Heart of the Matter Broadcast

Live from the Mecca of Mormonism – this is Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology., where we do ALL we can to help people walk toward His Love. And I’m your host Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion..

Show 13 A VIDEO DUEL:

Response to Pastor Jason Wallace – Part I
October 28th 2019

Most of you know that in 2006 I was invited to host my own live call-in television show on a full power station here in Salt Lake City with the call letters of KTMW TV20. Around eight years earlier, a Pastor named Jason Wallace, who, according to a promotional article written by Ross W. Graham, “had just graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, and “had “a passion to reach Mormons with the gospel” and also had “a desire to plant an Orthodox Presbyterian church in Utah – which he did – in Magna.

So back in early 2006 I’m there talking to the Mormons on live Television and Jason is probably at home watching me on Television. And even though he was here in Utah six to eight years ahead of me doing ministry I did not know him (or of him) but Pastor Wallace knew of me – and from what I can discern he did not – even then – really appreciate… shall we say, “my ways.” I really can’t blame him. Remember that Jason is a seminary graduate, a five point Calvinist, an ardent Trinitarian, somber, sober, and is fond of delivering his communications via these pious means. And here sits the jackass, the least orthodox person on earth in form, speech, taste, and views, addressing the audience Jason had long sought himself to reach himself.

So after about a year of enduring my repugnant self (week in and week out) and worst of all of our gathering a growing fan base in the state, something happened. I don’t know how it happened, whether Jason was invited by TV20 management to do his own show or if he came to the station managers and pitched and paid for one, but one afternoon I looked across from our set and there was Pastor Jason creating his own. I believe we chatted for a minute and that was that.

Differences and Disagreements

As time wore on, even though we were on the same station I rarely ran into Jason, but I heard from others out “there in the world” that he would say negative things about me – subtle criticisms, gentle slaps, you know, “that he had concerns.” He wasn’t alone and I paid him no mind. All I knew is Jason never came to me but instead chose to voice his concerns to others.

In 2013, once I was removed from the air, it didn’t take long – and I don’t know how long – before Jason began to launch full-on attacks on me and my person, both using my name and ministry on his television program and holding both in derision online. I’m sure he was reacting to both his animus for my person which grew over the years AND perhaps moreso he was responding over my growing and changing positions on things like the Trinity, eternal punishment, eschatologyStudy of “last things”—TGNN teaches all biblical eschatology was fulfilled in 70 A.D. More, Reformed Theology and the state of Christianity today.

Tension and Reaction

From mid-2013 to 2015 Jason kept a vigil against me on his show – I remain shocked to this day that the owner/managers of TV20 let him do it. After the station was sold he continued his attacks online and in chats and posts, teaming up with others out there in the online world, people I have never even met, and together they would tag-team me as a means to prove me heretical. I was silent toward Jason and his person the whole time, but I was not silent toward the positions that he disagreed with me over.

Two weeks ago, I received a video – 40 minutes long – from several people. The creator and narrator: Pastor Jason Wallace. The subject matter? Me. I am guessing that my return to Mormonism is what caused him to step back up to the plate and start swinging again, but something told me to watch this video in its entirety – something I rarely EVER do, but something I did. I discovered an unusual amalgamation of information – much of it is admittedly accurate. Why? Because it comes from me and the shows we do. The problem with information however is that while it is presented accurately, it is not presented in the full context of all I…

Analyzing Jason's Presentation

We know that anyone can do this to anyone at anytime. For example, if Jesus was here today and claimed (AGAIN) that He was the way the truth and the life and that God was His Father, a majority of people would receive this from Him because we are familiar with context and backstory. But when Jesus in His day said “that before Abraham was I am,” the people went nuts and tried to kill him – because he was unknown and the whole of his teachings were unfamiliar or taken out of context.

This is what Jason has done in his video – he has taken selected segments from our shows and strewn them together as support for how he wants me to be seen. He has also used imagery of me that to most people, again, without context, would find troubling. Put it all together and what Jason has created is a propaganda piece which is aimed at shocking uninformed viewers and getting them to reject me and my views without including other information that lends to balance and reason.

