guns.  Notice I said "directly".  Racism, hatred, prejudice, and segregation is not only NOT a solution, but it's un-Biblical, unjust, and would only fuel the fire.

"The Four Horsemen" by Yayashin 2012
     Secondly, we seem to be forgetting that vengeance solely belongs to Him, and Him alone.  Romans 12:19 says, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord."  Psalm 94:1 states, "The LORD is a God who avenges.  O God who avenges, shine forth."  Deuteronomy 32:35 reads, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay.  In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them."  Proverbs 24:29 says, "Do not say, "Ill do to them as they have done to me; I'll pay them back for what they did."  And the book of Hebrews 10:30 states, "For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."  
     The question then is simple.  Do you believe Him?  God says in His word that He is all powerful (Isa. 43:13, Jer. 32:27, Matt. 19:26, Job 42:1-2), all knowing (Ps. 147:4-5, Isa. 46:9-10, Job 21:22), all seeing (Heb. 4:13, Psalm 33:13 Job 28:24), and completely Just (2 Thes. 1:6, Heb. 6:10).  That means that He is strong enough to do something about it, and that His something is a lot more than you or I could ever do in a thousand lifetimes.  It means that He knows what is going on in our lives and knows exactly what we are going through.  It means that He sees our suffering, sees our pain, sees our struggles.  Furthermore, it means that He is not going to let these things go.  Something will be done and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it.
     I sometimes feel that we as Christians only remember that God is love, or gracious, or merciful.  While they aren't weak traits, when things go sour and we are backed into a corner, we forget to turn to Him.  It's as if we forgot that God is also just, powerful, and protective of His people.  Maybe we do this because we can't merge these two ideas together in perfect harmony.  Therefore, we only see God as some forgiving teddy bear that just wants to hug and love on everyone.  As such, when the going gets tough we don't turn to the teddy bear, but instead roll up our sleeves and try to take matters into our own weak and limited hands.  We feel the need to take action and try to go it alone.  But, friends hear me on this.  God is all of those things perfectly wrapped up and seated on the throne!  Don't over look that!  It is true that God is all loving, but He also will not withhold His might hand from His enemies.  It is true that He is full of grace, but that grace is coupled with complete and perfect justice.  God's got this guys.  He really does.

     I am writing these words, still being convicted by His Holy Spirit.  To be honest, I am afraid of what is to come of our world.  I'm scared for the future, not only my own but also that of my young children.  I can't even imagine the world my son and daughter are going to live in...and that scares me.  A lot.  But, as a Christian who believes Jesus was right about everything, that God is all powerful, and that my eternity is secure, should I be afraid?  And the answer is no.
     Jesus tells us, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body..." (Matt. 10:28).  Read it for yourselves.  Jesus is telling us to not be afraid of anyone (i.e. - the terrorists) who murders, beheads, destroys, burns, etc. our bodies.  But, that sounds kind of...weird, doesn't it?  I imagine having a conversation with the Almighty, saying something like: "So, Jesus, You're telling me that we're supposed to just live our lives without having fear of being killed for our beliefs, our way of life?"  And He would lovingly respond, "That's exactly what I'm telling you."
     What's amazing is that if you really step back and understand the Gospel, then this crazy, weird statement actually makes sense!  God is telling us that we are (or can be) on the winning team.  Thats because when we fear God we recognize who is in control.  We realize that this life is a blip in eternity, one that has no tears, no hurt, no pain, and no sorrow.  We are then filled with a peace that only He can provide because we rest in knowing that we are secured by His love, His grace, His justice, His mercy, and ultimately protected by His mighty hand.  "Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Cor. 15:55).  Let me put it another way.  If you were playing football, and knew with absolute certainty that at the end of the game your team would win, would really anything that happened in the game bother you?  Would you be worried if the QB threw a pick-6?  Or if your team was down by 17 with 4 minutes to go in the 4th?  Of course not!  That's how it is when you are His child.  We are going to win the game, we just don't know how much time is on the clock.
     Because we don't know how much time is left, that can cause some anxiety.  But the Bible tells us quite a few times to "fear not".  So, I propose that instead of all this hatred, all the racism, all the propaganda, all these destructive "solutions", all our acting on our fears and turning it into something unholy and dishonoring to God...

...we just obey God's word and trust Him.

Sound good?

Thursday, December 3, 2015

The Power of Prayer


Not too often do I blog about things when I am pretty hacked off.  Most of the time I am eager to share knowledge with you guys or just wanting to write something that I find interesting.  Generally, I am fairly easy going and I try to be as joyful as I can be.  I try my hardest to make each of my blogs enjoyable and educational, with just a hint of humor.  And maybe some sarcasm.

However, this is not one of those times.

I write this pretty furious.  I'm mad at the world, and the deviant that it has become.  I'm angry that God has not only been placed on the back burner, but His very existence is not even in question anymore.  The world, as it seems, is in full agreement that God does not exist, the Bible is about as reliable as the Mother Goose stories, and Jesus never existed.  How infuriating!  What I hold so dear to my heart, my Lord and Savior Jesus and His gospel message, is openly being mocked, ridiculed, and we (Christians) are being thought of as idiotic, uneducated, close-minded bigots that pray to a big giant Santa in the sky and force our nonsense on the world.

I was on a semi-popular social networking site, one that tends to look unfavorably on the people of faith - ironic since most of the people there would tell you they believe in tolerance, education, and togetherness, but whatever.  I normally just brush over the few times I would encounter snide comments, the blasphemous depictions of God, and the hatred for His word.  But today, I just couldn't do it.  I had to say something!  Even if just to you few.

Today, I saw a post regarding this:
Image: New York Daily News cover

And one of the comments was this:


First off, how insensitive do you have to be to mock people for praying to their God for peace and healing after 14 people were murdered?  I'm not even talking about a specific faith here either.  No one mocks people for the "sending good thoughts your way" comments.  No one belittles the person who says, "thinking of you guys in this time of need."  In fact, if Tom Cruise said he was going to pray, or whatever the Scientologists do, for the victims and their families, no one would bat an eye.  He'd even probably gain tons of followers and have thousands of re-tweets.  So why attack people who's hearts are going out to those affected by this tragedy?  Why use something like this to attack?  What I want to add is that these people - Ted Cruz, Dr. Rand Paul, Paul Ryan, Lindsey Graham - are all Christians.  They love Jesus.  So, not only are these people insensitive to the families affected, but the are using it to belittle Christians.  Notice any hostility towards ANY OTHER faith?  Me neither.

Secondly, I am amazed at the ignorance of these two statements!  "God isn't fixing this" is just the most idiotic statement possible.  Blaming God for all the evil in the world is an argument as old as Adam and Eve and stems from the belief that if God is all good and all powerful, and God hates evil, then evil should not exist.  But since evil does exist, then God must not.  This is a fallacious argument and is easily explained away.  You see, God designed us to be able to choose and live our own lives.  He didn't create mindless robots or drones that have to choose to follow Him.  As such, God allows allows us to make good and bad choices.  Unfortunately, some people choose really poorly sometimes and choose to terrorize and murder innocent lives.  Ultimately then, evil exists because of our own malice and sinful nature and rebellion towards a holy God.  We chose to sin, we are continually choosing to continue to sin, and evil is the result.  So to a non-believer it may make sense to blame Him for not "fixing" these problems.  But if He were to "fix them" then we would no longer be free to choose or not choose him.  Our love for Him would be forced and not genuine.  It is more important for Him to have people who truly and genuinely abide in Him, even if that means that evils will occur, than to have no evils and therefore no true followers.  So, for those of us who know and love God, we completely understand where the evils of the world come from - our own sinful nature - and know and trust that God is in control. 

