I am a Mormon… NOT!

Indianapolis was chosen by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (The Mormons) as one of its 12 target cities to focus their message at this time. You can see their efforts in billboards and television commercials popping up in greater metro Indy. Their catch phrase, and hence this article is stated as “I am a Mormon.” Mormons are nice people, they’re good people, they don’t drink, even coffee , or smoke. They’re sincere, good business people, and good marketers. But, do we want their religion?

Mormons claim to be a part of Christianity, and yet claim to have a later, more correct revelation about God and His will beyond the old and new testaments. Let’s explore some of the contrasts between Orthodox Christianity and Mormonism: The following is a clip from All About Religion.org

Mormonism vs. Christianity - The Differences

Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was birthed in 1820 by a vision in which two celestial personages appeared to Joseph Smith claiming all existing churches were wrong, all their creeds were an abomination, and all their professors were corrupt. According to these personages, Smith had been chosen to restore—not reform— a church that had disappeared from the face of the earth. The Mormon doctrines that evolved from this vision compromise confuse or contradict the nature of God, the authority of Scripture and the way of salvation.

Mormonism vs. Christianity - View of God

First, while Christians believe that God is spirit, Joseph Smith taught, “God Himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!” Mormonism also holds to a plurality of Gods and contends that “as man is God once was; as God is man may become.” Additionally, the Latter-day Saints compromise the nature of the God-man, Jesus Christ. In Christianity, Jesus is the self-existent creator of all things. In Mormonism, he is the spirit brother of Lucifer who was conceived in heaven by a celestial Mother and came in flesh as the result of the Father having sex with the Virgin Mary.

Mormonism vs. Christianity - Revelation

Furthermore, in sharp distinction to orthodox Christian theology, Mormons do not believe that the Bible is the infallible repository for redemptive revelation. In their view, the Book of Mormon is “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion.” Two further revelations complete the Mormon quad, namely Doctrines and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. Doctrines and Covenants is a compilation of divine revelations that includes the doctrine of polygamy. Not until threatened by the federal government did Mormon president Wilford Woodruff receive a revelation relegating polygamy to the afterlife. The Pearl of Great Price is no less troubling. It was this extra-biblical revelation that was used by Mormonism to prevent African Americans from entering the priesthood and from being exalted to godhood.

Mormonism vs. Christianity - Heaven

Finally, while Christians believe that they will stand before God dressed in the spotless robes of Christ’s righteousness, Mormons contend that they will appear before heavenly Father dressed in fig-leaf aprons holding good works in their hands. According to the Latter-day Saints, virtually everyone qualifies for heaven. Murderers, unrepentant whoremongers and the world’s vilest people make it into the Telestial heaven; lukewarm Mormons, religious people, and those who accept the Mormon gospel in the spirit world typically enter the Terrestrial heaven; and temple Mormons make it to the Celestial heaven. Only those who are sealed in secret temple rituals, however, will make it to the third level of the Celestial kingdom, become God’s of their own planets.

These and many other doctrinal perversions exclude Mormonism from rightly being called Christian.

Isaiah 43:10 says, "'You are my witnesses,' declares the LORD , 'and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.'"

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Copyright Christian Research Institute and Hank Hanegraaff. Used by permission

WORD WATCH

I feel a little conviction right now about cleaning up my speech. I work with a bunch of guys who are very professional when talking to our clients and partners, but in our group will use the full English language. And, I have drifted down that path using some words that shouldn’t come out of my mouth. And I know words matter and can destroy or support our witness and walk. So here are some verses I’m trying to ponder.

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

This is the first verse that came to mind. Clearly some of my language has been less than wholesome, and not constructive. Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Here’s God on record about not damning this, or invoking the Trinity’s names on anything un-holy.

I should take it as seriously as He does.

Colossians 3:16

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Don’t expect to quite hear me singing through life, but if we let The Message dwell in us, and have our mind focused on our purpose, worldly talk is less likely to leak out.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Our words come from our thought life, and there is a way to positively focus our thinking. Filling our thoughts with good stuff, and as the next verse says, being willing to catch ourselves and take captive any bad thoughts leading to bad talk.

2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Guarding our tongues (my tongue) is an ongoing battle. Let’s hold each other accountable for our walk and our talk. Here’s what brother James says:

James 3:2-10 2

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

MARGIN

Luke 6:12 It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.

I was talking with one of our regular Fishersmen who described his very full weekend, with many good activities and accomplishments. But then he described being grumpy on Sunday afternoon, and he was having trouble getting out of his funk, and not grumbling to his wife and children.

