--

The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

--

--

The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

--

Introduction

Mormons often speak of “making covenants” and “keeping covenants” as central to their spiritual journey, particularly in temples.

Common Mormon Language Around “Keeping Covenants”:

“Keeping my covenants helps me stay on the covenant path.”

• This is one of the most common phrases in modern LDS teaching.
• The “covenant path” is seen as the lifelong journey of obedience to temple covenants, commandments, and church requirements to eventually achieve exaltation (godhood).

“I need to stay worthy to enter the temple by keeping my covenants.”

• Mormons must follow strict behavioral guidelines to maintain a temple recommend—this includes tithing, the Word of Wisdom, chastity, loyalty to church leaders, and more.
• Failure to keep these standards can result in losing temple privileges.

“We renew our covenants every Sunday by taking the sacrament.”

• Mormons are taught that by taking the sacrament (communion), they are renewing the covenants they made at baptism—and by extension, all temple covenants as well.
• This creates a weekly cycle of striving to stay “worthy” of God’s blessings.

“By keeping my covenants, I can qualify for eternal life and exaltation.”

• In LDS belief, eternal life (not just salvation but godhood in the highest heaven) is conditional on faithful covenant-keeping.
• This includes baptism, priesthood ordination (for men), temple endowment, celestial marriage, and ongoing obedience.

“I want to be a covenant-keeper so I can be with my family forever.”

• LDS doctrine teaches that only those who keep all covenants faithfully to the end will achieve celestial marriage and eternal family unity.

• But what is the true biblical meaning of covenant? And how does it expose the flaws in Mormon doctrine?
• This is a vital conversation for anyone transitioning from Mormonism to true biblical Christianity.

1. The Biblical Idea of Covenant

• In Scripture, a covenant is a divinely initiated relationship where God sets the terms and fulfills the promises.

Key biblical covenants:

• Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9)
• Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17)
• Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24)
• Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7)
• New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20)

2. The Power of Genesis 15: God’s One-Sided Covenant

In Genesis 15, God formalizes His covenant with Abraham:

• God promises land, descendants, and blessing.
• In the ancient Near East, covenant ceremonies involved both parties walking through slain animal pieces, symbolizing: “If I break this covenant, may I die.”

But in Genesis 15:

• Abraham falls asleep (Genesis 15:12).
• God alone, symbolized by a smoking firepot and flaming torch, walks through the pieces (Genesis 15:17).

This signifies:

• God Himself takes full responsibility for fulfilling the covenant.
• It’s unconditional—Abraham does nothing to “keep” it.
• A precursor to salvation by grace through Christ, not by human works or performance (Romans 4:3-5).

3. The LDS View of Covenants vs. the Bible

Mormonism’s view:

• Covenants are a series of promises we make to God: baptism, temple, marriage, obedience to laws and ordinances (2 Nephi 31:5-21; D&C 132).
• D&C 82: 8 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you; 9 Or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation. 10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
• D&C 132: 4 For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory. 
• 7 And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed…whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force…
• Keeping covenants = earning exaltation.
• 19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them… by him who is anointed… they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation….
• 20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting…

What is the Bible’s “New and Everlasting Covenant”?

1. The New Covenant in the Bible:

The New Covenant is the central promise of God fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

It was foretold in the Old Testament:

• Jeremiah 31:31-34 — “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant… I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts.”
• It promises:
• Forgiveness of sins
• New hearts empowered by God’s Spirit
• Intimate relationship with God

Jesus inaugurates this covenant:

• Luke 22:20 — “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood.”

The New Covenant is:

• Unconditional for the believer—secured by Christ alone.
• Internal not external—written on the heart, not on stone tablets.
• Everlasting—eternal life with God that can never be lost (Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 13:20).

2. The “Everlasting Covenant” Language in the Bible:

The Bible often refers to God’s covenants as everlasting because:

• God Himself is faithful and unchanging.
• The New Covenant through Jesus is the final and eternal covenant—it will never be replaced or superseded.

Examples:

• Hebrews 13:20 — Jesus is the “great Shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the everlasting covenant.”
• Isaiah 55:3 — Speaks of an “everlasting covenant” linked to the faithful love promised to David.

3. How This Contradicts Mormonism’s “New and Everlasting Covenant”:

Mormon Doctrine (Doctrine & Covenants 132:6-7, 19-20):

• The “new and everlasting covenant” is identified primarily as celestial marriage—the requirement to be married in an LDS temple for exaltation (godhood).
• In LDS teaching, it is conditional: you must keep your covenants, be sealed in the temple, and live righteously to achieve the highest heaven.

The Bible’s teaching:

• The true “everlasting covenant” is Jesus Himself and His finished work—not marriage, temple rites, or human performance.
• Eternal life is a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), not a reward for keeping temple covenants.

4. The Land, the Covenant, and Lehi’s Departure

In the Old Testament, the covenant with Israel is inseparable from the land of Israel (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

The Messiah was to come through the line of David, in the...]]>This episode explores the true biblical meaning of covenant—and how it offers freedom through Christ, not the pressure of performance found in Mormonism.

--

The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

--

Introduction

Mormons often speak of “making covenants” and “keeping covenants” as central to their spiritual journey, particularly in temples.

Common Mormon Language Around “Keeping Covenants”:

“Keeping my covenants helps me stay on the covenant path.”

• This is one of the most common phrases in modern LDS teaching.
• The “covenant path” is seen as the lifelong journey of obedience to temple covenants, commandments, and church requirements to eventually achieve exaltation (godhood).

“I need to stay worthy to enter the temple by keeping my covenants.”

• Mormons must follow strict behavioral guidelines to maintain a temple recommend—this includes tithing, the Word of Wisdom, chastity, loyalty to church leaders, and more.
• Failure to keep these standards can result in losing temple privileges.

“We renew our covenants every Sunday by taking the sacrament.”

• Mormons are taught that by taking the sacrament (communion), they are renewing the covenants they made at baptism—and by extension, all temple covenants as well.
• This creates a weekly cycle of striving to stay “worthy” of God’s blessings.

“By keeping my covenants, I can qualify for eternal life and exaltation.”

• In LDS belief, eternal life (not just salvation but godhood in the highest heaven) is conditional on faithful covenant-keeping.
• This includes baptism, priesthood ordination (for men), temple endowment, celestial marriage, and ongoing obedience.

“I want to be a covenant-keeper so I can be with my family forever.”

• LDS doctrine teaches that only those who keep all covenants faithfully to the end will achieve celestial marriage and eternal family unity.

• But what is the true biblical meaning of covenant? And how does it expose the flaws in Mormon doctrine?
• This is a vital conversation for anyone transitioning from Mormonism to true biblical Christianity.

1. The Biblical Idea of Covenant

• In Scripture, a covenant is a divinely initiated relationship where God sets the terms and fulfills the promises.

Key biblical covenants:

• Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9)
• Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17)
• Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24)
• Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7)
• New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20)

2. The Power of Genesis 15: God’s One-Sided Covenant

In Genesis 15, God formalizes His covenant with Abraham:

• God promises land, descendants, and blessing.
• In the ancient Near East, covenant ceremonies involved both parties walking through slain animal pieces, symbolizing: “If I break this covenant, may I die.”

But in Genesis 15:

• Abraham falls asleep (Genesis 15:12).
• God alone, symbolized by a smoking firepot and flaming torch, walks through the pieces (Genesis 15:17).

This signifies:

• God Himself takes full responsibility for fulfilling the covenant.
• It’s unconditional—Abraham does nothing to “keep” it.
• A precursor to salvation by grace through Christ, not by human works or performance (Romans 4:3-5).

3. The LDS View of Covenants vs. the Bible

Mormonism’s view:

• Covenants are a series of promises we make to God: baptism, temple, marriage, obedience to laws and ordinances (2 Nephi 31:5-21; D&C 132).
• D&C 82: 8 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you; 9 Or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation. 10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
• D&C 132: 4 For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory. 
• 7 And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed…whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force…
• Keeping covenants = earning exaltation.
• 19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them… by him who is anointed… they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation….
• 20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting…

What is the Bible’s “New and Everlasting Covenant”?

1. The New Covenant in the Bible:

The New Covenant is the central promise of God fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

It was foretold in the Old Testament:

• Jeremiah 31:31-34 — “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant… I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts.”
• It promises:
• Forgiveness of sins
• New hearts empowered by God’s Spirit
• Intimate relationship with God

Jesus inaugurates this covenant:

• Luke 22:20 — “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood.”

The New Covenant is:

• Unconditional for the believer—secured by Christ alone.
• Internal not external—written on the heart, not on stone tablets.
• Everlasting—eternal life with God that can never be lost (Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 13:20).

2. The “Everlasting Covenant” Language in the Bible:

The Bible often refers to God’s covenants as everlasting because:

• God Himself is faithful and unchanging.
• The New Covenant through Jesus is the final and eternal covenant—it will never be replaced or superseded.

Examples:

• Hebrews 13:20 — Jesus is the “great Shepherd of the sheep by the blood of the everlasting covenant.”
• Isaiah 55:3 — Speaks of an “everlasting covenant” linked to the faithful love promised to David.

3. How This Contradicts Mormonism’s “New and Everlasting Covenant”:

Mormon Doctrine (Doctrine & Covenants 132:6-7, 19-20):

• The “new and everlasting covenant” is identified primarily as celestial marriage—the requirement to be married in an LDS temple for exaltation (godhood).
• In LDS teaching, it is conditional: you must keep your covenants, be sealed in the temple, and live righteously to achieve the highest heaven.

The Bible’s teaching:

• The true “everlasting covenant” is Jesus Himself and His finished work—not marriage, temple rites, or human performance.
• Eternal life is a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), not a reward for keeping temple covenants.

4. The Land, the Covenant, and Lehi’s Departure

In the Old Testament, the covenant with Israel is inseparable from the land of Israel (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

The Messiah was to come through the line of David, in the land of Israel, as fulfillment of God’s unbroken promises.

The Book of Mormon claims Lehi’s family was called to a new promised land in the Americas (1 Nephi 2:2).

Theological problem:

• This contradicts God’s own covenantal pattern.
• God does not create separate covenant peoples and lands—the covenant is fulfilled in Christ in Israel (Galatians 3:16).
• The New Covenant extends the blessings of Israel to all nations, not to a splinter group in the Americas.

5. The True New Covenant: Secured by Christ Alone

Jesus declared: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20).

The New Covenant:

• Secured solely by Christ—not by our works (Hebrews 8:6-13).
• Brings forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life.
• The Genesis 15 principle is fulfilled: God does it all—we simply receive it by faith (Romans 4:16).

6. For Those Coming Out of Mormonism

Coming to grips with grace-based covenant means:

• No more temple worthiness interviews to prove yourself.
• No more fearing failure to keep covenants.
• Resting in the finished work of Jesus—God’s covenant keeper (Hebrews 10:14).

Verses to cling to:

• Romans 8:1—No condemnation for those in Christ.
• John 19:30—“It is finished.”

--

The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

--

👉 Big Picture:

The entire letter has been Paul’s passionate plea: stop adding to the gospel. Salvation is not Jesus plus anything—not circumcision, not temple work, not “after all you can do.” It is faith alone in Christ alone. He’ll come back to this at the end of the letter, but first…

What happens when you DO screw up in a grace-filled community?

• That’s what Paul answers next 
• Along with:
• Financial generosity in that community
• Should you pay your pastors?
• And some final thoughts

1. Restore Gently, Carry One Another’s Burdens (Galatians 6:1-5)

Galatians 6:1-5 (NLT) 1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

Key Point:

• Spirit-led living means being a community of restoration: when someone sins, we help them back—not with condemnation, but with gentleness and humility.

Contrast with LDS Approach:

• In Mormonism, serious sin often leads to public confession to leadership, loss of temple access, and time-based restoration that can feel shaming and hierarchical.
• In the Bible, restoration is immediate through grace and repentance (James 5:16).

👉 Biblical Truth:

We are all saved by grace and need to be carriers of grace for one another.

2. Share All Good Things with Your Teachers (Galatians 6:6)

Galatians 6:6 (NLT) 6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.

Key Point:

• Those who receive spiritual instruction are to share generously with their teachers—this includes financial support.

Expositor’s Commentary Insight:

• Paul is likely referring to money and material support.
• The context of doing good (v.10) and Paul’s broader emphasis on helping the poor (Galatians 2:10) points to generosity as a heart issue.

LDS Accusation: “Hirelings of Satan”

• Joseph Smith called Christian pastors “hirelings of Satan” (History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 385) for receiving pay.
• The LDS system’s unpaid clergy is presented as more righteous, but the Bible never condemns paid ministry—only false motives (1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).

👉 Biblical Truth:

It’s not about whether a teacher is paid—it’s whether they are faithful to the gospel.

3. Sowing and Reaping: Generosity and Righteousness (Galatians 6:7-8)

Galatians 6:7-8 (NLT) 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

Key Point:

• You reap what you sow—whether in your generosity or in your moral choices. This is both a spiritual principle and a financial one (2 Corinthians 9:6).

LDS Distortion:

• Mormonism turns this into a works-for-reward system: obey the commandments, earn blessings, climb the ladder to exaltation.
• Biblical Christianity says: salvation is never earned. Good works flow from salvation, not toward it (Titus 3:5).

👉 Biblical Truth:

Sow to the Spirit, not the flesh. The harvest is spiritual, not merely temporal reward.

4. Don’t Grow Weary in Doing Good (Galatians 6:9)

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Key Point:

• Doing good can be tiring—but Paul says: Don’t give up. The harvest will come.

Contrast with LDS Perfectionism:

• The LDS system demands lifelong “worthiness” with no assurance of salvation. It leads to weariness and shame.
• In Christ, we persevere with joy—not because we fear losing heaven, but because we are secure in grace.

👉 Biblical Truth:

We don’t work to become accepted—we work because we are accepted.

5. Do Good to All, Especially the Household of Faith (Galatians 6:10)

Galatians 6:10 (NLT) 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Key Point:

• Generosity and kindness are not limited to insiders—we’re called to do good to all, but especially fellow believers.

Expositor’s Insight:

• This echoes almsgiving and financial generosity—another sign that Paul had material support in mind throughout this passage.

LDS Contrast:

• The LDS community often focuses on helping fellow members, while non-members are seen as projects for conversion.
• Biblical love and generosity extend beyond church walls—to neighbors, enemies, strangers (Matthew 5:44).

👉 Biblical Truth:

True generosity reflects the boundless grace of God.

6. Paul’s Final Words: Boast Only in the Cross (Galatians 6:11-18)

Galatians 6:11-18 (NLT) 11 NOTICE WHAT LARGE LETTERS I USE AS I WRITE THESE CLOSING WORDS IN MY OWN HANDWRITING.

12 Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. 13 And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.

14 As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. 

Key Point:

• Paul takes the pen himself (v.11) to personally emphasize his closing thoughts.

