Freedom and Captivity

Tonight is a special production on freedom and we’re going to begin with a prayer from Derrick Webster, the man who, with his wife Denita, Kathy Maggie, Merle, Seth, Linda Cassidy, and Wendy Jensen, really keep the ministry going.

ANGLE ON – DERRICK who PRAYS in front of Freedom in Christ sign.

AFTER PRAYER – Back to Shawn

Hanging on the wall of our church/studio is a sign that has been with us from the start – it reads:

INSERT SHOT ON – “CAMPUS FREEDOM IN CHRIST”

(CUT BACK TO SHAWN).

The subject of freedom is a difficult one because in the face of human nature what we call “freedom and liberty” are very very paradoxical. Tonight I want to talk about one side of the paradox – the offer to be liberated and free from the ugly task-masters that are out in the Word just chomping at the bit to make us their slave.

These things can come in the form of something as innocuous as what we eat or drink, to our families, the materials we observe and read, the things we study and learn, the arts, athletics, entertainments, substances we abuse or use, idols we adore, intellectualism, materialism, ideologies, philosophies, isms and ists, job devotions, political and military affinities, and religions of EVERY kind. The love of money makes all the decisions for many of us, as do the many things that appeal to our flesh – even seemingly good and virtuous things – like social and civic groups – but all of them have the ability – and some of them actually seek – to capture first the ears and eyes and hands of people with the ultimate goal of imprisoning our minds, wills, and emotions.

Asking Radical Questions

The question I want to ask you tonight is radical and even frightening:

“Do you want to be set free from what holds you captive?”

Generally speaking we remain captive and imprisoned for a few main reasons – we are afraid of what will happen if or when we escape and/or we enjoy whatever benefits our captors provide (and therefore fear what life will be like without them in it). You see, in the end, and in most cases, we are the ones responsible for allowing whatever holds us captive to put us in chains and make us slaves in the first place. We’ve done this because we have either been too fearful of what will happen if we escape, because we are too lazy to resist its promises and replace them with new, and/or because we appreciate what are captors supply us with and don’t want to forfeit the benefits we derive from being slaves to it.

Practical Examples

Let me give you some examples:

If you, like me, are captive to unhealthy foods – for me it's Mexican food – and you, like me, choose to eat chips and salsa over celery and carrots it’s because you (and me) are too fearful of the pain of cutting chips and salsa out of our diet, we are too lazy to replace them with something else, and we enjoy the pleasure the chips and salsa provide us. So I eat unhealthy amounts of chips and salsa. And I become a prisoner to them.

The same principles apply then to overeating – I am too lazy to refrain and I am too focused on myself and my pleasures to stop. I fear the pain of controlling myself – so I give in. When we consider something like overeating junk foods – or really any foods – and the fears we are masking by indulging we have a pretty good handle on the drivers behind why we allow ourselves to be captive to something as simple as corn tortillas deep fried in oil served with salsa – I fear the world and my life without them or I am too lazy to choose other alternatives or I love the pleasures that indulging in them provides.

In the end – listen – I am both responsible for the prison that holds me bound (and LISTEN CLOSELY – here’s the Paradox) I AM FREE to choose to be liberated from what I have allowed to hold me captive. And almost any thinking person would have to agree. And all that we have talked about is my need to indulge in eating tortilla chips and salsa!

Do these principles remain for other items with which we imprison ourselves?

I know, I know, we can take the time and try and examine all the psychological drivers

Exploring Captivity and Freedom

The satisfaction the crunch gives to my oral fixations in place because I wasn’t breastfed, or the fact that when I was a child food became the only source of comfort to me in what I deemed an otherwise hostile environment, the fact that some of my most vivid memories in early life revolved around Mexico and Mexican food – and on and on and on.

But in the end, I am free to choose alternatives – and if I don’t it is because I get more mileage personally out of eating the chips and salsa than not – and in the realm of eating I have decided that NOTHING in my world can replace it. And so I eat them – allowing myself to remain captive – AGAIN – out of fear, laziness, and the pleasure my crunchy little captors provide me. I am convinced that these principles apply no matter who or what holds a person bound in this life – and at an extreme, we could even assign these principles to a person held against their will in a foreign prison. I maintain that no matter the captor the captive have allowed themselves to be held bound out of fear, laziness, or the benefit of being kept in chains – whatever those benefits may be.