Furthermore, people need to understand that God always answers our prayers, but He doesn't always answer them the way we want Him to.  Just like a kid doesn't always get his way with his parents, God doesn't always give us what we want.  Sometimes the answer is no.  And as hard as that is, we as people of faith need to believe that when He does reply, regardless of the answer, it's out of His perfect love and grace and for the best (Rom. 8:28).  I don't know why things like this happen.  I really can't grasp how God could make these shootings turn out for the best, but that's because His ways are not my ways (Isa. 55:8).  "But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'"" (Rom. 9:20).  I'm sure Joseph prayed for his release from prison in Egypt, or that Daniel prayed to not be thrown to the lions, or his three buddies prayed not to be thrown in the fire.  Even Jesus asked for things to be different (Matt. 26:39).  But, as Joseph said, we are in God's place and though there are evils against us, God meant it for good. (Gen. 50:20).  

Lastly, and more importantly, you need to know that God has already fixed this problem.  That's right, you read that correctly.  DO YOU HEAR ME DAILY NEWS?  THE PROBLEM HAS ALREADY BEEN FIXED! and was done so in the person of Jesus Christ.  Our biggest problem isn't terrorism.  It's not the NRA, as the democratic party would have you believe.  Our biggest problem is sin and the Hell that comes with it, literally.  Jesus paid our debts and forgave our sins on the cross.  So, He has fixed it.

 I am a firm believer in the power of prayer.  I've seen it work in my life many a times as well as the lives of my friends and family.  We pray because we are powerless.  We have no control of anything.  Of all the things that we go through in our lives, maybe a fraction of things are in our control.  This is why we need God to be present in our lives.  And in times like this, we need prayer more than ever.  One of my favorite comics, Jeff Allen, said, "Love, peace, and tolerance are God given traits.  If they weren't we'd be a much more loving, tolerant, and peaceful people."  Prayer is us asking God to give us what we cannot generate within ourselves.  Pray for peace in these troubled times.  Pray that God would grant these families a peace that overcomes all grief, a peace that only God can provide.  Pray that these thoughtless killings cease and that His love would be our response.

Lastly, I leave you with this:

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5:16-18).

My prayers go out to the families who are grieving.  Father, God, my heart breaks for the amount of sorrow and pain these families and friends must be feeling.  I don't know them, but you do.  You love them more than anyone can understand.  Please God, grant them your spirit.  Wash over them and comfort them.  I pray, God, that you grant them what they so desperately need in these next coming days, weeks, months, and years.  I pray for the children of the victims who now have one less parent and ask that you comfort them as well.  Grant them your peace, your love, and your security.  Amen.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

10 Reasons You Should Be A Mormon - Answered!


Something you may or may not know about me....

     I'm a former Latter-day Saint.  I used to be a Mormon.  I was baptized at 8, I was given the Aaronic Priesthood at 12, the Melchizedek Priesthood at 18.  I did stuff at the temple, did home teaching things, and considered myself to be pretty devout.  I didn't leave the LDS church until I was 22 years old.  With that being said I did not go on a mission, nor did I get married in the temple.  But, to this day, I still read Mormon articles and whatnot because, as a now Christian, I want to be equipped to answer my LDS family and friends on any religious differences.
     So when I see an article that is titled "10 REASONS YOU SHOULD BE A MORMON" my eyes tingle and twinge a bit.  And naturally, I can't control myself, I click and I read.  (see the article here)  I'm interested to see why people would want to become a Mormon.  In fact, that's a question I ask to many Mormons that I evangelize to.  What's the draw?  Why do you want to be LDS?  Why do you put your faith in the Book of Mormon, the latter-day prophets, the .... etc.  It's an intriguing and provoking thought.  Well, Steffany Ruby Faldmo, writer for www.ldsliving.com, was willing to give us her thoughts and I was more than happy to analyze it and, as Joseph Smith puts it, "take away the veil so that you may see."  Because if you just read this article, it seems very Christian, very Gospel-ly, and very interesting.  So, I'll try and tell you what they're really saying, or what they really believe, that way you have all the information and can make an informed decision.  Hopefully.
     Oddly enough, some of the reasons why this person says you should be Mormon are the same reasons why I said in an earlier blog (7 Reasons I am Not A Mormon) why you shouldn't become one.  Oh, sweet irony.  Anyways, after reading this article, and pondering on their reasons I decided that I had to write a response.

So, here you go...


STEFF'S REASON #1 - Jesus Christ is the Center of the LDS Faith
"A lot of people believe we don't worship Jesus Christ, but we do.  We believe in the same Jesus Christ that other Christian faiths believe in."

     I don't know where Steffany is getting her info, but the Biblical Jesus and the Mormon Jesus are not the same.  Period.  Let me explain with just a few differences.



     In fact, Gordon B. Hinckley even admitted this: "As a church, we have critics—many of them. They say we do not believe in the traditional Christ of Christianity. There is some substance to what they say. Our faith, our knowledge, is not based on ancient tradition…Our faith, our knowledge comes of the witness of a prophet in this dispensation." (President Gordon B. Hinckley, April 2002 General Conference).  So you see, Jesus Christ is the center of the Mormon church, but it's just not the Biblical Jesus.


STEFF'S REASON #2 - God still speaks to the world through a prophet.
"There is a living prophet today... [and] he only way you can know there's a prophet is through listening to what he has to say and praying to know for yourself."



     Ok, first of all, Mormons throw this "find out and pray to know if ___ is true" answer out all the time.  And while we should pray for things that we do not know and need guidance on, we also do not need to pray if God has already spoken about it.  Do we need to pray and ask if homosexuality is a sin?  No, because He said it in the Bible.  Do we need to pray and ask if we should obey our parents? No, because He said it in the Bible.  Do we need to pray and ask whether or not we should be kind to one another? No, and you know why? BECAUSE HE ALREADY TOLD US.  And, the Bible is very clear on what to do with other "gospels".  Paul says to the Galatian church that if anyone preaches another gospel to them than what he is preaching to them, then they will be cursed by God (Gal 1:8).  So, we don't need to pray about this one.  Is it in line with what the Bible teaches about God, Jesus, salvation, His message, etc.? No? Then don't believe it.  Simple.
     Secondly, the Bible teaches us that prophets were to be mediators between God and us.  But when Jesus died, the veil on the Holy of Hollies was torn (Mark 15:38), meaning we no longer have separation from God.  In fact, we can now talk directly to God and hear him speak in our lives through Jesus (1 Tim 2:5).
     Also, Luke 16:16.


STEFF'S REASON #3 - The Book of Mormon is MORE evidence of Christ
"It's such a blessing to have another testament of Jesus Christ in book form, just like the Bible!  ...both can be read side by side to learn more about who He is and how we can be like Him."

     The Book of Mormon is not recognized by anyone (other than those with ties to the LDS church) as being anywhere close to being historically accurate.  To date, nothing has been found that will substantiate the Book of Mormon as being a credible reference to anything that happened in the Americas.  Period.  As such, it cannot be used as evidence.
     I also would like to point out the inherent Mormon hierarchy of scripture.  Steffany says that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon can be read side by side, but then does a back handed cut to the Bible by saying the Book of Mormon "is easy to understand because it hasn't been translated a million different ways and times...", thus implying the Bible is difficult to understand and has had some translation issues.  Yeah, how many manuscripts can you compare your Book of Mormon to?  How many scholarly men and women have analyzed and studied the ancient writings of the Book of Mormon to decipher just exactly what each writer was intending to portray?

SMH...moving on...


