Heart of the Matter

“LIVE FROM THE MECCA OF MORMONISM”
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

This is Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology., where Mormonism meets Biblical Christianity, face to face.
Show 43: Catch Up and Recover
October 23rd, 2012

And I’m Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion., your host. We praise the True and Living God for allowing us to participate in this ministry. May He be with you (and us) tonight.

Every Sunday we meet up at the University of Utah at 10 AM and 2:30 PM. You are welcome to join us. We promise you will walk away knowing more than when you came in. Also, every Sunday radio station AM 820 replays “Heart of the Matter” from 1 to 2 PM. We invite you to tune in.

For those of you living in the Nampa, Idaho area, this Friday, October 26th, 7 PM, I will be speaking at the Grace Bible Church, 1415 West Lone Star Road, Nampa, Idaho 83651. 7 PM Sharp! That’s this Friday night, Nampa Idaho, Grace Bible Church, 7 PM.

Hey, for those of you frustrated with our website updates, show updates, and things related to our online ministry – we’ve gone through some necessary changes and have had to hire a new webmaster. So we say goodbye to Micah, who did an absolutely fantastic job creating and managing the sites. We wish him the best and expect the sites to be updated in short order. Thanks for your patience.

Sign Distribution Update

Well, we had a pretty nice turnout for our Jesus sign giveaway a few weeks back. I think we distributed about 200 signs which were put up on front lawns, living room windows, and the back of automobiles. Some people got really motivated and placed them out with other political signs along the highways and byways of Utah. Unfortunately, almost everywhere they were placed, people either tore them down or took them away stake and all. I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised.

Now, we believe the Word of God is so important that we put it to music and play it at our CAMPUS gatherings on Sundays. As a means to give you even more exposure to the Word of God, we are going to start playing a different verse each week before going to our segment, “From the Word.” So here we go – with Matthew 11:28-30.

Teachings from John 15

We left off two long weeks ago in John 15:12. Tonight, Jesus is teaching the twelve about how the world will respond to them. And He says in verses 18-19:

18 “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

Are you a Christian that the world can’t stand? That the world hates? If you are, and it’s because you stand for Him and Him alone, you’re in good company. Here, Jesus tells His twelve that if they “were of the world” then the world would “love them.” From this, I think we can assume that if the world just loves and embraces a believer, there may be something wrong with the message they're presenting.

See, if we do what the world does, if we assume its attitudes, methods, lifestyles, and opinions – it will love us. But Jesus says if we are His, and we reject “the things of this world,” its policies and principles and politics – the world will hate you… like it hated Him.

Notice, again, what our Lord and KING says here to His chosen disciples:

“If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

More and more we are seeing the world in which we live polarize into two camps – the morally vile and reprehensible, and the morally superior (the perfecters of the flesh) – listen – neither attitude is of Him and His kingdom.

His KINGDOM IS NOT… of this world.

Every day we are watching and observing and hearing people say: “It doesn’t matter what God you worship, or what doctrines you embrace, or whom you call Lord. What matters…

Standing Firm in Faith

…is…unity, fighting evil together. Doing good.” And when believers join these ranks, selling out our Lord and His mission, Jesus explained the result, “They will be loved by the world because the WORLD loves its own.” But, He adds:

“but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

Then in chapter 16, which is continuation of John 15, Jesus adds:

John 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be made to stumble.
2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.”

I want to pay tribute to Christians everywhere who are willing to stand for Him and Him alone. Who do not fear. Who willfully reject the philosophies of pandering men, who refuse to look to world systems for solutions, and who stand sold-out for our Lord by real faith. You know who you are – you call “truth truth” and “a lie a lie” and do NOT compromise for any reason under the sun.

(beat)

With that, let’s have a word of prayer.

Current Issues in the Faith Community

We are going to use tonight to catch up on a number, on a “veritable cornucopia,” “a plethora” (as it were) of important matters, events, and issues that have piled up on us over the past few weeks, including the recent LDS General Conference, Billy Graham, a Mormon President, and much more.

But before getting into them, we have prepared a VERY timely and important message we hope you will take a minute to consider. Take a look:

Alright, let’s kick tonight off by talking about the recent LDS General Conference. First, it seems the Brethren were inspired to lower the age of their full-time missionaries. The first thing to note about this is they are not calling this “a revelation” but “inspiration.” Where they used to be able to get away with saying the Lord spoke to the prophet and revealed stuff like this, they are saying the leadership was inspired – which makes it much easier to change course in the future.

