Propaganda and Repetition
“The most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly…it must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over.”
Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Propaganda Minister
“A lie told often enough becomes the truth.”
Lenin (1870-1924)
Introduction to Soteriology
Heart of the Matter Broadcast
Show 19 392 Soteriology – part I
May 5th 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”
Our program tonight is dedicated to our sister and friend Judy Barrett who left to be with the Lord – we love you Judy and will miss your smile, heart, and wit.
We want to remind anyone out there who has not found a place to hear the Word of God taught on Sunday’s that they are welcome to join us through live streaming video from anywhere in the world. Just go to (web address graphic here) at either 10am Mountain time for our Milk Service or 2:30 Mountain for Meat. If you can stay awake we think it’s worth it.
Our good friend Russ gave me this article out of the Deseret News. The headline:
“Mormons Love the Bible.” (Review here)
In the end, I find the claim in the title, “Mormons love the Bible” to reflect the same love Mormons have for Jesus. Like the Bible, He is present. Like the Bible He is referred to at times. But in the end, He is (like the Bible) just a footnote to entire faith. I realize they think they love the Bible, just like they think they love Jesus – but having been on both sides of the fence – the LDS love the Bible and the Lord about like a man who is a workaholic, and has a mistress, loves his wife.
Baptism Formula in the Scriptures
Last week in our discussion of the Trinity we had a caller ask about Matthew 28:19 which says:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
I want to touch on this a bit more before we move on. I mentioned last week that it does not appear that this translation of Matthew 28 was present in any manuscript evidence prior to the fourth century AD. In fact, when we read the eighteen times Eusebius translates the passage (he died in 340 AD) he translated the passage to say “disciple all nations in my name.”
Then listen to this. After the Council of Nicea quotes Matthew 28:19 three more times, and in each of these instances changed positions and wrote in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Justin Martyr, who wrote in the middle of the second century never translated the passage with the Trinitarian view.
But letting the Bible translate itself, we do find, in the New Testament, in the earliest days of the church and thereafter, the apostles NOT following the supposed orders of Jesus in Matthew 29:19, but of baptizing in Jesus name only. I mean, look at the day of Pentecost, Peter in Acts 2:38 says to the three thousand plus souls:
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Why not Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
In Acts 8:16 Luke notes about some believers that the Holy Spirit had not fallen on them but . . .
“only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
In Acts 10, Peter was bringing the Gospel to the House of Cornelius and Peter says to them (this is Peter, taught by Christ)
Acts 10:48 “And he commanded them to be baptized . . . in the name of the Lord.”
Jesus purportedly said in the Great Commission for His Apostles to go and baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . . . and the very men He said this to directly . . . go out and baptize in His name alone?
What gives? What gives is after the fourth Century Trinitarian decrees Father Son and Holy Spirit were conveniently added to passages like Matthew 28 and 1st John 5:8.
When Paul, trained of Jesus, was passing through upper Ephesus, he had an interaction with believers and in the end we read:
Acts 19:5
Baptism and Traditions
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Come on! Look here’s the deal – when Christians get real and separate from the TRADITIONS of Man – we will stand on even more solid ground against Mormonism because they too have embraced many of these traditions themselves, like baptizing in the name of the Father, and Son and Holy Spirit. Do you see how the truth is a win/win in the Mormon Christian debate?
Listen, before we go to prayer . . .
The Holy Spirit and Doctrine Variance
Last week we finished up some thoughts on the holy spirit being the spirit that God works his powerful will through the world and suggested strongly that it is not a person, separate from God the Father. There are a couple points I have to make regarding this stance – and what we are going to continue to do here on the show. If you are a believer who embraces the Trinity far be it from me to suggest that you are not a true Christian. You want to fight for the concepts of trinitarianism, feel free – but don’t fight me.
Again, this ministry is NOT at war against flesh and blood. I am not at war against any specific Mormon individual or ANY specific Christian – whether they be a Calvinist, a Trinitarian, or whatever. I’m not sure this has ever been understood about me and this ministry.
Think about this for a minute – if God wanted every doctrine to be “picture perfect clear” for us they would be . . . but they’re not – not by a long shot.
So we have to ask ourselves, “why is there so much variance on doctrine among good believing men?” I would suggest that such uncertainty gives believers many, many more opportunities to relate to each other by love . . . to relate with each other patiently, kindly, with longsuffering, and selflessly . . . than dogmatic positions (LISTEN) TAKEN AGAINST EACH OTHER.
Focus on Seeking Truth
The second thing I want to respond to has to do with the opinion that says the call God has on my life is to focus on Mormonism (and not what I am and have been doing). For those who maintain this opinion what you are really saying is YOU want me to continue to focus solely on Mormonism, that YOU don’t like my opinions of Christian doctrine, but YOU loved my mind and heart when focused on the LDS faith.
I do not answer to men nor their opinions but to God. He directs me and it is expected that men will revile when He moves in opposition to their desires. What I did toward Mormonism was not because attacking Mormonism is the call I have on my life. What I did toward Mormonism is because I am a seeker of truth.
