Growth of Mormonism and Biblical Christianity
“LIVE FROM THE MECCA OF MORMONISM”
SALT LAKE CITY UTAH
This is Heart of the Matter, where Mormonism Meets Biblical Christianity, face to face. Show 19 BOM 45 May 8th 2012
And I’m your host, Shawn McCraney. We praise the True and Living God for allowing us to participate in this ministry. May He be with you (and us) tonight.
Our good friend Brandon sent us an article that came out last week through ABC channel 4 Salt Lake City, who edited the information from AP wire services. This is what it said: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC 4) – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is growing by leaps and bounds, at a time when many other Christian churches in the United States are seeing drops in membership. The U.S. Religion Census released their report on religions, and they found membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints jumped forty five percent from 2000 to 2010. Over that same time period, Catholic Church membership dropped over 5 percent, and overall mainstream Christian Church membership dropped about 12 percent. Researchers took data from 236 religious congregations in the United States. Overall, Mormon Church membership grew by 2 million members nationally since 2000.” Additionally, the religious census article pointed out that Islam is also growing at rates as high as Mormonism. If you want to read the specifics of this study go to: http://www.thearda.com/rcms2010
Biblical Perspective on Church Growth
Now in the face of this news we received some feedback. One caller, a guy by the name of Sam, left this message on our voicemail: So how does the Bible describes the growth of the truth church (which is made up of true believers) and NOT denominational attendance. What did Jesus say? Many people believe that the world is going to “get converted” filling churches to overflowing. But Jesus said: Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. This passage says nothing about the real believers or the saved growing exponentially, but rather they will in actuality be few. Where do you stand? In John 3:3 Jesus said to Nicodemus the infamous imperative: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
The growth of religion is MEANINGLESS in terms of picturing true salvation. I mean with Mormonism and Islam supposedly being the fastest growing faiths on earth, what does that indicate? It tells me people are seeking structure and order and a place to belong, but it says NOTHING to me about people being saved, being born-again, becoming part of the “few be there that find it” crowd. We received a copy of this picture from a viewer named Sean that has been posted on “DisGrace” book by some Mormon fanatic. Take a look:
With Jesus having said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father BUT by ME!” the implication made by the photo is nothing but blasphemous. But alternatives to the Lord will abound in these last days. Alternatives that include clubs for moral reformation, churches bent on power, and false prophets and their books which lead from the Lord rather than to Him.
The Laodicean Church
In the Revelation of Jesus Christ, listen to how the Laodicean church is described, which pictures the churches in our day and age: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”
Fast growing churches and religions that do not teach the truth, but pander to the masses with deception and marketing are nothing but a sign of the times. But we might as well get used to it. Siding up to Plato, I believe common consensus is the greatest lie in the world. And the gospel of Jesus Christ, as described by Jesus Christ, was never meant to be a world superpower but small, true, suffering band of brothers and sisters.
So let me extend an invitation to any and all who are truly seeking to live authentically. Are you interested in being part of an under-funded
King of Every Moment
Are you the type who is so sold out to Him you would lose everything to know Him and Him alone – not a church or a man or a system, but Him? Are you someone who either loves (or is willing to love Him) more than family, nation, mother or father… MORE than your own sons and daughters? Are you willing to suffer for Him, be despitefully used for Him, be persecuted for Him and Him alone?
If this is you, I invite you to join the lowly, the meek, the sinful and the lost – and to make Him Lord of your life, King of your universe, and Master of your everything. There is a price for joining His family. You won’t be part of the popular. You typically won’t be blessed with wealth. And you generally will not be seen as one of the beautiful people. But you will have Him as your most awesome God and King – now, and in the eternities.
The Book of Mormon's Origins
So Joseph has now published his Book of Mormon. 5,000 copies. The year is 1830. Now, there are a series of events that unfolded once the Book of Mormon was published. They have to do with a man name Sidney Rigdon, who played a MAJOR role in early Mormonism. Part and parcel with the appearance of Sidney Rigdon comes some interesting possibilities on how the book was actually composed. Explaining it is going to take some time to articulate effectively because according to the LDS timetable Joseph does not meet Sidney Rigdon until well after the publication of the BOM. As a result they believe it was impossible for Rigdon to have had anything to do with the contents and/or construction of the book.
