Living as Sold-Out Christians

Live from the Mecca of Mormonism, Salt Lake City, Utah – THIS IS HOTM – where we are learning together how to live as sold-out Christians in this age of Fulfillment – and I’m your host Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion..

Let’s begin with a Prayer

Show 10-12B Follow-up on Adultery, Divorce and Baby in the House shows

PRAYER

Pandemics and Christianity

Well the world-wide fervor over the Corona Virus is reaching new heights as social media stokes the wild fearful imaginations of even the most courageous. Of course, there is always going to be those believers who tie things like disease and tidal waves to Jesus Second comingChrist’s return, fulfilled in 70 A.D., ending the old covenant—not the world. and the end of the world, as evidenced by maniacal Facebook Posts that my friend sent to me. One guy posted a picture from a book by Sylvia Brown called, The End of Days where in red page 312 says that “in 2020 a pneumonia-like illness will spread throughout the globe . . .” Really? That is like saying in 2021 there will be car accidents in the US due to texting.

I want to bring some reason to the situation at hand and reiterate calm, fearlessness, and wisdom knowing that the scripture says this world will not ever end, that Jesus has already returned for his bride, and that while we ought to certainly use wisdom in dealing with life situations, what is happening is nothing new. I mean between 1956 and 1958 there was something called the ASIAN FLU that killed 2 million people. It originated in China in 1956 and in its two-year killing spree traveled from the Chinese province of Guizhou to Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States. The World Health Organization places the final tally at approximately 2 million deaths, 69,800 of those in the US alone.

Historical Pandemics

Did you know that a flu termed, “the Hong Kong Flu” killed over a million people in 1968? From the first reported case on July 13, 1968 in Hong Kong, it took only 17 days before outbreaks of the virus were reported in Singapore and Vietnam, and within three months had spread to The Philippines, India, Australia, Europe, and the United States. Viruses are spread through human contact. Some more intimate than others. Do you remember the HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC (which was at its peak between 2005-2012)? DeathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God. Toll? 36 million. It was first identified in Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1976. At least 31 million people are living with HIV today, so the virus is not dead or done away with.

Oh, let’s go back to the start of the 20th Century – the year 1918 and the disease – the flu. How many died? Somewhere between 20-50 million across the globe, infecting over a third of the world’s population. Of the 500 million people infected in the 1918 pandemic, the mortality rate was estimated at 10% to 20%, with up to 25 million deaths in the first 25 weeks alone. The interesting thing about this flu from other influenza’s was where influenza had always previously only killed juveniles, the elderly or already weakened patients, it had begun striking down hardy and completely healthy young adults while leaving children and those with weaker immune systems still alive.

Did the world end then? Did Jesus come back then? No. Sickness and death, a very normal part of the human experience just paid a longer visit – that’s all. We’ve had CHOLERA PANDEMIC’S (1910-1911) Death toll: 800,000, several flu epidemics and pandemics and of course, way back in 1346 to 1353 we experienced THE BLACK DEATH with a death toll of somewhere between 75 – 200 million. That was carried by fleas. Not Jesus' return.

The Eternal Perspective

Did you know that if we go back to 541 AD there was something that they called the PLAGUE OF JUSTINIAN. It killed 25 million – perhaps half the population of Europe and devastating the city of Constantinople, where at its height it was killing an estimated 5,000 people per day. Folks of the Christian faith – it's time to put on our long pants and stop the hysteria. There will be catastrophes, disease, death and mayhem on this earth. May all of it renew our focus on the eternal view, on the finished work of Christ, and on the importance of being wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But of course, in the midst of fear, there is always the opportunity to capitalize on people.

According to The Christian Post (which, by the way, I was just interviewed by last week) there is a pastor in New Zealand who, using…

Claims and Realities: Protection, Faith, and Church Practices

The Bible claims that “Tithe-paying Christians are protected from coronavirus.” Says this pastor: “The prince of the power of the air, Satan, has control of atmospheres, unless you’re a blood-bought born-again, Jesus-loving, Bible-believing, Holy Ghost-filled, tithe-paying believer. You are the only one that can walk through atmospheres and has a, literally a protection — the Psalm 91 protection policy around you.”

I got news for this pastor. Good Christian people get sick and die. “blood-bought born-again, Jesus-loving, Bible-believing, Holy Ghost-filled, tithe-paying believers” die horrible deaths – from every sort of disease on earth and nothing about them or their faith will stop it. Deal with it. And stop such insane antics from the pulpit.

Church Protocol Changes Amid Health Concerns

Finally, relative to this topic, a year or two ago we did a show segment called, Churches will have to close their doors. Here is part of that board illustration: (SHOW CLIP HERE – 7:45 to 8:53)

So, having said that, it’s no surprise to read a Reuter’s article dated March 8 that explains churches are having to adopt some new protocols among each other – meaning handshaking is going out, drinking from the same cup of wine is all but dead, and for many Catholics receiving the wafer directly into the mouth is now anathema – it’s going into the hands. Imagine if this particular virus digs deep into the lungs of people and how quickly church attendance will drop – which means money will drop, which means doors closing. Is the Lord in charge of this or bummed out about this? I think the Lord reaches those who are His by His Spirit and churches open or closed make not one bit of difference to that fact.

