Main Topic: Evaluating Christian Churches
“In some sense we are all hypocrites in transition.”
Erwin McManus
“You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments that stand out, the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love… The test of a man then is not, 'How have I believed?' but 'How have I loved?' The test of religion, the final test of religion, is not religiousness, but love. Not what I have done, not what I have believed, not what I have achieved, but how I have discharged the common charities of life.”
Henry Drummond
Then to Shawn McCraney – heretic
Introduction
Show 11 386 It All Begins With X
March 18th 2014
Live from the Mecca of Mormonism – Salt Lake City Utah – This is Heart of the Matter – Where Mormonism Meets Biblical Christianity . . . Face to Face
And I’m your host, Shawn McCraney
We thank and praise the true and living God for allowing us to be part of this, His ministry. May He be with you – and us – tonight.
Looking for a Sunday church to attend but don’t live in the area? Don’t want or can’t leave the house? Sick of the Evangelical “shows?” Tune in live with us every Sunday at either 10am or 2:30 pm mountain time and watch our verse by verse studies.
Evaluating Christian Churches
Additionally, we have a television station that we now operate. Our goal is to provide a constant stream of information for the mind aimed at bringing people to the cross and enhancing the Christian walk. There are all sorts of models and approaches we could have taken with this endeavor. But in the end, we have dedicated every minute of air time to “Giving God a Chance to Make Sense.” And we go to some unusual means to try and accomplish this.
If you live in the Salt Lake Valley we are on 19.3 KPDR and in the coming months are looking to getting picked up by cable, dish and direct. Please keep us in prayer that God will bless this effort.
Every now and again people wonder what this ministry actually does. Let me turn to our trusty whiteboard and see if I can show you.
Guiding Believers from Mormonism to Christianity
Because of our dealing with people who have come out of Mormonism we are often asked what Christian Churches are reputable, which ones people ought to attend. We have some basic things we tell Latter-day Saints that have now become Christian to look for (and to avoid).
We tell them to look for pastors who teach the word of God – the more the better. We like verse by verse for a number of reasons:
- It gets people to read the word in its entirety.
- It doesn’t allow for pastors to skip the tough or boring verses but forces them to explain them and work through them.
- It avoids the very natural inclination for pastors to soap-box their weekly messages. What I mean by this is when a pastor does not teach verse by verse book by book they often harp on a set of topics that become their favorites. Verse by verse produces a broad variety of biblical topics.
- Additionally, topical presentations can prove almost anything but verse by verse helps to stay within the context of at least what is being said and from where.
Cautions and Concerns
In the areas to avoid, we caution all believers to be very cautious of:
- Churches that try and control your lives through volunteerism, programs, and a new cause every month. Be cautious of ANYTHING a church or pastor might use to control you or your family including sets of rules for individual and family accountability – how much money you give, if a couple is devoting enough time to the church, how parents discipline their children – stuff like that. Watch out for the T word (tithing) or when a church comes up with “a plan” (of any sort) and expects the congregates to pay for it by repeatedly reminding them of their duty.
- Be cautious of signing worthiness contracts, or wild worship services or what I see as “shows” and finally, be wary of churches pour signs and wonders and miracles on thick – I’ve seen more
Understanding Jesus' Teachings
Spiritually confused and abused folks often come out of these places more than from out of Mormonism. Why do I bring all of this up during our time we call From the Word? Strangely enough, because of some words of Jesus said to Jews in the temple. In John 8, the Lord has been revealing His identity slowly but surely to onlookers.
And at verse 30 we read: "As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Notice what happens here. Jesus has been teaching and as He spoke, many believed on Him. The first step in the Christian walk, right – believing on Him. Then we read that Jesus said to those who believed on Him: "If you continue in my word (which is basically saying in the widest sense, “If you continue to love God and Man as I have loved God and Man”) then you are my disciples indeed (or Truly you are my disciples) Listen… “and you shall KNOW the truth and the Truth shall set you free.”
Churches' Focus on Freedom
It’s all right there as a great model for churches to focus on. First, get those who are there to believe. Then to continue in His word. Then to reassure that they are His disciples indeed, and that they know the Truth, and then to support the fact that they, as possessors of this truth, are FREE! Not put under rules and laws. Not bound by religion and programs. Not forced into contractual agreements. Free.
(beat)
Hey before we go to prayer a correction: It has been brought to my attention by a number of people for the past month or so that Dr. John MacArthur changed his mind on eternal Sonship and now embraces it. On one person writing in actually said “he has since repented (which does mean a changing of the mind but in Christianese it carries with it the notion that his former position was sinful. Brother). So there. MacArthur changed his mind. McCraney hasn’t.