STEFF'S REASON #4 - We have no paid clergy
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"...out of our 14+ million members worldwide, from the prophet to the bishops to the members, NO ONE is paid.  [While there is a stipend for living expenses] ... we don't have people that go to school to become prophets and apostles and bishops... They are called by God and volunteer their time to serve."

     NO ONE is paid?  Really.  Cause I just read an article that says that General Authorities get at least $50,000 a year, the prophet and 70 get a salary, benefits, etc.  But, isn't that being paid?  Because it sounds a lot to me like they're being paid.  $50,000 - $200,000 is not just living expenses.  If the LDS clergy had their living expenses taken care of, then the church would not need to give them a paycheck.  At all.  The Church would have housing that is already paid for that these people can live in, free of charge.  They would drive cars owned by the church, gas cards to fill them up.  Maybe they'd get a few bucks for food and clothes every month or so, but that's it.  That cost of living is maybe $1k-$2k a year...and that's being generous.  Instead they are being paid more than most people in the world.  So, I call this one a lie.  Full on, bold face lie.  They are being paid.  Period, end of story.
     What's funny is that I don't care that they are being paid.  I don't care if the prophet makes $1 mil a year.  I really don't.  In fact, I agree with and support them being paid!  My pastor is paid, so is my worship leader, the secretaries, etc.  We should pay our clergy according to the Bible (1 Tim 5:17-18, Cor 11:8-9, Phil. 4:15-18, Cor. 12:13).  So, that begs the question, why is the Mormon church making a big deal out of this?  To make themselves look altruistic?  To make them seem like they are better than all the other churches because all of their staff is volunteer...even though they aren't?  It's just ridiculous.
     Secondly, why would you want people leading you and your families if they have no formal training?  Would you go to a non-accredited college?  Would you send your kids to learn and study from a teacher who never graduated?  Would you learn how to drive from someone who has never been behind the wheel of a car?  OF COURSE NOT!!!  That would be idiotic!  It's like the blind leading the blind.  Yet the Mormon church is proud that everyone is a non-experienced person.


STEFF'S REASON #5 - We have the biggest missionary program EVER!
"There are currently 74,900 missionaries throughout the world in 405 missions.  None are paid.  ...We even save our own money to serve!  ...We know that this is the true Church of Jesus Christ and that it will bring more happiness and peace to your life that you can ever know otherwise!"

     Look, I applaud the Mormon missionary program.  I do.  These young men and women are bold for their religion and the volume of LDS missionaries should make the Christian church's feel like they need to step it up.
     However...They know very little.  I have had countless conversations with countless missionaries about the Bible, Jesus, the Gospel, and they are just not well equipped to answer tough questions.  It's like they are given a script but cannot really deviate from it.  They don't know how to argue, evangelize, or defend their own beliefs.  And this is not something I've heard from someone, or whatever.  I know this because I have seen it time and time again!  For instance, I've talked to the missionaries about their belief of families being together forever, temple sealings, and them being able to become a God one day (all of which they confirmed to be a firm belief in).  I then started prodding about these beliefs and asking them about the afterlife.  What does it look like?  How can you be sealed and together with your family for all time and eternity when your children have the opportunity to go off and become a god of their own planet as well?  In your new planet, do you need another Jesus to pay for the sins of your inhabitants?  Would your son be that new Jesus, or would you and your wife have to make another one?  These questions may seem silly or outrageous to you and me, but to a Mormon these are logical extensions of a foundational belief.  Yet, they are silent on it and claim that these answers, "Have not been revealed."  Then when I tell them that the Bible says that God is the only God, and that no one has a chance to become one (Isaiah 43:10) they just say I don't understand the true gospel and leave.
     And I don't think I'm being unreasonable in thinking like this.  People that believe in the reincarnation law has some sort of explanation for what happens, why it happens, and what not.  Even if their explanations are weak or misguided, they still can somewhat hold a conversation about it.  Mormons don't.  They believe this extremely radical idea (families sealed for all time and eternity through a temple marriage, God was once a man, the Adam-God theory, they can become a God) yet cannot explain logical extensions of that belief.  In my experience, most don't even attempt to try.  Instead, they claim a lack of understanding because God hasn't told them yet.  Sounds like a cop-out to me, but hey what do I know.
     Most importantly, they are preaching the wrong gospel of Jesus Christ.  Sheer numbers do not make up for the fact that they are preaching a false doctrine and leading people away from the throne of God. (This would take a long time to fully explain in this blog.  Instead, you can read my book "Where is Jesus?" or some of my other blog posts, or listen to Dr. Walter Martin, or read "Beyond Mormonism" by James R. Spencer).


STEFF'S REASON #6 - We know death does NOT separate families.
"...would God put us here in families just to break them apart at death?  Of course not!  That's why when we are married it's not til death, but for all time and eternity."

     First off - and again, I don't know where she gets her information - but God does not separate families at death.  When I die, I will see my wife and children again (as long as they have put their trust in Jesus).  The only difference is that my wife will not have the title of "wife".  My kids will no longer belong to me and be called my children.  Instead, we will all be apart of a collective group of people - a body of believers if you will - that will rejoice in the redeeming and saving grace of our Lord Jesus and bask in the Glory of God forever and ever.  But this is not a separation.  It's only a title change.  We are no longer known as husband, or wife, or son, or daughter, but are rather called children of God, the Redeemed, the blessed, His bridegrooms.  We are not separated from God or eachother at all.  Only our earthly designations are changed.
     Secondly, the Bible says that no one is going to be married after death.  Meaning marriage no longer has meaning after we die.  (Rom 7:2, 1 Cor. 7:39, Luke 20:27-40, Matt 22:29-30).  So that belief that marriage is eternal is completely un-Biblical.  I talk about this in my book and expound upon the differences of a Biblical marriage and a Mormon marriage and who the focus actually is on in each scenario.  Just know that marriage is a tool that helps you get closer to and focus on God more.  As such, once you are in the presence of God there is no longer a need to be married.


STEFF'S REASON #7 - We have temples!
"In ancient times, God commanded His people to build temples to perform sacred ordinances like marriage... With the restoration of His church through the prophet Joseph Smith, building temples became a commandment once again.  ...You can feel the peace there even just walking around the grounds."

     Hows about a history lesson?  God did not actually command His people to build temples, as in multiple ones.  Here is how it happened...briefly.  In the old testament Moses was given quite a bit of things directly from God and they were placed in the Ark of the Covenant.  Later on, instructions followed on how to build a tabernacle for God to house the Ark.  It was a roaming 'temple' where sacrifices and burnt offerings were given to God for several things.  When King David came along, he saw all that he had been given and blessed with and said "Look, I am living in a palace made of cedar wood, but the Ark of God is in a tent!" (2 Sam. 7:2).  David then pursued the task of building a temple, which was halted when God told him that his son Solomon would build Him a temple.  Emphasis on 'a' temple...meaning just one.  One temple.  Uno templo.  After David died, King Solomon build "a" temple to the Lord.  That temple lasted until Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 BCE.  The second temple, or Herod's temple (a replacement of the first) was built 516 BCE and lasted until after Jesus' life.  It was then destroyed in 70 A.D., fulfilling Jesus' prophecy (Matt. 24:1-8).  It is important to note that there is nothing that would lead anyone to believe that weddings, or marriage ceremonies, or the like were ever performed in either of these temples.
     So, Steffany has been misled by the LDS church.  God commanded His people to build a temple, not temples.  Temples were never used for marriages.  Instead, they were used in worship, a place to perform sacrifices, or burnt offerings.  Now, I don't know if you can feel God's presence or anything when you walk around there or not because I haven't been to one in over a decade.  I just know the facts.  Maybe they feel a peace because they are just truly beautiful buildings.