With the falsity of Mormonism abundantly clear it’s time to look at our own house. Why do this?
Three reasons. 1st, it needs it. 2nd, after spending so many years telling the LDS to pull the mote out of their eye it’s time we remove the beam out of our own, and 3rd, as LDS people continue to flock out of the bondage of Mormonism, it makes no sense for them to stammer into another church that operates by more traditions of bondage too.
This is what this year has been focused on – exposing the practices and doctrines of bondage found in various Christian houses of worship and relative to the Mormon/Christian debate.
So with that, let’s have a word of prayer and get to work.
PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER
PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER
Evaluating Salvation Concepts
Okay, you know the rules of the game, right? We are going to take all that the LDS says about the topic of salvation and the general views the Christians stand by, keep what is biblical, and trash-can the rest – no matter how painful or controversial or off-putting.
We’re start by reviewing the LDS views of salvation tonight and once they are clearly “sifted,” we’ll move on to the Christian and do the same. Once both sides are cleared of myth and tradition, we will try and present what the clearly Bible explains contextually.
Before looking at the LDS side, I want to offer you all an illustration we used in our Bible study last week. In fact, it may be the only thing we get to tonight.
(GO TO BOARD)
Let’s go to the phones
(801)
While the operators are clearing your calls consider the following messages created for your edification and our financial
Spirit of the Pharisee
Jesus Introduced Truth in Love
Throughout His ministry, Jesus introduced truth in love. The love was unending and was evidenced by all that Paul describes as being of God – His love “suffered-long”, “was kind”, “didn’t envy”, “was not rash”, “was not puffed up”, “did not behave itself unseemly,” “Did not seek His own will”, “was not easily provoked”, “did not think evil”, “Did not rejoice in iniquity”, “Rejoiced in truth”. His love “bore all things”, “believed all things,” “hopeth all things,” “endureth all things.” “and never failed.”
We notice that he let people think, and reason, and choose. “That those who were not against Him were for Him.” That He loved the lost and received His apostles back after they abandoned Him. I see a very, very liberal person who came to save us not condemn us, but to save us, and then shepherd us as His sheep. And almost everywhere He went, He was confronted by the ruling class of religionists. They were scribes and Pharisees and men who ruled over the lives of others with relentless demands.
Jesus’ Most Scathing Outburst
We can read about his most scathing outburst upon these types in Matthew 23, Mark 7, and Luke 11. I would suggest that these types had a “spirit” about them. It was, in the end, not of God but of the devil. Contrary to Him and His person Jesus identified ten main evidences in those gospel chapters that depict this spirit. Ready?
• “They did things to be seen by men.” They loved titles, to be seen in public places, and they had airs of superiority to the “common” man or the “great unwashed.”
• “They put heavy burdens upon the people of God.” Heavy commands. Burdens like building budgets and tithes and observances for holiness.
• They loved “the best seats” in the house – to be seen, power, respect.
• They devoured widows houses – what does this mean? They took their money, estates, and the like.
• Failure to discern holy things – including the promised Messiah among them.
• Neglecting the important issues of their role as the priesthood – which in our day is to teach the word of God.
• They focused upon external laws and appearances rather than internal change.
• Claiming righteousness with God but opposed Him in Spirit.
• Exalted the traditions of Man over the commandments of God.
• They took away the keys of knowledge.
Additional Reflections
I would suggest that by taking inventory of other New Testament passages we could add to this list that they:
• We’re proud – of their social status, their titles, their positions.
• They were controlling and loved power.
• They thought they were holy.
• They were self-centered and full of self-interest.
Oh . . . and they had a tremendous external semblance of religiosity and loving God. In fact, Jesus said in Mark 7: 6-7:
"Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:
"This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
Think about all of this as we now go to the board. Think about your heart, and your responses and opinions as we launch into our next topic with a board discussion.
Freedom and Faith
"What the blueprint is. And the blueprint for freedom, the blueprint for the Western world is the scripture,” he said. “The more we try to find the answers through science, through technology, the more lost we become. … The answers are quiet. The answers are simple. And the answers are here (holding up a Bible).
Beck spoke about several influential people throughout history, including kings, saying their personal Bibles and prayer books were untouched, that the influence of God was not a part of their regular life. “What do your scriptures look like?” Beck said. “Will someday somebody say, ‘This is my mom, this is my dad, this is my brother, this is my sister’s scriptures, look they’re in perfect condition.’ Or will they have been pored over? Dog-eared, written in, that tells the story of your life and your path.”
As a member of a different denomination than the crowd, Beck said he shared their faith and their belief in Jesus Christ. “I share your faith. I am from a different denomination, and a denomination quite honestly that I’m sure could make many people at Liberty uncomfortable,” he said. “I’m a Mormon. But I share your faith in the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ.” Liberty University recently classified the LDS Church as a cult in one of its course descriptions. However, the university has also welcomed members of the LDS Church in the past, including then-presidential candidate Mitt Romney, to address the university.