You will notice in the end that Jason does NOT mention that I work very hard at teaching the Word of God verse by verseTGNN’s Bible teaching series—book-by-book, through the lens of fulfillment and spiritual liberty. twice weekly – and he does not use any of those teachings in his video. You will notice that he does not mention that I repeatedly assign deity to Jesus, that I trust in Him alone as the source of salvation for all the world, that the ministry has brought thousands of people out of Mormonism and into a relationship with the Lord.

Responding to Criticism

Now listen – this is all okay. I war against churches and pastors that put believers into bondage and I have opened myself to scrutiny for having fired the first shot. But I am going to use Jason’s piece here – again, which is often very accurate to

Provide a sound defense. Why?

Because I am on the Lord’s errand and to not is to besmirch His will, ways and cause. Simple as that and I make no bones about it.

Testing Interpretations

So listen, I believe that Jason is sincere in what he is doing. I really do – and that plays a lot into my reactions to him. He BELIEVES that I am truly an anti-Christ, evil, a non-Christian and worthy of excommunication today. He’s not the first. So . . .

Test Jason’s presentation and interpretation of me and my intentions against my explanations or refutations over the next few weeks. Be honest. Without prejudice (if that is possible). Listen to the biblical facts I use to defend myself, and at the end of it, YOU decide if Jason and his opinions, views and stances are on target – or mine – or something in between.

Video Breakdown

So let’s get to working through this video:

Roll from O to 00:15

GRAPHICS

“had just graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, and “had “a passion to reach Mormons with the gospel” and also had “a desire to plant an Orthodox Presbyterian church in Utah – which he did – in Magna.”

Similarities in the Life of Smith and Shawn

• We were both born with what they call cauls on our heads or over our faces (which was superstitiously thought to be a sign of special destiny and psychic abilities, or good luck.) I don’t believe this, but this is what my Dad believed and what Joseph’s family believed.
• We are both middle sons of mix gender siblings.
• By his teens Smith was large and strong (so was I) in his later years he was considered portly (which of course there is no similarity).
• His mother was very religious and his father was against organized religion – same with me.
• He was a bit of a con-man as a teen – as was I.
• He had a lust for women – guilty.
• He appears to have long sought God as a youngster – I did too.
• He had an older brother Alvin die suddenly as did I – which changed the complexion of both his world and his family’s – double ditto.
• He could be violent as I have been in my life. He enjoyed a good roust with other men as do I.
• And he appears to have found many of the games in organized religion to be a joke – and if you look back to our earliest videos these have long been my sentiments.
• Finally, Smith

Biblical Eschatology References

Knew his Bible and I know mine fairly well too.

Resources for Understanding Biblical Eschatology

REFERENCES FOR YOU ON BIBLICAL ESCHATOLOGY (in order of difficulty)

1. Christianity’s Greatest Dilemma by Glenn Hill. (Shawn -show it)

2. Our online pamphlet or book available for free titled:

   • The End of Material ReligionA fulfilled system of temples, rituals, and laws—replaced by direct spiritual relationship. (PDF, Hardcopy)
   • It’s not the End of the World (PDF)
   • Knife to a Gun Fight (audio/hardcopy)

3. Nine ChristiAnarchytoday show summaries from 2018 (numbers 6 through 14)

4. www.preteristarchive.com www. adammaarschalk.com

5. CAMPUSCHURCH.TV site or YouTube and watch our Verse by Verse on the Book of RevelationA symbolic prophecy fulfilled in 70 A.D.—not a prediction of future global events..

Supports for Fulfillment

• Jesus promised that He would come back to get his Church bride in that day.
• His apostles said he would come back to them/then too – repeatedly.
• The major secular writers (like Josephus, and Seutonius, and Cassius Dio, and Tacitus) in their secular histories, echo the signs Jesus gave of His return in Matthew 24.

“The great and dreadful day of the Lord”

“Who has warned you of the wrath to come?”

Hebrews 8:13 “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”

Hebrews 10:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

The axe is laid at the root of the tree,

Matthew 10:23 Whenever they persecute you in one town, escape to the next; for I solemnly tell you that you will not have gone the round of all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God., till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Luke 21:6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Tell us, WHEN will these things (that you have described) be, and WHAT will be the sign of YOUR coming, and (what will be the sign) of the end of the ________.