Additionally, and as a part of this post BOM timetable of events, we have Joseph establishing the LDS church, his being tried for “treasure seeking” in Colesville and Bainbridge, and then him ultimately moving out of his glass-looking, treasure finding, “Book of Mormon composing stomping grounds (New York) to Ohio where he joined up with this new character named Sidney Rigdon. We are going to give these series of events some attention beginning next week and then once they have been properly explained we’re going to begin to examine the actual contents of the BOM.
Reviewing Our Journey
Before we go to the phones tonight let me take care of a number of things. First, as a means of tying together all the material we have covered so far, let’s do a quick review. Forty five weeks ago we embarked on our somewhat exhaustive examination of the book. Remember? We likened the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon to raising an onion, and in this light even remaned it, “The Book of Mormonion.” Why? Because to understand its construction and origins you have to peel it back layer by layer and we layered our entire examination: CULTIVATING A RELIGIOUS FRAUD.
Remember? We began by examining all the “Necessary Elements” to raise an onion and we started with examining the “ground” (which was the early American setting that helped build the character of Smith). We then introduced the “seed” or the influence of Joseph Smith’s parents Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. We then moved on and talked about the “fertilizer” that helped fortify the Book of Mormonion seed and this was our study of Joseph’s practices in the occult and folk magic. After all these preparatory influences were in place, when had the Angel Moroni started popping up, and “planted” the seed.
Of course the Book of Mormonion seed needed “watering” and we likened this to the unique translation process Mormon history reveals. When the 116 pages were taken, the Book of Mormonion stood in jeopardy of being destroyed by Martin Harris’s pesty wife, so we examined the “PESTICIDE” Joseph used to save the book. And finally, after all these things that went into the growth of the Book of Mormonion, we began to “harvest” it out of the ground, which included a ten show study of some of the books characteristics, a general look at some of the anachronistic problems with the book, Chiasmus, name modifications Smith employed from the Bible and local maps, a magic ball called the Liahona, the “man and the mark” Martin Harris, the Dr. Charles Anton event, and the witnesses. Finally we talked last week about when it came to actually…
The Book of Mormonion: Ancient Origins or Modern Fraud?
This brings us to the ACTUAL FIRST EDITION of the BOOK of MORMONION. Now, after we cover the events surrounding Joseph going to trial, establishing his church, meeting up with Sidney Rigdon, and then leaving New York for Ohio, we are going to introduce and remind you of a number of themes present in the Book of Mormon. You see, the question that must be answered above all questions about the Book of Mormonion is this: “Is the book of an ancient origin?” The questions about whether “it teaches truth,” or “teaches about Jesus Christ,” or “supports the Bible” or is “an interesting or boring read” are all entirely irrelevant. The question that must be answered is, “Is the Book of Mormon from ancient origins?” If it is, Smith’s claims can be considered real. If it’s not, he is a religious charlatan and he and the books, revelations, stories and doctrines he’s produced ought to be tossed out the window.
Determining the Origins
So how can we tell the origins of the information found in the book? We examine what is presented as ancient and see if the concepts were present and popular in Joseph Smith’s time (therefore of modern origin) but were not concepts of ancient origin. It is right here, on these grounds, that the Book of Mormonion proves itself the fraud that it is. Everything we have presented thus far is only ancillary to what we are about to discover within the actual pages of the book. So this is how we’re going to do it.
Modern Themes and Literary Styles
We’re going to present a laundry list of modern themes, literary styles, and resources Joseph took information from and then we’re going to open the book and point out, chapter by chapter, where he included it in his religious fraud. All right, we’ll get going on all that beginning next week. Let’s open up the phone lines.
Several months ago Alathea Ministries began producing a television program called the Ex-Files, hosted by Bishop Earl Erskine. We would love to have you be interviewed on this fascinating new program. Please contact Bishop Earl.