• He warns again against those who boast in external religion—in his day, circumcision; in ours, temple works, missions, and LDS ordinances.

• How Mormons Commonly Boast (Explicitly or Implicitly):
• 1. Boasting in Temple Worthiness
• A key measure of “worthiness” in Mormonism is holding a valid temple recommend—which requires adherence to a strict code of behaviors (tithing, Word of Wisdom, sexual purity, church attendance, sustaining LDS leaders).
• Many Latter-day Saints subtly boast in their temple status, seeing it as a badge of spiritual superiority over non-temple-worthy members or outsiders.

• 2. Boasting in Missionary Service
• LDS young adults who have served full-time missions are often given elevated status within the community. Returned missionaries are admired, and their service is seen as a spiritual rite...]]>We’re wrapping up our series in Galatians by looking at what grace looks like in real life—especially when someone falls short. From restoring others gently to boasting only in the cross, this final chapter gives us a powerful picture of what it means to live out grace in community.

  --

  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  👉 Big Picture:

  The entire letter has been Paul’s passionate plea: stop adding to the gospel. Salvation is not Jesus plus anything—not circumcision, not temple work, not “after all you can do.” It is faith alone in Christ alone. He’ll come back to this at the end of the letter, but first…

  What happens when you DO screw up in a grace-filled community?

  • That’s what Paul answers next 
  • Along with:
  • Financial generosity in that community
  • Should you pay your pastors?
  • And some final thoughts
  
  

  1. Restore Gently, Carry One Another’s Burdens (Galatians 6:1-5)

  Galatians 6:1-5 (NLT) 1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

  Key Point:

  • Spirit-led living means being a community of restoration: when someone sins, we help them back—not with condemnation, but with gentleness and humility.
  
  

  Contrast with LDS Approach:

  • In Mormonism, serious sin often leads to public confession to leadership, loss of temple access, and time-based restoration that can feel shaming and hierarchical.
  • In the Bible, restoration is immediate through grace and repentance (James 5:16).
  
  

  👉 Biblical Truth:

  We are all saved by grace and need to be carriers of grace for one another.

  2. Share All Good Things with Your Teachers (Galatians 6:6)

  Galatians 6:6 (NLT) 6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.

  Key Point:

  • Those who receive spiritual instruction are to share generously with their teachers—this includes financial support.
  
  

  Expositor’s Commentary Insight:

  • Paul is likely referring to money and material support.
  • The context of doing good (v.10) and Paul’s broader emphasis on helping the poor (Galatians 2:10) points to generosity as a heart issue.
  
  

  LDS Accusation: “Hirelings of Satan”

  • Joseph Smith called Christian pastors “hirelings of Satan” (History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 385) for receiving pay.
  • The LDS system’s unpaid clergy is presented as more righteous, but the Bible never condemns paid ministry—only false motives (1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).
  
  

  👉 Biblical Truth:

  It’s not about whether a teacher is paid—it’s whether they are faithful to the gospel.

  3. Sowing and Reaping: Generosity and Righteousness (Galatians 6:7-8)

  Galatians 6:7-8 (NLT) 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

  Key Point:

  • You reap what you sow—whether in your generosity or in your moral choices. This is both a spiritual principle and a financial one (2 Corinthians 9:6).
  
  

  LDS Distortion:

  • Mormonism turns this into a works-for-reward system: obey the commandments, earn blessings, climb the ladder to exaltation.
  • Biblical Christianity says: salvation is never earned. Good works flow from salvation, not toward it (Titus 3:5).
  
  

  👉 Biblical Truth:

  Sow to the Spirit, not the flesh. The harvest is spiritual, not merely temporal reward.

  4. Don’t Grow Weary in Doing Good (Galatians 6:9)

  Galatians 6:9 (NLT) 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

  Key Point:

  • Doing good can be tiring—but Paul says: Don’t give up. The harvest will come.
  
  

  Contrast with LDS Perfectionism:

  • The LDS system demands lifelong “worthiness” with no assurance of salvation. It leads to weariness and shame.
  • In Christ, we persevere with joy—not because we fear losing heaven, but because we are secure in grace.
  
  

  👉 Biblical Truth:

  We don’t work to become accepted—we work because we are accepted.

  5. Do Good to All, Especially the Household of Faith (Galatians 6:10)

  Galatians 6:10 (NLT) 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

  Key Point:

  • Generosity and kindness are not limited to insiders—we’re called to do good to all, but especially fellow believers.
  
  

  Expositor’s Insight:

  • This echoes almsgiving and financial generosity—another sign that Paul had material support in mind throughout this passage.
  
  

  LDS Contrast:

  • The LDS community often focuses on helping fellow members, while non-members are seen as projects for conversion.
  • Biblical love and generosity extend beyond church walls—to neighbors, enemies, strangers (Matthew 5:44).
  
  

  👉 Biblical Truth:

  True generosity reflects the boundless grace of God.

  6. Paul’s Final Words: Boast Only in the Cross (Galatians 6:11-18)

  Galatians 6:11-18 (NLT) 11 NOTICE WHAT LARGE LETTERS I USE AS I WRITE THESE CLOSING WORDS IN MY OWN HANDWRITING.

  12 Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. 13 And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.

  14 As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. 

  Key Point:

  • Paul takes the pen himself (v.11) to personally emphasize his closing thoughts.
  
  
  • He warns again against those who boast in external religion—in his day, circumcision; in ours, temple works, missions, and LDS ordinances.
  
  
  
  • How Mormons Commonly Boast (Explicitly or Implicitly):
  • 1. Boasting in Temple Worthiness
  • A key measure of “worthiness” in Mormonism is holding a valid temple recommend—which requires adherence to a strict code of behaviors (tithing, Word of Wisdom, sexual purity, church attendance, sustaining LDS leaders).
  • Many Latter-day Saints subtly boast in their temple status, seeing it as a badge of spiritual superiority over non-temple-worthy members or outsiders.
  
  
  
  • 2. Boasting in Missionary Service
  • LDS young adults who have served full-time missions are often given elevated status within the community. Returned missionaries are admired, and their service is seen as a spiritual rite of passage.
  • There is unspoken pride in having served a mission, with some viewing non-returned missionaries as less committed or “less faithful.”
  
  
  
  • 3. Boasting in Genealogical Work and Proxy Ordinances
  • Mormons often highlight their participation in baptisms for the dead and other proxy temple ordinances for deceased ancestors.
  • Success in genealogical research or number of ordinances completed can become a spiritual measuring stick—something to quietly brag about in lessons or talks.
  
  
  
  • 4. Boasting in Church Callings (Leadership Roles)
  • LDS culture often places high value on leadership positions—bishoprics, Relief Society presidencies, stake leadership, or area authorities.
  • Holding important callings can become a source of spiritual pride, with those without leadership roles sometimes seen as less faithful or capable
  
  
  
  • 5. Boasting in Family Size and Obedience to LDS Family Ideals
  • Mormons frequently boast—sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly—in having large families, temple marriages, and obedient children.
  • The “ideal Mormon family” is often presented as a benchmark of righteousness, leaving singles, childless couples, or those from broken homes feeling spiritually “less than.”
  
  

  The Real Boast:

  • Paul says: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.14).
  • He makes it clear: external signs (circumcision then; temple garments now) mean nothing—what matters is being a new creation in Christ (v.15).
  
  

  Galatians 6:15-18

  15 It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. 16 May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.

  17 From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.

  18 Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

  
  

  The True Israel:

  • Paul speaks peace over those who follow this rule—those who understand that salvation is by grace, not law (v.16).
  
  

  Final Thought:

  • Paul closes with grace—the same way he started (v.18).
  • The gospel of grace is the true gospel—anything else is slavery.
  
  

  👉 Biblical Truth:

  The Christian life is grace from start to finish. Our only boast is the cross, not our own performance.

  ]]>fdb5e421-a465-46da-8cda-9f161997d5c1Mon, 14 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -060045:54falsefull120120Freedom vs. Religious Control (Galatians 5)What if the very system you trust to bring you closer to God is actually pulling you away from His grace—and true freedom is found somewhere you might not expect? In Galatians 5, Paul reminds us that true freedom comes not from religious rule-keeping or law-based performance, but from living by the Spirit through faith in Christ alone.

  --

  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  Galatians 5 | True Freedom in Christ

  Section 1: Stand Firm in Freedom (Galatians 5:1-6)

  Galatians 5:1-6 (NLT)

  Christ has truly set us free. Paul urges us to stay free and not get tied up again in slavery—this time, not slavery to old sinful habits, but to religious legalism. Both are equally destructive.

  Many Mormons follow rules, believing this makes them justified before God. Paul, once a Pharisee, believed the same until he encountered Christ:

  Philippians 3:7-9 (NLT): Paul calls his former religious achievements "garbage" compared to knowing Christ.

  Relying on works, like circumcision in Paul’s day or LDS temple worthiness today, cuts people off from Christ and God's grace. True righteousness comes by faith alone.

  Big Idea: Christ set us free—don’t return to a system of religious control.

  Illustration: Jesus didn’t come to give us a new set of religious rules. He came to set us free (Matthew 11:28-30).

  Section 2: The Danger of Legalism (Galatians 5:7-12)

  Galatians 5:7-12 (NLT)

  The Galatians were running well until false teachers led them astray, adding law-keeping to the gospel. Paul warns that even small false teachings spread like yeast.

  Who holds Mormons back today? Consider the "Four Horsemen" of LDS control:

  1. LDS Leadership
  2. LDS Scriptures
  3. LDS Temple System (worthiness interviews, temple recommends)
  4. LDS Culture and Social Pressure
  
  

  All these create a performance treadmill, keeping people from the simple gospel of grace.

  Paul is blunt: False teachers deserve judgment.

  Section 3: Freedom Isn’t a License to Sin (Galatians 5:13-15)

  Galatians 5:13-15 (NLT)

  Freedom from the law doesn’t mean freedom to indulge the sinful nature. It leads to loving and serving others.

  Key Point: True freedom leads to love and service, not selfishness.

  LDS Misconception: Evangelicals are often accused of "cheap grace."

  Examples:

  • Bruce R. McConkie (Book: Mormon Doctrine (2nd ed., 1966), p. 671) : “One of the most pernicious heresies of modern Christendom is the concept that man is saved by grace alone... This concept, as interpreted by modern Christians, removes all the restraints which encourage personal righteousness and offers salvation to the sinner merely for confessing Christ.”
  • Spencer W. Kimbal (Book: The Miracle of Forgiveness (1969), p. 206) : “One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation.”
  • True to the Faith (A Gospel Reference (Official LDS Manual, 2004, p. 77): “The phrase ‘after all we can do’(2 Nephi 25:23) teaches that effort is required on our part to receive the fulness of the Lord’s grace and be made worthy to dwell with him.”
  
  

  Paul anticipates this: True gospel freedom produces holiness, not lawlessness (Romans 6:1-2).

  Biblical Truth: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live differently—not to earn salvation, but because we already have it.

  Section 4: The Flesh vs. The Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)

  Galatians 5:16-23 (NLT)

  The Christian life is Spirit-led, not law-driven. The Holy Spirit guides us, gives us new desires, and directs our lives.

  Without the Spirit, we live in the "works of the flesh" (Gal 5:19-21): sexual immorality, jealousy, fits of anger, selfishness, etc.

  With the Spirit, we see the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

  Key Point: Fruit is evidence of a Spirit-led life—not a behavioral checklist for worthiness.

  LDS Misunderstanding: Mormonism often presents the fruit as a checklist for earning God’s favor.

  Biblical Application: True Christian living is not about trying harder but walking closer with Christ (Gal 5:25).

  Galatians 5:24-26 (NLT)

  Those who belong to Christ have already crucified their old sinful nature. This is positional truth—the old life is dead.

  Now we walk in the Spirit daily—this is practical sanctification: living out the reality of what Christ has already done.

  The LDS Contrast: No Finished Work, No Assurance

  In Mormonism, justification and sanctification blur together. There’s no "it is finished" moment of assurance (John 19:30). Worthiness is always in question.

  Example (Gospel Principles, Chapter 47): "We must strive continually to remain worthy…"

  Key LDS mindset: Salvation is always future-oriented and uncertain.

  In contrast:

  • Biblical Christianity offers freedom through faith in Christ.
  • True fruit is produced by the Holy Spirit, not by works.
  • Salvation is by grace alone, not grace "after all you can do."
  • Obedience flows from love, not fear or duty.
  
  ]]>What if the very system you trust to bring you closer to God is actually pulling you away from His grace—and true freedom is found somewhere you might not expect? In Galatians 5, Paul reminds us that true freedom comes not from religious rule-keeping or law-based performance, but from living by the Spirit through faith in Christ alone.

  --

  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  Galatians 5 | True Freedom in Christ

  Section 1: Stand Firm in Freedom (Galatians 5:1-6)

  Galatians 5:1-6 (NLT)

  Christ has truly set us free. Paul urges us to stay free and not get tied up again in slavery—this time, not slavery to old sinful habits, but to religious legalism. Both are equally destructive.

  Many Mormons follow rules, believing this makes them justified before God. Paul, once a Pharisee, believed the same until he encountered Christ:

  Philippians 3:7-9 (NLT): Paul calls his former religious achievements "garbage" compared to knowing Christ.

  Relying on works, like circumcision in Paul’s day or LDS temple worthiness today, cuts people off from Christ and God's grace. True righteousness comes by faith alone.

  Big Idea: Christ set us free—don’t return to a system of religious control.

  Illustration: Jesus didn’t come to give us a new set of religious rules. He came to set us free (Matthew 11:28-30).

  Section 2: The Danger of Legalism (Galatians 5:7-12)

  Galatians 5:7-12 (NLT)

  The Galatians were running well until false teachers led them astray, adding law-keeping to the gospel. Paul warns that even small false teachings spread like yeast.

  Who holds Mormons back today? Consider the "Four Horsemen" of LDS control:

  1. LDS Leadership
  2. LDS Scriptures
  3. LDS Temple System (worthiness interviews, temple recommends)
  4. LDS Culture and Social Pressure
  
  

  All these create a performance treadmill, keeping people from the simple gospel of grace.

  Paul is blunt: False teachers deserve judgment.

  Section 3: Freedom Isn’t a License to Sin (Galatians 5:13-15)

  Galatians 5:13-15 (NLT)

  Freedom from the law doesn’t mean freedom to indulge the sinful nature. It leads to loving and serving others.

  Key Point: True freedom leads to love and service, not selfishness.

  LDS Misconception: Evangelicals are often accused of "cheap grace."