Adventures in Broadcasting

So, I had to leave last week to go help our youngest out with some things in her life back in Michigan and this resulted in pre-recording some shows and skipping last week's live call-in show. Apologies. But this means that tonight we have a LOT of catching up to do because we did

• a live follow-up show two weeks ago that had comments posted to it,
• we had a Monday night show a week ago on Adultery with associated comments,
• we had a pre-recorded show on Tuesday a week ago on Divorce with comments AND we had a show last night called Baby in Da House with comments too.

Viewer Feedback and Interaction

So, let’s go back two weeks and respond to the comments from our last live follow-up show which aired two weeks ago where we mostly talked about the follow-up to abortion.

Guardian Fury

Hey Shawn, this is Will, I called in during this show. I started watching very late during this episode. I only heard a few minutes and decided to call in. I have been laughing to myself while watching the whole episode. I didn't realize how much of my story fit in with this show. I also observe that emotional response can easily override critical thinking. Thank you again for being you.

MisterTracks

awesome content

K Sladerock

Shawn u are a gift from GOD.

To which I replied, “I’m a talking donkey but thank you for being willing to hear me out.”

Then to last Monday's show on Adultery, we received the following:

Duane Dahl jr sent us a poem:

I'm looking for chick that wears a ring… Cuz one night stands are my thing… Your marriage means nothing to me… Im totally into adultery.

Rea Peabody

Wow, what an excellent teaching and showing your heart!!! just a second comment on this. I commented earlier…love you brother….and you're precious family also..my family have forgiven me and most are now in love with Jesus also!!..Rea

Aslynne Caron

Hello there!

EricSmyth14

I agree that "perfect" chastity is "impossible" or whatever, but there are some special psychos for Christ out there that are completely lust-free in marriage (even though they have other sins). With man this is impossible, but with Christ, all things are possible. I remember when I easily went 200+ days with no erection/pre-ejaculate and it was because I was on fire for God quite a bit. I know there are people much closer to God now than I was then.

While Satan may effectively tempt a heroin addict with heroin, those who are not addicted to heroin will not be affected by any temptations Satan may bring forth involving heroin, so Satan will end up not tempting that person at all.

Sanctification and Sexual Purity

Eventually, this can also potentially be the end result for many Christians being sanctified by God from sexual immorality. I believe it's possible to be so sexually pure through Christ Jesus that even Satan will give up on you in this area. Even though I believe that all things are possible through Christ, and that perfect chastity can occur for very long periods of time by the grace of God, and not solely by the will of man, I also believe that anyone that has a lot of pride in their chastity or who forgets God will naturally have their chastity removed by God, and will be temporarily cursed with violent erections and the spirit of lust. He who exalts himself in this area will be made humble, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Then Eric added: A great big high five to you!! I agree with you about Jesus writing with his finger on the ground as He wrote on the stones …He was pointing out the men's sins and then said, he who is without sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace., throw the first stone, then they all walked off!!! What a wonderful Savior we have..Thank you Lord Jesus. For total forgiveness!! Then planting your Holy Spirit in us to see with new eyes and hearts!! He changes us!! Re a in Phx who loves much because I have been forgiven much!!!

The Power of Love

HOWARD KING I’m glad you have had the courage to walk through this social minefield, Shawn. You have brought up some issues that most of us avoid because people will blow you away if you don’t fit into their ‘truth’. Let’s face it, most of us have struggled with questions about things that go on around us and with us. But, we are told not to ask our questions because we might get ourselves kicked out of our tribes. These warnings usually begin when we are young children and continue through the rest of our lives. After trying to unravel the truth from different religious dogmas, I have concluded that religion is not about love and freedom but raw power and control. I have since thrown all that dogma out and started over—this time looking at my Creator through the eyes of a young child. Truth is so simple that a small child can understand it. What’s so difficult about the concept of LOVE? The Bible very plainly tells us that love is the fulfillment of the law. Love is the greatest of all the natural laws: God = LOVE. That’s a mathematical law (relationship) because it has an ‘=‘ sign just like, for instance, E = MxCxC or F=Mxa, or etc., etc., . . . * When people ‘choose’ to break a natural law, there are natural consequences! * F = force, E = energy, M = mass, C = speed of light, a = acceleration, x = multiplied by

Alamo James I don’t always follow through by watching these videos, but I am grateful that I can still access them. This morning, I have a feeling of peace in my heart and it was, at least partially, in response to hearing these words, so, I thank you and God bless you.

Views on Relationships

joan lantis I love that the catholics form of judgement/repentance is that they go to confession and accuse only themselves.

Margaret Tani Thank you

Sadie Lanier So if sex = marriage then if your “body count” is high (more than 1),then you’re an adulterer?

