Inside the Temple: Part II

“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 26 / 356 Inside the Temple Part II August 27th, 2013

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.

Engaging with the Word of God

Want to learn the Word of God? Join us SUNDAYS at the University of Utah either at 10 am or 2:30 pm as we go through the Word verse by verse. Go to www.c-a-m-p-u-s.com for more information.

Relative to CAMPUS we received this email from KELLY – “I am coming out of Mormonism and have been studying with you through CAMPUS Youtube videos. Why does the study not go all the way through John? Is it somewhere else? I know it's the milk but what about the rest? I want to learn the rest from you. I am learning more than ever and actually understanding it! Thank you SO much for what you do and the way you teach the Bible!”

Thank you, Kelly. We have over 100 hour-long verse-by-verse teachings that we are working on getting ready to put on the website. So keep checking back, and hopefully, we’ll get that done for you and others who are interested. I cannot stress enough to anyone listening how important reading the Word of God is to spiritual growth and the development of faith. Do not neglect hearing, reading, discussing, and sharing the Word – heaven and earth will pass away, but His word will never pass away.

The Missionary Battle

The Las Vegas Sun announced that the LDS church missionaries have hit an all-time milestone in terms of worldwide numbers – 75,000 of them. That is 75,000 young people giving an average of 75 hours a week to sharing the Mormon deception. That works out to 5,625,000 weekly man-hours from just the LDS missionaries alone.

I would generously estimate that the Sandra Tanner’s, and Bill McKeever’s of the world, as well as all the other ministries out there fighting the Mormon machine worldwide full-time, staff included, totals less than 500 people worldwide. 500 people times 40 weekly hours is 2,000 man-hours in defense and propagation of the truth . . . against 5,625,000 man-hours. Extrapolate out over the year, and the LDS full-time missionaries are devoting 292,500,000 man-hours a year spreading the Mormon myth! Against 104,000 hours trying to refute it. That means for every one hour Heart of the Matter program you watch, the LDS missionaries will spend 2,812 hours teaching lies. Wow. What a battle.

Facing the Criticism

Thought I’d give you some exposure to the types of negative emails we get. The first comes from Christian brothers and sisters who have advice on nearly everything we say and do. “Button up thy shirt.” “You’re not saved!” “Leave Calvin alone” “You’re not saved.” “Are you pretrib or post?” “You’re not saved!” “What Bible version do you endorse?” “YOUR NOT SAVED!” Blah, blah, blah.

Then we get response from people who just don’t have a clue as to why we do what we do. Check this one out from DAVE:

Dave wrote: Are you seriously spending time on such a silly thing??? Who really cares about this. My direct tv was disconnect but I got a couple of free channels and came across this hotm show. I couldn’t think how stupid this show was and just laughed for the entire 2 minutes I watched. Two minutes was about all I could stand. How retarded. Nobody cares about Mormons and nobody cares about this lame show. Why don’t you talk about yarn. It would be more exciting. Lame.

I WROTE: What is worth “it” Dave?

DAVE WROTE BACK: “Being such a pathetic person that you make fun of Mormons on some Stupid lame low budget station that nobody cares about. If that is what floats your boat more power to ya brother but Honestly you sound so stupid. So I guess is your disgust for Mormons worth the time you put into it???? I'd rather watch reruns of the love boat than watch that crappy thing you put together. Really dude. Get a life. Take up surfing, go hiking do something useful with your time. Nobody cares about what u have to say about Mormons.”

I REPLIED: “Why so angry? What is it about me and what I do that has gotten you to take the time to

Exploring Criticism and Faith

Voice this animated response? Really. Ask yourself that.

A Heated Exchange

DAVE REPLIED:

Spoken just like a true manipulator. Instead of answering my question of why you spend your time on something so lame, you turn things around. So really you did answer indirectly. You are saying that you are a predator that wants to be in complete control. Someone who preys on people. You may also be a rapist of sorts. You may not be a forceful rapist with women because you don’t have that much rage, but you rape people's beliefs so there you have it, Mr. Rapist. Now go back to your incredible waste of time or job or hobby. Like I said NOBODY cares about you or your boring show that has zero substance.