But I am getting ahead of myself – we were only talking about over-indulging on tortilla chips and salsa, right? I would suggest that if you are imprisoned to a relationship, to credit card debt, to an attitude you have acquired, a practice (what we call a habit), an addiction, an occupation or a religion, we remain in those chains because:

1. We fear what life will look like without them,
2. We are too lazy to replace them with something else and/or,
3. We enjoy what they provide us too much to let them go.

Understanding Personal Responsibility

And get this folks – because of all of this WE are all, in the end, responsible to the contents, activities, actions, focuses and mindsets that occupy our lives. People do not want to hear this. They want to claim inability! They want to claim that their captors are far too powerful for them to escape their clutches and they are therefore relegated to an imprisoned existence. I am not suggesting that freedom or change is easy – not by any stretch of the imagination. The terror that comes with emancipation, the utter emptiness without a captor telling us who to be or what to do or how to think can be so overwhelming people would rather spend their lives captured by demons than to face freedom without them.

Nevertheless, admitting these difficult conditions does not erase the fact that we are all responsible for what we have allowed to hold us bound – no matter what it is. Again, we have FREELY allowed our captors to take us captive and therefore, without question, all of us are, in the face of these ugly truths, “Condemned to be free,” as Sartre once quipped. And what Sartre said is true, we are therefore all responsible for escape what holds us bound. If we are willing, that is.

The Paradox of Freedom and Captivity

The irony and fact of the matter is, however, that whenever we escape one prison we will always always always find ourselves held prisoner in another – even if the new confinements is our own ego for having escaped from a prison that once held us bound. So paradoxically, while we are all condemned to be free (because we are responsible for allowing ourselves to be held captive by whatever fills that role) we are all going to continue to be captive to something or someone thereafter. As long as there is existence there is captivity – no getting around this. The only way to escape being captive to something or someone and the simultaneous condemnation of freedom we experience for allowing ourselves to be taken prisoner is total annihilation of the individual – which I do not believe is ever entirely possible, so therefore we are all –

Captive to something or someone and condemned to be free as we allow ourselves to remain captive to that something or someone.

These facts absolutely rewrite the ideas of freedom, liberty, imprisonment and bondage, don’t they? I speak a lot about being free and having liberty. I talk a lot about refusing to be captive to institutions of any kind whether they be corporate, or man-based or especially religious. I demand to be free from the confines of

Being Captive to Choice

any of such things contraptions and contrivances of Man. But do not mistake my continued resistance of such things and their power over me with a claim of absolute freedom. That would be a lie. I am bound and captive and imprisoned not only by lesser things like lusty thoughts, desires for occasional violence and certainly the tortilla chip (among other things) I am also a willing slave to Jesus Christ. Willingly – by choice. Every single day of my life I am condemned to be free in this choice as His prisoner and slave.

The Illusion of Freedom

And every moment of everyday I have the freedom to escape the chains I have allowed myself to be held by in His name and cause and to be imprisoned by another. So in the discussion of freedom and liberty we have to first admit that as existing things we will be prisoners to something – or as Bob Dylan sang so long ago: “Your gonna have to serve somebody.” But we also have to admit that we are ALL responsible for what we allow ourselves to serve – and this admittance while avoided here will be ultimately confessed to God. In other words, there will be no getting around what we allowed to consume our time and lives and devotions when we stand before God.

We are solely responsible for our choices and time – whether those choices are constructive, destructive, self-serving or selfless – we have all had the freedom to choose our captors. We are funny creatures, us human beings. We desire the idea of freedom but simultaneously we also want someone or something outside of ourselves to take responsibility for this freedom we claim to want. In the gap between these polarized positions we delude ourselves and seek things that give us the semblance of freedom while having the appearance of stripping away our personal responsibility.

For some, this thing we put in the gap between the desire to be free and the desire to escape responsibility is as basic as food, or a toke of pot, a hit of acid, or alcohol in one form or another. Such substances certainly allow us moments of liberty along with a built-in escape of responsibility but in reality we always come full circle once their effects wear thin. Admittedly, in the realm of flesh these things go a long way in providing solace – which is why they are so readily abused.