We can all relate to that. It’s not as much needing ME time, as it is just having some down time, or a bit of MARGIN in our busy schedules in this hectic world. I was impressed with an Operation Timothy lesson that challenged us in, “If you only have 3 more years to live. Only 3 years to accomplish your life’s purpose, how would you use your time?” Jesus earthly ministry only lasted about 3 years, yet mission accomplished, and He saved and changed the world for eternity.

Only 3 years, but He took time out to get alone, out away from the city, to be calm, focused, and talk to Dad. How’s your margin? Too many plates spinning? Any down time,? empty box time?unscheduled reflection time available to you in the next few days? Weeks?

Retreat, reflect, refocus, recharge, talk to Dad, and perhaps you’ll be better able to accomplish the good works God has for you to walk in, that He prepared for you before the beginning of the world.

I'll be back!

When I was a young child, attending Sunday school, I must have slept through a lesson or two, because when my buddy said, "You know Jesus is coming back again sometime," I said "Where do you get that?" "You must be crazy." You see, I had heard the bible stories, but I had missed this important story. I thought we were talking about a historical figure, a teacher, a good man, the baby in the manger. I didn't know we were

talking about the risen Lord and coming future King.

Here's the story...

Jesus talking to his followers, shortly before his death and resurrection...

John 14:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.[a] If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

Jesus to his followers, after giving them their directives...

Acts 1:9-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

The apostle Paul to Jesus' followers at the church in Thessalonica after they had been frightened by reports that Jesus had already come back, and that they had missed it...

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[a] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.[b] 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died[c] will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who

are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.

The Apostle John in the revelation given to him about future things seeing the followers of Christ who have risen, getting ready to participate in the wedding feast of King Jesus...

Revelation 19:6-9 New International Version (NIV)

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come,and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

Friends, Mohammad is not coming back. Confusius is not coming back. Buddah may have come back as a cow or a butterfly in another life (NOT). But, Jesus Christ, the King of kings, and Lord of Lords is coming back! And He's coming back soon!

Earthquakes in Virginia? Record Heat and Drought in Indiana?

Earthquakes in Virginia and Colorado in the same day. Record heat and dryness in Indiana. We find ourselves in a time with an explosion of the information age, and the pace of life hectic, with people rushing to and fro. The world has a lack of confidence in our financial systems and political leaders. Does the Bible have anything to say about times like these?

Romans 8:19-23

¹⁹ For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. ²⁰ Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, ²¹ the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. ²² For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children,^[a] including the new bodies he has promised us.

Daniel 12:1b-4

Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. ²Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. ³ Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. ⁴ But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”

Matthew 24:14

¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Revelation 22:12

¹² “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.

He is coming soon! Get the word out, and walk the walk!

CONVICTION

Jesus told his followers just before His passion and return to heaven, “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (the Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the (heavenly) Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.” John 16:7-11

Pastor Bruce in his sermon on Sunday said, “Nobody gets saved unless they first get convicted!” Think about that… Unless we get judged in our own hearts as guilty, convicted of being sinners, missing the mark or standard of God’s righteousness; and knowing that we know that we aren’t right before God, then we won’t be ready to accept God’s pardon, Jesus’ grace, or unmerited favor in his atoning sacrifice, to be born again to new life.

Are you born again of the Spirit of God through the grace of Jesus Christ? Are you in His family now following Him? Were you convicted of your sin? Are you now a saint, because you are an Ex convict, that is, convicted of your sin, judged with the penalty paid once and for all by Christ?

If we are His, the Holy Spirit keeps on convicting us daily so that we may crucify our flesh, or natural man, and put on Jesus’ character and life. Paul says, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

If you are a Christian, it means you’ve first been convicted!

Checking in with Dad

Son, David, is on some school travel out of the country, and for the first 36 hours, we hadn't heard if he made it, or what he’d been up to since he left Indianapolis. Dad's would like to know! Are you OK? Do you need anything? Are you living like you should and enjoying life?

My Operation Timothy guys and I were talking about prayer and praying last Friday morning. Prayer is really just talking with God. If you are a Christ follower, it means “checking in with Dad,” your Heavenly Father. He’d like you to report in, “Are we OK? Do you want to ask for anything? Are you living like you should, and enjoying life?”

We studied on Friday that if we're struggling with life” we can draw near to the throne of Grace with boldness, to receive mercy and grace in a time of need.” We were reminded that “if we talk to Dad, and confess our mistakes, He'll forgive us and clean us up.”

Last Thursday, David Sherron reminded us that it's good to Praise before we Petition. Tell Dad you still love Him, that you're thankful for your life, blessings, and opportunities, before you give Him your laundry list of needs. And of course, Operation Timothy talks about the A.C.T.S. of prayer: Adoration or Praise, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplications. Are you current with your dad? Any of these areas you two should have a good talk about?

Have you checked in with Dad recently? He'd like to hear from you!