Greek Words Describing Times

Greek words that describe periods, worlds, land and ages in the New Testament.

Kosmos is the one that definitely means world or universe. Ghay best means land or area. Oikonmenia means area or an administration or economy in charge. Aion means an age. The King James put world at the end of this question – so it reads:

Tell us, WHEN will these things (that you have described) be, and WHAT will be the sign of YOUR coming, and (what will be the sign) of the end of the WORLD!

Tell us, WHEN will these things (that you have described) be, and WHAT will be the sign of YOUR coming, and (what will be the sign) of the end of the . . . AGE.

Matthew 24:34 “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”

Shakable Material Religion

• The Nation was literally material genealogically, all from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
• They had literal laws from Moses carved in actual stone.
• They constructed actual temples, sacrifice actual animals, were of a tangible priesthood.
• Their blessings were temporal, their cursings the same.
• The followed the edicts of their faith written on material.
• They had a material Messiah given them, born of a woman, born under the Law – and they put him to death materially.

70AD

• Jesus came and rescued His bride and brought judgement on that Economy of the former age.
• The material temple was leveled.
• And the material genealogies were torched forevermore.
• And the priesthood lines were forever destroyed.
• And over 1.2 million Jews were slaughtered,
• the rest were cast out into a diaspora of bondage.

Jeremiah 31:33 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. no more.

Luke 17:21 “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of GodGod’s spiritual reign—fulfilled and present, not political or future. is within you.”

Hebrews 12:26 ‘Yet once more I

The Removal of Things That Are Shaken

shake not the land only, but also heaven.
27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removal of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made (priesthood, temples made with hands, doctrines of man, brick and mortar, religious apparel) that those things which cannot be shaken (the Kingdom WITHIN us, the Spirit, in.

Response to the Introduction

PLAY 00:00 to 00:15

I want to point out that the visual comparison Jason makes is between the Bible, which he pictures on the left, against me in the intro shot to the show created a few years ago. The intro was tongue in cheek with it depicting Martin Luther in modern times (hence the trains and current churches) “being out of his mind with frustration.” Jason used this theatrical segment of me and then set it against “the Bible.” That’s smear and purposefully slanted. As mentioned, I spend no less than 700 hours a year preparing to teach the Bible verse by verse, but Jason will not mention this.

Okay, so after the intro Jason opens up with a quote from me (that I absolutely love) but one that most other people will misunderstand (TAKE A LOOK).

The Best Approach to Christianity

00:16-00:25

“We at CAMPUS have the best approach to Christianity on the face of the earth.”

So, let me explain (which I do in many places but it never seems to be enough). I did not “create” this best approach on the face of the earth. And CAMPUS is not the only group on the face of the earth that appeal to it or follow it. It IS the best approach to Christianity on the face of the earth but that is because God authored it, and explains it, in His Word the Bible, to the world – for those who have eyes to see. And there are many who see. This approach is based on what God said He would do once everything from the former age was finished by and through the work of His Son. It is an approach to the faith which God Himself said is how HE would do things, not me. As we work through this video together, I will explain this approach that God explains in scripture as a means to justify this admittedly bold and brash statement. Jason attempts to try and make me another Joseph Smith, who created his own scripture through his own revelations. I have and will do nothing of the sort.

At this point Jason begins to narrate and appeals to more clips: PLAY 00:25-1:08

Comparisons to Joseph Smith

(Two clips where I compare myself to Joseph Smith)

So Jason says:

“What Shawn says is the best approach to Christianity ends up looking a lot like what Joseph Smith taught. And even sometimes Shawn will admit that.”

(And then he shows a clip of me admitting to you all that I believe that I share some common traits that Smith had.)

This is true. And as “Jungian” as this may sound, I openly admit to seeing similarities between us. I believe that these similarities allow me to understand the man more than if I had zero things in common with him.