STEFF'S REASON #8 - We have authority from God
"No one can just stand up and decide they have authority from God to start a church.  ...Many churches were formed [after Christ] and people had this idea that they could start a church however they wanted.  ...that authority that was given by God to baptize, preach the gospel, and hold all the keys to run His church on earth was brought back and restored through a prophet..."

     Uh...what?!?  First of all, Joseph Smith was such a person.  He reported a story that he was visited by an Angel of Light and God told him that every single church, pastor, and doctrine on earth was false and that he had to start a church.  So, obviously people can just start any ol' church.
     Secondly, the churches that were formed after Jesus' death were started by the apostles ministries throughout the middle east.  Read the book of Acts.  Thousands upon thousands were converted to Christianity and they held church in their homes, where they worshiped Jesus.  Later, the apostles wrote down what God impressed upon them to write, some of their letters to these churches were gathered, and the New Testament was formed.  This coupled with the Old Testament formed the Bible, which is where people get their 'authority' from.  God has spoken in His word how He wants His church to be governed.  Every Christian church that follows the Bible has God at the helm.  He is the only authority and in His name are baptisms, preaching, etc. are being done.
     Thirdly, Joseph's new Book has not been substantiated as fact, his gospel is a departure from the Bible's, and his church (the Mormons) do not follow the same road that Christian churches do.  The only thing the Mormons do have is the Bible, and they in a round about way discredit that.  They say it is not as powerful as the Book of Mormon because it has either been changed too much or it's outdated.  Joseph Smith even said that the Book of Mormon is better than any other book because it is only through reading it can a person come closer to God (Intro of the Book of Mormon).


STEFF'S REASON #9 - We aren't perfect, but we have the same goals.
"Nobody is perfect, and everyone in our religion (or any other for that matter) struggles with something.  We may not follow our faith perfectly, and we make mistakes, but most of us...try to follow the example of our Savior and be united as families for all eternity."

     While this is a very honest and heartfelt statement, it is not a reason to follow a religion.  "Come follow us because...well, we fail a lot but we mean well!"  How is this a reason?  Maybe I'm being nit-picky or something.  But I was hoping for something more than just the commonality of being born into sin as being a reason.  Yes, we should follow Jesus.  Yes, we should strive to be better.  Yes, we should recognize our own sinful nature.  But how does that help anyone?  What about the person struggling with addiction?  What about the person struggling with a broken home?  Does this answer really speak to them.
     I guess this bothers me because I see it as a bigger problem.  Why not talk about how Jesus died for your sins and saved you from your imperfection?  Why not say, "we're not perfect, but Jesus teaches us that through Him our sins are washed away".  So far only one of her reasons have addressed anything that truly plagues us as humans: our sin.  Apart from number 1's brief mention of Jesus dying for our sins, her numbered points could really apply to joining a health club or a group on Facebook.  Really, no reason to why we need to follow Jesus is given, just that we need to do it.
    Again, maybe I'm being overly critical.  She's just trying to make a fun post about become a Mormon and doesn't really understand what she's asking people or the crucial call for Kingdom Work.  She probably doesn't see things like I do, which isn't necessarily a bad thing because I tend to over analyze a lot!  She probably doesn't see that maybe a person out there is searching for answers and needs more than a cookie cutter answer to life.
    Yeah, maybe I am being overly critical...sorry about that everyone.


STEFF'S REASON #10 - We can have happiness forever!
"I am in no way going to say that being a Mormon means you'll have no trials.  False.  But, many of us can handle our hard times and struggles much easier with the knowledge we do have.  Happiness is so much more abundant when we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and try to be better everyday.  People often ask me how I can be so happy all the time, and it's because I know where I came from, why I'm here, and where I'm going."

     Ah, see, here it is.  I just spoke too soon!  She does end with some meat and potatoes, so to speak, and its something that I agree with...if she were talking about the real Jesus and not Joseph's.
     Following Jesus is the key to finding joy in this life.  Joy, not happiness, but true joy.  The kind of joy that Job had when he was tested.  The kind of Joy that Paul had in prison and while being beaten half to death.  The kind of joy that Peter had in prison, and in death.  The kind of joy that the kids who were murdered for believing in Him had when they stood up for His name.  Whether trials, or hardships, or addictions, or peril, we know that God is with us and has saved us for all time and eternity through the blood of Jesus on the cross.  But that joy only comes when we put our faith, our trust, our hope in the one true Jesus.  Sad to say, but the Mormon Jesus is not the one who can provide that kind of peace, joy, love, and security.  Only the God of the Bible can do that.  And they themselves have admitted to believing in a different Christ (even if Steffany hasn't acknowledged it).


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     Anyways, that's my two cents.  Steffany, if you ever read this, I would love to have a conversation about this with you.  But for the rest of you guys, thanks for reading.  Let me know what you think in a comment, or email, or whatever.  Writing this gave me an idea for my own blog.  I'll try to write one with a few reasons why you should put your faith, hope, and trust in Jesus.  But that will take some time.  But be on the lookout for it.
     As always, I hope this helps you in some way get closer to God and realize your need for a relationship with the true and living God of the Bible.  If you are struggling with something, need answers, or have a couple questions please email me personally at whereisjesusbook@gmail.com.  I would love to pray with you and talk to you about a relationship with Jesus.  Take care, and God bless!

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Works VS Grace


     As my boy Matthew West says, "Grace wins."  When will we learn that the works of a wretched sinner can never compare to the grace of the perfect Lamb?

     I recently had a conversation on Facebook with a friend's friend.  My friend shared my blog "Do Baptisms Save?" and tagged his friend on it, seeking his opinion.  This other gentleman, was very polite, and very intelligent, disagreed with me.  From what I gathered, he thought - or thinks - as most Mormons do; that there was something we needed to do in order to be saved.  After several good conversations back and forth, he asked if repentance was needed to be saved.  I simply told him that repentance was proof of the Spirit working within us, and therefore we were already saved.  It was a byproduct or a result of salvation, not a requirement.
     That answer didn't seem to suit him, as he rebutted back with more scripture.  He was really asking some great questions and it was time for me to really search the scriptures and answer him with more than just a few words and haphazard scripture references.  I will share with you all what I posted because I feel that some LDS members might benefit from it.

Here is my response:

I do not know what faith you confirm to, but it sounds like you believe as I once did. That our salvation must mean that we have to do 'something'. That we have to follow the commandments, that we have to get baptized, that we have to repent in order for us to earn salvation. That we somehow must work hard to prove to God we are worthy of His love. Again, I completely thought that too. But that is just not what the Bible teaches.

Let me be clear. Jesus alone saves. From your earlier comments, I think you believe that. However, you don't seem to fully understand what is meant by that. Let's look at scripture together while focusing on salvation.

"And there is salvation in no one else [meaning Jesus]; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). No other name means that salvation is not up to anybody else, including ourselves. We are not saved by Jesus and our works, for that would be two names that we are saved. The Bible is very clear: only one name saves...Jesus.

Moreover, salvation is a gift. You don't earn gifts. You receive them. Paul says "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). He goes on and says "The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned [Adam]; for on the one hand the judment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification." (Rom. 5:16). So through our many sins, Jesus died and gave us salvation. We are justified freely by His sacrifice.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Eph. 2:8-9). God alone is the bringer of our salvation. If we did have to earn it through our good deeds, by following his commandments, repentance, etc. then we would be able to boast in our righteousness. But we have no righteousness of our own. Even our good deeds are nothing but filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). God is Holy, Holy, Holy, and He alone is worthy of honor and praise. It is a good thing that our salvation relies 100% on Jesus's work on the cross and 0% in our actions because Jesus is 100% reliable, trustworthy, perfect, holy, and awesome.