I REPLIED:

We do the program because I was forty years a member of that religion. I gave my life and my family to it. I gave my time and money. All my family members are still in it as well as many friends. And it is a lie. So we work to get people out. And contrary to your assessment of our effectiveness, we have been blessed to see tens of thousands of lives change. Sorry to disappoint you. So maybe it's you who needs to spend their time more effectively.

DAVE RETORTED:

Oh brother. All that over a lie??? Why don't you put your efforts towards something more worthy. Our government leaders are a bunch of liars. Why don't you go after them? All I can say is that if you got your feelings hurt and your show is the result, grow up and get over it.

I REPLIED:

I guess we’re done here.

TO WHICH HE REPLIED:

We ain't done m___er f____er! You start shooting your f_ing mouth off and then you don't like what someone says. Speak up a___hole.

I WROTE BACK:

Dave,

Been doing this a long time, my friend. Have read a lot of emails and I'm able to read between the lines of most of them for the most part. We spend our time looking for people who are seeking for spiritual truth. This is our focus. I'm not interested in debating with you as the end result is always the same. This being said, however, if you're interested in learning about who God really is I would be more than happy to spend time talking with you.

Shawn McCraney (aka, Mother f__er) 🙂

Confrontation and Faith

DAVE ADDED:

More and more and more and more venom.

Then, we get another form of negative email – from the true-blue LDS defender types. In light of last week’s show we got this from Sam. Now pay close attention to the position of authority this guy has assumed.

GRAPHIC OF DIALOGUE

The Jews and Pharisees were so sure they were right in their assessment of Jesus, that they crucified him. That was a big oops. How can someone, after seeing that lesson in history, be so sure of their puny reasoning power (compared to God's wisdom) so as to bring about another crucifixion? This is what you're doing with the LDS temple ceremony. Why do you think you have more reasoning power than the foremost leaders of those days when they crucified Jesus? You are using the mind (the wisdom of men), and not the Spirit, in making your decisions. God told us not to do that.

Furthermore, over the years, I've given you plenty of rebuttals to your claims, which you have not addressed. The turning of your back to my help should worry you and help you to suspect that the LDS could be right, and that it would be a dangerous undertaking to publicize the temple ceremony; not only that, but to make fun of it as well.

Here's some more help from me, so that you can change your mind, if you are humble and smart enough: You wonder how people in the early (LDS) Church can be saved by not knowing of the changes in the temple ceremony. Well, here's a simple answer: Jesus healed some people by putting mud on their eyes. Others, He healed by simply stating his blessing. Another time, it was dip one's self in the river seven times. What?! A change in healing methods?????? So which method of healing should we use? Perhaps the key word is FAITH! Perhaps it's OBEDIENCE! Perhaps it's whatever God tells us at the moment. I guarantee you that the temple ceremony will change again in the future. It will change dramatically, because needs and circumstances.

Prophets and Revelations

The world will change dramatically, and that's why we have prophets, to let us know of those changing circumstances and their necessary resolutions.

I've given you a plausible explanation for various versions of the First Vision. I've given you explanations for Joseph's polygamous behavior. I've talked about the Book of Abraham and the Egyptian Papers. I've done as much as I possibly can. All, with no rebuttal from you. Now, I've given you help with the "changing" temple ceremony.

So if you go ahead with your planned itinerary, then I'm dusting my feet off at you again, and this will result in more problems for you (not just a five-minute blackout) at God's hands. I don't know when it will happen; it will happen in God's own time, but it WILL happen, you can count on that. Don't say you never received fair warning.

And people wonder why I drink – that’s a joke kids. Pray for us, though.

Personal Sanctification and Holiness

“A Moment from the Word?”

Many people believe that the way to reach and please God is by personal sanctification, that is, working very hard at obedience to various laws and in receiving religious ordinances to please Him and gain His favor. In other words they are of the opinion that God sort of stands on high tapping his foot, looking at his watch, and demanding that those who are His progress toward fleshly perfection.

