Live Broadcast from Salt Lake City: Heart of the Matter
Live from the Mecca of Mormonism (and the Factory here in Salt Lake City, Utah) this is Heart of the Matter, where…
Biblical Christianity meets American Evangelicalism Face to Face…
Show 19 Time to Repent
July 9th 2013
And I’m your host, Shawn McCraney. We praise the True and Living God for allowing us to participate in this, His ministry. We pray His Spirit upon you – and us – tonight.
LDS Leaders Enter Social Media
Well, the social media campaign has begun. How? The LDS Prophet and Twelve Apostles have joined FACEBOOK! Not kidding. Here’s a shot:
Under it it reads:
“Members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have gone social! Connect with them on Facebook and see inspiring messages, talks, articles and videos from them.”
But the best (and or the worst) part about this are the comments. I mean adult LDS members are literally writing:
Go Q12. You da best! And other . . . schtuff. This latest ploy blows my mind – really. I mean, I try to be progressive and modern in my thinking but I just have a hard time that John the Baptist (whom Jesus called “the greatest born of women”) having a Disgrace-book page. Am I wrong? Would Jesus and the twelve really operate this way?
RAISED EYEBROW? You got me.
Book on Mormonism vs. Christianity
Hey, we spent a tremendous amount of time and attention to preparing a book for people who really want to understand the differences between Mormonism and Christianity. I mean we worked our heads off trying to get the thing right and readable.
(HAVE COPY IN HAND)
The book is titled:
Where Mormonism Meets Biblical Christianity Face to Face – An A to Z Doctrinal Comparative.
Listen – and I say this humbly and in the name and power of our King – if you are interested in apologetics to the LDS, in understanding how to reach your LDS friends, or if Mormonism is Christian, this is a book you ought to consider. Now, we sell it on Amazon and I got on there and took ALL – ALL of the reviews posted by people who have read it. None of them were solicited by us. And I only recognize the name of one of the people who offered a review.
All eight of the reviews give the book “five stars out of five.” Now, I know that sounds like a set up so we can sell books but as I stand before God it is straight up. Here’s a graphic of what has thus far been said:
“A must for your library,” July 5, 2013
By Joy H. Blanton "adobe dove"
“A very well researched book. This is a delightful read. I would love to give every L.D.S family a copy of this book 5 star applause to Shawn A. McCraney. Such a fine book.”
“Great read!” April 18, 2013
By Allison Carnahan
“For people without theology degrees (like me) this side-by-side comparison breaks through the walls of ancient communication and subsequent language translations allowing the reader to clearly comprehend the message of both religions. The A-Z layout provides simple jumping to different topics if desired. For anyone with an open mind who is questioning their Christianity or Mormon roots or just wanting to gain knowledge about another religion, this book is a must have!!”
“Awesome Book” June 14, 2012
By HuskySouth
“Great Book!! This is a thoroughly written topical comparison of what the LDS believe (and propagate) in contrast to what the Bible teaches. This will be a valuable resource for dialogue with my LDS friends.”
“A formidable pillar of great importance” June 13, 2012
By Benjamin King "Ben" (Salt Lake City, Ut)
“Complimenting his excellent TV show, Heart of the Matter, McCraney has performed a great feat in biblical Christianity, and for all honest, truth-seeking Christians burdened with confusion and obfuscation concerning the on-going, but all-too-often subtle debate. Theres no political correctness here, which is nothing less than refreshing and relieving. As a member of the LDS church, I found the golden nuggets of differentiation between Mormonism and Christianity to be both highly informative, and stimulating, providing great thought that should not and cannot be overlooked in our day where the power of Gods proven words confront man's earthly principles and powers. This volume needs to be included in every self-declared Christian's study. It leads to serious reflection, meditation, and most importantly, prayer.”
“Well done!” April 26, 2012
By LAmour Toujours
“This book is a well written, well organized comparison of Christianity to Mormonism. It includes the major doctrinal differences from a biblical…”
Christian and Mormon Theology: A Detailed Comparison
“Format and presents the Christian side as compared to the Mormon side of many topics (A-Z). It is lengthy, well researched and portrays an accurate comparison between Christianity and Mormonism. In these times where Mormons, who used to disclaim Christianity, are moving towards the claims of being a Christian religion, this book is a must to explain where the problems in those claims lie. I believe this book would be helpful to Mormons, Christians and anyone interested in this topic. Highly recommended!”