Paul warns the Galations about trying to earn salvation. "You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the law; you have fallen from grace. ...For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

Even the scripture you quoted above is taken out of context. Peter goes on in Acts 2:41 and tells us that "those who had received his word were baptized." Meaning, people who had already been born again (recieving His word) were then baptized. These people were already saved and were getting baptized as a proclamation of their faith.

Again, this is solely talking about justification, or salvation. We are only justified to God through Jesus Christ's attonement. Our salvation is totally dependant upon Him.

Now, we need to talk about the fruits of the spirit. Paul says in Romans 7:4 that we "died to the law through the body of Christ...in order that we might bear fruit for God." The Apostle John says that no man, or branch, "can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine, [which is Jesus]" (John 15:4). And Matthew 7:20 says that the world will know we are a part of God's family by our fruit.

But what does this mean? It means that when we are saved, our old life has died. We are born a new creation in Christ. I had several people tell me when I became Christian that I changed. And I responded, "Good! I hope so!" When we belong to God and abide in Him (John 15:4) we will bear fruit. This "fruit" presents itself when we get baptized, when we repent from our sin, when we give to the unfortunate, when we study His word, when we follow His commandments, when we spread the Good news about Jesus.

If we do not bear fruit, then are we saved? That's between you and God. The Bible says that we will know people by their fruit, and if no fruit is shown then they might not be a part of the Vine. That doesn't mean we have to act a certain way or do certain things to be saved, it means that if we are saved we will do certain things and act a certain way BECAUSE we are saved. Do you see the difference?

Let me put it another way. From your pictures, I think I can gather that you are married. I'm sure you love your wife and she loves you. Do you buy her flowers and treat her with the gentleness that a man of God would IN ORDER TO love her? Of course not. You do these things BECAUSE you love her. Your love for your wife moves you to act and behave a certain way. You are expressing your love for her, not earning it. The same is with God. We don't act in order to recieve His free gift of Grace. We act out of love and honor for the grace we've been given.

Q: Is repentance a requirement for salvation?
A: No. It is a result of salvation, not a requirement for it.

Q: Is baptism a requirement for salvation?
A: No. It is a result of salvation, not a requirement for it.

Q: Is following the commandments a requirement for salvation?
A: No. Obedience is a result of salvation, not a requirement for it.

Do you see the difference? We act BECAUSE we've been changed, not in order to be changed. BIG difference.

Lastly, we can do nothing outside of Christ. Left to our own devices, we will sin and turn away from God (See Genesis 3). Remember the Pharises were law abiding religious nuts, constantly telling Jesus that He or his disciples were breaking the law of Moses (which eventually led to His capture and crucifiction) but Jesus kept telling them that He was the bread of life, that He was the door, that a relationship with Him was the only way to be saved, not by following the law.

We must follow the Bibilical laws, which you said above, but not to be saved. We must follow these laws to be purified and sanctified with Christ, not earn salvation. The reason we cannot be saved by following the law is because we can never measure up to it. We will all fall short (Rom. 3:23) and never live up to the law. Period. That is why Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill." (Mat 5:17). Jesus did what we could never do, which is fulfill the law. When we accept Him as Lord and savior, then we are saved because we now fulfill the law through Him.

I hope that helps. Have a great day.

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     My prayer is that people stop relying on themselves for salvation.  That they see the full amount of love displayed on the cross.  Jesus paid it all because we could pay none of it.  It's that simple.  If you are trying to earn your way to heaven, then follow scripture and take upon yourselves His yoke (Matt. 11:30).  Stop trying to earn something that's already been paid in full, gift wrapped, and sitting in your lap.  Just open God's free gift of grace and enjoy a renewed life with Him.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

The Most Important Bible Verse For Mormons

I want to start this blog with a quote from Brigham Young.  It will provide context and understanding of why the scripture following it is so important in the LDS church.  

He says:

     "The Book of Mormon ... declares that the Bible is true, and proves it; and the two prove each other true.  The Old and New Testaments are the stick of Judah.  You recollect that the tribe of Judah tarried in Jerusalem and the Lord blessed Judah, and the result was the writings of the Old and New Testaments.  But where is the stick of Joseph?  Can you tell where it is? Yes.  It was the children of Joseph who came across the waters to this continent, and this land was filled with people, and the Book of Mormon or the stick of Joseph contains their writings, and they are in the hands of Ephraim." 
-Brigham Young
Teachings of Presidents of the Church, 118-24, 
taken from: lds.org


The word of the Lord came again to me saying, “And you, son of man, take for yourself one stick and write on it, ‘For Judah and for the sons of Israel, his companions’; then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and all the house of Israel, his companions.’ Then join them for yourself one to another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand."
-Ezekiel 37:15-17


     In my opinion, Ezekiel chapter 37:15-17 is one of the most important Biblical passages for Mormons because they believe Ezekiel is prophesying about the Book of Mormon.  They believe "The stick of Judah (the Bible) and the stick of Joseph (the Book of Mormon) will become one in the Lord's hand." (Ezekiel 37 chapter heading, LDS Bible)  In other words, the LDS church believes that Ezekiel is prophesying of a time when the world will have the Bible and the Book of Mormon and use them together.  And since there exists the Book of Mormon and the LDS church uses it along side the Bible, they view this as a prophecy come true...thus proving Mormonism to be the one true religion.
     I have heard this scripture referenced very frequently from the LDS pulpit.  Time and time again missionaries, bishops, leaders, fathers, teachers, and the like have all proclaimed that Ezekiel's prophecy has come true!  And, as a Mormon, this very much makes sense.  If you read that passage and listen to the LDS leaders, it makes sense to draw this conclusion.  However, I never really read the entire chapter of Ezekiel and looked at it as an unbiased reader.  Meaning, I was told what this passage meant, and I took it as gospel (pun intended) and ran with it.  So, that begs the question, is this truly what Ezekiel is talking about?  Could the prophet be predicting the Book of Mormon?  Well, let's take a closer look at just two points and see where we land.

Looking At Context
     Ah, that pesky thing called context.  At last we meet...again.  Ok, so as with anything, we need to look at the entire chapter (sometimes even book) to fully grasp what is going on.  That goes for just basically anything in literature.  So, let's look at what Ezekiel was talking about.  To do that, I will turn to a smarter man than I, Pastor Chuck.  Charles (Chuck) Swindall is an evangelical Christian pastor from Texas.  He runs the Insight For Living Ministries (www.insight.org) and on his site, he gives us a little background on the prophet Ezekiel.  He writes:

"The book of Ezekiel takes its title from the priest of the same name, son to a man named Buzi. Ezekiel’s priestly lineage shines through in his prophetic ministry; he often concerned himself with topics such as the temple, the priesthood, the glory of the Lord, and the sacrificial system. 
...Ezekiel lived among the Jewish exiles in Babylon at a settlement along the river Chebar called Tel-abib (Ezekiel 3:15), less than one hundred miles south of Babylon. ...Because he spoke to a people whom God had exiled due to their continued rebellion against Him, a majority of Ezekiel’s message communicates judgment for sins committed (1:1–32:32). However, like all the prophets, he also provided his people, now without a land of their own, some hope for the future (33:1–48:35). 
...The book of Ezekiel pronounces judgment on both Israel and surrounding nations, but it also provides a vision of the future millennial kingdom that complements and adds to the vision of other Old and New Testament texts. Not only does the book present a striking picture of the resurrection and restoration of God’s people (Ezekiel 37), it also offers readers a picture of the reconstructed temple in Jerusalem, complete with the return of God’s glory to His dwelling place (40:1–48:35). This latter section of Ezekiel’s prophecy looks forward to the people’s worship after Christ’s return in the end times, when He will rule Israel and the nations from His throne in Jerusalem during His thousand year reign."