  Examples:

  • Bruce R. McConkie (Book: Mormon Doctrine (2nd ed., 1966), p. 671) : “One of the most pernicious heresies of modern Christendom is the concept that man is saved by grace alone... This concept, as interpreted by modern Christians, removes all the restraints which encourage personal righteousness and offers salvation to the sinner merely for confessing Christ.”
  • Spencer W. Kimbal (Book: The Miracle of Forgiveness (1969), p. 206) : “One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation.”
  • True to the Faith (A Gospel Reference (Official LDS Manual, 2004, p. 77): “The phrase ‘after all we can do’(2 Nephi 25:23) teaches that effort is required on our part to receive the fulness of the Lord’s grace and be made worthy to dwell with him.”
  
  

  Paul anticipates this: True gospel freedom produces holiness, not lawlessness (Romans 6:1-2).

  Biblical Truth: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live differently—not to earn salvation, but because we already have it.

  Section 4: The Flesh vs. The Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)

  Galatians 5:16-23 (NLT)

  The Christian life is Spirit-led, not law-driven. The Holy Spirit guides us, gives us new desires, and directs our lives.

  Without the Spirit, we live in the "works of the flesh" (Gal 5:19-21): sexual immorality, jealousy, fits of anger, selfishness, etc.

  With the Spirit, we see the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

  Key Point: Fruit is evidence of a Spirit-led life—not a behavioral checklist for worthiness.

  LDS Misunderstanding: Mormonism often presents the fruit as a checklist for earning God’s favor.

  Biblical Application: True Christian living is not about trying harder but walking closer with Christ (Gal 5:25).

  Galatians 5:24-26 (NLT)

  Those who belong to Christ have already crucified their old sinful nature. This is positional truth—the old life is dead.

  Now we walk in the Spirit daily—this is practical sanctification: living out the reality of what Christ has already done.

  The LDS Contrast: No Finished Work, No Assurance

  In Mormonism, justification and sanctification blur together. There’s no "it is finished" moment of assurance (John 19:30). Worthiness is always in question.

  Example (Gospel Principles, Chapter 47): "We must strive continually to remain worthy…"

  Key LDS mindset: Salvation is always future-oriented and uncertain.

  In contrast:

  • Biblical Christianity offers freedom through faith in Christ.
  • True fruit is produced by the Holy Spirit, not by works.
  • Salvation is by grace alone, not grace "after all you can do."
  • Obedience flows from love, not fear or duty.
  
  ]]>7d7f3458-54d4-4ef4-887c-c4e3662790b2Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -060043:30falsefull119119From Slavery to Sonship (Galatians 4)In Galatians 4, Paul draws a bold line between spiritual slavery and true sonship—and if you’ve ever felt trapped by religious performance like in Mormonism, this chapter is your invitation to step into the freedom of being fully adopted by God through faith in Christ alone.

  --

  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  Galatians 4 | From Slavery to Sonship

  Theme: Freedom in Christ vs. LDS Legalism and Spiritual Bondage

  Last time in Galatians 3, Paul made it crystal clear: Salvation comes by faith in Christ—not by keeping the law. Paul dismantled the idea that law-keeping could ever make someone right with God.

  He pointed to Abraham, showing that even he was saved by faith long before the law was given. Paul explained that the law was like a temporary guardian or tutor, showing us our sin but never designed to save us.

  The big takeaway from Chapter 3: We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ—not by religious performance or obedience to commandments.

  Where Galatians 4 Picks Up:

  Now, in chapter 4, Paul continues that argument—but he shifts the focus to something deeply relational. He introduces the beautiful truth that believers aren’t just forgiven sinners—they’re adopted children of God!

  Paul uses family language—sons, heirs, adoption, Abba Father—to contrast the cold slavery of law-based religion with the warm relationship of grace-based Christianity.

  This next section will especially hit home for LDS listeners, because Mormonism still keeps people under law, denies full adoption until after lifelong worthiness, and often replaces a personal relationship with God with institutional loyalty and religious performance.

  Let’s dive into Galatians 4: From Slavery to Sonship.

  Section 1: Galatians 4:1-7 | From Slaves to Sons: Relationship by Faith, Not Law

  Paul starts with a cultural illustration. In ancient times, heirs had no more rights than slaves until their father declared them full sons.

  • Jewish context: Age 12, "son of the law"
  • Greek context: Coming of age around 18
  • Roman context (likely Paul’s audience): The father chose the time for full adoption and inheritance
  
  

  Spiritual point: Before Christ, people lived like spiritual minors—under guardianship, lacking freedom.

  Galatians 4:3 says we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world—elemental spiritual forces linked to pagan gods and demonic powers.

  Modern LDS Parallel:

  Many LDS today engage in spiritualistic practices: energy healing, chakra work, astrology apps, spirit communication, manifestation, and lightworking. Mormonism’s openness to extra-biblical revelation makes this trend possible and widespread.

  God’s Rescue Mission Through Christ (Galatians 4:4-5):

  Jesus came at God’s appointed time to redeem those under the law. Not just freedom from slavery—but full adoption as sons and daughters.

  Result (Galatians 4:6-7):

  Believers receive the Holy Spirit, prompting us to call God "Abba, Father." We are no longer slaves but God’s own children and heirs.

  Contrast with LDS Doctrine:

  LDS salvation is future, conditional, and performance-based. Biblical salvation is present, relational, and grace-based.

  Section 2: Galatians 4:8-11 | Warning: Don’t Trade One Slavery for Another

  Before Christ, the Galatians were slaves to false gods—demonic powers behind pagan religions. Now that they know God, Paul is shocked they would turn back to "weak and miserable principles."

  Expositor’s Insight: Legalism and false religion are weak (they can’t redeem) and miserable (they can’t provide adoption).

  LDS Application:

  Mormonism today offers another powerless, performance-based religion: temple worthiness, tithing, Sabbath observance, priesthood ordinances.

  Paul warns against religious calendar legalism—observing special days, months, seasons, and years—as another form of spiritual slavery.

  Section 3: Galatians 4:12-20 | Paul’s Pastoral Plea: Don’t Turn on the Messenger

  Paul reminds the Galatians how they once welcomed him like an angel, despite his illness. But now, because he’s telling them hard gospel truth, they’re treating him like an enemy.

  Joseph Smith Parallel:

  Paul’s words fit what Joseph Smith did—alienating people from gospel-preaching churches and setting himself up as the only voice of truth, introducing a new legalistic, works-based system.

  Paul expresses deep emotional pain, longing for Christ—not law—to be fully formed in them.

  Evangelical Reflection:

  Christians today don’t want to win arguments with Mormons—we want them to experience true spiritual rebirth.

  Section 4: Galatians 4:21-31 | Two Covenants: Hagar (Law) vs. Sarah (Promise)

  Paul uses the story of Abraham’s two sons:

  • Hagar represents the Old Covenant, law, slavery, and earthly Jerusalem.
  • Sarah represents the New Covenant, promise, freedom, and heavenly Jerusalem.
  
  

  Key spiritual point:

  Ishmael was born by human effort (law and works), Isaac was born by supernatural promise (grace and faith).

  LDS Application:

  Mormonism is modern Hagar:

  • Founded by human effort and Joseph Smith
  • Built on law, temple covenants, priesthood ordinances, and works righteousness
  
  

  Biblical Christianity is Sarah:

  • Supernatural, Spirit-born
  • Resting on God’s promise of salvation through Christ alone
  
  

  Paul ends with a strong command: "Cast out the slave woman and her son… we are not children of the slave woman but of the free woman."

  Evangelical Call to LDS Listeners:

  Leave Mormonism’s slavery. Embrace spiritual freedom, adoption, and grace through faith in Christ alone.

  Chapter 4 Summary for Mormons:

  LDS Religion:

  • Man-made, law-based, performance-driven
  • Founded by human effort (Joseph Smith)
  • Requires obedience to ordinances and priesthood covenants
  • Keeps people enslaved under weak and miserable principles
  
  

  Biblical Christianity:

  • God-made, grace-based, Spirit-born
  • Founded on Christ’s finished work
  • Offers adoption and freedom the moment you trust Christ
  • Grants full sonship and inheritance through the Holy Spirit
  
  ]]>In Galatians 4, Paul draws a bold line between spiritual slavery and true sonship—and if you’ve ever felt trapped by religious performance like in Mormonism, this chapter is your invitation to step into the freedom of being fully adopted by God through faith in Christ alone.

  --

  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  Galatians 4 | From Slavery to Sonship

  Theme: Freedom in Christ vs. LDS Legalism and Spiritual Bondage

  Last time in Galatians 3, Paul made it crystal clear: Salvation comes by faith in Christ—not by keeping the law. Paul dismantled the idea that law-keeping could ever make someone right with God.

  He pointed to Abraham, showing that even he was saved by faith long before the law was given. Paul explained that the law was like a temporary guardian or tutor, showing us our sin but never designed to save us.

  The big takeaway from Chapter 3: We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ—not by religious performance or obedience to commandments.

  Where Galatians 4 Picks Up:

  Now, in chapter 4, Paul continues that argument—but he shifts the focus to something deeply relational. He introduces the beautiful truth that believers aren’t just forgiven sinners—they’re adopted children of God!

  Paul uses family language—sons, heirs, adoption, Abba Father—to contrast the cold slavery of law-based religion with the warm relationship of grace-based Christianity.

  This next section will especially hit home for LDS listeners, because Mormonism still keeps people under law, denies full adoption until after lifelong worthiness, and often replaces a personal relationship with God with institutional loyalty and religious performance.

  Let’s dive into Galatians 4: From Slavery to Sonship.

  Section 1: Galatians 4:1-7 | From Slaves to Sons: Relationship by Faith, Not Law

  Paul starts with a cultural illustration. In ancient times, heirs had no more rights than slaves until their father declared them full sons.

  • Jewish context: Age 12, "son of the law"
  • Greek context: Coming of age around 18
  • Roman context (likely Paul’s audience): The father chose the time for full adoption and inheritance
  
  

  Spiritual point: Before Christ, people lived like spiritual minors—under guardianship, lacking freedom.

  Galatians 4:3 says we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world—elemental spiritual forces linked to pagan gods and demonic powers.

  Modern LDS Parallel:

  Many LDS today engage in spiritualistic practices: energy healing, chakra work, astrology apps, spirit communication, manifestation, and lightworking. Mormonism’s openness to extra-biblical revelation makes this trend possible and widespread.

  God’s Rescue Mission Through Christ (Galatians 4:4-5):

  Jesus came at God’s appointed time to redeem those under the law. Not just freedom from slavery—but full adoption as sons and daughters.

  Result (Galatians 4:6-7):

  Believers receive the Holy Spirit, prompting us to call God "Abba, Father." We are no longer slaves but God’s own children and heirs.

  Contrast with LDS Doctrine:

  LDS salvation is future, conditional, and performance-based. Biblical salvation is present, relational, and grace-based.

  Section 2: Galatians 4:8-11 | Warning: Don’t Trade One Slavery for Another

  Before Christ, the Galatians were slaves to false gods—demonic powers behind pagan religions. Now that they know God, Paul is shocked they would turn back to "weak and miserable principles."

  Expositor’s Insight: Legalism and false religion are weak (they can’t redeem) and miserable (they can’t provide adoption).

  LDS Application:

  Mormonism today offers another powerless, performance-based religion: temple worthiness, tithing, Sabbath observance, priesthood ordinances.

  Paul warns against religious calendar legalism—observing special days, months, seasons, and years—as another form of spiritual slavery.

  Section 3: Galatians 4:12-20 | Paul’s Pastoral Plea: Don’t Turn on the Messenger

  Paul reminds the Galatians how they once welcomed him like an angel, despite his illness. But now, because he’s telling them hard gospel truth, they’re treating him like an enemy.

  Joseph Smith Parallel:

  Paul’s words fit what Joseph Smith did—alienating people from gospel-preaching churches and setting himself up as the only voice of truth, introducing a new legalistic, works-based system.

  Paul expresses deep emotional pain, longing for Christ—not law—to be fully formed in them.

  Evangelical Reflection:

  Christians today don’t want to win arguments with Mormons—we want them to experience true spiritual rebirth.

  Section 4: Galatians 4:21-31 | Two Covenants: Hagar (Law) vs. Sarah (Promise)

  Paul uses the story of Abraham’s two sons:

  • Hagar represents the Old Covenant, law, slavery, and earthly Jerusalem.
  • Sarah represents the New Covenant, promise, freedom, and heavenly Jerusalem.
  
  

  Key spiritual point:

  Ishmael was born by human effort (law and works), Isaac was born by supernatural promise (grace and faith).

  LDS Application:

  Mormonism is modern Hagar:

  • Founded by human effort and Joseph Smith
  • Built on law, temple covenants, priesthood ordinances, and works righteousness
  
  

  Biblical Christianity is Sarah:

  • Supernatural, Spirit-born
  • Resting on God’s promise of salvation through Christ alone
  
  

  Paul ends with a strong command: "Cast out the slave woman and her son… we are not children of the slave woman but of the free woman."

  Evangelical Call to LDS Listeners:

  Leave Mormonism’s slavery. Embrace spiritual freedom, adoption, and grace through faith in Christ alone.

  Chapter 4 Summary for Mormons:

  LDS Religion:

  • Man-made, law-based, performance-driven
  • Founded by human effort (Joseph Smith)
  • Requires obedience to ordinances and priesthood covenants
  • Keeps people enslaved under weak and miserable principles
  
  

  Biblical Christianity:

  • God-made, grace-based, Spirit-born
  • Founded on Christ’s finished work
  • Offers adoption and freedom the moment you trust Christ
  • Grants full sonship and inheritance through the Holy Spirit
  
  ]]>50c40aa2-fee6-4dd0-a442-83e48e0c5eb9Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -060039:52falsefull118118Exposed by the Word (1 Thessalonians 2:13–16) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastGod's Word isn't just a collection of wise sayings—it’s alive, powerful, and confrontational. In this episode, we dive into 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16 to explore how Scripture doesn’t merely inform us—it exposes us. From heartfelt conversion to outright rejection, everyone ultimately has to deal with the truth of God’s Word. Are you willing to submit to what it reveals in you?