The Chains of Philosophy and Belief

In some ways this may be why such things become our idols – we worship and give them all of our time and attention because they serve us and make us feel good and welcome and warm rather than our serving another – like God. But in addition to these fleshly appeals come the more cerebral chains – the “isms, the ists, the philosophies and the religions – which in many ways are far more restrictive and binding on the soul than substances of the flesh because they bind the mind and heart of man and often produce side-effects that do not appear so deleterious in this world but are devastating to the soul.

Shooting heroin or overindulging on Mexican food has its obvious effects on the flesh – we break down, get fat, and our arteries get clogged or destroyed – with the end result being deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God.. But nothing that has anything that has gone in the mouth or lungs or veins had the capacity to capture the heart and mind of man like the philosophies, isms, ists, and religions he creates. “The opiate of the masses,” Marx rightly concluded. When we allow ourselves to be imprisoned by these their chains, according to Jesus as least, not only do they have the ability to bind life here but into the hereafter.

And yet, even with the most insidious philosophies and religions, every one of us remain free to choose other captors. Appealing to substances like food and drugs to take away our responsibility comes with unsightly costs – ones which most people, in time, say enough – and make a change to embrace another set of chains. But with the philosophies and religions of Man the unsightly effects often reside so deeply in the heart that only the most ardent seekers of truth are willing to flee their powerful effects. Remember, to leave religion – the religion of our youth, the institutions and ideals we have decided to embrace – is not one bit different from letting go of drugs, food, sex or materialism. We resist departure for the exact same reasons we resist leaving.

Faithfulness Beyond Earthly Religion

any other prison –
“We fear the world and life without the religion” (because we could be wrong in our choice and therefore would be responsible before God for so doing) “We are too lazy to choose other alternatives” (because we have put so much time and effort and devotion into the institution and it requires work) And/or we really love the pleasures or benefits that indulging in the said religion provides us.

In this last sense we can see that it’s our selfishness that reigns. We remain because it serves our needs rather than departing to serve God.

Let me be perfectly clear – I am convinced that at the end of the line every single person on earth will be held responsible to God for allowing these fears, and laziness, and self-indulgence to reign over them – myself included.

Following the Path of Christ

I am simultaneously convinced that those few be there that find it souls who have chosen to become slaves to God through Christ are those who are accepted as His true children and joint heirs.

I can say this by looking at the life of His own Son! Was he born into a world of religion? Perhaps one of the MOST religious. Were those religious tenets the religious tenets of Man? Absolutely. Did He receive and live them – only those what were from God. The rest He openly rejected.

He did NOT fear life without the tenets, the traditions, or the people in power but did the will of the Father Himself. He certainly was not too lazy to resist the man-made religion – that was all He did, correcting and fighting and resisting its influences and living the truth.

And He certainly did NOT use the religion to feed himself or bath himself in comfort and luxury, did He? The Sanhedrim did buy Him a luxury condo overlooking the City of David, did it? No, the Son of Man had no place to rest His head. He was the epitome of one who sought God in Spirit and in Truth at all costs.

Jesus as the Ultimate Liberator

But notice something very important in this discussion of freedom – Jesus was a slave to God. He did His will – always. The author and finisher of our faith was a bond-servant (a slave) to the will of the Father.

He chose this – every minute of every day – to do the will of another master or to do His own will.

And having accomplished this devotion perfectly (like none could or would) He not only wiped away our failures to do the same (which is sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace.) but He and His person offers the only truly viable form of healthy bondage on earth to us captives.

Ahh, the solution to all earthly bondage is bondage to Him.

Speaking prophetically of His coming as the great liberator of the World Isaiah said of Him:

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1

Are you free? Have you been liberated not only from the things of this world in your mind and heart but do those things include the philosophies and traditions and religions of Men?

Whatever holds you bound He has the capacity to set you free, to give you liberty – for there is freedom in Christ.

But YOU have to want it. You have to be willing to choose to let go of the earthly, material traps and chains and to accept Him – listen – not only as Savior from sin, but as the LORD of your life.

Listen – as Lord and Master.

Religions of Men and their institutional approaches have absolutely no right or ability to insert themselves in between you and Him.

