Heart of the Matter

Live from Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 try and worship God in Spirit and in Truth.

I’m your host, Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion..

The End of Material Religion – Part II

Show 1478

January 5th 2016. Our prayer tonight will be given by ____________________________.

“Breaking Bread with Warren Puckett.” That’s every Tuesday Night, 7:30 Mountain time, right here before Heart of the Matter.

Additionally I had the honor of being interviewed by Bishop Earl and those interviews will be available in January beginning the week of the ________. Just go to www.exmormonfiles.com and you can see our time together spread out over a three week period plus there are hundreds of other great interviews there where Bishop Earl talks with people about coming out of Mormonism and into a living relationship with the Lord.

All that we covered in last week’s show and all that we will cover tonight is laid out for you in what I think is perhaps one of the most important booklets a seeker of truth can read. 40 pages. We will send it to you for any sized donation and as always if you cannot afford to send a donation we will send it to you for free. We had it printed because we hope you will read it and then share it with another seeker in the faith. If you want one go to www.hotm.tv, click on the store and follow directions.

Material Religion is Dead

We left off last week in Part I of: Material ReligionA fulfilled system of temples, rituals, and laws—replaced by direct spiritual relationship. is Dead – and we will use the Bible to prove it. The first thing we pointed out was that Paul said “first comes the physical and then the Spiritual.” Going to scripture we noted how God first made Adam out of the clay then he became a living soul. Proving Material first, spiritual second. We then proved that God then first created the Nation of Israel materially (and we showed how He related to it materially).

And among “a number of other proofs of this” we pointed out how God promised to send the nation a literal, actual, material Messiah. We then illustrated how this promised Messiah fulfilled all the material foundation upon which that nation was built but how He came to baptize with “the Holy Spirit and with spiritual fire.” We then showed how this material Messiah – 100% Man and 100% God – called 12 actual material Apostles and taught them to gather from the House of Israel a bride or a church of Material believers who He said, “the gates of hell will not prevail against.” And then we said how He promised He would materially return and save them from the utter material destruction that would fall upon the remnant of the Nation (this was what Peter called, the “end of all things.”)

We then noted how in 70 AD all the things Jesus warned that Nation about came to pass (within a generation) and the actual people (over a million Jews), their temple, their genealogies, their priesthood, their ordinances, and their material sacrifices were all destroyed. But . . .that His Church of faithful believers were saved, and that at that point “a New Jerusalem,” a “New Heaven,” and “a New earth” began to fully reign – which I would NOW strongly suggest was and remains completely spiritual in nature. It’s really important to realize that to God, the Nation of Israel was His bride – one to whom He was betrothed, one to whom He was married, and one to whom He granted a bill of divorce.

What? Where? Where’s the Bill of Divorce? We first read of it in Jeremiah 3:8 where God says: “And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.” And we read a description of his betrothal and marriage played out in the Book of Hosea. And in that narrative we see that God at some point would take her again to Himself.

Where is this or when is this fulfilled? In Christ. Through Christ. By Christ. This was the apostles' job – to go out into all of Judea (the world) and bring as many as would hear to the coming marriage.

The End of Material Religion

JERUSALEM – 70 AD

So to a Board Summary?

1 2 3 4 5
Adam Material Nation Material Messiah Material Apostles Material Destruction

5 6
New Spiritual Jerusalem Everything material over

Now, it's one thing to say that Material Religion is dead and that everything is spiritual, but it is another to prove it through the Word. That is what I intend to do next. Pay particular attention to this part because what it means is all the playing church that goes on in the world by the Catholics and the Baptists and the Calvinists and the Mormons is over.

Q: So what does the BIBLE say about what comes next?

“Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.”

Spiritual Kingdom and the Church Today

His Spiritual Kingdom continues to this day. Having destroyed the Material and saved His Church from physical destruction, the Body of Christ today is entirely spiritual—made up of spiritually regenerated believers. Nothing that can be shaken remains. (see note 77 and 78 below)

• Now God writes His laws upon individuals' hearts and minds
• Believers continue to be the epistles today
• “No man need teach His neighbor for all will know Him”
• All things that can “be shaken” have now been destroyed