The similarities include:

• We were both born with what they call cauls on our heads or over our faces (which was superstitiously thought to be a sign of special destiny and psychic abilities, or good luck.) I don’t believe this, but this is what my Dad believed and what Joseph’s family believed.
• We are both middle sons of mix gender siblings.
• By his teens Smith was large and strong (so was I) in his later years he was considered portly (which of course there is no similarity).
• His mother was very religious and his father was against organized religion – same with me.
• He was a bit of a con-man as a teen – as was I.
• He had a lust for women – guilty.
• He appears to have long sought God as a youngster – I did too.
• He had an older brother Alvin die suddenly as did I – which changed the complexion of both his world and his family’s – double ditto.
• He could be violent as I have been in my life. He enjoyed a good roust with other men as do I.
• And he appears to have found many of the games in organized religion to be a joke – and if you look back to our earliest videos these have long been my sentiments.
• Finally, Smith knew his Bible and I know mine fairly well too.

Because of these similarities I have some insight into the man and believe that I am

The Main Topic: Exploring Eschatology and Christianity

Able to use them as a means to refute many of His interpretations – which I frequently do – but Jason does not mention this. See, the dissimilarities between Smith and me are ten times stronger. I went on to list the similarities and the dissimilarities on the second clip at the white-board, but Jason cut that short.

At 1:08 Jason says something that is not correct – but he mixes it with some truth, so let me clarify this after we hear what Jason says:

PLAY 01:10-01:29

Distinctions Between Doctrine Views

Jason admits that I don’t preach temples or baptism for the dead, or priesthood (or tithes, or sabbath day, or relief society, or prophets, or apostles, or home-teaching, or brick and mortar, or, or, or . . . . But then Jason makes a false statement, saying: “But like Smith he claims that Christianity experienced a great apostasy, from which he is now rescuing it.”

This is not so. I am not rescuing Christianity from anything. I am only reciting what other Christians have long believed but been silenced in sharing – what God established in His Word. Nor do I believe that Christianity experienced “a great apostasy.” What people call Christianity is apostate, but true Christianity has always existed, never left the earth, and from what I can tell, will forever remain.

Have institutions that call themselves Christianity taken the true faith and corrupted it? Oh definitely. In every case. Just look at ANY history and/or current practices of ANY brick and mortar. All of them – Mormonism included – fail to measure up to the New Testament standard. Why?

Because they were NEVER supposed to reflect what Jesus established on earth with His apostles for them/then. They were never supposed to and they never can. So while nuanced, my stance is not the same as Smith and I, Shawn McCraney, do not believe true Christianity has EVER left the earth but has always existed . . . in the minds and hearts of individuals who are God’s. Joseph Smith did not teach or believe this.

At this point Jason rightly explains that my views are not based on a priesthood restoration but on the idea or belief that Jesus returned in 70 AD – and he plays some clips from me supporting this fact:

PLAY 01:30 – 02:15

Hyper-Preterism and Fulfillment Eschatology

A clip explaining my stance, then Hyper-preterism. Another clip (wrap up)

So, here’s the gig – in a nut shell:

• This is not my stance or creation, it is a view that is shared by many others myself included.
• You don’t have to agree to it, you can believe that Jesus is still coming back to this world, you can believe what you wish and I will accept you as my sister or brother. Like most Evangelicals, this acceptance does not flow both ways. I do maintain that the contents of the Bible clearly explain this view and a person has to work really, really hard to dance around it through gap theories and other interpretations of what Jesus and the apostles clearly stated.
• Brother Jason believes partially about what I believe relative to the end of the AgeThe close of the old covenant era, fulfilled in 70 A.D.—not the end of the world., but he rejects that the destruction of Jerusalem, and all the signs that came with it are associated with Jesus return to save and reward His own as promised.

So what do I have to stand-on, to support this idea? I will present to you a thimble full of the most convincing points quickly. And I’ll also provide you with resources to consider which have been created by others (not me).

But do you know what guys who reject this stance rely upon? The dating of the books of the New Testament for one, and then theories, concocted by men, because they CANNOT STAND the idea that everything we read about in the New Testament was to them/then. Why can’t they stand it? Because it removes their need to do and play church!

But remember, God HIMSELF created the system by which His body would function after His son came and took His bride. And it is so contrary to what the institutions have attempted the institutions MUST reject preterismThe belief that all biblical prophecy—especially “end times”—was fulfilled by 70 A.D. More – they must – in order to justify their very existence and errant doctrines.