They try. They claim the right. They want to be the one you serve even in His name. But He came to set us free from them, and NOT to make us servants to them.

He is Lord! Not a drug, not money, not a Government, Not a Religion – Him. And Him alone.

Do you want to be free? Truly free? Free from the confines and chains and prisons everything else under the sun places you under?

(Beat)

Receive Him. He who overcame all things so you can be free from them.

He overcame sin so you

Freedom in Christ

He overcame religion so you could be free from religion. He overcame darkness and Satan so you could be free from them. He even overcame death so you can be free from the fear of death. Listen – He even overcame you – He overcame your flesh – so you don’t even have to fear your failures or your flesh – once you have made Him King of your life. Everything else is a counterfeit and hear me clearly – we are all responsible for the counterfeits we receive and become slaves to in our lives. When I say become slaves to I mean the things we serve.

Jesus said in John 8:34 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” So if sin is your deal, and you have allowed yourself to be its slave, SIN is your master – and not Jesus. Jesus overcame sin and death on your behalf but you have chosen sin over Him. That’s how it looks. Can’t decide between money and Jesus. Listen to what He said about it:

Serving Two Masters

Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Justify things all you freaking want – you have that freedom and liberty to delude yourselves for as little or as long as you want – but in the end we are all responsible before God for whom or what we served. Think you can love God and the World at the same time?

1st John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Want to please men? Make them happy with you? Serve them and their needs?

Paul said in Galatians 1:10 “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” So the facts remain – as long as we exist we will have to serve someone or something. We are condemned with freedom to choose whom or what we will serve. And we are all responsible before God whom we chose to serve, to be slaves to, to receive as our Master.

Freedom Through Choice

So why Jesus? Why accept Him as our master over food, drugs, sex, money, men, philosophy, science, matter, or religion? Let me quote Jesus Himself for the answer: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

Free indeed? Does this mean that every believer will be free from human slavery, political tyranny, controlling bosses, parents, and circumstances? No and yes. No in that physically we are still in this world and are mandated to these prisons. But they are not our prisons, and where it matters they have no power. And yes in that while we are indentured and imprisoned and warring we are free – in Him. Our minds are set on His kingdom and His ways (which are love and death to self).

With this being the case a true believer may be wrongly placed in prison and on a chain gang but have far more liberty than an unbeliever laying on a bed of money and being fed grapes by scantily clad women. See, the liberty He offers is not of this world – it transcends this place and liberates us from the counterfeits. With Him as Lord and Master we see clearly through the game, through the lies, through the promises made to flesh. And we are free indeed.

If you do not know the Lord and King and want to be truly free – ask Him to be your Master. Receive the call that is going out to all men. If you know Him but are straddling the things of this world and His ways, “choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” Its not a fleshly service – it’s from the heart and with the mind and soul. Religion appeals to the flesh and to fleshly service. Kill that beast. And run to the only being who can truly set you free.

(beat)

And with that lets open up the phone lines:

801

And while the Black Ops are

The Topic of Temple Service and LDS Church Critiques

Evidence of Temple Service Day and Night

Got an email from an LDS viewer Samueler who, referring to a caller last week asked:

“You began to answer Roger's question about "…serving in the temple day and night." (this was a quote from Ezekiel’s vision) I get the impression that you said this was fulfilled before Jerusalem was destroyed. Please finish your answer by telling me if people did serve both day and night in the temple, and – if so – where's the source for that?

I will finish my statement. If there was no biblical evidence that people served in the temple day and night prior to the destruction of Jerusalem it does not mean that the preterist view is incorrect. In other words if a great deal of the information about the preterist view is supported by scripture but some is not does not mean the view is a fail – it just means we can assume that what is said to have happened did.

This being the case, however, I do have proof that they were serving in the temple day and night. Turn to Luke 2:36-38

The Prophecy of Anna?And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Critique of LDS Historical Understanding

From: Dan

Subject: Your Show

Message Body:

Shawn,

I just happened upon your You Tube, which I found out to be pretty interesting/entertaining.

I just recently found out about the hidden history of the church. You don’t have to fast, ponder and pray to know that the church isn’t true. All you have to do is read.