Certainly God desires that His children would live lives of holiness but what is the means by which human holiness is obtained? Organized and institutionalized religions often try and suggest that human holiness comes by establishing rules, standards, and laws, and then reminding their congregates that obedience to the rules and laws and standards is what is require to please Him. This used to be true.

In fact, there was a time when a great man of faith named Moses actually went up into Mount Sinai and came back down with rules, and standards, and laws written in stone. These laws served to guide and direct the Children of Israel for some time. In fact, they still do. But in the Book of Acts, Peter asks the Jews who had converted to Christ but were trying to re-establish the law among believers:

“Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” Acts 15:10

The Burden of the Law

Why not govern people through the “Law written in stone?” I mean, doesn’t obedience to rules and laws help make man more presentable before God? More holy, worthy and honorable? If they did, then Jesus would not have needed to come to save us. See, as Peter intimates, nobody has ever been able to bear the burden of it.

Notice I said “it” referring to the Law and not “them?” The reason is the Law arrives to Man as a single package – not a bunch of individual rules. Think of the Law as a giant white terrycloth towel (which is composed of lots of woven fibers). The towel is either without any stains, or else it is stained – there is no in-between. One drop of black ink in the corner and a person would have to say, “the towel is stained,” even if the vast majority of the towel remained white. So it is with the Law.

James said it well:

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10

Purpose and Knowledge of the Law

Additionally, the Law actually, while good and perfect from the hand of God does not bring about good and perfect things from fallen Man – just the opposite, in fact. When fallen people look at the Law it either causes them to rebel (“I’m not gonna do that”) or it causes them to get proud (“Why I’ve never done that – like she has – in my entire life”) which, in the end, makes them proud.

The only purpose the Law really serves (in the lives of fallen Man) is to humble us because in the presence of it it causes some to say, “Lord help me because in the face of this Law I am a failure!”

Paul said in Romans 3:20:

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

What does “by the law is the knowledge of sin,” mean? It means without a law being posted or given, there can be no crime. For example, if there was a stretch

The Role of Law and Faith

Of highway without any laws for speed assigned to it a person cannot be guilty of speeding because there is no law regulating speed. A man could drive 200 MPH and there is not a cop on earth who could ticket him. But if the law is posted, and it reads 65 miles an hour, the person driving 200 is guilty of the sin of speeding. No law, no sin. But the presence of the Law brings a knowledge of sin.

So, what does the Christian do? We die! … to the Law! Paul said in Romans 7:4: “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”

Deliverance from the Law

“But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.” Romans 7:6

How about Galatians 2:19 where Paul says: “For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.” AND Galatians 2:21, "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."

But you see, by faith we know that Christ did not die in vain. And fulfilling the Law for all of us, we now look to Him and Him alone, in faith, not (NOT!) to laws written in stone, OR (listen closely) or to laws given through temple rituals.

History of Mormon Temples

Before we go to another video segment of the LDS temple endowment session, let me give you a little history of the development of Mormon temples. Again, and never forget the fact that Masonic influence was quite powerful in these early United States, that Smith’s father and brother were Masons, and he ultimately became one – and then two months later introduced the temple endowment.

Okay, according to LDS history the first temple site that was dedicated (but never built) was in Independence, Missouri. The second temple (but the first that was actually built) was in Kirkland, Ohio. Inside this first actually built temple, the endowment that we are going to see part of today was not done. It was a completely different place with various activities which I won’t go into tonight, but this temple is owned today by a Church called the Community of Christ, which used to be the Reorganized LDS Church and was the church Joseph Smith’s own wife and sons continued once Joseph Smith was killed, refusing to follow Brigham Young.

The third temple dedicated but never built was in Far West, Missouri. And the fourth dedicated (but never built) was in a place Joseph called Adam on diamond (Cinnamon Toasted Allllllonds . . . almonds) which is where Joseph Smith said the Garden of Eden was originally (beat) This land is located in . . . Missouri? (Aaaaaadam on diammon . . . ahhmon).

Then a temple was built in Nauvoo, Illinois – which is where the current temple stuff the LDS do got its start.

