Broadcast Reflections on Gratitude and Worship

Live from the Mecca of Mormonism, Salt Lake City, Utah – this is HOTM – where we do all we can to walk toward His Love. And I’m your host Shawn McCraney. Been doing shows every week – with only a few exceptions – since 2006 – coming up on 14 years or nearly 730 hour-long programs. All to explore God, Jesus, Christianity, Mormonism, Religion – what a ride – and it has been entirely possible because of several key players:

Acknowledgment of Support

First, the living God. I can do nothing without Him in the mix and so when I say this I mean it – all honor and glory to Him who gave His Son and as a result I was given new life some 22 years ago at the side of a Southern California road.

We could not have done it without our volunteers and staff: Mary, Cassidy, Mallory, Delaney, Kathy Maggie, Seth, Wendy, Michael, Larry, and Dave. And all of the past volunteers who kept us going – especially Derrick and Denita and the whole Webster family (who continue to assist us today with banking and paperwork issues).

Then there are those of you who have helped us financially over the years. Small and great, it all helps to keep the lights on and the ministry going. Your financial support does not go unappreciated or unnoticed as giving is always a sacrifice and we thank you so very much. We don’t bring in a lot but what we get, we truly appreciate to you and God for moving you to help.

And finally, we greatly appreciate you, our viewers – especially those who share the show with others. Our approach to ministry has made growth VERY difficult over the years because we refuse to hone into a system of traditions and will overturn any and every rock in search of truth. We offend many, and cause most of those remaining to lose interest or appreciation. But we have maintained over the years and we promise to never ever sell out to the will and ways of Man and (God willing) will forever seek to serve Him – and you – in spirit and in truth.

Personal Reflections on God's Creations

So, thank you all for your prayers, your support, your allegiance, and for putting up with my failures. I can honestly say I have tried to walk with all the integrity I can muster toward our God. It's not much, and I often fail, but I can say I have tried to be true to what I believe.

Show 17B Follow-up to Love in the New World November 26th, 2019

In that vein, I am not a holiday kind of guy. Birthdays – no thanks. Easter, Christmas, thanksgiving – should be every day in my mind. But I have been reflecting on the incomprehensible God we worship lately and my gratitude and awe have been truly abundant.

His Provisions and Human Accomplishments

I don’t know about you, but I am frankly overwhelmed by His provisions, his designs, His patience, His love. When I think of the provisions – the earth, our history as humans, plant and animal life – the microscopic, the billions of souls alive right now, on continents with cultures, and clothing, and foodstuffs and combinations beyond imagination; when I think about the world in space, the stars, the heavens, the seas, the mountains and deserts and flora and fauna; when I comprehend the human body and all the things that can possibly go wrong but don’t on any given day, and the accidents that are avoided, and the goodness that is done, I am floored – especially in light of the fact that this same God allows, permits – free will, but sends the rain upon the just and the unjust.

I am stunned by humanity – made in God’s image – and what we have been able to accomplish with these traits. A city skyline, transportation systems, technology, and the advances in medicine – all of these and more cause me to worship the living God. Between Mary and I, we have experienced three full hip replacements this year, and a number of teeth implants where there were none before. That is God working through human beings He made in His image. Look at the amazing and beautiful advances in the arts, sports, logic, and sciences.

Look at our technology! All authored and originated by Him inspiring and directing and moving women and men toward His creative impulse. And He has not only given each of us life, He has not only given us solutions to issues and problems on earth – He has given…

Rejoicing in the True and Living God

Us His Only Human Son who saved all of us from ourselves – unconditionally, patiently, generously, lovingly. I openly and publicly rejoice in the true and living God. I give Him all glory and recognition for all good things. His defies comprehension and yet is willing to be with and in us. He is all in all, and I am so blessed, with all of you, to know Him – as Jesus so succinctly said in John 17:3:

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

An Encounter Downtown

Let’s open up the phone lines as I continue with a few more things 801 590-8413

So last week had a really wild experience – let me tell you about it. I’m sitting in a place downtown working since six am as I usually do. I frequent this place nearly every day from 6am to noon. It is close to LDS headquarters on North Temple and is frequented by many suits from the same. The other day Daniel C. Peterson is pointed out to me by a friend. Now for those of you who don’t know, Daniel C Peterson not only has a PH.d in Ancient Studies but he is (I think) a former professor at BYU but he is also considered an LDS Apologist. And one of the most aggressive people online. He has a history of castigating people and really ripping them apart with words – all from behind the safety of his keyboard. I mean anyone who has ever been involved online in the Mormon/Christian debate world know of Daniel C Peterson. Because of my seven very public years on television here in the state, I am certain he knew of me and the show.

Interaction with Daniel C. Peterson

But I have changed in many ways and my heart really wanted to reach out to the man and try and establish some sort of decorum. So he is sitting alone at a table not far from me, and I thought: Why not? Go over and say hello. Now listen – there IS part of me that really enjoys meeting people in person who are antagonistic toward my person online. I enjoy it because it allows for real colors to shine as being online is such a façade for so many people.

So I walk over and I say “Daniel C. Peterson” (and I extend my hand to him). He reluctantly takes it, and says at the same time, without a smile, “I don’t know you.” I thought that was a really strange thing to come out of someone’s mouth upon being greeted. I have people come up to me all the time and in my opinion its incumbent on the greeted to make the greeter feel comfortable, you know with a smile, hey, what’s up! Or well its so nice to meet you – what’s your name? But Daniel immediately says: “I don’t know you.” Unfortunately, his face suggested otherwise. So I said, “You don’t know me? I’m sort of surprised.”

And we had an uncomfortable pause, and he said sheepishly, “no . . . don’t . . .” Now, I don’t think people should know me and most do not. But because of who he is and because of what I do, it would be VERY unusual for him not to know me – and I frankly said so. After our awkward silence, I said: We’ll Im nobody but I just wanted to say hello.” And I started to walk away. Then he said, “So . . .?” as if to ask me to explain who I was, and I inserted, “I just wanted to shake your hand and say hi.” And he says, “I’m not here to say hi.”

Reasons for the Meeting

I said, “Oh. What are you here for?” And he said, “to eat.” So, I tried to greet him in a friendly manner. And in response I got from his person:

• I don’t know you.
• I don’t know you
• So . . . and
• I’m not here to say hi, I’m here to eat.

And I thought, well then, I think

Reflections on a Real-Life Encounter

I will point out some inconsistencies with his attitude with what I thought should be and I said “Now, there’s Christ-like for ya.” And then he looked at me all tough-guy like and said, “you better watch it.” Honest to God above, I really wanted to just kindly say hi and maybe see if we could talk. His immediate reaction was to deny knowing me, and to reject my person and greeting all together.

When He said, you’d better watch it, my flesh took it as a threat, and I walked back toward his table and said, “I’d better watch it? What exactly are you going to do?” And he said, “I’ll call security!” And I’m sorry, but my flesh got the best of me, and I just started laughing and said: “Now that is really telling.” He just glared at me and I walked away. I have to admit, Daniel Peterson was at least the same person in person as he is online. That is a step above others I’ve encountered. But goodness – that is one cranky man.

Importance of Agape Love

Last night we aired a program titled: More love in the New World. It was a program aimed at showing the import of Agape love in the Christian's life.

Reader Feedback

Got a few comments and emails:

Stephanie Smith
Such a great and important message.

Thanks, Stephanie. I agree.

John OReardon wrote
God luvs us so much he let's us make are own choices. Like we let are children make their own mistakes so they can learn. God bless everyone….. O yea I can't speak because I'm the biggest sinner going. I always make mistakes don't go to any church i don't even have a Bible but that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it . Joking…

John also wrote

John OReardon
Great video. Thanks to Sean (meaning Irish word for John) and his team. Making it so easy for everyone to understand. God bless everyone…….