"Insightful, relevant, and detailed book." April 26, 2012 By Kevin @ MightyBuying.com
The reality is in an age where more and more people are blending the Mormon religion with Christianity this book starts to look at the grand canyon of theological difference between the two. This work while it doesn't cover every topic, is hundreds upon hundreds of pages of the differences and a great primer to anyone interested in looking at the gulf between the religions.
Exploring Bible and Mormon Church Doctrines
“A book which needed to be written.” April 25, 2012 By Stephanie
“This book is a must-read for those interested in the comparative between what the bible says and Mormon Church Doctrine. Besides the Utah Light House Ministry website, this might be the best resource available on the subject.”
“Amazing!!!” April 25, 2012 By Andrew M. Leblanc "Max Power"
“This is the most comprehensive, exhaustive, every-ive you can think of, book on the Mormon-Christian debate that's available. No stone is left unturned or unlooked at in a hat. If you ever wondered what Mormonism teaches compared to Biblical Christianity, this is the resource to get.”
But here’s the thing – we are not selling them. At all. As long as Mormonism continues to promote themselves as Christian the book remains timeless and they have a place in every Christian and LDS home… but right now, they are sitting in storage. Why?
Reflection and Revelation
Because I’ve made a mistake. Before I explain it, let’s have a word of prayer.
PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER
PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER
Two days ago I got a call from a man asking if we could meet. He and his wife have been long-time unconditional supporters of CAMPUS and Alathea Ministries. He’s older than me, extremely intelligent, and runs a very successful company here in Utah. I respect this man – now more than ever. Prior to meeting with him (in the evening) I had three separate conversations with three sets of Christians over the course of the day.
The first was with the man who was saved through his involvement with the Toronto Blessing group who we talked about last week. He let me know his attendance at church and his financial support was over. I had gone too far in my attack of Christianity. I received this with love and bid him God’s speed.
The second conversation was with a man I have never met. The meeting was arranged by a dear sister who knew us both. We sat at the table of a fast-food joint in Kaysville and in the course of the conversation he said something that stuck in my mind at the time. He said (in effect) “You know, Jesus is on the throne. He is our King. If He is not on the throne in a believer’s life, that person has some or all of themselves on that throne. And that is idolatry.” As I said, these words (which had nothing to do with our conversation about eschatology) it struck a nerve.
Later in the evening, as I was driving to meet with this man whom I respect, my phone rang. It was a call from a dear Christian couple that live in Wisconsin and whom I haven’t heard from in eight to ten months. Our conversation was based in catching up and then, really out of the blue, the wife said: “You know, Shawn, when I was a little girl I would walk into Sunday school and almost every week I was asked by our teacher: “Is Jesus sitting on the throne of your life?” Once again, I was stopped in the tracks of my mind and I knew that God was speaking and I needed to really hear what was being said. So I reflected on those words – over and over again and into the course of the night.
In the meanwhile I met with our faithful supporter. We sat down and in essence he articulated to me, with kind insights and highly articulated thought that I have, essentially gotten sidetracked. Now, since getting taken off TV20, I have
Challenging Church Practices
had four Pastors call me with warnings – two kindly, one confrontational and one so politically motivated it would make you puke. And since that time have received numerous emails from people – mostly through attempts at gentle persuasion – have told me that maybe I ought to bloom where I was planted, so to speak, and just leave the Evangelicals alone.
But I did not listen to them. Here’s why:
Issues Within Modern Churches
I was NOT wrong in my assessment of their many repugnant practices. I ardently maintain that from the charade of “public faith healings” to “barking in the Spirit,” to “fog machine worship,” and “hyper Calvinist thought,” churches have in many ways become side-tracked by what I see as predatory practices upon the sheep.
Just yesterday we received this email from someone who has come out of Mormonism and is attending one of the large opulent predatory churches here in Utah. It says:
Shawn,
I am a Christian and have been attending (a local Christian church in Utah) for years. I am married to what I can only describe as a Christian Mormon. She no longer wears the garments and she has attended (our church) with me for a couple of years now and it is starting to seem like the closer she moved to toward Christian authenticity the further our church has moved away from it.