     As you may or may not know, the Israelites had walked away from God and God let them be captured by the Babylonians.  He eventually gave them the prophet Ezekiel to be His voice and provide hope and guidance.  Looking at the chapter's leading up to 37, God has been telling Ezekiel what to say to His people.  God basically goes on for several chapters and tells Ezekiel to Lament over this, prophecy of that, tell these people what I'm about to do, etc.  God wants His people to know that He alone has power and authority over everything.  He wants them to "know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 35:15b).   
     Then, in the first part of 37, God gives Ezekiel a vision, in which bones come to life by the power of God.  "These bones are the whole house of Israel;  behold, they say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished.  We are completely cut off.'  Therefore prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I will open your graves...and bring you into the land of Israel.  Then you will know that I am the Lord...I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land.  Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it" (Ezek. 37:11-14).  So God gives a vision to Ezekiel of the entire house of Israel being brought back into Israel and taking back their own land.  And again, He does this so that everyone will know that He is God.
     Then, to further illustrate his point, God tells Ezekiel to take two sticks and write on them 'For Judah' and 'For Joseph' and then join them together so that they are one stick.  Then God says, when people start asking you what you are doing, tell them that I said, "Behold, I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king will be king for all of them; and they will no longer be two nations and no longer be divided into two kingdoms."  Clearly, this is too specific to be a metaphor for books.  Therefore, God is not talking about bringing Jews and Gentiles together because of two books being used together.  Rather, God is talking about how the nation of Israel has been scattered and that He would one day bring them back together in their own land, so that they can be one nation again.  He was talking about eradicating the division that His chosen people are going through.  
     This idea of "look what I can do and trust that I will do this other thing" also makes sense within the context of scripture and the nature of God.  All throughout the Old Testament, God shows people His power and then, when He asks them to listen to Him, or trust Him, or follow Him, God makes them look back at how faithful, powerful, and reliable He's always been.  Likewise, in Ezekiel, God shows Ezekiel his power with the bones.  God brings bones dried from the sun back to life, which is impossible for mankind to even conceive, and then says He's going to do something else that people would believe to be impossible, like bringing the Israelites into one nation again.  God says, "I am in the business of doing the impossible, and I'm going to do it so that you know I am God."
     The conclusion we get from this is that God was not talking about books.  Within the context, it doesn't really make sense.  Sure, if you look at just those two verses you might think the Mormons are right, but not as a whole.  Therefore, we must conclude that Mormon doctrine has gotten this one wrong.

Genealogically Speaking
     The book of Genesis lays out the lineage of Abraham, the person that God told, "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice" (Genesis 22:18), obviously speaking of Jesus, but I digress.  Anyways, Abraham married Sarah and they bore a son named Isaac.  Isaac and his wife Rebekah had twin sons, Esau and Jacob, who later had his name changed to Israel (Gen 32:28).  Israel (Jacob) had 12 sons between 4 different women.  With Leah, he had named Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulum.  With Bilha, he had Dan and Naphtali.  With Zilpah, he had Gad and Asher.  With Rachel, he had Joseph and Benjamin.  This Joseph had two sons, named Manasseh and Ephraim.  (See chart below)


     Now, back to our passage, Ezekiel says God told him to write on one of the sticks "For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim."  So, with this supposed prophecy of the BoM coupled with our renewed knowledge of Abraham's descendants, we can deduce that the Book of Mormon would have to be written by people from the line of Ephraim.  In other words, since the Nephites were the supposed writers of the BoM, then they would need to be descendants of Ephraim.  
     The Nephites come from the lineage of Nephi, whose father was Lehi.  Now, if Ezekiel is indeed referencing the Book of Mormon, then Lehi's father would have to be Ephraim.  Right?  However, the Book of Mormon says that Lehi was a descendant of Joseph through Manasseh.  "And Aminadi was a descendant of Nephi, who was the son of Lehi, who came out of the land of Jerusalem, who was a descendant of Manasseh, who was the son of Joseph who was sold into Egypt by the hands of his brethren" (Alma 10:3).  This is a major flaw in the teachings of the LDS church.  Manasseh isn't even mentioned in this passage!  
     Now, the above section is all about the context of scripture.  As you can see, even if the contextual argument is conceded (Sticks = books = Bible/BoM) the LDS argument does not hold water.  We then realize that the Book of Mormon could not even be the fulfillment of this prophecy based of off preliminary requirements!  All of this leads to the inevitable conclusion that Ezekiel was not talking about the Book of Mormon.  

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     Either way you slice it, the Mormon doctrines and teachings are wrong about Ezekiel.  Mormons use this passage so often to prove their books as being God breathed, and it's just not a valid argument.  It's just not.  I don't know what else to tell you.


References:

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

When Jesus Walked with the Devil

     I was reading through the book of Matthew the other day and something different popped out at me.  You know how it is.  You read the same words over and over again but sometimes different things hit you than before.  Other parts of the story seem to uncover more than you thought.  You see more clearly, you understand more deeply.  I guess that's why they call it the inspired word of God.  It still surprises you with lessons after all these years!  Amazing!  Anyways, I was reading through Matthew chapter 4, the story of Satan tempting Jesus, and something hit me.
     For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story (Matthew 4:1-11), I'll do my best to try and paraphrase it for you.
     So, Jesus had just got baptized by John the Baptist.  You know, that baptism when the heavens opened up, the dove flew down on His shoulder, and God spoke.  Yeah, the epic-est baptism of all.  That one.  The next thing the Bible says is that Jesus was led by the Spirit (the third member of the Godhead) into the wilderness.  Jesus then fasted for 5 1/2 weeks and at the end of his fast "the tempter came to him."  Meaning, Lucy appeared and tried to derail the plan of salvation for us all.  I figure he thought, "If I can get Jesus to either sin or swear allegiance to me, then God's plan will be ruined and I will be King!"
     Now, there are several things about this narrative that stand out.  But what hit me most is the parts in between temptations.  The Bible says that after the first temptation "Then the devil took Him into the holy city..." (v.5) and after the second temptation, "the devil took Him to a very high mountain..." (v.7).  I always thought that Satan somehow beamed Jesus to these places.  The narrative reads so quickly that I always thought these temptations were in quick secession.

But what if they weren't?