I love that comment John makes about God loving all so much he gives us the freedom to choose as I hold freedom and the right to choose very high on my list of God given attributes.

Saved by his grace G2G
I've been on a major HOTM kick. It makes me so so happy you are STILL at it! Talk about deep devotion to the Lord, and to helping the lds people who are held captive by Joseph's myth Very admirable!

Praise God G2G! Thanks for your comments.

J. Huff Humble
Great show Shawn – It’s always about love first! You can be LDS, Baptist, Lutheran, etc…. But if you don’t love God and neighbor, then you don’t follow Christ’s doctrine!!!

True dat, H Huff. And so correct when you call it Christ’s doctrine.

Rex Albright wrote
Excellent presentation! The hardest thing for Christians to demonstrate is love.

To which I could not agree more and finally, Janet Barlow wrote

Janet Barlow
Loved listening to this one and the way you presented the truth. Obedience to the law and conforming to the expectations of those who claim to have authority gives people a false sense of security. Of course all of the certainty promised if we just get in line and follow along appeals to the natural man. To have the kind of love in our hearts you are speaking of requires a mighty change of heart. We have to be so transformed inwardly that our Christlike nature comes to life in us. Agape comes natural to that part of us! The part of us that is of the world is not redeemable, we must be born again. Only then can we become open channels for Gods love to go out into the world. Thanks Shawn, I really appreciate the direction you are going nowdays.

So do I, Janet. It has taken some time. I am grateful to be a part and to finally feel like all wheels are on the rails. Appreciate your insights.

From Our Emails

Jeff from Michigan wrote

Shawn,
Great message. Love how you explained Luke chapter 10. Since leaving the LDS Church my eyes have really been open to what a Christian is. Mormons are constantly looking at what do "I" have to do for the highest degree. Jesus said love period. While a Mormon is in a temple over the weekend doing ME work, a Christian is in a prison, a soup kitchen or searching for a lost soul and spreading the word of Jesus and Love. I have found a great church which opens its doors to EVERYONE. They offer

Care and Support for Those in Need

Care groups such as Divorce Care and substance abuse, and anyone is welcome to walk in off the street for help. No questions asked. (The LDS church offers no care classes. Sinners need not apply) Jesus he came to the sick he came to the sinners. Matthew 9:12-13. One of my favorite verses. Thank you brother. Keep spreading the truth and waking Mormons up. Thanks Jeff. I asked him the name of the church out in Michigan and he wrote me back and said:

Northridge Church in Plymouth, Michigan.

A Supportive Church Community

If you are anywhere near Plymouth Michigan, you oughta check out Northridge Church. It sounds fantastic. Then one Brett K wrote and said, in part:

Shawn, You and John from Mormon stories are on the highway to hell. You are both in open rebellion. I am hoping that you will repent of your wicked ways and go back to the church and ask to be baptized anew and start over. The church is true and the Book of Mormon is true. It’s time for you to admit that you messed up. Best wishes, Brett Kavline

Faith Placed Rightly

I wrote back to Brett and said: Thanks for taking the time to reach out, Brett. I know you mean well and are trying to do good; which is important to our God. Faith is also important to Him. But faith rightly placed. Scripture says to test all things and hold fast to what is good. This I ardently try to do, with good being defined as true, and true being defined as without obfuscation. The only thing I have found to be true in this world is Him and Him alone. To this I hold fast and without fear or excuse. God bless you, my friend and brother.

Latest Releases

Hey, remember, we just released the first few chapters of If my Kingdom Were of this World then My Servants would Fight on audio. Check them out by going to:

Also check out Checkmychurch.com
Exmormonfiles.org
And Talkingtomormons.com

Consider the books

And tune in next Monday night – here on Heart of the Matter.