Those were all the temples of Joseph Smith’s years. Then the LDS moved with Brigham out to Utah, where they dedicated an “endowment house” to serve as a temple location (while they worked on the Salt Lake Temple) and while this edifice was being built, the St. George, Logan, and Manti temples were finished. I’ll stop there as there have been hundreds completed since – especially since the leadership of LDS prophet David O McKay.

Purpose of the Temple

Speaking of David O McKay, he was in a conversation with non-Mormon Hollywood director Cecille B Demille (who directed The Ten Commandments) and said: “The purpose of the temple is to take man from physical man to spiritual man.” (David O McKay, Friberg Interview) Now, pay very special attention to this statement: “The purpose of the temple is to take man from physical man to spiritual man.”

“If someone ever prophesies something incorrect are they a false prophet? By this standard Jonah is a false prophet how do you answer that?”

To put it simply, I'm tired. Been raised LDS my whole life and just don't connect with the church. I'm married with 2 kids and my wife would never think about questioning the church. We met on a mission to Nauvoo for the summer and it is there where

Searching for True Happiness

I had great doubts about the church. I just kept trudging along though and disregarded truth. I have always been a loving and honest person (in my soul that is) and want to do what's right like most people. I loved your comment about not being able to "disprove something that is not true" (I think that is what you said). No one in my family has left the church as of yet (this includes My Grandparents on both sides down to me). I'm loved and greatly respected by both families for my extreme sincerity for people and my earnest desire to do the right thing. I have great empathy and I feel that so many in the church are brainwashed and unhappy.

It is a forced happiness that you can see on members faces. I'm in search for true happiness that is based on freedom. I believe that it is God and us individually and that is all. It is so simple. So overcomplicated when in the church! I feel like so much stress has entered my life as I have been given callings that I have no passion for and that I don't fully agree with. Ahhhhhhh! Just need a hug right now! One that is unbiased and full of true love! None of this "You are on a path of destruction" type hug. LOL. Just tired man! I need Christ to make me whole again!

With love and true Brotherhood,

Anonymous (as I am taking one step at a time towards letting the cat out of the bag)

Remembering Roger L. Miller

Roger L. Miller Aug. 21, 1968 – Aug. 18, 2013 "Cars and Computers – Never Fast Enough"

Roger Lawrence Miller passed away unexpectedly from unknown causes on August 18, 2013, at the age of 44. Born August 21, 1968 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Roger was the second child of Larry H. and Gail Miller. He resided in Draper, Utah. Roger was a gentle giant with a kind smile who cared about everyone he met. His humility was matched only by his generosity. A graduate of Alta High School, he was also the proud recipient of an Eagle Scout award.

Roger's Career and Achievements

Roger began his career with the Larry H. Miller Group at the age of 15 doing data entry. He advanced to positions in parts and sales departments at various company dealerships and eventually worked in almost every operation in the Group on a project basis. The majority of Roger's career was in systems development. He lived on the cutting edge of technology, and eagerly introduced any interested person to his latest gadget or app. Roger combined his brilliance and creativity with technology to make the LHM Group's businesses run better.

He designed and implemented programs such as Web ticketing, automated ticketing kiosks, as well as gift cards and payment systems at Megaplex Theatres and Miller Motorsports Park. Some of his most notable projects included systems improvements to the Southtowne Auto Mall and Jordan Commons. He was also involved with the design and construction of EnergySolutions Arena, two Megaplex Theatre facilities and Miller Motorsports Park. Most recently, Roger's career focused on the development of the National Auto Sport Association, Utah Region. As he was able to embrace his love of racing, he participated in the 2012 and 2013 Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and the SCCA Pro Racing Pirelli World Challenge where he was on track to be among the top ten teams and drivers in the nation. Roger received the Larry H. Miller Management Excellence Award and was a graduate of the Larry H. Miller Leadership Institute. He also sat on advisory boards for both Radiant Systems and Automated Data Processing (ADP).