     Put yourself in His sandals.  You are hungry, tired, worn out, and weak.  You have just gone into the wilderness and dealt with and overcome one of Satan's test...which I imagine to be extremely difficult.  Probably one that 99% of us would have failed.  Next, you have to travel to Jerusalem, mostly likely still weary from before, only to be tempted again.  Then, after winning that battle, you have to hike up to the top of a mountain, to face yet another temptation from Satan.
     Here is what I am trying to get at.  Not only is that a lot of traveling in a day, but I'm willing to bet Jesus wasn't alone in between temptations.  I don't think Satan just appeared at each of these places, tempted Jesus and then left.  More than likely, Satan was with Jesus the entire time;  trying to derail His mission quite literally every step of the way.
     Now, I want you to honestly stop and think about that for a second.  Jesus had this evil, negative, and extremely cunning voice just hounding Him at every turn.  Maybe before the second temptation, Lucy tried to talk up Jesus and maybe appeal to his ego.  "Wow, I thought for sure you'd have taken the bait and made those rocks bread.  You certainly are the son of God.  You are all powerful!  You must have a truly noble mission here.  Surely, God would never let any harm come to you.  Why would He, I mean, You are here for a reason right?  Besides, don't the scriptures say that His angels with take care of You?"  And on and on Lucy would talk.  I would imagine that Jesus heard something like this for miles upon miles until they reached the temple in Jerusalem.  Satan trying his hardest to try and convince Jesus that God would protect Him.  Then, when Lucy felt He had a foothold, he struck.  "If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down..." (v.6)  You've got to remember, Satan has been around the block a few times and has been tempting people to sin against God since the beginning of creation.  Adam and Eve were his first victims, and for the several thousands of years since I'm sure he's gotten better and better at his craft.  My point is that sin is often the result of the tempter's evil schemes and trickery, and even Jesus had to deal with it.
     This not only gives me a clearer picture of the temptations of Jesus but also shines a light on my many struggles and sins.  So many times in my walk with God am I confronted with a problem that things have seemed to culminate to.  Rarely is it ever spontaneous.  It's not like I step outside and there's a beautiful woman in a bikini asking me if I want to cheat on my wife.  It's not like I walk into work and people out of the blue start yelling and cussing at me.  It's not like pornography is on television every time I turn it on.  It's not like these scenarios at all.  Life is not a simple test of yes and no answers.  In reality, it is the whispers of the enemy that gently pull me away from the Father, so that when the big test arrives I am too blind to see it coming...and I fall.  Hard.  Even now, my heart is breaking when I think back on my life and see the gentle misguiding of the tempter that ultimately leads to my failures.
     Oh, God forgive me!  I am weak for the lusts of this life.  I am weak but want control of things that should be in your hands.  I am weak and let Satan and his armies distract me from what I should be focusing on: You.  Forgive me, Father God, for what I have done.  Forgive my heart's wavering on your ever abounding truth.  Forgive me for not always putting you first in my life!  Father, forgive me!  Give me strength to repent; to turn from my sins and walk to you.  Give me clarity to see what I need to do to honor You in all I think, say, and do.  Amen.
     What is so great is that Jesus has been through it all.  He knows what it's like to have those whispers in your, telling you those little white lies that lead to the destruction of your soul.  He knows what it's like to be completely broken, weak, and hungry and knowing that it takes every fiber of your being to hold on to righteousness.  He knows what humility is.  He knows what you are going through.  Not only does He show us that resistance is possible, that He is God, and that He is more powerful, but sets a perfect example of what to do when we find ourselves on the mountain.

The Bible is the Ultimate Authority
     Every time Jesus is tempted, He relies on God's word.  He doesn't try to rationalize or make excuses on why He should or shouldn't do something.  Instead, He responds with, "It is written..."  God's holy word has authority, power, and answers.  Jesus is telling us to fall on God's word and trust that His way of life is the only thing that can bring us the ultimate joy.

Know your Bible
     Furthermore, Jesus quotes the Bible in response to Satan's temptation.  Even when Satan uses the Bible to try and trick Jesus, He quotes from the Bible.  What that tells me is that we need to study the Bible diligently.  We need to have God's word on our mouths, in our hearts, shielding our eyes, protecting our ears, and guiding our actions.  When we trust in God's authoritative word in scripture and then have it as a foundation to our lives, the enemy cannot win!

Satan does not have ultimate power 
     When Jesus finally completes his long day or so of temptations, what happens?  The Bible says, "Then the devil left Him..."  Once Satan realized that Jesus' mind, heart, and soul was fixated on God he left.  Satan only has power when we give it to him.  And he is only given that power when we take our eyes off of Him; when we stop worshiping the Father.  So remember, whatever it is you are going through, the devil only has power that you give him.  Especially if you are in Christ.  Lucy cannot keep up the fight forever, which is why the Bible tells us to endure the race! (Heb. 12:1)  Lucy loses in the end.  God's in control, guys.  It's going to be ok!

Trust God
     Once Satan met defeat, he quit.  But then what happened?  "and behold, angels came down and began to minister to Him."  This means God was watching Jesus go through it all and was right there for Him.  What a comfort that should be to all of us!  God is watching us in our struggles and is waiting with angels to help us through it, if need be.  We are not alone and God knows what we need.  Praise God for that!  When we are faithful to honor Him and choose not to live according to this life, He is blessed and showers us with His grace.  Mind you this is not a works thing.  I'm not saying, "If you do A, B, C for God then you'll get D, E, and F!"  No, no, no.  I'm saying when we live according to His word, with his gospel imprinted on our minds and hearts then Satan is powerless, God is blessed, and we are able to enjoy the joy's that only God can give.  To God be the glory!


I hope you are encouraged today to continue to fight the fight.  God bless.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

These Next 12 Minutes Could Save Your Life

     Jeff Durbin is a pastor at Apologia Church in Tempe AZ.  He is a man who is passionate about God, about the Gospel, and about reaching the world for Christ.  He is a man that I look up to and respect.  His ministry reaches out to all different types of people of faith.  One of these groups is the Mormons.  Below is a video encounter that he had with a few missionaries.  It is only 12 minutes long but those 12 minutes could save you for all time and eternity.  

Check it out.


     I just want to say something about this video.  A lot of times when people are conversing with Mormons, a lot of anger and hostility comes out.  I have even been very guilty of this from time to time.  But, Pastor Jeff is literally bursting with pure love and concern for these two young men.  I love hearing him carefully walk them through the Bible and boldly, yet humbly, proclaiming that what Joseph Smith taught was in direct contrast to what the Bible teaches.  He is not in your face, he is not brash, he is not condescending at all.  He is being Jesus to these folks and I, for one, need to follow Pastor Jeff's example.

     Another thing I loved is that Pastor Jeff kept comparing the Bible with Mormon Doctrine.  And in his comparisons, you could easily see them as polar opposites.  Here is an overview of what he said:


TWO COMPLETELY OPPOSING VIEWS ON GOD

The LDS Prophets taught that there are multiple Gods.  
"We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity.  I will refute that idea, and take away the veil so that you may see. ...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..."
-1st LDS Prophet Joseph Smith, The King Follett Sermon; May 13th, 1971.
Read it full here

"As man now is, God once was; as God is now man may be."
-5th LDS Prophet, The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, ed. Clyde J. Williams [1984], 1.
Read it here

But...the Bible says there is only One God.  
"Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD...that ye may know and believe, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." 
(Isaiah 43:10).


 TWO COMPLETELY OPPOSING VIEWS ON SALVATION

The Book of Mormon teaches that God's Grace picks up after our efforts fall short
"...for we know it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." 
(2 Nephi 25:23).   

The Bible says that it is solely by grace that we are saved.  
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." 
(Eph. 2:8-9).  

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus...that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.  ...Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." 
(Rom. 3:23-28)

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.  For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.  For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith."  
(Gal. 5:1-5)  
*Historical note: Jesus was talking to people who believed it was faith with works under the law that saved.

-----------------------

     Lastly, I wanted to end with the powerful statement of this video (around 7:05).  Pastor Jeff very eloquently, humbly, and boldy proclaims a truth that even I tend to beat around the bush on at times.  But, with the authority of God and the boldness of the Apostle Paul, Pastor Jeff lovingly states the following.  "I think we're preaching different gospels.  It's not a minor issue.  It's an issue of eternal death or eternal life.  That's why I'm concerned.  That why I don't think the arguments between us are not just pithy.  They are pretty serious. ...Now if God is the only God, truly, eternally, and he was not a man who became a God, and you can't become one one day, it would mean that you guys are out preaching a message of a false God."