  --

  The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  Title: The Power of God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16)

  This week: 

  • God’s Word doesn’t just inform you—it exposes you.
  • Whether you believe it or not, the Word of God will reveal what’s really going on inside.
  • You can run, but you can’t hide from God’s Word.
  • The power of God’s Word
  • Specifically, how it can expose you
  • Whether you believe or not, what’s really going on inside you
  • I meet with people all the time, and I can’t always tell where they stand
  • Some of you might say, “I don’t know myself!”
  • But here’s what we can say for sure: 
  • God’s Word will eventually expose everyone
  • You can run, but you can’t hide from God’s word. 
  • Our key verse actually comes from another book of the Bible
  • Hebrews, author unknown (possibly Apollos)
  • Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
  • God’s word draws a line in the sand
  • Are you willing to submit to God? 
  • We’ll see this in action in our text today
  • Start with our question:
  • Q. When was the last time God’s Word exposed something in you?
  • Reading the Bible, finding something objectionable
  • Ex: Kenzie reading the Bible in high school…
  • Or listening to a sermon…
  
  

  1 Thessalonians 2:13a Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. 

  • Pay attention to two words here
  • Received = paralabontes
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The reception of teachings from a teacher by a student was commonly described using the word employed here (paralabontes)... as in the case of Alexander the Great, who "received from his master [Aristotle] his ethical and political doctrines"...
  • Intellectual assent
  • Accepted = edexasthe
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) While accepted (edexasthe) is almost synonymous with received of the previous clause, the verb commonly places more emphasis on personal appropriation. In other words, they solemnly received the sacred message and appropriated it for themselves.
  • Not just head level, but heart level
  • Gut-level belief
  • IOW Paul is describing their moment of conversion
  • They shared the good news about the Messiah (more than philosophy)
  • In their words, a human appeal (on the surface)
  • But really God’s word, a divine invitation (beneath the surface)
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NLT) 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.
  • The Thessalonians received and accepted it
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:14 (NLT) 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • This is how God’s Word works for those who believe:
  • The External Call: Someone shares the message
  • You’re broken, Jesus can save you
  • Physical ears
  • The Internal Call (Acts 2:37): God Makes It Personal
  • The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, opens eyes to the truth of the gospel, and invites the person to respond (John 16:8-11).
  • Spiritual ears
  • This work is real, personal, and internal—not just hearing a message, but feeling the weight of God's call on your heart.
  • Acts 2:37 (NLT) 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
  • Faith and Repentance (Romans 10:9): Our Response to God’s Work
  • Romans 10:9 (NLT) 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
  • God’s word has exposed my innermost thoughts and desires.
  • And now I’m responding to it (accepting it)
  • Once God gives spiritual life, a person willingly and joyfully turns to Him.
  • They repent—turn away from sin—and believe the gospel.
  • This is what we usually call conversion: our active response to God’s saving grace.
  • Regeneration: God Gives a New Heart
  • The person is “born again”, made spiritually alive
  • Note: Calvinists would say that regeneration happens before Faith/Repentance
  • See Calvinism vs Arminianism (series)
  • Changed Life (1 Thess 2:13): Evidence of True Conversion
  • New desires, growing obedience, and love for Jesus.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13b And this word continues to work in you who believe.
  
  

  What about people who reject God’s word? (The Tragic Response of Unbelief)

  Let’s read on…

  14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. 

  • Notice that Paul is calling out those who reject God’s word
  • It has a different effect on them
  • They heard the same external call
  • But instead of responding to the message with faith and repentance
  • They killed the messengers
  • Prophets first
  • 1 Kings 19:10 (NLT) 10 Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
  • Jesus: Matthew 23:37 (NLT) 37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.
  • Stephen: Acts 7:51 (NLT) 51 “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! 
  • Resist, reject the internal call (see above)
  • Jesus second
  • Now some of the believers
  
  
  

  The harshest words come next:

  15b They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.

  • The Bible is clear: not everyone is neutral. Some are actively resisting, mocking, or even trying to undo God’s purposes. This was true in biblical times, and it’s still true today.
  • Obviously: Persecutors of the Church
  • Governments, extremists, or individuals who arrest, silence, or kill Christians around the world today.
  • North Korean Government
  • Radical Islamist Groups (e.g., Boko Haram, ISIS)
  • Also: Militant Atheists
  • Some aren’t just skeptical—they are aggressively anti-God and anti-Bible. 
  • Richard Dawkins, who calls belief in God a “delusion” and encourages others to mock religion.
  • And even: Activists Who Reject God’s Design
  • Movements that promote confusion about gender, the devaluation of life, or sexual immorality are often grounded in rebellion against God’s created order (Romans 1:18-32).
  • Planned Parenthood promotes and profits from abortion, undermining the sanctity of human life made in God’s image (Psalm 139:13-16).
  
  
  

  Some people resist God out of ignorance. Others actively oppose Him with their words, actions, and influence. But no one will stop His plan.

  • Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
  
  
  

  Close: Finish with the next verse

  Hebrews 4:13 (NLT) 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to...]]>God's Word isn't just a collection of wise sayings—it’s alive, powerful, and confrontational. In this episode, we dive into 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16 to explore how Scripture doesn’t merely inform us—it exposes us. From heartfelt conversion to outright rejection, everyone ultimately has to deal with the truth of God’s Word. Are you willing to submit to what it reveals in you?

  --

  The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  Title: The Power of God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16)

  This week: 

  • God’s Word doesn’t just inform you—it exposes you.
  • Whether you believe it or not, the Word of God will reveal what’s really going on inside.
  • You can run, but you can’t hide from God’s Word.
  • The power of God’s Word
  • Specifically, how it can expose you
  • Whether you believe or not, what’s really going on inside you
  • I meet with people all the time, and I can’t always tell where they stand
  • Some of you might say, “I don’t know myself!”
  • But here’s what we can say for sure: 
  • God’s Word will eventually expose everyone
  • You can run, but you can’t hide from God’s word. 
  • Our key verse actually comes from another book of the Bible
  • Hebrews, author unknown (possibly Apollos)
  • Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
  • God’s word draws a line in the sand
  • Are you willing to submit to God? 
  • We’ll see this in action in our text today
  • Start with our question:
  • Q. When was the last time God’s Word exposed something in you?
  • Reading the Bible, finding something objectionable
  • Ex: Kenzie reading the Bible in high school…
  • Or listening to a sermon…
  
  

  1 Thessalonians 2:13a Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. 

  • Pay attention to two words here
  • Received = paralabontes
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The reception of teachings from a teacher by a student was commonly described using the word employed here (paralabontes)... as in the case of Alexander the Great, who "received from his master [Aristotle] his ethical and political doctrines"...
  • Intellectual assent
  • Accepted = edexasthe
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) While accepted (edexasthe) is almost synonymous with received of the previous clause, the verb commonly places more emphasis on personal appropriation. In other words, they solemnly received the sacred message and appropriated it for themselves.
  • Not just head level, but heart level
  • Gut-level belief
  • IOW Paul is describing their moment of conversion
  • They shared the good news about the Messiah (more than philosophy)
  • In their words, a human appeal (on the surface)
  • But really God’s word, a divine invitation (beneath the surface)
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NLT) 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.
  • The Thessalonians received and accepted it
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:14 (NLT) 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • This is how God’s Word works for those who believe:
  • The External Call: Someone shares the message
  • You’re broken, Jesus can save you
  • Physical ears
  • The Internal Call (Acts 2:37): God Makes It Personal
  • The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, opens eyes to the truth of the gospel, and invites the person to respond (John 16:8-11).
  • Spiritual ears
  • This work is real, personal, and internal—not just hearing a message, but feeling the weight of God's call on your heart.
  • Acts 2:37 (NLT) 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
  • Faith and Repentance (Romans 10:9): Our Response to God’s Work
  • Romans 10:9 (NLT) 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
  • God’s word has exposed my innermost thoughts and desires.
  • And now I’m responding to it (accepting it)
  • Once God gives spiritual life, a person willingly and joyfully turns to Him.
  • They repent—turn away from sin—and believe the gospel.
  • This is what we usually call conversion: our active response to God’s saving grace.
  • Regeneration: God Gives a New Heart
  • The person is “born again”, made spiritually alive
  • Note: Calvinists would say that regeneration happens before Faith/Repentance
  • See Calvinism vs Arminianism (series)
  • Changed Life (1 Thess 2:13): Evidence of True Conversion
  • New desires, growing obedience, and love for Jesus.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13b And this word continues to work in you who believe.
  
  

  What about people who reject God’s word? (The Tragic Response of Unbelief)

  Let’s read on…

  14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. 

  • Notice that Paul is calling out those who reject God’s word
  • It has a different effect on them
  • They heard the same external call
  • But instead of responding to the message with faith and repentance
  • They killed the messengers
  • Prophets first
  • 1 Kings 19:10 (NLT) 10 Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
  • Jesus: Matthew 23:37 (NLT) 37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.
  • Stephen: Acts 7:51 (NLT) 51 “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! 
  • Resist, reject the internal call (see above)
  • Jesus second
  • Now some of the believers
  
  
  

  The harshest words come next:

  15b They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last.

  • The Bible is clear: not everyone is neutral. Some are actively resisting, mocking, or even trying to undo God’s purposes. This was true in biblical times, and it’s still true today.
  • Obviously: Persecutors of the Church
  • Governments, extremists, or individuals who arrest, silence, or kill Christians around the world today.
  • North Korean Government
  • Radical Islamist Groups (e.g., Boko Haram, ISIS)
  • Also: Militant Atheists
  • Some aren’t just skeptical—they are aggressively anti-God and anti-Bible. 
  • Richard Dawkins, who calls belief in God a “delusion” and encourages others to mock religion.
  • And even: Activists Who Reject God’s Design
  • Movements that promote confusion about gender, the devaluation of life, or sexual immorality are often grounded in rebellion against God’s created order (Romans 1:18-32).
  • Planned Parenthood promotes and profits from abortion, undermining the sanctity of human life made in God’s image (Psalm 139:13-16).
  
  
  

  Some people resist God out of ignorance. Others actively oppose Him with their words, actions, and influence. But no one will stop His plan.

  • Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
  
  
  

  Close: Finish with the next verse

  Hebrews 4:13 (NLT) 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

  • The Greek term there (“trachēlizō”)
  • Hebrews 4:13 (Expositor's Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) "Laid bare" is an unusual word, sometimes used of wrestlers who had a hold that involved gripping the neck and brought victory. So the term can mean "to prostrate" or "overthrow."
  • A submission hold in wrestling (and other combat sports like MMA or jiu-jitsu) is a technique that forces the opponent to tap out (submit) because of pain, pressure, or the threat of injury. It's designed to make someone completely surrender control.
  • Line in the sand: are we willing to submit?
  
  
  

  Bottom line:

  Whether you're a skeptic or a seeker, believer or doubter, God’s Word will confront you.

  You will either resist it, or let it change you.

  
  

  Q. When was the last time God’s Word exposed something in you?

  • And then… did you respond with rejection—or repentance?
  
  ]]>810ab1eb-0453-44e9-ab3a-b193996534bdFri, 27 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -060029:07falsebonusLDS Ordinances Are a Curse (Galatians 3)Galatians 3 is Paul’s bold rebuke to any religion that adds effort to grace—and that includes modern Mormonism. In this episode, we unpack Paul’s powerful message that salvation doesn’t come through priesthoods, ordinances, or performance—but by faith alone. From Abraham to the cross to the new covenant, God’s promise has always been simple: Trust in Jesus, and you belong. Mormonism complicates what God made clear. This chapter shows why that matters.

  --

  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  ]]>Galatians 3 is Paul’s bold rebuke to any religion that adds effort to grace—and that includes modern Mormonism. In this episode, we unpack Paul’s powerful message that salvation doesn’t come through priesthoods, ordinances, or performance—but by faith alone. From Abraham to the cross to the new covenant, God’s promise has always been simple: Trust in Jesus, and you belong. Mormonism complicates what God made clear. This chapter shows why that matters.

  --

  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  ]]>dddfa2e5-8d88-4a36-bab9-b9f826ecafedMon, 23 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -060042:13falsefull117117Gospel Freedom vs. Religious Control (Galatians 2)In this episode, we dive into Galatians chapter 2 and uncover a powerful message about freedom in Christ—a freedom threatened by religious rules, even in the early church. Paul recounts his face-to-face confrontation with Peter over hypocrisy, challenges the idea of adding requirements to the gospel, and defends salvation by grace alone.

  For Latter-day Saints, this chapter raises important questions:

  • Do we need religious leaders to validate our message from God?
  • Are modern commandments—like the Word of Wisdom—spiritually necessary?
  • What does it really mean to be “justified by faith”?
  
  

  📖 Key Scriptures:

  • Galatians 2:4-5 – “They wanted to enslave us… but we refused to give in.”
  • Galatians 2:6 – “They added nothing to me.”
  • Galatians 2:11 – Paul opposes Peter to his face
  • Galatians 2:16 – “We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law.”
  • Galatians 2:21 – “If keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.”
  
  

  🔍 Main Takeaways:

  • Paul's Gospel Didn’t Come from Church Leaders: He didn’t need Peter’s approval—and neither do you need a prophet to affirm what Christ has already revealed.
  • Religious Rules Can Undermine Grace: Just like Jewish food laws, modern LDS regulations can create barriers to true fellowship.
  • The Word of Wisdom Parallel: Paul would not have endorsed any rule that divided believers or suggested that Christ’s work was incomplete.
  • Justification Is Not Earned: We are declared righteous by faith—not after all we can do, but because of what Christ already did.
  
  

  💬 Questions to Ponder or Discuss:

  1. What “modern regulations” might be adding pressure to your faith?
  2. Do you relate more to Paul’s gospel of grace—or to Peter’s moment of religious compromise?
  3. How would your relationship with God change if you truly believed that Jesus finished the work?
  
  

  📣 Join the Challenge:

  This is Part 2 of the Galatians Challenge for Mormons. Read Galatians 2 this week. Pray honestly. Ask hard questions. The true gospel is worth fighting for—just like Paul did.

  👉 Subscribe to follow the full series and share it with someone who’s ready to rethink religion.

  --

  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  ]]>In this episode, we dive into Galatians chapter 2 and uncover a powerful message about freedom in Christ—a freedom threatened by religious rules, even in the early church. Paul recounts his face-to-face confrontation with Peter over hypocrisy, challenges the idea of adding requirements to the gospel, and defends salvation by grace alone.

  For Latter-day Saints, this chapter raises important questions:

  • Do we need religious leaders to validate our message from God?
  • Are modern commandments—like the Word of Wisdom—spiritually necessary?
  • What does it really mean to be “justified by faith”?
  
  

  📖 Key Scriptures:

  • Galatians 2:4-5 – “They wanted to enslave us… but we refused to give in.”
  • Galatians 2:6 – “They added nothing to me.”
  • Galatians 2:11 – Paul opposes Peter to his face
  • Galatians 2:16 – “We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law.”
  • Galatians 2:21 – “If keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.”
  
  

  🔍 Main Takeaways:

  • Paul's Gospel Didn’t Come from Church Leaders: He didn’t need Peter’s approval—and neither do you need a prophet to affirm what Christ has already revealed.
  • Religious Rules Can Undermine Grace: Just like Jewish food laws, modern LDS regulations can create barriers to true fellowship.
  • The Word of Wisdom Parallel: Paul would not have endorsed any rule that divided believers or suggested that Christ’s work was incomplete.
  • Justification Is Not Earned: We are declared righteous by faith—not after all we can do, but because of what Christ already did.
  
  

  💬 Questions to Ponder or Discuss:

  1. What “modern regulations” might be adding pressure to your faith?
  2. Do you relate more to Paul’s gospel of grace—or to Peter’s moment of religious compromise?
  3. How would your relationship with God change if you truly believed that Jesus finished the work?
  