I’ve only seen a few of your clips, so maybe you have already approached it in the manner that I would like to suggest. I think it would be more effective if you concentrated on the First Vision and the Book of Mormon. As you know The Book of Mormon is the keystone to the LDS religion. So is the First Vision.

You’re attacking polygamy and about Jesus being a God, but as I can see on your clips, that is not effective. LDS don’t know about the first version of the First Vision. LDS don’t know that the golden plates were preserved for almost two thousand years so Joseph could translate them by not even looking at them and just by sticking his head in a hat with a stone. LDS don’t know about the View of the Hebrews, The Late War of 1812 (striplings 2,000 brave men), The First Book of Napoleon. (I assume you know of Askreality.com) They don’t know that Lehi’s dreams were Joseph’s father’s dreams.

Once you get by that point, you can tell them that Warren Jeffs married 12 year old girls and women that were married. Ask them what they think about that. If they say he is a pervert and obviously not a prophet, why don’t you ask why they give Joseph a pass even though he did the same things. Tell them they can verify his wives on familysearch.org. They can also verify on an approved church website, lds.org/josephsmithpapers regarding the different versions of the first version and of Joseph's polygamy/polyandry.

I think you will have better luck with the above approach.

Sincerely,

Dan

Importance of Observing the Whole Story

The reason I read this email is to illustrate a couple of things. First, it’s really important before we seek to direct people we make sure we have observed the whole story, right? What caused Dan to write this to me before looking at all we do? He’s zealous. Why is he zealous. Because he has come to know the truth of Mormonism and is filled with a desire to share. This is why I read this email. I believe that all those who have come out of Mormonism in the past – due to the work of Sandra Tanner and others – are coming together as a new generation of apologists – and the former guard ought to help equip them and let them run with it. I say this because there is a tendency when you are involved in

Exploring Covenant Eschatology and Subjective Christianity

Apologetics (long time) to lose track of the real purpose behind the work you do, and you can become blind to the fact that, in the case of the LDS, that they are human beings with families and children they love and are often very devout souls. When ministries roll along for decades focused on the same group there’s a tendency toward bitterness, anger, and like any religion, doing anything to ensure that the ministry remains viable and financially secure. Like governments, ministries ought to do their work for a decade or so and then pass the thing off to younger, fresher hands. It is not easy to do. But I have learned first-hand how rewarding, liberating, and revealing such a move can do for the soul and the ministry itself.

From: Gene H in Canada

Subject: covenant eschatologyStudy of “last things”—TGNN teaches all biblical eschatology was fulfilled in 70 A.D. More and mormonism

Message Body:

Hey Bro! My mind is exploding! I have been enjoying your videos for some time (as I lived awhile in Utah, and many family members are devout LDS). I came to understand fulfilled eschatology maybe 15/16 yrs ago just through Bible study. I was thrilled to eventually find others of like mind on “Pal Talk.” I have studied some of Don Preston’s books and could not believe he will visit you!! I wish I could come but live in B.C. Canada. Great things ahead!! p.s. Our family lived in Murray UT. 1963, the year JFK was assassinated. Historical note: In the early 1970's, Ted Bundy picked up a girl in Murray, (she was the only one to escape) Take care, keep up the great work, and as Don says “We’ll see ya on the flip side.”

Preterism and LDS Eschatology

Gene here points out something really really important. One of the main reasons I believe God opened my eyes to PreterismThe belief that all biblical prophecy—especially “end times”—was fulfilled by 70 A.D. More is because of our work with the LDS. See, if the churches could see the error of their ways on futurismThe belief that end-times prophecies are still future—TGNN teaches they were fulfilled in 70 A.D. More and abandon dispensationalist views, we could look to LDS people and their eschatology and prove them not only way off but liberate them from the traps contained in futurism.

(SHOW DON K PRESTON PIECE)

We are going to take a solid step in this direction by having Dr. Don Preston here on September 11 and 12th. This is a great opportunity for the state of Utah and we invite all challengers of Preterism to show up and ask their questions.

THIS IS A REALLY GOOD EMAIL – I MEAN HE’s THINKING

From: Adam N

Subject: How Subjective can it be?

Message Body:

Hi Shawn!