Got an email from Ben on the subject which said: “Shawn, what do you think about the church's move to pressure 18-yr olds to head out on missions instead of 19 year olds?” He adds "To me this is indicative of needing more naive, unlearned children to represent their whitewashed program and history. With this new age they’re now allowing almost no time to transpire between high school and being shipped out – which means no time to study it out and think critically and independently.” I agree with Ben on these insights and would only add that I think that Mormonism will increase the number of missionaries (through this grand inspiration of theirs) which would help them proselytize the world should a Mormon take the oval office. I wonder if they’ll thank Billy Graham for helping them so much with their missionary efforts?

Jeffrey Holland's Recent Statements

Then, in the recent LDS General Conference, “A,A,A, Apostle” Jeffrey Holland said something so ludicrous we have to stop and point it out. Relative to people leaving the Mormon church, in particular returned missionaries who he seemed to single out later in his speech, Holland said: 'To those who were once with us, but have retreated, preferring to pick and choose a few cultural hor'dourves from the smorgasbord of the Restoration and leave the rest of the feast, I say that I fear you face a lot of long nights and empty nets'

Let’s break this threat down, shall we? First of all, he describes anyone who leaves the church as “retreating.” A pejorative term anyway you look at it. ANY Christian would say that when a person leaves Mormonism it is an advance, but Holland calls it a retreat. Secondly, he minimizes a person's reason for leaving by equating it with picking a few hor’dourves amidst what he calls “the smorgasborg of the Restoration.” Having been LDS and having left, I want you to know that the reality is the absolute opposite of what Holland says here. The reality is people leave Mormonism over a smorgasborg of doctrinal baloney and historical slime, while those who remain fearfully gnaw on a few respectable ordeures like church basketball, family unity, and being a part of a community of like-blinded souls.

Coercion in Religious Leadership

To what all cult leaders resort to when they are out to coerce, manipulate, and control others – he uses threats. And he does this by actually saying (to those who have the courage to leave):

“ . . . I fear you face a lot of long nights and empty nets.”

You know what this means? Holland is telling people that if they leave the LDS church they will have a lot of sleepless nights and they will lose an ability to provide for their family, to pay their bills, to reap from their labors. (beat)

Can you IMAGINE any true Christian threatening someone who is thinking of changing churches, of leaving their respective denomination, that they will lose the comfort of sleep and rest and financial stability as a result? (Beat)

1. Whenever ANYONE leaves Mormonism, Reverend Graham (who has decided in his glorious wisdom to no longer include Mormonism in his definition of a cult) their leadership, either verbally, or in a letter, or both, warn them that . . .
2. They will suffer eternal consequences for departing.
3. They will lose their family.
4. Their “nets will be empty.”
5. They will not be able to “rest or sleep.
6. That Satan will take over their lives.
7. And that their children will become evil.

Personal Experience of Leaving Mormonism

I want anyone listening to know, from first-hand experience, that leaving Mormonism was the BEST decision our family has EVER made. That the living God has blessed us beyond our comprehension. He has given all of us new life. He has filled our home with all we need, given “us rest,” and removed the curse that men like Holland tried to heap on our backs.

GRAPHIC

Internet Influence and Church Scrutiny

Moving on to another LDS General Conference related topic, it seems a number of the LDS speakers are quite concerned with their members reading and studying – especially on the internet.

Elder Walter Gonzalez said a doozie:

"Today surrounded by so much information we might think that navigating millions of webpages will give us all that we need to know. We can find good and bad information on the web. But information alone is not enough. God has given us another source for greater knowledge even knowledge sent from heaven. Our heavenly father can give us such knowledge when we navigate the celestial web in our hearts and minds."

(LOL, the "Celestial Web" in our hearts and minds?) Elder Quentin Cook said:

"Some have emerged themselves in internet materials that magnify, exaggerate, and in some cases invent shortcomings of early church leaders. Then they draw incorrect conclusions that can effect testimony. Any who have made these choices can repent and be spiritually renewed."

And Elder Neil Anderson said:
“There has always been a few who want to discredit the church and destroy faith. Today they use the internet. Some of the information about the church, no matter how convincing, is just not true.”

I sure, Elder Anderson, that “some” of the information on the internet isn’t true. But what about ALL of it that is?!

Let’s see?