  

  📣 Join the Challenge:

  This is Part 2 of the Galatians Challenge for Mormons. Read Galatians 2 this week. Pray honestly. Ask hard questions. The true gospel is worth fighting for—just like Paul did.

  👉 Subscribe to follow the full series and share it with someone who’s ready to rethink religion.

  --

  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  ]]>ccac338f-4b54-4597-9fbe-f3635c338a38Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -060031:25falsefull116116The Gospel According to Paul (Galatians 1)In this kickoff episode of the Galatians Challenge for Mormons, we dive into chapter 1 of Paul’s letter to the Galatians—a bold defense of the one true gospel. Paul says even if an angel preaches another message, let him be cursed. Sound familiar? We explore the striking parallels between Paul’s warning and Joseph Smith’s claims about receiving the “fullness of the gospel” from the angel Moroni.

  We also examine Paul’s background as a Pharisee, how the early church responded to his conversion, and why that response stands in stark contrast to Joseph Smith’s rejection of all existing churches. This episode challenges listeners to consider: Are you following the gospel revealed by Jesus—or a different one?

  📖 Bible Text: Galatians 1

  📚 LDS References: Joseph Smith—History 1:19; Moroni’s message (1838 account)

  🔍 Key Questions:

  • What does Paul say about authority and grace?
  • How should we respond to “new” gospels, even from angels?
  • Why did the early church praise God for Paul—but Joseph Smith denounced them?
  
  

  ✅ Perfect for:

  LDS truth-seekers, former Mormons, and anyone wanting to understand the unchanging gospel of grace.

  🔗 Learn more: PursueGOD.org/galatians-mormons

  --

  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

  Donate Now

  --

  Welcome to Galatians Challenge for Mormons—a Bible study series for Latter-day Saints who are ready to explore the message of grace straight from Scripture. In this first lesson, we dive into Galatians chapter 1 and confront a question that rocked the early church... and still matters today:

  “What is the true gospel?”

  Galatians 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.

  • Paul wastes no time making something clear—his message isn’t secondhand, and it didn’t come from church leaders or tradition. It came straight from Jesus Christ.
  • 🧠 Evangelical View:
  • True spiritual authority comes from God’s direct calling—not priesthood succession or church offices. Paul's authority didn’t come from Peter or James—it came from Christ alone.
  • 👀 Mormon Viewpoint:
  • The LDS Church teaches that priesthood authority was lost and restored through Joseph Smith. But Paul says his authority didn't come through men at all—challenging the idea that authority must be passed through earthly hands.
  • 🔍 Challenge Question:
  • If Paul wasn’t ordained by men, what does that say about the necessity of priesthood succession for gospel authority today?
  
  

  Galatians 1:2-5 (NLT) 2 All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia.3 May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. 5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

  • There’s the gospel in simple terms!
  • It’s all about Jesus
  
  

  Galatians 1:6-7 (NLT) 6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.

  • Context: Judaizers
  • The earliest Christians were Jews. Jesus was Jewish. The apostles were Jewish. And in the beginning, the movement was seen as a sect within Judaism. But then Gentiles started coming to faith—and that’s when things got messy.
  • Some Jewish Christians believed that faith in Jesus was not enough. They insisted Gentiles had to become culturally Jewish too—especially by being circumcised and keeping dietary laws and Sabbath observance (see Acts 15:1, Galatians 2:3-5).
  • These were the Judaizers.
  • They weren’t outsiders. They were part of the early church—but they were promoting a hybrid gospel: Jesus as the Messiah, yes, but only for those who also accepted the yoke of Moses.
  • This tension reached a boiling point in Acts 15—the Jerusalem Council. 
  • Acts 15:1 (NLT) 1 While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
  • The apostles debated: Do Gentiles have to become Jews to follow Jesus?
  • And the answer was a firm no. Peter said:
  • “Why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear?” (Acts 15:10)
  • Paul's letters, especially Galatians and parts of Romans and Philippians, go on the offensive against this distorted gospel. To Paul, the Judaizers weren’t just slightly off—they were undermining salvation itself.
  • Paul warns the Galatians that a new, “improved” gospel is actually no gospel at all. Even if an angel from heaven preached it—it should be rejected.
  • ⚖️ Evangelical View: The gospel is about grace—salvation by faith in Christ alone. Adding works, laws, or ordinances twists the good news into something dangerous.
  • 📜 Mormon Application:
  • Joseph Smith claimed to restore the gospel through an angel (Moroni), including new ordinances and covenants. But Paul says even angels can't change the gospel of grace.
  • 📣 “Let him be accursed!”—Paul doesn’t mince words about altering the gospel.
  • 🔍 Challenge Question:
  • If someone brings a gospel that adds temple rituals or priesthood ordinances to faith in Jesus—how does Paul say we should respond?
  • Galatians 1:8-9 (NLT) 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.
  
  

  Galatians 1:10-12 (NLT) 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. 11 Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. 12 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.

  • Interesting: this was Joseph Smith’s claim as well! 
  • Here’s the difference: 
  • Paul’s revelation aligned with
  • Existing scripture
  • Existing structure (apostles)
  • More on this in chapter 2
  • Joseph Smith’s revelation went against
  • Existing scripture
  • Existing structure (churches)
  • Joseph Smith’s revelations changed the gospel over time—first emphasizing the Book of Mormon, then expanding into temple rites and eternal progression. Paul, on the other hand, stuck with one gospel from the very beginning.
  • 🔍 Challenge Question: Is your gospel rooted in a changing tradition—or in the unchanging revelation of Jesus Christ?
  
  

  Paul finishes the chapter by bearing his testimony:

  Galatians 1:13-24 (NLT) 13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.

  
  
  • Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was a highly trained Pharisee before his conversion to Christianity. He was born into a Jewish family and was a Roman citizen by birth. Paul studied under the famous rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3), which means he was thoroughly educated in the Hebrew Scriptures and the traditions of the Pharisees—one of the most strict and devout Jewish sects.
  • As a Pharisee, Paul was zealous for the law and deeply committed to maintaining Jewish purity and tradition. He described himself in Philippians 3:5-6 as:
  • "Circumcised the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless."
  • His zeal led him to become a fierce persecutor of early Christians, believing them to be heretics. But after a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), Paul’s life was radically transformed. He went from persecutor to preacher—turning his deep knowledge of the Law into a powerful foundation for proclaiming the gospel of grace.
  
  

  15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

  • Notice: grace
  • Paul is not about Paul anymore. He’s all about...]]>In this kickoff episode of the Galatians Challenge for Mormons, we dive into chapter 1 of Paul’s letter to the Galatians—a bold defense of the one true gospel. Paul says even if an angel preaches another message, let him be cursed. Sound familiar? We explore the striking parallels between Paul’s warning and Joseph Smith’s claims about receiving the “fullness of the gospel” from the angel Moroni.

    We also examine Paul’s background as a Pharisee, how the early church responded to his conversion, and why that response stands in stark contrast to Joseph Smith’s rejection of all existing churches. This episode challenges listeners to consider: Are you following the gospel revealed by Jesus—or a different one?

    📖 Bible Text: Galatians 1

    📚 LDS References: Joseph Smith—History 1:19; Moroni’s message (1838 account)

    🔍 Key Questions:

    • What does Paul say about authority and grace?
    • How should we respond to “new” gospels, even from angels?
    • Why did the early church praise God for Paul—but Joseph Smith denounced them?
    
    

    ✅ Perfect for:

    LDS truth-seekers, former Mormons, and anyone wanting to understand the unchanging gospel of grace.

    🔗 Learn more: PursueGOD.org/galatians-mormons

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

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    Welcome to Galatians Challenge for Mormons—a Bible study series for Latter-day Saints who are ready to explore the message of grace straight from Scripture. In this first lesson, we dive into Galatians chapter 1 and confront a question that rocked the early church... and still matters today:

    “What is the true gospel?”

    Galatians 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.

    • Paul wastes no time making something clear—his message isn’t secondhand, and it didn’t come from church leaders or tradition. It came straight from Jesus Christ.
    • 🧠 Evangelical View:
    • True spiritual authority comes from God’s direct calling—not priesthood succession or church offices. Paul's authority didn’t come from Peter or James—it came from Christ alone.
    • 👀 Mormon Viewpoint:
    • The LDS Church teaches that priesthood authority was lost and restored through Joseph Smith. But Paul says his authority didn't come through men at all—challenging the idea that authority must be passed through earthly hands.
    • 🔍 Challenge Question:
    • If Paul wasn’t ordained by men, what does that say about the necessity of priesthood succession for gospel authority today?
    
    

    Galatians 1:2-5 (NLT) 2 All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia.3 May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. 5 All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

    • There’s the gospel in simple terms!
    • It’s all about Jesus
    
    

    Galatians 1:6-7 (NLT) 6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.

    • Context: Judaizers
    • The earliest Christians were Jews. Jesus was Jewish. The apostles were Jewish. And in the beginning, the movement was seen as a sect within Judaism. But then Gentiles started coming to faith—and that’s when things got messy.
    • Some Jewish Christians believed that faith in Jesus was not enough. They insisted Gentiles had to become culturally Jewish too—especially by being circumcised and keeping dietary laws and Sabbath observance (see Acts 15:1, Galatians 2:3-5).
    • These were the Judaizers.
    • They weren’t outsiders. They were part of the early church—but they were promoting a hybrid gospel: Jesus as the Messiah, yes, but only for those who also accepted the yoke of Moses.
    • This tension reached a boiling point in Acts 15—the Jerusalem Council. 
    • Acts 15:1 (NLT) 1 While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
    • The apostles debated: Do Gentiles have to become Jews to follow Jesus?
    • And the answer was a firm no. Peter said:
    • “Why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear?” (Acts 15:10)
    • Paul's letters, especially Galatians and parts of Romans and Philippians, go on the offensive against this distorted gospel. To Paul, the Judaizers weren’t just slightly off—they were undermining salvation itself.
    • Paul warns the Galatians that a new, “improved” gospel is actually no gospel at all. Even if an angel from heaven preached it—it should be rejected.
    • ⚖️ Evangelical View: The gospel is about grace—salvation by faith in Christ alone. Adding works, laws, or ordinances twists the good news into something dangerous.
    • 📜 Mormon Application:
    • Joseph Smith claimed to restore the gospel through an angel (Moroni), including new ordinances and covenants. But Paul says even angels can't change the gospel of grace.
    • 📣 “Let him be accursed!”—Paul doesn’t mince words about altering the gospel.
    • 🔍 Challenge Question:
    • If someone brings a gospel that adds temple rituals or priesthood ordinances to faith in Jesus—how does Paul say we should respond?
    • Galatians 1:8-9 (NLT) 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.
    
    

    Galatians 1:10-12 (NLT) 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. 11 Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. 12 I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.

    • Interesting: this was Joseph Smith’s claim as well! 
    • Here’s the difference: 
    • Paul’s revelation aligned with
    • Existing scripture
    • Existing structure (apostles)
    • More on this in chapter 2
    • Joseph Smith’s revelation went against
    • Existing scripture
    • Existing structure (churches)
    • Joseph Smith’s revelations changed the gospel over time—first emphasizing the Book of Mormon, then expanding into temple rites and eternal progression. Paul, on the other hand, stuck with one gospel from the very beginning.
    • 🔍 Challenge Question: Is your gospel rooted in a changing tradition—or in the unchanging revelation of Jesus Christ?
    
    

    Paul finishes the chapter by bearing his testimony:

    Galatians 1:13-24 (NLT) 13 You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 14 I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.

    
    
    • Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was a highly trained Pharisee before his conversion to Christianity. He was born into a Jewish family and was a Roman citizen by birth. Paul studied under the famous rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3), which means he was thoroughly educated in the Hebrew Scriptures and the traditions of the Pharisees—one of the most strict and devout Jewish sects.
    • As a Pharisee, Paul was zealous for the law and deeply committed to maintaining Jewish purity and tradition. He described himself in Philippians 3:5-6 as:
    • "Circumcised the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless."
    • His zeal led him to become a fierce persecutor of early Christians, believing them to be heretics. But after a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), Paul’s life was radically transformed. He went from persecutor to preacher—turning his deep knowledge of the Law into a powerful foundation for proclaiming the gospel of grace.
    
    

    15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

    • Notice: grace
    • Paul is not about Paul anymore. He’s all about Jesus.
    
    
    

    When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie.

    • Again, revelation directly from Jesus. 
    • But: Paul was willing to submit to existing leadership
    • This is amazing to me!!
    
    
    

    21 After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” 24 And they praised God because of me.

    
    
    • ✅ Biblical Pattern:
    • Paul didn’t oppose or replace the existing church—he joined it. His message matched theirs, and his conversion encouraged them.
    • 🚫 LDS Contrast:
    • Joseph Smith, on the other hand, claimed that all existing churches were wrong. In his 1838 First Vision account, he said: “I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong... their creeds were an abomination in his sight.” (Joseph Smith—History 1:19)
    • 📣 Key Difference:
    • Paul was embraced by the church because his gospel aligned with theirs. Joseph Smith rejected all churches, claiming they had fallen away and needed restoring.
    • 🔍 Challenge Question:
    • When someone claims to preach the true gospel—do they unite with the body of Christ, or declare all others to be false?
    
    ]]>580591d4-3861-4d3a-bfa5-8bbe8ce64d79Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -060037:54falsefull115115Does 2 Nephi 25:23 Teach Grace or Works?Is salvation truly by grace, or is it grace after all we can do? In this video, we take a deep dive into one of the most debated verses in the Book of Mormon—2 Nephi 25:23—and compare the historical LDS interpretation with the biblical gospel.

    🔥 We’ll expose the modern LDS attempt to reinterpret this verse (“in spite of all we can do”) and show:

    • What the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary actually says
    • How LDS leaders like Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, and Boyd K. Packer taught this verse
    • What the official LDS manual True to the Faith says about it
    • A full list of salvation requirements added after this verse in Mormon theology
    • The biblical gospel of grace — free, undeserved, and available to all who believe
    
    

    This is a must-watch for anyone exploring the differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity.

    🗣️ Let’s Talk:

    Have you ever wrestled with this verse? Do you think salvation is based on effort or on grace alone? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s have a meaningful conversation.

    🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this video with someone who’s exploring their faith.

    #Mormonism #GraceVsWorks #2Nephi25 #ChristianApologetics #EvangelicalVsLDS #BookOfMormon #BiblicalGrace #GospelTruth

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Notes

    ]]>Is salvation truly by grace, or is it grace after all we can do? In this video, we take a deep dive into one of the most debated verses in the Book of Mormon—2 Nephi 25:23—and compare the historical LDS interpretation with the biblical gospel.