I have been watching your videos for several years. I want to start by saying that everything I ask here is a sincere question, and at times, I think you may be on to something. However, Faith in Christ is THE most essential thing in this life, which is why I must question everything that comes my way. I didn’t grow up in church, and I’m not “sold” on any one church having all the answers or being perfect, although I do attend and serve in one church regularly.

Some of what you say about “Subjective ChristianityA direct, personal relationship with God—free from institutional authority, guided by personal relationship, faith and agape love.” confuses to me. Certainly, the main thing is that a person believes that Jesus is God and that we are saved by grace. MUCH of the rest of the doctrine is flexible. However, how can we say we both believe in the same God if one believes in eternal hell and another does not? Or one believes that Jesus already came and another believes He is coming soon? Or in the distant future? If someone says they know ME, and one says I like mushrooms, and another says I don’t like mushrooms, then really only one can be correct, yes? And if they both claim that I TOLD them that I am coming to their house tomorrow at noon, only ONE can be correct, and the other did not really speak to me, right (or I lied, which is where the metaphor breaks down?) So, how can people have faith in one Jesus who both IS and IS NOT coming again? Who both CONDEMNS ETERNALLY and UNIVERSALLY RECONCILES people? Who both CHOOSES who will be saved (TULIP-style) and LETS US COME TO HIM? It seems to me that one of each of those pairs must be mistaken, and therefore not truly in fellowship with Christ. Thanks for your time!

Objective Truth in Faith

RESPONSE

First, let me say this – God and Jesus Christ and the Gospel are NOT subjective in and of themselves. Instead, they are wholly OBJECTIVE and offer and stand upon unchanging eternal truth. What is subjective is our limited human understanding and comprehension of them.

The Subjective Nature of Understanding God

And because this is the case our only approach to them as a human beings is subjective as none of us comprehend anything about them completely – anything. Adam’s example are good – they are what have created the vast number of denominations around the world because all of them believe that there must be a single truth out there (relative to the topics Adam mentioned plus many more) and have sought to find and teach and demand them.

But let me try and show that while there ARE answers and truths established by God on each of these topics (Calvinism vs Arminianism, universal reconciliation or eternal punishment, etc) we cannot be certain with the information that we have what they are – and God Himself has made it this way.

Diverse Perspectives and the Paradox of Doctrine

Suppose I am the father of four children – spread out with five years between each of them. Not only that I am a noted public figure, an avid martial artist and a student of philosophy. And I die. And all four children attend the funeral and so do my friends from martial arts and philosophy and a couple hundred from the public eye who were fans. And all were allow to speak at this obscenely long funeral. And just for examples sake let’s say that all four of my children delivered very different views of me as their dad. Is this possible? Certainly. They all related to me at different stages of my life and all saw me through their own lens. But let’s also say they all agreed in their report that I was loving. That is the common thread. Are their respective reports wrong? Not in the least – in fact they are all right even though they are all different. Of course the public fans will do the same, as will those I trained with in martial arts and those with whom I studied philosophy. And this is just talking about one man!

Now we are talking about God for goodness sakes. Our interpretations of doctrine will certainly describe and define who He is and how we individually see Him but these are only our views of Him – and they are certainly not exhaustive nor will they ever be exhaustive while we remain in flesh. I think God allows for this and this paradox because in this comes the opportunity for knowing more of Him, for growth, and for a death to dogma. I think that when we get to the end of this road we reach a sign that says GOD. And we accept Him and any and all things this could possible mean. We resign. We trust. And most importantly, we love.

The Challenge of Defining the Nature of God

So while your questions seem reasonable and rational I would have to say that when applied to human beings the approach is impossible – we will never agree as people who love and believe in Him. So we have to approach the whole matter subjectively. Hope this helps.

Hi Shawn, It's your Aussie mate Rob Sonnet back again. I watched the seven God episodes you produced. I admired your courage to discuss so many aspects of God that most other teachers would avoid. I can see that you're not afraid of the truth and that you admit that you could be wrong. I am not afraid of truth and I also admit that I can be wrong. I enjoy the challenge of exchanging beliefs and ideas with you. There's so many things we could discuss. That's why I thought the nature of God to be the most important to start with.