For more information on Pastor Jeff Durbin and Apologia Church
www.apologiachurch.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/Defendthefaithorg

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

5 Thoughts On Joseph Smith's Seer Stones


     In an effort to be more transparent, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released photos of a stone that Joseph Smith is reported to have used to translate the Book of Mormon, referred to in the Mormon church as the seer stone.  According to LDS history, "Joseph placed...the seer stone in a hat, pressed his face into the hat to block out extraneous light, and read aloud the English words that appeared on the instrument.  The process brings to mind a passage from the Book of Mormon that speaks of God preparing "a stone, which shall shine forth in darkness unto light.""
     Historically, Joseph Smith was very aloof when it came to explaining the exact manner behind the method of his translation.  Whenever Joseph Smith was "pressed for specifics about the process of translation, Joseph repeated on several occasions that it had been done "by the power of God" and once added, "It was not intended to tell the world all the particulars of the coming forth of the book of Mormon.""   In fact, the only reason we have the details that we have today are because the scribes and people who worked with Joseph Smith spilled some things about the process.  And so while we don't know exactly how this stone worked, the scribes and witnesses have testified that it was indeed used in the process.
     With the release of the pictures of this seer stone, a lot of questions are being answered, a lot of Mormon doctrine is being learned, and a lot of LDS members are solidifying their faith.  This was honestly a good move for the LDS church.  As many of you know, the history of the church has been subject to a lot of scrutiny since it's establishment because of the lack of evidence.  As a result, its members have had little to no tangible evidence to defend their faith to opponents, other than their scriptures.  I truly hope, as do a lot of people, that the LDS church continues to release Mormon paraphernalia to the world.  With that being said, I have a few words on the matter.


1. It's Only A Picture

     Let's not forget that they didn't release the actual thing...only a picture of a thing.  If the goal is to be transparent, why not put it on display for the public to view?  This seems very odd to me.  If a claim can be substantiated in anyway, why would the LDS church not do everything they could to do it?  If they're worried about people stealing the thing, then why not just put it on display at a museum or something?  Tons of things are on display for us all to see, and a lot of these things are extremely priceless.  The Declaration of Independence, the fossil record, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Mona Lisa, etc. and none of these have not been stolen (thanks to Nicholas Cage).
     This would be like if f I told the world that I saw a real life dragon, Smaug, in the flesh...or, more appropriately scales.  Obviously, the majority of people would call me a liar.  It would be extremely difficult to convince the world that I was telling the truth just on my word.  But, when pressed for evidence, I told them that I would show them my dragon egg.  After a short time, I return with a pristine 8.5x11 color photo of it.  Now, be honest: Would you believe me?  No.  Of course not!  A picture is not reliable proof...especially in today's world.


2. Make It Do Something!

     So, the thing that apparently did a thing for Joseph Smith...yeah it's not doing that thing anymore, nor is anyone doing that thing with the thing that makes this thing famous.  Unfortunately, this stone's usefulness just boils down to being a very pretty paperweight.  Other than the word of the Mormon leaders, we have nothing to go off of.  It's not being used today in any capacity, nobody alive saw Joseph Smith use this stone nor were there any pictures of Joseph using this thing at the time of translation.  Furthermore, since Joseph Smith was very vague in how he used it, we can't even try to recreate it's designed Mormon purpose.  The LDS church has presented this stone and shouted, "This is the thing we told you about!"  and I respond, "Ok.  Prove it."  The fact is they can't.  Even if this is the stone that was used, we would never know.  How do we know they didn't just go outside and grab the prettiest stone they could find?  We don't.


3. Witchcraft Origins

     I can feel you Mormons rolling your eyes at me right now.  But seriously, just listen for a second.  God did not give Joseph Smith these stones (he had multiple stones not just the one but reportedly eventually only used one of them during the translation process for convenience).  Mormon history reports that the seer stones, "which Joseph Smith discovered in the ground years before he retrieved the gold plates, was a small oval stone, or "seer stone."  As a young man during the 1820's, Joseph Smith, like others in his day, used a seer stone to look for lost objects and buried treasure."  Seer stones work by looking into them and receiving supernatural knowledge.  Now, I know the Lord works in mysterious ways and I am no where near qualified to say what He can or cannot use to communicate truth to His people...but are we supposed to believe that this was a gift from God?  Seriously?!?  I mean, if we believe that there are Holy powers at work, then logically there would have to be Evil powers at work as well.  And using a stone to look for buried treasure (regardless of how prevalent a practice it was) seems like dark magic...you know, the kind that the real life Voldemort uses.  And then, using said stone to start a religion shrouded in secrecy just seems very demonic to me.
     All Harry Potter jokes aside, the more and more I learn about the history of the LDS church and Joseph Smith, the more and more I am convinced that the Angel of Light truly did visit Joseph Smith that day.*


4. Drama, Drama, Drama, Drama, Drama, Drama, Drama, Drama....BATMAN!! 
(but seriously, something to think about)

     Of all the things that the LDS church could have produced as 'proof' they had to bring out one of the things that creates a bit of a dilemma for the LDS church.  You see, the story goes that Joseph Smith translated the Brass Plates - or Plates of Brass or the Golden Plates - into English, thus creating the Book of Mormon.  However, the story also goes that Joseph Smith stuck his head in a hat and with the use of this stone and the Urim and the Thummim scribed the Book of Mormon.  But you see, the plates couldn't have fit into the hat...so Joseph Smith was not reading and translating these plates but rather seeing visions of words and then reading them out so that his scribes could write it down.  Thus, bringing up the question: If Joseph Smith used the seer stone to "see" words and haven them written down, what was the point of getting the Golden Plates?


5.  It Proves Very Little, If Anything At All

     With everything I said in mind, this does little to nothing proving Mormonism is true.  Even if this thing is the thing that they are claiming this thing to be, it doesn't mean that the Book of Mormon, the D&C, or Mormonism in general along with it's countless errors and changes was a revelation from God.  I'm sorry to keep sounding like a broken record, but I need proof.  I need proof of use, proof of concept, proof of anything really. As I said, I love the fact that the church is trying to be more transparent, but this hurts their cause rather than helps because, for me, it only generates more confusion, more unanswered/dodged questions, and more scrutiny.  I watched a video interview (link below) of a Mormon History professor from Columbia University.  And while he was impressed with the stone, he didn't seem to get any more clarity from it either.
     I would be very interested to hear and would love to see an honest Mormon's reaction to the stone and even be proven wrong.  I would welcome it!  Honestly, I would.  However, with the facts in hand, at the end of the day, I don't see this stone as being any representation of truth, of divinity, or of the Holiness, Sovereignty, or the Power of God.

--------------------------

Well, there you have it folks.  Hope you got something out of my little rant...ahem...I mean...blog.  As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or anything please leave a comment below or email me.  Also, sorry about the harshness of the images I used.  I try to be playful with such a serious topic, and I don't mean to poke fun.  Know that my heart is full of nothing but love for you Mormons.  However, this whole stone seemed to be a bit silly to me, hence the silliness of my picture accompaniments.

"Good day, sir!"


Footnotes
* The LDS account of the events surrounding the Angel Moroni have been changed, but the 1976 edition of D&C said that Joseph Smith was visited by Moroni, an "angel of light."  Compare with Testimony of Joseph Smith (3rd and 10th paragraph) to 2 Cor. 11:14.


References
1. The Book of Mormon Translation (www.lds.org) 8/11/2015
      - https://www.lds.org/topics/book-of-mormon-translation?lang=eng#27 

2. Trib Talk: Mormon Scholar Richard Bushman on seer stones, transparency, Jennifer Napier-Pearce 8/10/2015; The Salt Lake Tribune (www.sltrib.com)
     - http://www.sltrib.com/home/2814998-155/trib-talk-mormon-scholar-richard-bushman

3. Seer Stone (Latter Day Saints) Wikipedia
     - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seer_stone_(Latter_Day_Saints)

4.  Angel of Light, Michelle;  Life After.  
     - http://lifeafter.org/angel-of-light/