    🔥 We’ll expose the modern LDS attempt to reinterpret this verse (“in spite of all we can do”) and show:

    • What the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary actually says
    • How LDS leaders like Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, and Boyd K. Packer taught this verse
    • What the official LDS manual True to the Faith says about it
    • A full list of salvation requirements added after this verse in Mormon theology
    • The biblical gospel of grace — free, undeserved, and available to all who believe
    
    

    This is a must-watch for anyone exploring the differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity.

    🗣️ Let’s Talk:

    Have you ever wrestled with this verse? Do you think salvation is based on effort or on grace alone? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s have a meaningful conversation.

    🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this video with someone who’s exploring their faith.

    #Mormonism #GraceVsWorks #2Nephi25 #ChristianApologetics #EvangelicalVsLDS #BookOfMormon #BiblicalGrace #GospelTruth

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Notes

    ]]>57f068f0-13de-4a8f-bbe8-dcdc0a567b4dMon, 02 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -060005:43falsefull114114Aleck’s Story: Not Just DeconstructingIn this episode, Aleck shares her story of coming out of Mormonism and experiencing a real relationship with Jesus.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    ]]>In this episode, Aleck shares her story of coming out of Mormonism and experiencing a real relationship with Jesus.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    ]]>b26d4a4a-19d7-40ee-8972-a9991cffd575Mon, 26 May 2025 05:00:00 -060051:23falsefull113113How the Bible Works - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the pod! Have you ever wondered how the Bible was written, and how exactly it's structured? Listen to today's episode as we talk about those things, as well as unpacking why it matter to us spiritually.

    --

    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    How the Bible Works

    Today we continue our How Stuff Works series with a topic that’s both deeply theological and intensely practical: How the Bible Works. For Christians, the Bible is more than just a religious book—it’s the inspired Word of God. But where did it come from? How is it structured? And how do we read it in a way that transforms our lives?

    These are big questions, and this summary explores three essential truths that come from our Bible Basics series:

    1. Where Did We Get the Bible?

    The Bible didn’t fall from the sky, nor was it just a random collection of human wisdom. Scripture teaches that the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

    
    

    2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

    
    

    “Inspired” literally means “God-breathed.” That means the words of the Bible carry the very breath of God, and He speaks to us through its pages.

    
    

    Mark 12:36 (NLT) “For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said…”

    
    

    Jesus affirmed the divine origin of the Old Testament scriptures. The human authors wrote using their own style and voice, but were guided by the Spirit of God.

    
    

    2 Peter 1:20-21 (NLT) “No prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding... those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.”

    
    

    Verbal plenary inspiration means that the very words (verbal) and all parts (plenary) of Scripture are inspired by God. Though the original manuscripts were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, God has preserved His message through faithful transmission and translation.

    Translation Types:

    • Word-for-Word (Formal): ESV, NASB
    • Thought-for-Thought (Dynamic): NIV, NLT
    
    

    While only the original manuscripts are infallible, modern translations are trustworthy because of careful preservation, thousands of manuscripts, and the sovereignty of God.

    2. What Is the Structure of the Bible?

    The Bible is one book made up of 66 individual books, divided into two testaments:

    Old Testament (39 Books): Written over 1,000 years and originally part of the Hebrew Bible, it includes:

    • Law (Genesis–Deuteronomy)
    • History (Joshua–Esther)
    • Wisdom/Poetry (Job–Song of Songs)
    • Prophets (Isaiah–Malachi)
    
    

    New Testament (27 Books): Written within a generation after Jesus' resurrection, it includes:

    • Gospels (Matthew–John)
    • History (Acts)
    • Letters/Epistles (Romans–Jude)
    • Apocalypse (Revelation)
    
    

    
    

    Matthew 5:17-19 (NLT) “I did not come to abolish the law... but to accomplish their purpose.”

    
    

    Jesus didn’t reject the Old Testament—He fulfilled it. The New Testament reveals how God’s promises culminate in Jesus.

    3. How Do I Read the Bible?

    The Bible is not just for study—it’s for transformation. We recommend starting with the Gospel of John and reading through the New Testament one book at a time. Read it like this:

    • Start with John, then continue through the rest of the NT
    • Mix in a gospel (Matthew, Mark, or Luke) every few epistles
    • Repeat the NT before jumping into the OT
    
    

    
    

    Joshua 1:8 (ESV) “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth… meditate on it day and night… then you will have good success.”

    
    

    
    

    Romans 12:2 (NLT) “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

    
    

    As you read, remember that the Holy Spirit not only inspired the Bible—He also illuminates it today. He helps us understand and apply it to our lives.

    The goal isn’t just to gain knowledge—it’s to be transformed by the truth.

    ]]>Welcome back to the pod! Have you ever wondered how the Bible was written, and how exactly it's structured? Listen to today's episode as we talk about those things, as well as unpacking why it matter to us spiritually.

    --

    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    How the Bible Works

    Today we continue our How Stuff Works series with a topic that’s both deeply theological and intensely practical: How the Bible Works. For Christians, the Bible is more than just a religious book—it’s the inspired Word of God. But where did it come from? How is it structured? And how do we read it in a way that transforms our lives?

    These are big questions, and this summary explores three essential truths that come from our Bible Basics series:

    1. Where Did We Get the Bible?

    The Bible didn’t fall from the sky, nor was it just a random collection of human wisdom. Scripture teaches that the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

    
    

    2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

    
    

    “Inspired” literally means “God-breathed.” That means the words of the Bible carry the very breath of God, and He speaks to us through its pages.

    
    

    Mark 12:36 (NLT) “For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said…”

    
    

    Jesus affirmed the divine origin of the Old Testament scriptures. The human authors wrote using their own style and voice, but were guided by the Spirit of God.

    
    

    2 Peter 1:20-21 (NLT) “No prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding... those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.”

    
    

    Verbal plenary inspiration means that the very words (verbal) and all parts (plenary) of Scripture are inspired by God. Though the original manuscripts were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, God has preserved His message through faithful transmission and translation.

    Translation Types:

    • Word-for-Word (Formal): ESV, NASB
    • Thought-for-Thought (Dynamic): NIV, NLT
    
    

    While only the original manuscripts are infallible, modern translations are trustworthy because of careful preservation, thousands of manuscripts, and the sovereignty of God.

    2. What Is the Structure of the Bible?

    The Bible is one book made up of 66 individual books, divided into two testaments:

    Old Testament (39 Books): Written over 1,000 years and originally part of the Hebrew Bible, it includes:

    • Law (Genesis–Deuteronomy)
    • History (Joshua–Esther)
    • Wisdom/Poetry (Job–Song of Songs)
    • Prophets (Isaiah–Malachi)
    
    

    New Testament (27 Books): Written within a generation after Jesus' resurrection, it includes:

    • Gospels (Matthew–John)
    • History (Acts)
    • Letters/Epistles (Romans–Jude)
    • Apocalypse (Revelation)
    
    

    
    

    Matthew 5:17-19 (NLT) “I did not come to abolish the law... but to accomplish their purpose.”

    
    

    Jesus didn’t reject the Old Testament—He fulfilled it. The New Testament reveals how God’s promises culminate in Jesus.

    3. How Do I Read the Bible?

    The Bible is not just for study—it’s for transformation. We recommend starting with the Gospel of John and reading through the New Testament one book at a time. Read it like this:

    • Start with John, then continue through the rest of the NT
    • Mix in a gospel (Matthew, Mark, or Luke) every few epistles
    • Repeat the NT before jumping into the OT
    
    

    
    

    Joshua 1:8 (ESV) “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth… meditate on it day and night… then you will have good success.”

    
    

    
    

    Romans 12:2 (NLT) “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

    
    

    As you read, remember that the Holy Spirit not only inspired the Bible—He also illuminates it today. He helps us understand and apply it to our lives.

    The goal isn’t just to gain knowledge—it’s to be transformed by the truth.

    ]]>c1adf87d-f7c2-4b2c-a551-693829402932Fri, 23 May 2025 05:00:00 -060034:48falsebonusBaptism for the Dead: When Did Mormonism Start Doing This?Most people assume baptism for the dead has ancient roots—but it didn’t even exist in early Mormonism. In this epidsode, we trace the origins of the LDS temple ordinance and compare it to what the Bible really teaches.

    We’ll look at:

    • The Book of Mormon’s warning against postmortem salvation
    • Joseph Smith’s evolving revelations in the 1840s
    • Why 1 Corinthians 15:29 is not what the LDS Church claims it is
    • And what the Bible says about death, judgment, and salvation
    
    

    ⛔ Don’t miss why this doctrine is more dangerous than it seems.

    📖 Scriptures referenced:

    • Alma 34:32–35
    • 1 Corinthians 15:29
    • Hebrews 9:27
    • 2 Corinthians 6:2
    • Luke 16:19–31
    • Doctrine & Covenants 124, 128
    
    

    ✝️ Trust in Christ—not temples or rituals—because eternity starts the moment you die.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Notes

    ]]>Most people assume baptism for the dead has ancient roots—but it didn’t even exist in early Mormonism. In this epidsode, we trace the origins of the LDS temple ordinance and compare it to what the Bible really teaches.

    We’ll look at:

    • The Book of Mormon’s warning against postmortem salvation
    • Joseph Smith’s evolving revelations in the 1840s
    • Why 1 Corinthians 15:29 is not what the LDS Church claims it is
    • And what the Bible says about death, judgment, and salvation
    
    

    ⛔ Don’t miss why this doctrine is more dangerous than it seems.

    📖 Scriptures referenced:

    • Alma 34:32–35
    • 1 Corinthians 15:29
    • Hebrews 9:27
    • 2 Corinthians 6:2
    • Luke 16:19–31
    • Doctrine & Covenants 124, 128
    
    

    ✝️ Trust in Christ—not temples or rituals—because eternity starts the moment you die.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Notes

    ]]>ac7b6c54-fbe1-4c5f-adbc-9ac026bdfa56Mon, 19 May 2025 05:00:00 -060009:54falsefull112112How Eternity Works - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast! Join us today as we talk about eternity. Eternity is not just a vague spiritual concept—it’s a concrete reality taught throughout Scripture. Everyone will spend eternity somewhere, and the Bible gives us a clear roadmap to understand what happens after we die.

    --

    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    How Eternity Works: A Biblical Breakdown of the Afterlife

    Eternity is not a vague hope—it’s a concrete reality. Every human being will live forever in one of two places, and the Bible tells us everything we need to know about what happens after we die. Let’s walk through what Scripture reveals about the nature of the afterlife, judgment, and how to prepare for the day we take our final breath.

    Understanding the Biblical Concept of the Afterlife

    1. Sheol and Hades: The Temporary Realm of the Dead

    In the Old Testament, Sheol is described as the “realm of the dead”—a shadowy place where both the righteous and unrighteous awaited judgment. In Greek, the word used is Hades. Jesus gives us a vivid picture of this realm in Luke 16:19-31, telling the story of a rich man in torment and a poor man named Lazarus resting in “Abraham’s bosom.”

    
    

    “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead.” (Luke 16:22-23 NLT)

    
    

    This story reveals three key features of Sheol:

    • A place of torment for the unrighteous
    • A place of comfort for the righteous
    • A great chasm separating the two, uncrossable after death (Luke 16:26)
    
    

    Peter refers to another compartment—Tartarus—a gloomy prison for fallen angels awaiting judgment (2 Peter 2:4). This concept shows the complexity of the pre-resurrection afterlife.

    2. Jesus Changes Everything: The Cross and the Empty Tomb

    After His death, Jesus didn’t just remain in the grave—He descended to the realm of the dead. He told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

    Peter writes that Jesus “preached to the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:19), and Paul echoes that Jesus “led a crowd of captives” to Heaven (Ephesians 4:8). Paradise was emptied and relocated—those who had died in faith now dwell directly in God’s presence.

    
    

    “We are... willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)

    
    

    Today, believers go straight to be with Jesus. Hades remains only as a place of waiting for the unrighteous dead.

    3. Gehenna: The Final Destination of Judgment

    The term Gehenna—used frequently by Jesus—refers to the Valley of Hinnom, a site associated with child sacrifice and later used as a garbage-burning pit. Jesus used it to describe final judgment.

    
    

    “Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NLT)

    
    

    Jesus also spoke of “outer darkness” where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12). This isn’t a metaphorical inconvenience—it’s eternal separation from the presence of God.

    In the end, Hades itself is thrown into the lake of fire—what Revelation calls the “second death” (Revelation 20:14-15). This is the final judgment for all who rejected Christ.

    What the Bible Says About Judgment and Salvation

    
    

    “Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)

    
    

    There are no second chances after death. No reincarnation. No purgatory. No spirit-world missionaries offering a postmortem gospel.

    We all fall short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23). Unrepentant sinners, those who reject Christ, and even the self-righteous will face the same end—eternal separation from God.

    
    

    “They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)

    
    

    The Good News: Jesus Came to Rescue Us

    But judgment isn’t the end of the story. Galatians 1:4 says that Jesus “gave his life for our sins… to rescue us from this evil world.” He lived a sinless life, died in our place, and rose again to defeat death.

    
    

    “God... freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” (Romans 3:24 NLT)

    
    

    How to Be Ready for Eternity

    
    

    “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

    
    

    Salvation is a gift offered to all, but it must be received by faith. The one question that determines your eternal destiny is this: Did you trust in Jesus?

    Those who believe will enter eternal life with God. Those who reject Him will face judgment. The choice is yours.

    What Will Heaven Be Like?

    Heaven isn’t floating in the clouds—it’s a renewed creation, rich in beauty, community, and the full presence of God.

    
    

    “He will wipe every tear from their eyes… All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4 NLT)

    
    

    In this new heaven and earth, we’ll enjoy perfect fellowship, unbroken relationships, and life as it was meant to be. Most importantly, God will dwell with us.

    
    

    “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people.” (Revelation 21:3 NLT)

    
    

    Eternity is real. Are you ready for it?

    ]]>Welcome back to the podcast! Join us today as we talk about eternity. Eternity is not just a vague spiritual concept—it’s a concrete reality taught throughout Scripture. Everyone will spend eternity somewhere, and the Bible gives us a clear roadmap to understand what happens after we die.

    --

    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    How Eternity Works: A Biblical Breakdown of the Afterlife

    Eternity is not a vague hope—it’s a concrete reality. Every human being will live forever in one of two places, and the Bible tells us everything we need to know about what happens after we die. Let’s walk through what Scripture reveals about the nature of the afterlife, judgment, and how to prepare for the day we take our final breath.

    Understanding the Biblical Concept of the Afterlife

    1. Sheol and Hades: The Temporary Realm of the Dead

    In the Old Testament, Sheol is described as the “realm of the dead”—a shadowy place where both the righteous and unrighteous awaited judgment. In Greek, the word used is Hades. Jesus gives us a vivid picture of this realm in Luke 16:19-31, telling the story of a rich man in torment and a poor man named Lazarus resting in “Abraham’s bosom.”