Examining Christian Artistry
And with that, let’s have a word of prayer. Run the “From the Word” intro here please. PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER
PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER
Last week I made a case for Christian Artists having as viable place in how they see, explain, and relate to “Christianity” as Christian theologians and scholars. I was NOT suggesting we refuse or discount our scholars or theologians – not in the least. But I am suggesting that there is a place for divergent thoughts and opinions on how we are to understand what the Bible says – and that maybe the scholars have for a bit too long determined how believers are to view the faith from beginning to end. There is this element of the faith called the Holy Spirit which, so long as the promptings we assign to Him are not against the Bible ought to be given leeway in how He speaks and observes.
Maybe… I suggested… there are other ways to see a life devoted to Christ Jesus and the beliefs that go along with such a life. I’ve had a couple of people ask me for an example of Christian artistry and so I thought that tonight I would offer one up. In fact, I am going to attempt to present a new way to understand how God has engaged Himself in the creation, salvation, and sanctification of human kind. It is not an approach that I have EVER seen or heard or encountered and I wonder, as a form of Christian artistry, if it holds as much water as scholarly books or research papers written on the same subject. You decide.
One thing to note before we go to the board – I consider this a “teaching tool” not an exhaustive representation and I do not believe it has to be received or BELIEVED by ANYONE. I just want to know if, according to you (and especially my Christian critics out there) if it holds biblical water? Is it sound? Does it seem to come from God or at least represent Godly, Christian principles? Most importantly, does it help bridge the gap of understanding between the Mormon and Christian?
(Beat)
And so go with me to the white board and let me present you with “a Christian Artists model of…
How God Has Engaged Himself in Human Kind
"How God has engaged Himself in the creation, salvation, and sanctification of human kind."
Reflections on Faith and Pride
WE received this email from Ryan R. and he brings up an important point worth mentioning:
Shawn-
As a former LDS member who is now born again, like you are, needless to say the last month has been interesting with your shows.
I was very thankful for tonight's show that you had on Robert Bowman from IRR. I have learned a ton from IRR over the years and really respect Robert as a loving brother in Christ. I'm sure you have similar views of him after your 5 hours at Mimi's Cafe together.
I shared your frustration with Rob Sivulka and others attacking you on your show. It really felt like I was watching a train wreck. (no offense) I received calls from my LDS friends and family that were literally laughing saying, "Wow. So this is what it's like to watch Anti-Mormons fight an Anti-Mormon tv host."
I put it in God's hands and pray for them that they will all come to know the Biblical truth. There is so much to learn and so many various views and interpretations from the Bible and various scholars and pastors that at times the evil one whispers, "See, you should just go back to the LDS church…you don't have to believe all of it."
Obviously, there is no way I am going back to a false gospel. I find your views fascinating and I agree with what Robert told the last caller tonight (about you).
John MacArhur changed his views about the "Eternal Sonship of Christ." I don't worship any human but have learned a great deal from MacArthur.
http://www.gty.org/Resources/articles/593
Love you brother and never stop learning more and more about God. You have helped many people leaven Mormonism and by the grace of God come to have a relationship with the Biblical Christ.
I share your passion and frustration at times. 🙂
Ryan Robinson
The Nature of Public Disagreements
Shawn- As a former LDS member who is now born again, like you are, needless to say the last month has been interesting with your shows. (He goes on and describes what we are calling Inquisition 2014 as a “trainwreck”) and then adds:
“I received calls from my LDS friends and family that were literally laughing saying, "Wow. So this is what it's like to watch Anti-Mormons fight an Anti-Mormon tv host."
I want to explain something here. LDS people have made their Church the focus of things to prove how right and good they are. So if they witness differences played out between “Christians” and sit back and laugh. Let em. It’s pride that moves them to this perspective and pride is the product of Mormonism doctrines and praxis – it’s ALL pride.
Pursuing Honesty in Faith
At the same time I think it’s important for believers to continue to be honest – no matter who is watching. If there’s a problem we speak to it without shame. Human pride suggests we put on airs, but I’d rather see people working things out (even if it’s ugly) rather than “playing church,” and putting on external airs so as to try and impress people with how together and good we are.
I’m not suggesting we bite and devour each other in public like wild banshees, but I do believe people want what's real when it comes to our faith rather than religious pretensions.
Old Testament Inquiry
From: Travis
Subject: Question on Old Testement
Message Body:
Hey Shawn enjoy the show. My wife was Lds left the church 8 years ago. Just a question on there being no mention of the Son in the OT. In the book of Daniel, when the 3 were cast in the furnace there was. 4tha man the Son of God. Just curious, appreciate the ministry reaching morons with the truth I just hope they don’t get confused with the disagreements. GOD bless keep u in prayer. Faithful listener.
TRAVIS IN KY.