I believe that the nature of the Godhead is a very simple thing to understand. That man has complicated the nature of God. I strongly feel that the L.D.S view to be the most logical and biblically correct. An example is the truth of Jesus being the son of God. If Jesus and God the father were one and the same person, then Jesus would be the son of himself. He would have prayed to himself in the garden before his death and on the cross. It would have made Jesus a liar if he were the son of himself. I think the most relyable source in the bible is when Jesus is speaking in the first person. He prayes to his father so often. He tells his followers that he came from

Reflections on Faith and Belief

and was sent and will return to his father. He even taught his disciples how he and his father are one. John 17:21-22. This whole chapter in John is beautifully showing Jesus praying to his father and how they are one in purpose but separate in body. Verses 21-22 proves that without a doubt. So if any other part of the bible appears to contradict this, then it's obviously been taken out of context. Isaiah 44:6 tells there is two Lords. Anyway Shawn, I'm a lousy typist. It's a challenge for me to do all this typing. I enjoy your TV shows and I'm amazed at your faith and courage. You and I both share a common passion for the truth even though we differ in opinions. Thanks again bro for your respect. Regards from Rob.

Baptism Questions

From: Crystal
Subject: Baptism question

Message Body:

Hi Shawn,

i just wondered if you have advice about being baptized, having been baptized at 8 in a LdS church. We have a couple local Christian churches we attend. But i didnt know if its okay to be baptized again (but in a real Church of Christ) if I've already been baptized Mormon. I am no longer Mormon, for the past few years (praise Jesus for saving me!)

Amen brother, thank you

Hi Shawn,

We've emailed before. I was a jw before I became LDS and left the church a year ago. I'm having a hard time just wanting to read the Bible. I think im so used to having it interpreted for me that im scared of misinterpreting the scriptures. So I have stayed away from it. I don't know how to look at the Bible with fresh eyes. God Bless your show and ministry!

With much appreciation and Christian Love,
Stephanie Sunderland
Bremerton, WA

Thoughts on Salvation and Selflessness

Dear Shawn,

I am 15 years old, and have recently left Mormonism after looking at it from the outside. Your show has played a big part in helping me learn more about the flaws of Mormonism, and I would like to thank you a lot for that.

However, I am not entirely convinced yet of joining Christianity. The reason why I originally left Mormonism is because of a simple question that I had been asking myself ever since I was young in the church, and had previously rejected because Mormonism just seemed too convincing to not be true at the time. Here's the question: Is it a selfish thing in order to go to heaven? To explain what I mean by this, I would like to give you a simple riddle, one that I have played repeatedly in my mind at a young age.

Imagine that, at the pearly gates, you are told by God that you are going to heaven, for whatever requirements there are. If you choose to enter, you will be accepted and saved eternally, and live in paradise. However, you are also given the choice to go to Hell, and suffer for as long as what the "Wrath of god" will. But here's the catch: If you choose to go to Hell, the person behind you, a sinner like you who did not do the things needed to go to heaven (However simple those requirements may be), will go to Heaven in your place while you suffer for him or her.

Which is the right decision to make?

Most people I ask agree that it would be a better thing to suffer for the sinner. It's the same ultimate act of love that Jesus did for all of us under the condition that we accept him as our Lord and Savior. And in this case, it would most likely be considered a selfish decision to go to heaven, while a person who has sinned as much as you (or maybe even less than you) will go to hell.

And though this hypothetical model of Heaven is not the same as what the Bible teaches, the same principle is the reason why I haven't moved into Christianity from Mormonism. To me, it would seem selfish for an elect few, who were lucky enough to belong to the correct faith, to go to heaven while the rest (And you should know, 45% of people don't believe in the monotheistic Abrahamic God, and 68% of people don't believe in Jesus Christ as God's son) will suffer in Hell, whether it be temporary or not.

So my question to you is the same I asked myself when I left Mormonism. Why should I, or anybody else, join Christianity, when only a "lucky few" will be saved? I personally would rather suffer with those who do good works, but don't believe in Christ.

And if it's not a selfish thing to go to heaven, in the case that 100% of people, or extremely close to that

Questioning the Afterlife

are going to heaven, then why should I join Christianity in the first place?

God bless you (If he exists),

Johnathan Sherbert