Unshakeable Things

• Only “unshakeable things” should remain (things of the Spirit)
• No vestiges of the material remain (they can be shaken)
• No brick and mortar edifices (they can be shaken)
• No institutional hierarchies, boards, or intermediaries in the life of believers (they can be shaken)
• No priesthoods (except that of Christ and His followers)
• No rules, policies or regulations (as all who are part of the Body have the Spirit in them and are responsible before God for how they respond to His leadings)
• No church discipline (as the Spirit disciplines each individual)
• No tithes, building funds, collections – all free will offerings
• All Christian commandments are summarized in “faith and love.”
• Doctrinal knowledge and education are often antithetical to humility. There is no theology test at the gates of heaven.
• God has had the total victory

We could stop here and argue that the point has been more than made through the passages presented. Material religion has long been over. Unfortunately, what continues on are men and women “playing” church, forgetting that God through His Spirit reigns and believers are governed by Him and Him alone. But how about something to put a nail in all of this? Something that proves everything is done and we do not need men and religious institutions anymore?

So what does this mean, God is now “all in all.” Very important – let me teach.

• In chapter three of Acts, Peter and John, by the power of Christ Jesus, healed a man born lame. This miracle opened Peter up to preaching. Preaching what? Jesus Christ. To Whom? Devout Jews. He told them they had killed “the Just.”

The Message of Repentance

…and “the Holy One” and “the Prince of Life,” but that “they and their rulers had done it ignorantly,” and that in the face of all this information they should now:

• “Repent” (change their minds) “and turn” (from their present course) . . . that “their sins (related to their rebellious response and rejection of God’s Only Son coming to save them) would be blotted out.” And then Peter adds:

• “when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (and listen to more context -verse 20 and 21) “And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”

The Context of Peter's Words

• Now, point blank, ask yourselves, “What does the context and Peter’s words sound like he is talking about? And to whom?”

• He has preached Jesus to them. He has told them that they put Him to deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God. in ignorance. He has directed them to repent, and to turn, that their sins may be blotted out, and he has said for them to do all of this that they may be prepared for . . . (READY)

• when “the times of refreshing shall come from the presence (of whom?) the Lord,” AND “he shall send . . . JESUS CHRIST” (who was preached unto them) whom the heavens received (through His ascension into it) UNTIL “the restitution of all things.”

• There are theories out there on what Peter meant when he used the line, “times of refreshing,” – theories on what he meant when he said, “he shall send Jesus Christ,” and grand evolving theories on what Peter meant by, “until the restitution of all things.” But right here in front of us we have what Peter says and we have the context wherein it was said. So, again . . . What does this sound like Peter is talking about when he says – then and there –

• “You guys, repent and turn and have your sins blotted out to prepare you for when the times of refreshing shall come (from the presence of the Lord,” AND “he shall send . . . JESUS CHRIST (who was preached unto you) whom the heavens received UNTIL “the restitution of all things.”

• Does it sound like Peter is speaking of a frame of time that is way out into the future when he is imploring those men there to act? Does it sound like, speaking to these Jewish men in the temple, that the period of time (where “the times of refreshing and restitution of all things”) has bearing on these very people OR does it sound like something that would be far, far, far into the future and was written to us?

Interpretations of Dispensationalism

• Now Paul also spoke of this same period of time as Peter – he called it “the dispensation of the fullness of times.”

• Ever hear that phrase? What does it mean and to whom does it apply?

• In Ephesians 1:10 Paul writes:

• “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”

• Again, is Paul speaking of a period or dispensation of time to occur way out in the future or did he mean something else? Something that would have actual application to these men and their families?

John Darby's Influence

• Stepping back to the early 19th Century there lived a Christian man named Darby – John Darby. He laid the ground work of a theory called “dispensationalismA view that divides history into “ages” with separate plans—TGNN teaches Christ fulfilled all in 70 A.D. More” which is a belief that the earth’s history can be divided up into seven dispensations (or periods of time), with the seventh being the millennial reign of Jesus Christ on earth.

• This theory makes great use (and some really good sense) of periods of time in the Bible and the number seven. Darby created a theme from scripture that was pretty convincing, and when Joseph Smith claimed to restore the truth back to the earth he included this popular theme of Darby’s “dispensationalism” into his restoration – but with Smith being the one to oversee this last dispensation of time.

• As an FYI, “dispensationalism” was not a theory prior to the early 1800’s, but it is a thriving way to see Christian eschatologyStudy of “last things”—TGNN teaches all biblical eschatology was fulfilled in 70 A.D. More today and is the driving force behind Christians screaming that “the end is near.”