    
    

    “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead.” (Luke 16:22-23 NLT)

    
    

    This story reveals three key features of Sheol:

    • A place of torment for the unrighteous
    • A place of comfort for the righteous
    • A great chasm separating the two, uncrossable after death (Luke 16:26)
    
    

    Peter refers to another compartment—Tartarus—a gloomy prison for fallen angels awaiting judgment (2 Peter 2:4). This concept shows the complexity of the pre-resurrection afterlife.

    2. Jesus Changes Everything: The Cross and the Empty Tomb

    After His death, Jesus didn’t just remain in the grave—He descended to the realm of the dead. He told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

    Peter writes that Jesus “preached to the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:19), and Paul echoes that Jesus “led a crowd of captives” to Heaven (Ephesians 4:8). Paradise was emptied and relocated—those who had died in faith now dwell directly in God’s presence.

    
    

    “We are... willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)

    
    

    Today, believers go straight to be with Jesus. Hades remains only as a place of waiting for the unrighteous dead.

    3. Gehenna: The Final Destination of Judgment

    The term Gehenna—used frequently by Jesus—refers to the Valley of Hinnom, a site associated with child sacrifice and later used as a garbage-burning pit. Jesus used it to describe final judgment.

    
    

    “Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NLT)

    
    

    Jesus also spoke of “outer darkness” where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12). This isn’t a metaphorical inconvenience—it’s eternal separation from the presence of God.

    In the end, Hades itself is thrown into the lake of fire—what Revelation calls the “second death” (Revelation 20:14-15). This is the final judgment for all who rejected Christ.

    What the Bible Says About Judgment and Salvation

    
    

    “Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)

    
    

    There are no second chances after death. No reincarnation. No purgatory. No spirit-world missionaries offering a postmortem gospel.

    We all fall short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23). Unrepentant sinners, those who reject Christ, and even the self-righteous will face the same end—eternal separation from God.

    
    

    “They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)

    
    

    The Good News: Jesus Came to Rescue Us

    But judgment isn’t the end of the story. Galatians 1:4 says that Jesus “gave his life for our sins… to rescue us from this evil world.” He lived a sinless life, died in our place, and rose again to defeat death.

    
    

    “God... freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” (Romans 3:24 NLT)

    
    

    How to Be Ready for Eternity

    
    

    “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

    
    

    Salvation is a gift offered to all, but it must be received by faith. The one question that determines your eternal destiny is this: Did you trust in Jesus?

    Those who believe will enter eternal life with God. Those who reject Him will face judgment. The choice is yours.

    What Will Heaven Be Like?

    Heaven isn’t floating in the clouds—it’s a renewed creation, rich in beauty, community, and the full presence of God.

    
    

    “He will wipe every tear from their eyes… All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4 NLT)

    
    

    In this new heaven and earth, we’ll enjoy perfect fellowship, unbroken relationships, and life as it was meant to be. Most importantly, God will dwell with us.

    
    

    “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people.” (Revelation 21:3 NLT)

    
    

    Eternity is real. Are you ready for it?

    ]]>00954cbc-3e2b-4f2b-a0af-115ced6e96a1Fri, 16 May 2025 05:00:00 -060033:31falsebonusPreaching to the Dead? Mormon Theology Gone WrongDid Jesus really preach the gospel to the dead? And is there a second chance to accept salvation after we die?

    In this video, we explore the origin of the Mormon doctrine of spirit-world missionary work, based on Doctrine and Covenants 138 and Joseph F. Smith’s 1918 vision. Using 1 Peter 3:18-20 and 1 Peter 4:6, Mormonism teaches that people can accept the LDS gospel after death—but does that line up with what the Bible actually says?

    We’ll contrast the LDS interpretation with the biblical view and explain why this second-chance theology isn’t just wrong—it’s dangerous.

    📖 Scriptures referenced:

    • Hebrews 9:27
    • 1 Peter 3:18-20
    • 1 Peter 4:6
    • Luke 16:19-31
    • John 3:18
    • 2 Corinthians 6:2
    
    

    🧠 Key topics covered:

    • Spirit Prison and Postmortem Evangelism
    • LDS Teachings on Baptism for the Dead
    • Evangelical Interpretation of 1 Peter 3–4
    • The Finality of Death and Judgment in Scripture
    
    

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    ]]>Did Jesus really preach the gospel to the dead? And is there a second chance to accept salvation after we die?

    In this video, we explore the origin of the Mormon doctrine of spirit-world missionary work, based on Doctrine and Covenants 138 and Joseph F. Smith’s 1918 vision. Using 1 Peter 3:18-20 and 1 Peter 4:6, Mormonism teaches that people can accept the LDS gospel after death—but does that line up with what the Bible actually says?

    We’ll contrast the LDS interpretation with the biblical view and explain why this second-chance theology isn’t just wrong—it’s dangerous.

    📖 Scriptures referenced:

    • Hebrews 9:27
    • 1 Peter 3:18-20
    • 1 Peter 4:6
    • Luke 16:19-31
    • John 3:18
    • 2 Corinthians 6:2
    
    

    🧠 Key topics covered:

    • Spirit Prison and Postmortem Evangelism
    • LDS Teachings on Baptism for the Dead
    • Evangelical Interpretation of 1 Peter 3–4
    • The Finality of Death and Judgment in Scripture
    
    

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    ]]>35d1a5e8-02fd-4bb4-83c3-9c48bd108293Mon, 12 May 2025 05:00:00 -060011:21falsefull111111How Healthy Families Work - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastTune into the podcast today for a special Mother's Day edition of our How Stuff Works series, as we explore how exactly a healthy family works!

    --

    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    How Healthy Families Work (Mother’s Day Message)

    Series: How Stuff Works | Message Theme: Biblical Family Health

    Overview:

    Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate, honor, and reflect. But it also surfaces a truth we all need to acknowledge: there are no perfect families. The Bible is full of flawed family dynamics—jealousy, rivalry, favoritism, rebellion—and yet, God still worked through those families to accomplish His purposes. This message explores how even in our mess, God calls us toward something better: the pursuit of a healthy family. Not perfect—healthy.

    This Mother’s Day message outlines three biblical traits that characterize healthy families. These traits are not reserved for "ideal" households but are accessible to any family that’s willing to trust God, lean into His Word, and do the work.

    Dysfunction in the Bible: You’re Not Alone

    Before we dive into healthy family traits, it’s important to recognize that dysfunction is nothing new. The Bible gives us raw and honest pictures of broken family systems:

    • Adam & Eve’s family: Jealousy led to murder (Genesis 4). Cain couldn’t handle being overshadowed by his brother Abel.
    • Isaac & Rebekah’s family: Favoritism and deception led to betrayal (Genesis 27). Jacob and Esau’s rivalry split their household.
    • David & Bathsheba’s family: Lust and abuse of power caused trauma, loss, and rebellion (2 Samuel 11-15).
    • Zebedee’s family (James & John): Even Jesus' disciples struggled with ambition and pride (Mark 10:35-37; Luke 9:54).
    
    

    These examples remind us that family pain is part of the human experience. But they also reveal that God works with broken people to tell a story of redemption.

    Trait #1: Families Who Are Jesus-Centered

    Healthy families don’t center around trends—they center around truth. That truth is Jesus.

    Why it matters:

    • Every family is centered on something—money, sports, school, success, or even the family itself.
    • When Jesus is the center, God’s Word becomes the foundation, and the Holy Spirit empowers the people in the family to grow and serve.
    
    

    What it looks like:

    • Time: Prioritizing church, small groups, and faith-based community.
    • Finances: Giving generously, and including kids in those conversations.
    • Atmosphere: Creating a culture of worship, spiritual conversation, and daily discipleship at home.
    
    

    Key Scripture:

    Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NLT) – “Repeat [these commands] again and again to your children… Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road…”

    Trait #2: Husbands and Wives Who Choose Love

    The health of a family often hinges on the strength of the marriage.

    What culture says: Love is a feeling that fades over time.

    What God says: Love is a covenant and a choice.

    What it looks like:

    • Choosing each other daily, even when emotions run dry.
    • Showing affection openly—kids notice this!
    • Modeling sacrificial love that mirrors Christ’s love for the Church.
    
    

    Key Scripture:

    Ephesians 5:25-26 (NLT) – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her…”

    Trait #3: Dads and Moms Who Transfer Ownership

    Healthy parenting is about preparation, not perfection. The goal is to gradually transfer responsibility to your kids.

    Three parenting styles:

    • Controlling parents: Never let go of decisions.
    • Uninvolved parents: Don’t care enough to stay engaged.
    • Healthy parents: Coach and guide while gradually releasing control.
    
    

    What it looks like:

    • Teaching kids to manage time, money, relationships, and faith.
    • Letting them fail safely so they can learn.
    • Moving from discipline to dialogue as they mature.
    
    

    Key Scripture:

    Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

    Conclusion: Embrace the Mess and Trust God

    There are no perfect families. But there are Jesus-centered families. There are love-choosing couples. There are parent-coaches who raise their kids with vision.

    Whether you’re a mom, dad, grandparent, or mentor—you can be part of creating a healthy family. It doesn’t happen by default. It happens by design. And it starts with a decision: to let God lead your home.

    Challenge for the Week:

    Pick one of the three traits and work on it this week.

    • Maybe that’s inviting Jesus more clearly into your family rhythms.
    • Or choosing love when it’s easier to walk away.
    • Or letting go just a little more as your kids grow.
    
    

    Healthy families don’t happen overnight—but they can happen one choice at a time.

    ]]>Tune into the podcast today for a special Mother's Day edition of our How Stuff Works series, as we explore how exactly a healthy family works!

    --

    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    How Healthy Families Work (Mother’s Day Message)

    Series: How Stuff Works | Message Theme: Biblical Family Health

    Overview:

    Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate, honor, and reflect. But it also surfaces a truth we all need to acknowledge: there are no perfect families. The Bible is full of flawed family dynamics—jealousy, rivalry, favoritism, rebellion—and yet, God still worked through those families to accomplish His purposes. This message explores how even in our mess, God calls us toward something better: the pursuit of a healthy family. Not perfect—healthy.

    This Mother’s Day message outlines three biblical traits that characterize healthy families. These traits are not reserved for "ideal" households but are accessible to any family that’s willing to trust God, lean into His Word, and do the work.

    Dysfunction in the Bible: You’re Not Alone

    Before we dive into healthy family traits, it’s important to recognize that dysfunction is nothing new. The Bible gives us raw and honest pictures of broken family systems:

    • Adam & Eve’s family: Jealousy led to murder (Genesis 4). Cain couldn’t handle being overshadowed by his brother Abel.
    • Isaac & Rebekah’s family: Favoritism and deception led to betrayal (Genesis 27). Jacob and Esau’s rivalry split their household.
    • David & Bathsheba’s family: Lust and abuse of power caused trauma, loss, and rebellion (2 Samuel 11-15).
    • Zebedee’s family (James & John): Even Jesus' disciples struggled with ambition and pride (Mark 10:35-37; Luke 9:54).
    
    

    These examples remind us that family pain is part of the human experience. But they also reveal that God works with broken people to tell a story of redemption.

    Trait #1: Families Who Are Jesus-Centered

    Healthy families don’t center around trends—they center around truth. That truth is Jesus.

    Why it matters:

    • Every family is centered on something—money, sports, school, success, or even the family itself.
    • When Jesus is the center, God’s Word becomes the foundation, and the Holy Spirit empowers the people in the family to grow and serve.
    
    

    What it looks like:

    • Time: Prioritizing church, small groups, and faith-based community.
    • Finances: Giving generously, and including kids in those conversations.
    • Atmosphere: Creating a culture of worship, spiritual conversation, and daily discipleship at home.
    
    

    Key Scripture:

    Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NLT) – “Repeat [these commands] again and again to your children… Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road…”

    Trait #2: Husbands and Wives Who Choose Love

    The health of a family often hinges on the strength of the marriage.

    What culture says: Love is a feeling that fades over time.

    What God says: Love is a covenant and a choice.

    What it looks like:

    • Choosing each other daily, even when emotions run dry.
    • Showing affection openly—kids notice this!
    • Modeling sacrificial love that mirrors Christ’s love for the Church.
    
    

    Key Scripture:

    Ephesians 5:25-26 (NLT) – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her…”

    Trait #3: Dads and Moms Who Transfer Ownership

    Healthy parenting is about preparation, not perfection. The goal is to gradually transfer responsibility to your kids.

    Three parenting styles:

    • Controlling parents: Never let go of decisions.
    • Uninvolved parents: Don’t care enough to stay engaged.
    • Healthy parents: Coach and guide while gradually releasing control.
    
    

    What it looks like:

    • Teaching kids to manage time, money, relationships, and faith.
    • Letting them fail safely so they can learn.
    • Moving from discipline to dialogue as they mature.
    
    

    Key Scripture:

    Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

    Conclusion: Embrace the Mess and Trust God

    There are no perfect families. But there are Jesus-centered families. There are love-choosing couples. There are parent-coaches who raise their kids with vision.

    Whether you’re a mom, dad, grandparent, or mentor—you can be part of creating a healthy family. It doesn’t happen by default. It happens by design. And it starts with a decision: to let God lead your home.

    Challenge for the Week:

    Pick one of the three traits and work on it this week.

    • Maybe that’s inviting Jesus more clearly into your family rhythms.
    • Or choosing love when it’s easier to walk away.
    • Or letting go just a little more as your kids grow.
    
    

    Healthy families don’t happen overnight—but they can happen one choice at a time.

    ]]>4be728d9-50ab-446d-990f-b891fbc354c2Fri, 09 May 2025 05:00:00 -060041:33falsebonusThree Prophecies Joseph Smith Got WrongJoseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church, claimed to speak for God—but what happens when those prophecies don’t come true? In this episode, we examine three specific prophetic claims made by Joseph Smith that completely failed the biblical test of a true prophet. From doomed cities that never fell, to a failed mission to sell Book of Mormon copyright in Canada, to a temple that was never built—these aren’t just footnotes in history. They raise serious questions about the foundation of Mormonism. And we’ll end by looking at what the Bible says about how to spot a false prophet.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • The failed prophecy about New York and Boston’s destruction
    • The embarrassing Canadian copyright revelation that went nowhere
    • The unfulfilled temple prophecy in Independence, Missouri
    • Why these weren’t just offhand comments—but repeated and reinforced by LDS leaders
    • What Deuteronomy 18 says about failed prophecy
    
    

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    ]]>Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church, claimed to speak for God—but what happens when those prophecies don’t come true? In this episode, we examine three specific prophetic claims made by Joseph Smith that completely failed the biblical test of a true prophet. From doomed cities that never fell, to a failed mission to sell Book of Mormon copyright in Canada, to a temple that was never built—these aren’t just footnotes in history. They raise serious questions about the foundation of Mormonism. And we’ll end by looking at what the Bible says about how to spot a false prophet.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • The failed prophecy about New York and Boston’s destruction
    • The embarrassing Canadian copyright revelation that went nowhere
    • The unfulfilled temple prophecy in Independence, Missouri
    • Why these weren’t just offhand comments—but repeated and reinforced by LDS leaders
    • What Deuteronomy 18 says about failed prophecy
    
    

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    ]]>55d83d37-72ed-4efe-a478-08b3c64cf6e4Mon, 05 May 2025 05:00:00 -060010:20falsefull110110Brigham's Story: How God Found Me Before I Found the TruthIn this episode, Brigham shares how God broke through and led him to real faith in Jesus — even before he knew all the problems with Mormonism. His story shows how God meets us right where we are and keeps pulling us closer.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Notes

    ]]>In this episode, Brigham shares how God broke through and led him to real faith in Jesus — even before he knew all the problems with Mormonism. His story shows how God meets us right where we are and keeps pulling us closer.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Notes

    ]]>7e40b9c9-6637-4756-9266-48389f6c07adMon, 28 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -060031:50falsefull109109How the Trinity Works | Understanding God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastHow can God be three and one at the same time?