Steve C wrote: DID YOU KNOW THAT: 1–EVEN THOUGH BYU ACCEPTS NON-LDS STUDENTS, IF ANY LDS STUDENT EVER CONVERTS TO ANOTHER RELIGION, THEY WILL BE EXPELLED FOR VIOLATING THE HONOR CODE–EVEN IF THEY LIVE UP TO EVERY OTHER REQUIREMENT. Religious freedom at BYU | The Student Review. 2–I DON'T REMEMBER WHERE I READ THIS, AND I CAN'T FIND IT, BUT BYU WILL ALSO REFUSE TO TRANSFER A CONVERTED STUDENT'S TRANSCRIPT TO ANOTHER COLLEGE AFTER BEING EXPELLED. And finally, 3–IF ANY LDS STUDENT IS EXPELLED FROM BYU FOR CONVERTING TO ANOTHER RELIGION, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEGREE REVOKED AFTER GRADUATING. Hardy v. Brigham Young University | Open Shirts, Open Minds. | Enlighten the World. And Mormonism is Christian? Right.
BillyBob, an ardent defender of Mormonism, who poses himself as a fourteen year old but tells us he has permission from his parents, writes: “If you accepted Jesus and were born again and you killed yourself and family would you go to hell?” Instead of answering BillyBob’s question, we responded with another question to prove a point: “If you were born again and told a lie would you go to hell?” You see, being a Christian does NOT mean, and can never mean being perfect. All it means –which is everything – is you have accepted the solution to your sin. Accepting the only solution to our sin – Jesus – who overcame sin and death, by faith, is what makes a person a Christian.
Websites and Resources
Little about our websites – they are really getting buffed out by Micah and Mary. First of all, there’s www.bornagainmormon.com, www.hotm.tv, www.c-a-m-p-u-s.com, and www.exmormonfiles.tv.
CAMPUS Information
CAMPUS: MILK 10am (working through Matthew) MEAT 2:30pm (working through Romans) Beginning Sunday (June 3rd) 7-9pm MAYHEM (Youngsters 16-25) www.c-a-m-p-u-s.com
Addressing Anger and Scriptural Guidance
From Donald H. in Virginia: My concern is this anger and hatred that I have against Mormonism, after learning how they lied to me, and all of the horrific things they do, especially Joseph Smith's pedophilia and polygamy, and how they brainwash kids today, taking advantage of their emotional vulnerability. Since we're both human, I am sure you have had this anger too, and probably have it at times even today. Are there any scriptures that help you a lot? I didn't read much of the Bible before I became Mormon, and I read even less while I was a Mormon (read the Book of Mormon almost 3 times though front and back). I am asking you because I can see (anyone can see that uses their eyes and their hearts really) that you do know about scriptures. Please, I can't stand this anger, the spirit leaves me when I let it burn up, I find myself ranting to myself like I'm having an argument with missionaries, and so many other angry, hate-filled thoughts (like using the Book of Mormon as toilet paper) and I know that they are wrong. I am only human, but I know that by the grace of Jesus Christ I can not be so angry all the time. I trust you as a man who follows God, and that is why I ask you.
Gary asks: Steve Wholberg the director of White Horse Media states when we die we sleep in the grave until the second coming of God, we are resurrected and then determined saved or go to hell. We do not go to Abraham's bosom or spirit prison as most of the Christian world believe according to Steve Wholberg. I would appreciate how you interpret scripture on this.
First of all, in many places the Bible will use the word "sleep" to describe those who have died. Therefore the confusion. It’s simply a Jewish/Hellenist colloquialism. And while scripture says very little about what happens to all of us after death, what it does say refutes “Soul Sleep.” According to Scripture, the soul leaves the body at death. Remember the Lord at His death? “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” and then “he yielded up his spirit” (Luke 23:46; Mt 27:50). This text makes clear that Jesus’ soul did not remain in his dead body, but went into his Father’s hands. Remember the first Christian martyr was Stephen. Acts 7:59-60 describes his death: “And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Ecclesiastes 12:7 describes death in these terms: “and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” According to this definition, the body has one destination and the spirit/soul has another.