Understanding Dispensation

Because of all of this rhetoric, most believers – myself included for a time – have embraced the notion that a dispensation is a period of time. And since Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:10,

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”

. . . we are prone to see things the way Darby interpreted them – including how we define the term, “dispensation.” Truth is, “dispensation,” and the Greek word from which it is garnered, have nothing to do with periods of time. They have to do with “administration” and/or “an arrangement of affairs.”

The Greek Perspective

Listen to the Greek word– it's “OIKONOMIA.” Does that sound like a familiar English word to you? “OYKON-O-MEEAH?” (phonetic pronunciation). It’s where we get our word “economy,” and do you know what economy means in its simplest form? The “management of a house.” One of the better expository reference books out there on the Greek, called Vine’s Expository Dictionary, says this of “OIKONOMIA”: “A dispensation is not a period or epoch (which is a common but erroneous use of the word), but a MODE of dealing, an arrangement or administration of affairs.”

In our book A to Z we explain that when trying to understand Grace vs Law we might examine the Old Testament versus the New in terms of a change of administration. Under the Old Economy there was a works/obedience/reward administration in place, but in the New Economy Christ introduces a new administration – one of grace. Same God – different administration – just like one administration under the president of the United States being Republican and then the next being Democrat; the office of president is the same but the administration (or the economy – the management of the household) is changed.

The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times

So when Paul speaks of the “dispensation of the fullness of times,” and when Peter is telling these men right there at that time and in their age that they need to repent and have their sins blotted out “when the time of refreshing shall come by the presence of Jesus Christ,” they are both speaking of the ultimate completion of the former administration and the implementation of God’s ultimate “plan” for all of creation. The Expositors Bible Commentary says this of Paul’s mentioning dispensation of the fullness of times:

“Here Paul uses it to suggest the administration or putting into effect of God’s far reaching redemptive plan.”

That far-reaching plan is spiritual not material.

We will wrap this up next week.

Again all of this is available to you by going to the store website or if you cannot afford it write me at Shawn@alatheamedia.com and well get a copy to you.

(Mark “Kun us uh taw tu, Car uh?”)

From: Kat Margaret

Subject: Are Catholics Christian?

Message Body:

I was wondering what your thoughts were as I went to Catholic Church as a child and didn't realize till much later that they believe in a different Jesus. A Jesus who only partially paid for my sins. Catholics believe in purgatory and praying for the dead. Also I find that priests and nuns are not scriptural. What are your thoughts on Catholism and can we call them Christians?

From: Nate Modderman

Subject: I Hear You

Message Body:

Hey Shawn. Merry CHRISTmas. Keep up the good work.

From: Axel Lagergren Jernselius

Subject: From Sweden

Message Body:

Hello everyone at Alathea Ministries!

I've been watching Heart of the matter online since 2010. Watching the show has brought me closer to God. I have often felt ashamed of being a believer in Christ, I still do sometimes. I’m so afraid that people will judge me. I’m afraid that people will think that I’m wrong, stupid or gullible.

I love the way you tell people about Jesus without fear or shame. So thank you! Keep doing it! I love you! May God bless you all!

With love from Stockholm,

From: Ronald LeBaron

Subject: You are right on

Message Body:

Shawn,

First off, thanks for what you do and have done.

I have been a Mormon all my 56 years of life and 6 years ago my wife and I finally stop the madness and stopped at ending church. In my 50 years active in the church I never bore my testimony and avoid lessons that dealt with it. I am one of those Mormons that never, never, never did anything. I got married at 19 and avoided

Personal Testimonies on Leaving the Church

I have been married for 36 years and year very happy. I have been telling my wife for years that the church doctrine just doesn't add up or make sense. We have been listening to you on YouTube and my wife keeps saying "THAT IS WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN SAYING FOR YEARS". My wife is one of those life Mormons that goes to church to please others and doesn't have a clue what she believes in but she is finally understanding the lies in the church. Thanks Ron

From: Ivy

A New Beginning

Subject: I woke up from my awful situation 3 weeks ago..

Message Body: Shawn at first, like everyone else I didn't like you! You we're loud and aggressive! But for some reason, I kept listening and watching your YouTube video's then doing my research!! Because of you and other research that I have done, I have left the church! And it only took 2 weeks to make my choice! I've been LDS 36 years I got endowed 2 years ago. Ever since I have left, I have been preaching to other Mormons what I have learned!!! The coolest thing is Sunday I went to church so they can pay my rent..come let's face it I put a lot of money into this church that's my way of taking some investment out….anyway while I was there I asked for a blessing..and man that blessing was amazing it said the Lord loved me and that he knew I was in a transition and that there will be times where I'll feel I'm not getting through to people but God will give you the strength to do what he has called you to do…and man when I heard that I was like wow!!!! So this journey for me the last 3 weeks has been amazing and I just wanted to thank you!!!!