Recently the Pastor stated that "tithing" should be paid at a rate of 10% because it's Biblical. I have a hard time with what I feel is bouncing back and forth between new and old. I feel it is better to give a dollar in love to be guilted or forced into giving $10. In fact two weeks ago I received a piece of mail from our church regarding the law of tithing. Additionally, there seems to be a big push for us to make “a commitment to the church as well.
Over the past couple of months the emphasis seems to be moving from Christ to everything (name of the church). I have been silent about my concerns with both the church and my wife. I stopped attending for about six weeks wondering if this was just me. We returned this past Sunday to find teenagers on stage playing "minute-to-win-it" as some part of the sermon. The part that kills me is my wife turned to me and said "this isn't church."
The hour long sermon was filled with the pastors personal analogies and funnies at one point alluding to an F-bomb he dropped in a soccer game, and two Bible passages were read. Here is the issue. As I try to lead my wife further from Mormonism and closer to Christ my own home church seems to be trying to model themselves after Mormonism! (meaning they seem to be becoming more and more about themselves). This started after they built the new building. It’s like we are Mormon all over again.
Personal Reflection and Repentance
In light of emails like this, and seeing things for myself for the first time in years, I found myself in December of last year frustrated to no end.
(beat)
And it was here I messed up – sinned, so to speak (as in I have missed the mark God has for me and this ministry) – First, I allowed my personal anger and frustration for these types of things to blind me to what I have been prepared and called to do.
By pursuing my blind fury I now find myself not one bit better than Christians who, blinded and frustrated by the sins of the fallen world, go out and fight against it as an ill-guided form of Christianity. I rationalized my response. I justified my attitude. I did not listen to warning from good friends like RJR. And I did in the name of the King.
My great sin in allowing this is I forgot (or neglected to believe and trust) that He is on His throne, that He is in charge of His church, and that He is dealing with His church as He sees fit. For this I humbly and with a broken spirit, repent. For this I ask for your forgiveness. For this I publicly ask God to forgive me for thinking this was my battle, for thinking that I needed to go after everything I found so distasteful in our church visits in December, and for forgetting that He is fully present on the throne. I repent for allowing myself to arrogantly believe He was calling me to go after these churches when He is in full control.
Understanding the Call and Returning to the Core Mission
I have a different call on my life – one that few people have been prepared to accomplish – and if this ministry is going to remain effective, and truly sustainable, I had better think about getting back to the HEART of the Matter for which I was prepared – helping people who are LDS (or who are considering Mormonism) or “who are captive in this false religion and see no way out” to consider the historical and doctrinal facts about their faith and to receive what I believe is the only viable solution to true spiritual freedom – an unencumbered, unfettered, direct relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am sorry. I apologize to the owners and managers of TV20. I apologize to the Christian denominations in Utah and I apologize to the pastors in this state that I have insulted. But perhaps more close to my heart is I apologize to our God and King, and to you, whom I have failed. I have failed those of you who were relying on me to stay the course the King assigned me. Please forgive me.
And know, that from this point forward, (whether God decides to further bless this ministry or not with fruit, television exposure, or viable financial sustainability) I will keep rooted in the ground where He has planted me and will humbly refrain from placing the focus of this ministry on His church and will instead place our ministerial energies on a church that is not – Mormonism.
With that, let’s open up the phones and take any calls that might come in.
(801)
While the operators clear your calls, please consider the following:
Hey, I love the show, and I got some questions. A lot of atheists claim that Christianity is manipulative, all about money, power, and legalism, and all those things that you claimed Mormonism were. I'm a Christian, and I'm wondering: How do we know our system different from the Mormons? How do we know WE aren't under mind control?(if you ARE being mind controlled then wouldn't you not know it?) Also, how do we know our Pastors aren't using all our money for their own pleasures like some of those on TV? How can we trust our Pastors and our authorities? How do we know Jesus didn't have the same intentions as Joseph?