• Multiple First Vision Accounts that contradict each other? (True or not, Elder Anderson?)
• Joseph Smith’s secret polygamy?
• The fact the polygamy is considered an eternal principle?
• That matter cannot be created or destroyed even by God? (True or Not, Elder Anderson?)
• Adam/God? – taught by one of your prophets as doctrine . . . or NOT?
• That Joseph shot and killed people in Carthage jail. Why don’t you show this in your film, Elder Anderson?
• Mountain Meadows Massacre? Were members and leaders of your faith involved, Elder Anderson?
• The failed Kirtland bank? What is the truth about that?
• Book of Abraham facts and history?
• Blood Atonement?
• Magic rock in hat translation of the BOM? True or not?
• Past teachings on the conception of Jesus.

These LDS leaders – from Holland to Anderson and the rest in between – are scrambling to stop the hemorrhaging caused by the truth that is on the internet and they use very carefully worded rhetoric to keep the heart pumping.

SEARCH EVERYTHING ALWAYS.

Being a More Christian Christian

It is important to address a speech given by LDS apostle Robert D. Hales at the recent LDS General Conference. His speech was titled: “Being a more Christian Christian.” Hales used a great deal of passages from the Bible. For the most part, the speech touched on many things true Christians believe – they were from the Bible, we ought to believe them. In fact, nine-tenths of the speech tapped on the principles of following Jesus. No problem.

Naturally, the address was mostly focused on the doing of Christianity, but at first glance, I don’t think a typical Christian reader would find much that troubles them.

Critique of Robert D. Hales' Speech

Toward the end of the speech, Hales said: “As we follow Him, He blesses us with gifts, talents, and the strength to do His will, allowing us to go beyond our comfort zones and do things we’ve never before thought possible.” Then he adds, “This may mean sharing the gospel with neighbors, (good – but what “Gospel,” Elder Hales? The Mormon or the Biblical?) “rescuing those who are spiritually lost” (would this include every Christian on earth, Elder Hales? If you were honest with us, you would have to say it does) serving a full-time mission (to share and teach what, Elder Hales? What you are saying here or is there more?) working in the temple” (Huh? How are you talking about “being a more Christian Christian,” Apostle Hales, and you talk about working in temples made with hands when the scripture says otherwise?) You see, it is this very type of rhetoric that Apostle Hales is able to give that upon hearing it, the unsuspecting will hear and say, “They are Christian, aren’t they?”

No, they’re not. And in the end, Apostle Hales perfectly fits Paul’s description of false apostles, saying in 2nd Corinthians 11:13: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” Read between the lines, folks.

Hales concluded his remarks with a false testimony, saying: “As one of His special witnesses on the earth, (not so) I give my Christian testimony (not Christian) that He is calling to you today, “Come, follow me.” (Jesus may be calling you but not to what Hales is calling you to) “Come, walk the path that leads to eternal happiness, joy, and everlasting life in the kingdom of our Heavenly Father (what path is that, Hales? And what Kingdom is that of which you speak, Hales? Certainly not the ones described in the Bible????)

(Beat) And the battle for souls rages on.

Political Concerns

Dear Shawn,

Shawn, we know far too well how you hate criticism, but after last night (the October 2nd Show), we feel criticism is necessary. We live in dangerous and troubling times. This election will be the most important one in our lives. Are we willing to continue with the status quo and be led down the path to the total destruction of America? Obama’s biggest item on his agenda is to bring the downfall of the US and force all of us to live under Sharia Law. Do you know what that would mean? There is nothing wrong with being current and keeping on top of what is happening within our government; to not be informed is putting one's head in the sand.

We support the Billy Graham Evangelical Association and receive their monthly magazine, “Decisions.” In this month's message by Franklin Graham, he said, “we are not electing a PASTOR in chief but a Commander in Chief.” Think about it.

How many past presidents were not even God-fearing, but they still handled the issues of the day and did the best job they could and looked to our Constitution and valued it. Obama could care less about our Constitution and would like to amend it, ridding us of our freedom of speech and religion, for he would force us all to become Muslims. Is this what you want for our country? At least Mitt will uphold the Constitution and do his best to bring the US back to greatness. Right now, there is not any Middle Eastern country that respects us but laughs at us. Obama is turning his back on Israel, and we know what that will lead to.