Love your sister in the Lord..

Ivy..:)

From: Kaden Thompson

Subject: The Bible

Seeking Guidance

Message Body: Hello Shawn. I wanted to start by thanking you. I was raised Mormon and live in Utah. I've been expected to live by insane/ irrational teachings that just don't make sense anymore. I know I've started on the right path of becoming a born-again Christian, due to my sudden interest in your videos, the cross, and the word of Christ. I have not yet read the Bible due to living off the word of Joseph's Myth. I do miss the sense of belonging, but I know this will come back when I truly accept Christ into my heart.

My question is what translation of the Bible is favored among Christians? I've read various things across the internet and I can't find one clear answer. I have a hard time understanding the KJV and have found the NIV easier by far. Just looking for input on what I should start with. Thanks again Shawn! You have taken such a burden off my shoulders from your teachings. God bless you!

From: Adam Gault

Subject: Thank you!

Message Body: I thank God for you each day. In 2004 I left Mormonism. I lost family, friends, and others because of this. I quickly blamed God and believed I was an atheist. I stumbled onto one of your videos and was intrigued. I wrote to you personally in anger. I asked you how you could believe in any of the nonsense. You weren't angry with me. You told me that you understood my anger with God because I was right. The God I had believed in did not exist. You told me to find God. Find Christ. 12 or 13 years later I look back and see that as a pivotal moment in my life. Your advice led me to God. I am saved. I have never thanked you. I am sure you receive emails often to thank you, but I wanted to make sure that you knew my gratitude and that I pray for you and your ministry. Praise God for such a loving soul on the earth. I hope you see this message and know my gratitude. I could never repay your kindness. ~Adam

From: Mitch

Subject: shawn

Message Body: Dear Shawn,

I have watched all of your episodes. You are a liar and a cheat, a glutton, and a fool. Just like the rest of us. For the past decade, I have seen you go from being passive and non-confrontational, even in the face of blatant misinformation. To white-hot anger and raw passion when callers have gotten under your skin. I've heard you insult people, and demine them. but also console and show a love to your fellow man

Shawn's Ministry Journey

That only God could give you. I have stayed by you in prayer and in thought since I first saw your ministry. When you changed focus to the "body" I stood by you, when you railed against faith healings and charlatans I applauded you. When you took a stand against tradition for tradition's sake or you had "debates" with those in the body on your alleged heresy I was watching. Through it all, we got to see you change. We got to see a 40-year Mormon on his walk with Christ every week and twice on Sunday. Even though we have never met, I can honestly say that through you God has changed me—not overnight and not by leaps and bounds but like you, baby steps. One day at a time although my walk has not been captured on TV for 10 years I just wanted to say, I love you and mostly I give all glory to God for sending to His people an instrument like you. You have reached this seeker, you have given me a new perspective. All glory to God for you Shawn. I know it hasn't been easy for you personally, financially, or spiritually. Thank you my brother for staying the course and allowing our king to use you for His purpose.

Yours humbly in Christ,

From: Bill Heaton

Creation and Interpretation

Dear Shawn,

I would love to support your ministry. I have noticed that when you acknowledge that God created man, you do not mention the angels that He was talking to in Gen 1:26. I have heard you say that you believe that when God said "let Us create man in Our image", He was speaking to His angels. If you believe that He was speaking to His angels in that verse, please include them when you use it. Otherwise, please recant and tell us He was speaking to 'The Word'. I would like to remind you of the verse in John 1:3 "Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made."

I know you believe that God came to earth in flesh and suffered for our sins. While He was here He communicated with the Father.

For example:

Matt 26:42

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”

And there can be no denial that God was talking to God here. If you would please acknowledge that God were speaking among themselves at the time of creation, I would happily send you some donations.

God bless you and yours in 2016,

Bill Heaton

Faith Exploration

Thank you, Shawn.

Ramón Cruz

http://www.linkedin.com/in/ramoncruz1

On Thu, Dec 31, 2015, at 5:26 PM, Shawn Aaron McCraney shawn@alatheamedia.com wrote:

in, by, and through agape loveSelfless love marked by patience, mercy, and humility—central to living in spiritual liberty..

From: Ramon Cruz
Subject: Faith
Message Body:
Is faith dynamic? How is it dynamic?