Derrick W Is that disinfectant on your little table??? Ha Ha

Shamoa Krasieski Before they had DNA testing, the only sure way to know that your children were indeed yours was to keep your wife exclusive to yourself. Anyone who had sexual relations with another man's wife adulterated her. How then could the husband know the children born to him by that woman were really his? And that is why adultery was considered especially heinous in the ancient world.

Shamoa Krasieski Just because you have the right to divorce, or otherwise punish your spouse, doesn't mean that is the best course of action.

joan lantis I think women in their sixties have seen their husbands be at least emotionally unfaithful/distant with them as they age. Women become more appreciative of their marital/family bond with age, so they become dismayed and really desperately need to be loved/appreciated due to the years of being undervalued.

Sarah (a proud mama of a new baby girl – congratulations!) Writes: I find it amusing that the legalists who are quick to use Scripture as a weapon to judge and condemn other Christians in the Church today are the same legalists who are quick to point out that scholars.

Challenges of Interpretations in Christianity

Question the legitimacy of this particular Scripture (John 8). They jump on your case, Shawn, whenever you point out the problems with particular Scriptures or question their applicability to Christians today, but as soon as the scenario with Jesus and the adulterous woman is brought up, these Sola Scriptura literalists and legalistic "Bible believing" Christians are suddenly okay with dismissing Scripture. It just shows where their heart is. When it can be used to condemn and shame people, they will follow the Bible word for word and claim its applicability across the board, but as soon as they come across something that clearly contradicts that attitude (such as Christ's grace with the adulterous woman), they'll contradict themselves and question it. Anyway, love you guys and loved this episode. All of these shows related to living the Christian life in an age of fulfillment have been very helpful and I look forward to all of them.

GetMooreProductions
I agree we should have a forgiving heart and not be so quick to automatically throw out the punishment it deserves. BUT also as Christians we do have the right to give a righteous judgement. Just b/c we sin and we are fallen doesn't mean we don't sought after being corrected. I think WE need BOTH and both are biblical. Not all sin are the same, some deserve death in the Law some is a simple as re paying it back. Depends on the Sin. BUT I do agree it's ALL a heart issue and it stems from there.

M Santana
Lust is not the same as attraction. Jesus said nothing about attraction, he talked about "lusting after" which implies seeking out for lustful purposes the woman he has looked upon. Simply feeling attraction is not adultery in Jesus' teaching on lusting after.

Reflections on Divorce Discussions

THEN we had our follow-up show on Divorce, and here are the comments from you on that?

NICK
Why did this show stop airing on TV? Good show.

SK
I really liked your stock market analogy. It makes sense.

And design core
Hi. Good show.

Insights on Raising Children

Then Finally, on our show last night about raising our Kids today in the Age of Fulfillment:

Charlie Clark
With age comes wisdom! Amen.

3 Piggies wrote:
Great points, and with that example, our child might actually discuss things with us that they would never discuss had we raised them with religious fear, force, judgment, guilt, and shame. Isn't that how Jesus said his/our Father is? Isn't that how Jesus instructed and acted? If another disciple or author in the Bible says contrary, then maybe that is his own opinion since that is not what Jesus showed us.

Sadie Lanier
This is what parents need to do today, the ones that say “I’ll let my child decide” yet they don’t introduce them to anything. That is a recipe for lost and rebellious children.

Event Announcement: Sunday’s Best

Hey remember, April 3rd and 4th – Friday and Saturday – we are hosting an event that we are calling, Sunday’s Best.

Schedule Overview

WHAT IS IT?

I have invited five people to come and share with our camera why they believe that their approach to faith is best, more correct, superior to other walks. We have a Catholic, a Mormon, a Restorationist, a Noadic Jew, and myself. The door is still open to any Calvinist, Arminianist, Orthodoxy, or Atheist.

The program thus far is settled in the following ways:

FRIDAY APRIL 3rd DOORS OPEN AT 1:30
First Presenter – Roman Catholicism
Father Christopher Grey
Pastor St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Park City, Utah
FROM 2 to 3:30

Second Presenter – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Bob Burgener
3:45 to 5:15

Third Presenter – Restorationism
Denver Snuffer
5:30 to 7:00PM

Then on SATURDAY APRIL 4th 2020
The door will open at 9:30AM

At 10 AM we will have our
First Presenter – Noadic Judaism
Lee Baker

At 11:45 we will have our Second Presenter for the Day – MYSELF on Subjective ChristianityA direct, personal relationship with God—free from institutional authority, guided by personal relationship, faith and agape love.

And then after a lunch break we will have a Q and A at 1:30 to 3PM with any and all presenters

We are going to record and put these presentations on our site unedited for all to see and consider in their search for truth. Join us if you would like to watch these presentations live.

Finally, The Christian Post interviewed me and the title of the interview is:

(PODCAST) Former Mormon on the burden to live the Perfect Christian Life. Its on the front Page of their website currently. Just go to www.christianpost.com