A Plea to Shawn

Please Shawn, from now on, keep your political ideas…

Evaluating Christian Involvement in Politics

out of your programs and stop making yourself out to be a RADICAL even if you admit you’re not. It was showing so badly last night that we felt sorry for you. So, even though we are not Mormons, once were; but are Born Again Christians and have been since 1980 we will vote for Romney only because we can not vote for Obama. I don’t care that Mitt is a Mormon, JFK was Catholic; many people vowed they wouldn’t vote for a Catholic but he kept us out of a nuclear war and upheld our countries Constitution and showed the world we wouldn’t take any crap.

We’ve lived here in Utah all our lives and we both know that this State is mostly run by Mormons. Do you feel our State is not in a good place economically? Utah’s unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country with just over 5%. Give credit where credit is due. Mormons are good business men and do seem to know how to run a government. As far as comparing our State with others within the US, we are standing heads above others and mostly under Mormons who run this State. We care about what Mitt will do for the US and feel he will bring us out of this awful recession, create more jobs, do what is necessary to improve the economy and strengthen our military.

These are the important issues that affect all of us and you SHOULD be worried and you SHOULD vote. It is our duty as citizens to pick who should run our country and even local candidates. Please consider how important this is to your family and ours and all people in this country before it is too late.

Questions for Christians Regarding Political Involvement

Before what’s too late? In response to this, this – whatever it is – I want to give you all some bullet points for CHRISTIANS to consider, and to answer for me regarding this email and all the others of a similar ilk. Let me open up the phone lines first –

(801) 973-8820
(801) 973-TV20

Okay, my questions. Ready?

• I have “asked and asked” for a Christian to show me in the New Testament where it is “a Christian duty” to get involved in politics, to rely on politicians, or that in the name of God we are to vote and/or worry about the direction of the nation or kingdoms in which we live. Please don’t call and quote that we are to “render unto Caesar what is Caesars” or Romans 13 that says we are to “be in subjection to governmental leaders.” I am ALL for doing these things – but they have NOTHING to do with my question.
• Secondly, did Jesus (our King and Savior) or His twelve EVER teach or speak about followers of Christ needing to worry or fear or fret or do something about the Kingdoms of this world? (Please don’t use Paul appealing to King Agrippa (or Nero) because contextually that was all an effort for him to have the RIGHT to preach as a Romans citizen. I would appeal for my right to preach and if it was against the law I would do it unto deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God..
• Third, what do you honestly think our Lord would do or say when faced with the choice of these “two evils” before us? Do you really think He would consider it noble and valiant to support a man who believes He was created or that His Father is a glorified man? Really?
• Fourth, who put our current President in office – God or Man? How did he get to where He is . . . right now . . . at this very minute? Every Christian I ever talk to says things like, “Oh, God’s in control. God is sovereign.” Well, if that’s true, why don’t we act like it? Do you think WE are in control or that God is in control? Do you think we can cause someone to take office who God doesn’t want (or vice versa)?

Faith and Belief in Christian Life

Fifth, many cowardly, fearful, sell-out Christians actually believe it’s their duty to elect a person who is pro Israel. Do you really think God will allow anything to happen to Israel – no matter who is in office? I mean, where’s the faith of the believers in this country? Where’s the trust? What happened to what Christians are REALLY supposed to live by?

"Jesus said, 'My Kingdom is NOT of this world if it was, my servants would fight?' Would you explain this to me?"

7. Explain 1st John 5:4: "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Understanding Spiritual Warfare

EXPLAIN 2nd Corinthians 10:3-6, “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)"

EXPLAIN 1st Corinthians 2:5 “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

EXPLAIN 2nd Corinthians 4:7 makes clear, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

EXPLAIN Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

EXPLAIN John 17:14 “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

EXPLAIN 2nd Corinthians 4:8-11 “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.”

EXPLAIN Acts 5:41 “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”

EXPLAIN 2nd Timothy 3:12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

EXPLAIN Philippians 1:29! “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”

EXPLAIN Romans 5:3-5 “. . . we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulationA real historical event fulfilled in 70 A.D.—not a future apocalyptic crisis. More worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

EXPLAIN 2nd Corinthians 13:4 “For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.”

Suffering and Glory

EXPLAIN Romans 8:16-18 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

EXPLAIN 1st Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.”

Our dear friend

Introduction

Michael – a man who came out of paganism and into a relationship with the true and living God wrote:

Great point, Michael.

Event Information

Wrap up:

Location and Time

Grace Bible in Nampa Friday 7pm

Nemelka