Henry
The Theological Contrast: Arminianism and Calvinism
MATT SLICK, CARM CONTRIBUTOR AND AUTHOR OF THE CALVINIST CORNER WRITES THIS: There are two main camps of theology within Christianity in America today: Arminianism and Calvinism. Calvinism is a system of biblical interpretation taught by John Calvin. Calvin lived in France in the 1500's at the time of Martin Luther who sparked the Reformation. The system of Calvinism adheres to a very high view of scripture and seeks to derive its theological formulations based solely on God’s word. It focuses on God’s sovereignty, stating that God is able and willing by virtue of his omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence, to do whatever He desires with His creation. It also maintains that within the Bible are the following teachings: That God, by His sovereign grace, predestines people into salvation; that Jesus died only for those predestined; that God regenerates the individual where he is then able and wants to choose God; and that it is impossible for those who are redeemed to lose their salvation.
Key Concepts of Calvinism
Arminianism, on the other hand, maintains that God predestined, but not in an absolute sense. Rather, He looked into the future to see who would pick him and then He chose them. Jesus died for all peoples' sins who have ever lived and ever will live, not just the Christians. Each person is the one who decides if he wants to be saved or not. And finally, it is possible to lose your salvation (some arminians believe you cannot lose your salvation). Basically, Calvinism is known by an acronym: T.U.L.I.P.
- Total Depravity (also known as Total Inability and Original Sin)
- Unconditional Election
- Limited Atonement (also known as Particular Atonement)
- Irresistible Grace
- Perseverance of the Saints (also known as Once Saved Always Saved)
Total Depravity
These five categories do not comprise Calvinism in totality. They simply represent some of its main points. Total Depravity: Sin has affected all parts of man. The heart, emotions, will, mind, and body are all affected by sin. We are completely sinful. We are not as sinful as we could be, but we are completely affected by sin. The doctrine of Total Depravity is derived from scriptures that reveal human character: Man’s heart is evil (Mark 7:21-23) and sick (Jer. 17:9). Man is a slave of sin (Rom. 6:20). He does
The Doctrine of Calvinism
The Calvinist doctrine explores human nature as being unable to seek God due to spiritual incapability. According to scriptures, man is naturally lost, unable to understand spiritual things (Rom. 3:10-12; 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:15; Eph. 2:3). The Calvinist views this nature as utterly incapable of seeking God without divine intervention, concluding that God must predestine individuals to faith.
Calvinism asserts that due to human fallenness, rebirth is a result of God's will, not human intent (John 1:12-13). It believes God grants belief (Phil. 1:29), that faith is God's work (John 6:28-29), and that God appoints believers (Acts 13:48), emphasizing God's predestining role (Eph. 1:1-11; Rom. 8:29; 9:9-23).
Core Doctrines of Calvinism
Unconditional Election: God's election isn't based on any individual merit. He chooses the elect according to His will (Eph. 1:4-8; Rom. 9:11), without regard to individual merit or future choices. Not all are elected to salvation (Rom. 9:15, 21).
Limited Atonement: Jesus' sacrifice is for the elect alone. While His death is sufficient for all, it is efficacious solely for the elect, as supported by scriptures such as Matt. 26:28, John 10:11, 15, and John 17:9. The Church, rather than the entire world, is the focus of Jesus’ redemptive work (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25-27; Isaiah 53:12).
Irresistible Grace: God's call to salvation for the elect is irresistible. While the gospel is proclaimed to all, the elect receive an internal, unresistable call by the Holy Spirit, leading to repentance and regeneration (Rom. 9:16; Phil. 2:12-13; John 6:28-29; Acts 13:48; John 1:12-13). John 6:37 affirms, "All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me…"
Perseverance of the Saints: Salvation is secure, as it is rooted in the triune God’s work – election by the Father, redemption by the Son, and application by the Spirit. This security is reinforced by John 10:27-28, John 6:47, Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and Phil. 1:6.
TULIP vs. ICURP
- TULIP: Sovereignty of God; His will is done; He saves some to heaven and some to hell.
- ICURP: Sovereignty of a loving God; His will is Good and is always accomplished by and through His foreknowledge; He ultimately redeems all, some through grace through faith under the Law, some through grace by faith under love, and some by grace through faith under purging.