I challenge anyone who wonders about my stance on fulfillment eschatology to consult any or all of the following:

1. This simple book written by a pastor in South Carolina called, Christianity’s Greatest Dilemma by Glenn Hill. (Show it)
2. Our online book available for free titled, It’s not the End of the World

Examining Resources and Claims

and or Knife to a Gun Fight.

#3 Our HOTM programs, located at HOTM.TV and under the menu look up our ChristiAnarchytoday shows number 6 through 14 and watch the summary of information there.

#4 If you are even more daring go to www.preteristarchive.com Or www.adammaarschalk.com and test your questions out there. And if you are supremely brave go to our CAMPUSCHURCH.TV and listen to or watch us go through the entire book of revelation, verse by verse, over a 2.5 year period. There you will discover the most comprehensive response and evidence for my stance. Jason Wallace summarizes my stance with a label (Hyper Preterism) and a few other remarks. I just gave you five resources that I have either created or provided for you to TEST my claims and to see if they hold water. Its up to you. But don’t allow the sound bites of a propaganda piece to sway you. Seek, test, and find.

Getting back to the Video, what Jason plays next from our show is dead on – so thank you – take a look

The Importance of Faith and Love

PLAY 02:15 –3:18

That 100.00 offer still stands. See, I belong to Christ’s body – and if you believe in Him, you do too. Your denominational affiliation has ZERO affect or influence on your heavenly destination. What matters is have you looked to Christ in faith and do you walk by love? These are the deciding eternal factors.

The brick and mortars have tried to capitalize on the New Testament narrative and make it their own proprietary product – their own baptism, their own fake authority, allegiance to all that they teach and demand. It has gone on for almost 2000 years. And what has it amounted too?

Division. Infighting. Debates. Hatred. Threats. Schism. Uncertainty. Financial, temporal and abuse of life. Zero authority, and worst of all – Conflict with the Word of God

These things are absent in “the best approach on the face of the earth.” They CANNOT exist in this approach that God gave and described in the Bible. But they thrive in the approaches demanded and popularized by men. Be certain – the best approach allows for all other approaches to exist – freely. That is part of what makes it best. Because the faith and the love is demanded of all individuals who claim Christ as Lord regardless of denominational affiliation.

But again, at this point, Pastor Wallace chooses to associate me with Joseph Smith again. Why does he do this?

Influencing the LDS Community

Recently HOTM has returned to focusing on Mormonism. A faith I came out of but also a faith Jason believes he has been called to reach out to and serve. Jason has gone on the offensive to remove me from any influence I might have on MY LDS brothers and sisters. Let me go to the white board to explain something.

In this world there are certain key PLAYERS WHO REACH OUT TO THE LDS – I’ve listed them on the board:

UTLM Other Ministries Institutional Churches Jason Wallace Denver Snuffer John Dehlin/ World/ Sunstone CAMPUS

(+) Pro Good Information Good Information too Religious Practices Info and Religion Comfort in Smith Humanism Absolute Freedom in Christ – bottom line. (-) Con No directives on where to go, just what is wrong. All denominational and empty of direction unless its biased to the denom of the lead. For example, James White, Bill McKeever, Aaron Shaf?

Lacking good info and consistent direction. Bondage. Playing church. Mormon lite Good info but a Calvinism So insipid even my brothers own daughter became LDS!

More bondage to the ideas of a man

Nothing Christian which to me is only for this world.

Conflict because we are constantly attacked. What does this LEAD to in XLDS lives? Atheism Alienation Reformed Theology Not good. Same Religious Bondage which they will wake up to and abandone More kool aid that is NOT God’s plan More religion that will dissapnt

Self

The liberty to Think, walk, believe and love as led!

At this point Jason ties me again to Smith, take a look:

RUN 03:19 – 3:28

“Shawn uses errors in some churches to dismiss all or at least almost all of the rest.”

Again, I am NOT the one who created this model that I am pushing. God did. And I guess its time to show you how and why.

SO hey, write your comments or insights below and join us tomorrow night, 8PM MTN as we go live. If you are interested in calling in and talking about this video duel or if you want to talk about anything else, bring it and I will do my best to field your questions and insights – right here on HEART OF THE MATTER.