Roger's Legacy

Roger succeeded his father as Chairman of the Board for the Clark Planetarium, and was a board member for Utah Fast Pass – A Charitable Drive for Utah. He was one of the Directors for the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, and served as the Chairman of its Finance Committee. He also served on the board of Larry H. Miller Charities. Roger held the office of Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served faithfully in his church callings.

Roger is survived by his wife, Cheri Light Miller, and his nine children: Carisa, Braden, Morgan, Breanne, Tyson, Taylor, Robert, Gentry, Harli, and three grandchildren: Rielly, Emili, and Garith. He is also survived by his mother Gail (Kim Wilson), and his siblings Greg (Heidi), Stephen (Jennifer), Karen (Adam Williams), and Bryan (Heather Dawn). His father, Lawrence Horne Miller, preceded him in death. He deeply loved his children and was invested in helping…

Main Topic: Cultural Boycott and Institutional Practices

Each of them find success and happiness. Friends may call Friday, August 23rd from 6 to 8 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) Sandy, Utah. The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 24th at 11 am at the Sandy Utah Crescent Stake Center, 10945 South 1700 East Sandy, Utah 84092. Roger will be interred at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery 10600 South 1700 East following the funeral service. The Miller Family would like to express gratitude to the Larkin Mortuary for their assistance, and also to all the friends, neighbors, ward members, and employees who have expressed condolences or offered prayers, love and assistance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Larry H. Miller Charities by contacting Jay Francis at jfrancis@lhm.com, or exercise your right daily to hug your children and express your love to them.

Roger Waters and the Cultural Boycott

Pink Floyd's Roger Waters has long been an outspoken critic of Israel's treatment of Palestinians. But his latest protest is close to his line of work — he's asking musicians to boycott the country. "I write to you now, my brothers and sisters in the family of Rock and Roll, to ask you to join with me, and thousands of other artists around the world, to declare a cultural boycott on Israel," he wrote, in an open letter posted to his Facebook page and the Palestinian activist website Electronic Intifada. "Please join me and all our brothers and sisters in global civil society in proclaiming our rejection of Apartheid in Israel and occupied Palestine, by pledging not to perform or exhibit in Israel or accept any award or funding from any institution linked to the government of Israel, until such time as Israel complies with international law and universal principles of human rights." TIMELINE: Summer's must see concerts

Waters has been a frequent advocate of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement regarding Israel, encouraging institutions to withdraw investments there, among other tactics. In the letter, he said he drew inspiration from British violinist Nigel Kennedy's criticism of Israel, the successful boycott of South Africa during apartheid, and Stevie Wonder's recent rejection of states with "Stand Your Ground" laws. Elvis Costello and Annie Lennox are among the musicians who have expressed similar support for a musical boycott of Israel. But Waters recently caught criticism at a show in Belgium, where the famed Pink Floyd inflatable pig appeared with a star of David and images of repressive regimes.

Institutional Policies at Brigham Young University

hi shawn,

though i do not agree with everything you bring out in your show, i often watch because of the dose of critical thinking it promotes. i wanted to write you about the following

have you heard about byu's new 'beard rule' for faculty' with a beard – it may be applicable to students as well, only I may have not heard about that:

employees will need a yearly interview with an administrator in faculty relations who then refers them to a 'byu-approved doctor' – at the student health center ; the doctor will determine if the employee has a skin condition, then write up a report and send it to the administrator, who will make the final decision. an employee who choses not to do the administrator interview will have to pay himself for the doctor's visit. it used to be that a note from a family doctor would be sufficient, but byu will no longer accept these notes. the recommendation is also given that the employee shave before seeing the doctor and then let his beard grow again after the decision is made … here is another example of byu's twisted logic and of their efforts to be more mormon than the prophet: a person with a skin condition, and for whom it may even be painful to shave, is as good as forced to physically hurt himself to show the condition he is wearing a beard for in the first place … in all my years going to the temple, i have never been asked if there was a reason to justify my beard … (but then i do not work at byu …) skin conditions can often not only be painful, but also result in lowered self-esteem – byu is once again twisting the knife in the wound, making this a humiliating experience for their employees who have these conditions …

well, maybe this information is useful to you to help your exposing the silliness of this whole rotten culture …