Faith Amidst Challenges
Beck went on to describe how Joseph Smith, the LDS Church’s first president and prophet, was martyred for what he believed. “Are you willing to give your life?” Beck asked the audience. “This is not a textbook. Your classes are over, life is about to begin, and it’s real. What are you willing to do? What is it that means something to you?” He then detailed the last time Smith was arrested by sheriffs before being killed, saying the sheriff falsely accused Smith of stealing a stove. “(Smith) reached into his pocket and pulled out his pocket watch. He gave it to the sheriff and said, ‘I owe man nothing.’ They let him go and they killed him,” Beck said. “But on the warrant for his arrest, he wrote on the back of his warrant to his people: ‘Put down your guns no matter what happens. Put down your guns. Put down your guns and trust in the Lord.’
“Today we are facing perilous times,” he added. “You are going to be pushed and challenged every step of the way. What is it you truly believe? Do you believe in the gun? Do you believe in the Constitution? Too many of us are worshipping the god of the Constitution. Not the Constitution but God. God is our God. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The God of peace, comfort, of miracles. Expect miracles in your lifetime. Live in such a way that you can demand miracles. Expect miracles, call down miracles, and then when they happen, pronounce them, declare them.”
Scripture and Service
Beck read verses from 2 Corinthians, dissecting the key to living a Christ-centered life. “What must we do? Denounce the hidden things of dishonesty. Rely on God. Walk by faith and not by sight. “We all believe that all men are endowed by their Creator. But it is important to understand not what the world has said that he’s our Creator, he is our Father. He is our dad. He’s not just our Creator,” Beck said. “He’s our dad and he will answer us.
“You were born at this time in this country, you are at this university for a reason,” he added. “Nobody was in the Grand Councils, as we’re saying, ‘OK Lord, what is it you want me to do?’ I can tell you now that I do not believe the Lord said, ‘Well, I’m going to send you down because you need to be an accountant.’ You didn’t come down for a job.” Beck said although an education is important and helps in life, being in the service of God is the greatest “honor” and that there is nothing “greater than being in his service.”
“God is the only one that can help you. God gives you everything, even the troubles in your life. Give him praise for the troubles in your life because they are just as important,” Beck said. “Choose today who you will be. Who will you serve? What is it you want to be remembered as?" Beck concluded his
Hope and Spiritual Musings
“You are my hope. I love you. I pray for you. I beg of you, recognize the times we live in. Love one another even though we’re different. Love one another. Stand together. Link arms. Put on the full armor of God. Live in the spirit of Christ.”
Correspondence with Shawn
ON STATION BLACKOUT
Dear Shawn,
Please give me a brief answer to the following questions when you get a chance:
Where do you get all these ideas that you present? Are they original thoughts on your part, or others' thoughts you've been collecting and constructing?
If God is is not 3 persons, is He 2 persons only? Just Father and Son?
Do the Father and Son share the same spirit, since they are One? Or do they each have their own spirit, which would make 2 distinct spirits?
Which version of the Bible matches your requirement about how the S/spirit of God/Christ is communicated? Or do you just self-correct a given Bible version as you read?
Thanks for your time.
Jeff
Repeated Inquiry
Dear Shawn,
Please give me a brief answer to the following questions when you get a chance:
Where do you get all these ideas that you present? Are they original thoughts on your part, or others' thoughts you've been collecting and constructing?
If God is is not 3 persons, is He 2 persons only? Just Father and Son?
Do the Father and Son share the same spirit, since they are One? Or do they each have their own spirit, which would make 2 distinct spirits?
Which version of the Bible matches your requirement about how the S/spirit of God/Christ is communicated? Or do you just self-correct a given Bible version as you read?
Thanks for your time.
Jeff
Dear Shawn,
Please give me a brief answer to the following questions when you get a chance:
Where do you get all these ideas that you present? Are they original thoughts on your part, or others' thoughts you've been collecting and constructing?
If God is is not 3 persons, is He 2 persons only? Just Father and Son?
Do the Father and Son share the same spirit, since they are One? Or do they each have their own spirit, which would make 2 distinct spirits?
Which version of the Bible matches your requirement about how the S/spirit of God/Christ is communicated? Or do you just self-correct a given Bible version as you read?
Thanks for your time.
Jeff
Dear Shawn,
Please give me a brief answer to the following questions when you get a chance:
Where do you get all these ideas that you present? Are they original thoughts on your part, or others' thoughts you've been collecting and constructing?
If God is is not 3 persons, is He 2 persons only? Just Father and Son?
Do the Father and Son share the same spirit, since they are One? Or do they each have their own spirit, which would make 2 distinct spirits?
Which version of the Bible matches your requirement about how the S/spirit of God/Christ is communicated? Or do you just self-correct a given Bible version as you read?
Thanks for your time.
Jeff