    In this episode of our How Stuff Works series, we explore the mystery of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Using real-world discoveries like Copernicus’ heliocentric model and the outdated belief in bloodletting, we show how truth isn’t something we invent—it’s something we uncover.

    Just like scientists observed the universe and aligned their beliefs with reality, we can observe Scripture and align our faith with how God has revealed Himself.

    The Trinity isn’t a contradiction—it’s a deep truth waiting to be understood.

    
    

    🔍 Join us as we explore how the Trinity works—and why it matters for your faith today.

    
    

    📺 Watch the full How Stuff Works series for more!

    --

    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    ]]>How can God be three and one at the same time?

    In this episode of our How Stuff Works series, we explore the mystery of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Using real-world discoveries like Copernicus’ heliocentric model and the outdated belief in bloodletting, we show how truth isn’t something we invent—it’s something we uncover.

    Just like scientists observed the universe and aligned their beliefs with reality, we can observe Scripture and align our faith with how God has revealed Himself.

    The Trinity isn’t a contradiction—it’s a deep truth waiting to be understood.

    
    

    🔍 Join us as we explore how the Trinity works—and why it matters for your faith today.

    
    

    📺 Watch the full How Stuff Works series for more!

    --

    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    ]]>7c9d0b48-b685-4b00-a54f-c3dd5ebfe690Fri, 25 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -060023:26falsebonusMormonism Exposed by the Book of JohnThe Gospel of John offers one of the clearest pictures of who Jesus really is—and it stands in direct contradiction to the teachings of Mormonism. In this video, we explore five key doctrines where LDS beliefs clash with Scripture, including Jesus’ eternal identity, salvation by faith, the nature of God, and the false idea of a second chance after death.

    What did Joseph Smith do with John 1:1? How does John 8:24 challenge the LDS idea of spirit world conversions? And why does Jesus say He is the only way to God?

    We’re diving deep into the Bible to expose the truth and hold fast to the gospel as it was originally given. If you want to understand the real Jesus and compare Mormon theology with Scripture, this video is for you.

    📖 Key verses: John 1:1, John 6:47, John 14:6, John 4:24, John 8:24

    👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more Bible-centered truth and apologetics content.

    #MormonismExposed #BookOfJohn #LDSDoctrine #ChristianApologetics #JosephSmith #JesusIsGod #BibleTruth #FalseTeaching #ExposingMormonism #ChristianityVsMormonism

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    ]]>The Gospel of John offers one of the clearest pictures of who Jesus really is—and it stands in direct contradiction to the teachings of Mormonism. In this video, we explore five key doctrines where LDS beliefs clash with Scripture, including Jesus’ eternal identity, salvation by faith, the nature of God, and the false idea of a second chance after death.

    What did Joseph Smith do with John 1:1? How does John 8:24 challenge the LDS idea of spirit world conversions? And why does Jesus say He is the only way to God?

    We’re diving deep into the Bible to expose the truth and hold fast to the gospel as it was originally given. If you want to understand the real Jesus and compare Mormon theology with Scripture, this video is for you.

    📖 Key verses: John 1:1, John 6:47, John 14:6, John 4:24, John 8:24

    👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more Bible-centered truth and apologetics content.

    #MormonismExposed #BookOfJohn #LDSDoctrine #ChristianApologetics #JosephSmith #JesusIsGod #BibleTruth #FalseTeaching #ExposingMormonism #ChristianityVsMormonism

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    ]]>7cf15c94-e217-462a-8023-87518f25b8c5Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -060016:11falsefull108108Did Mormon Prophets Believe in Moon Men?Did early Mormon prophets really believe the moon was inhabited? According to historical records, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young taught that men lived on the moon and dressed like Quakers—seriously. While the LDS Church dismisses these claims as speculation, they raise an important question: Should true prophets ever get it this wrong?

    In this episode, we unpack the infamous "moon men" doctrine, explore the historical sources behind it, and offer a biblical critique of prophetic authority. Can a prophet be wrong about science, the universe, and still speak for God?

    📖 Want to go deeper?

    ➤ More on LDS Claims vs. the Bible

    
    

    ➤ Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Test of a True Prophet

    
    

    ➤ Free Bible Studies and Apologetics Resources

    👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more respectful but bold biblical analysis.

    
    

    #MoonMen #MormonHistory #JosephSmith #BrighamYoung #LDSChurch #FalseProphets #EvangelicalApologetics #BibleVsMormonism #ChristianTruth

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Notes

    ]]>Did early Mormon prophets really believe the moon was inhabited? According to historical records, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young taught that men lived on the moon and dressed like Quakers—seriously. While the LDS Church dismisses these claims as speculation, they raise an important question: Should true prophets ever get it this wrong?

    In this episode, we unpack the infamous "moon men" doctrine, explore the historical sources behind it, and offer a biblical critique of prophetic authority. Can a prophet be wrong about science, the universe, and still speak for God?

    📖 Want to go deeper?

    ➤ More on LDS Claims vs. the Bible

    
    

    ➤ Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Test of a True Prophet

    
    

    ➤ Free Bible Studies and Apologetics Resources

    👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more respectful but bold biblical analysis.

    
    

    #MoonMen #MormonHistory #JosephSmith #BrighamYoung #LDSChurch #FalseProphets #EvangelicalApologetics #BibleVsMormonism #ChristianTruth

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Notes

    ]]>344ef3d7-9b12-47fc-8da2-9b9123955922Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -060008:01falsefull107107Billions in Debt: The Truth About God’s Forgiveness - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re wrapping up our “Generous” series—not with a lesson about money, but about something even more valuable: forgiveness.

    --

    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Forgiveness and the $18 Billion Debt: What Jesus Really Meant in Matthew 18

    The average American household carries over $100,000 in debt, with over $6,000 in credit card balances alone. Debt is normal in our culture. But imagine this: someone walks up and says, “I just paid off your mortgage, your student loans, your credit cards, your car, and your kids’ college tuition.” You’d be speechless.

    Now picture yourself turning around and blowing up at someone who still owes you ten bucks from last week’s lunch. That’s the exact contrast Jesus paints in Matthew 18. It’s extreme. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s meant to be.

    Forgiveness Isn't Optional—It's Essential

    
    

    Matthew 18:21-22

    
    

    Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

    
    

    “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

    
    

    Peter thought he was being generous. Jewish tradition taught you only needed to forgive someone three times. So Peter more than doubled that—and Jesus blew it all out of the water. “Seventy times seven” wasn’t a number—it was a mindset. Forgiveness isn’t a ritual; it’s a daily posture.

    Jesus’ Parable: The $18 Billion Dollar Debt

    
    

    Matthew 18:23-24 (paraphrased)

    
    

    “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who called in his debts. One servant owed him 10,000 talents.”

    
    

    In biblical terms, 10,000 talents is about 200,000 years’ worth of wages—roughly $18 billion today. Jesus was making a point: the debt was absurdly unpayable.

    Why so much? The man was likely a tax farmer—someone who paid the empire upfront and then overcharged the people to make his profit. Corruption was baked into the job.

    
    

    Matthew 18:25-27

    
    

    “Since he couldn’t pay, the master ordered he and his family be sold. The man begged for mercy. The master had compassion and forgave the debt completely.”

    
    

    The Greek word used here for compassion—splagchnistheis—refers to deep, gut-level mercy. This is the same word used for Jesus in Matthew 9:36 when he looked at the lost crowds and felt moved to act.

    The Twist: The Man Who Couldn’t Forgive $30,000

    
    

    Matthew 18:28-30

    
    

    “But the forgiven servant went out and found a fellow servant who owed him 100 denarii (about $30,000 today). He choked him and demanded instant payment.”

    
    

    It’s infuriating, right? This man had just been forgiven a ridiculous debt. Then he turns around and can’t forgive someone else a fraction of what he owed.

    His fellow servant even used the same words: “Be patient with me and I will pay it.” But this time, the plea fell on deaf ears.

    
    

    Matthew 18:31-34

    
    

    “When the king heard what happened, he was furious. He threw the first servant into prison to be tortured until the debt could be paid.”

    
    

    Which—spoiler alert—it never could. Endless torture was the point.

    The Point of the Parable: Forgive Like You’ve Been Forgiven

    
    

    Matthew 18:35

    
    

    “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”

    
    

    This story is ultimately about your heart. About your capacity for compassion. About understanding that you owed God $18 billion—and He forgave you. So now, will you forgive the $30k someone else owes you?

    What Forgiveness Is (and Isn’t)

    Let’s get practical. Forgiveness doesn’t mean…

    • That what happened was okay.
    • That you’re pretending it didn’t hurt.
    • That the other person gets off the hook.
    
    

    Forgiveness does mean…

    • You’re releasing the power that pain has over your heart.
    • You’re choosing to stop letting bitterness control you.
    • You’re giving a double gift—one to yourself, and one to the offender.
    
    

    
    

    Hebrews 12:15 (NLT)

    
    

    “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”

    
    

    Forgiveness frees you. You can forgive even if they never say sorry. You can forgive and still have healthy boundaries. And most importantly, forgiveness reflects the heart of God.

    
    

    Romans 12:18 (NLT)

    
    

    “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

    
    

    Final Challenge: Picture That Person—and Forgive

    You were in spiritual debt up to your eyeballs. God forgave all of it. So now think about that person who hurt you. Picture their face. Say their name. Ask God for the compassion—splagchnistheis—to forgive them from your heart.

    This is what relational generosity looks like. And followers of Jesus should be the most generous people in the world.

    ]]>Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re wrapping up our “Generous” series—not with a lesson about money, but about something even more valuable: forgiveness.

    --

    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Forgiveness and the $18 Billion Debt: What Jesus Really Meant in Matthew 18

    The average American household carries over $100,000 in debt, with over $6,000 in credit card balances alone. Debt is normal in our culture. But imagine this: someone walks up and says, “I just paid off your mortgage, your student loans, your credit cards, your car, and your kids’ college tuition.” You’d be speechless.

    Now picture yourself turning around and blowing up at someone who still owes you ten bucks from last week’s lunch. That’s the exact contrast Jesus paints in Matthew 18. It’s extreme. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s meant to be.

    Forgiveness Isn't Optional—It's Essential

    
    

    Matthew 18:21-22

    
    

    Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

    
    

    “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

    
    

    Peter thought he was being generous. Jewish tradition taught you only needed to forgive someone three times. So Peter more than doubled that—and Jesus blew it all out of the water. “Seventy times seven” wasn’t a number—it was a mindset. Forgiveness isn’t a ritual; it’s a daily posture.

    Jesus’ Parable: The $18 Billion Dollar Debt

    
    

    Matthew 18:23-24 (paraphrased)

    
    

    “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who called in his debts. One servant owed him 10,000 talents.”

    
    

    In biblical terms, 10,000 talents is about 200,000 years’ worth of wages—roughly $18 billion today. Jesus was making a point: the debt was absurdly unpayable.

    Why so much? The man was likely a tax farmer—someone who paid the empire upfront and then overcharged the people to make his profit. Corruption was baked into the job.

    
    

    Matthew 18:25-27

    
    

    “Since he couldn’t pay, the master ordered he and his family be sold. The man begged for mercy. The master had compassion and forgave the debt completely.”

    
    

    The Greek word used here for compassion—splagchnistheis—refers to deep, gut-level mercy. This is the same word used for Jesus in Matthew 9:36 when he looked at the lost crowds and felt moved to act.

    The Twist: The Man Who Couldn’t Forgive $30,000

    
    

    Matthew 18:28-30

    
    

    “But the forgiven servant went out and found a fellow servant who owed him 100 denarii (about $30,000 today). He choked him and demanded instant payment.”

    
    

    It’s infuriating, right? This man had just been forgiven a ridiculous debt. Then he turns around and can’t forgive someone else a fraction of what he owed.

    His fellow servant even used the same words: “Be patient with me and I will pay it.” But this time, the plea fell on deaf ears.

    
    

    Matthew 18:31-34

    
    

    “When the king heard what happened, he was furious. He threw the first servant into prison to be tortured until the debt could be paid.”

    
    

    Which—spoiler alert—it never could. Endless torture was the point.

    The Point of the Parable: Forgive Like You’ve Been Forgiven

    
    

    Matthew 18:35

    
    

    “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”

    
    

    This story is ultimately about your heart. About your capacity for compassion. About understanding that you owed God $18 billion—and He forgave you. So now, will you forgive the $30k someone else owes you?

    What Forgiveness Is (and Isn’t)

    Let’s get practical. Forgiveness doesn’t mean…

    • That what happened was okay.
    • That you’re pretending it didn’t hurt.
    • That the other person gets off the hook.
    
    

    Forgiveness does mean…

    • You’re releasing the power that pain has over your heart.
    • You’re choosing to stop letting bitterness control you.
    • You’re giving a double gift—one to yourself, and one to the offender.
    
    

    
    

    Hebrews 12:15 (NLT)

    
    

    “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”

    
    

    Forgiveness frees you. You can forgive even if they never say sorry. You can forgive and still have healthy boundaries. And most importantly, forgiveness reflects the heart of God.

    
    

    Romans 12:18 (NLT)

    
    

    “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

    
    

    Final Challenge: Picture That Person—and Forgive

    You were in spiritual debt up to your eyeballs. God forgave all of it. So now think about that person who hurt you. Picture their face. Say their name. Ask God for the compassion—splagchnistheis—to forgive them from your heart.

    This is what relational generosity looks like. And followers of Jesus should be the most generous people in the world.

    ]]>54350e94-ac22-40c8-af6f-32c7da9313ebFri, 11 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -060026:17falsebonusDid Jesus Progress? Understanding Luke 2:52Luke 2:52 shows Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, but does that mean He had to progress into godhood? The Bible teaches that Jesus has always been fully God—eternal and unchanging.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    One of the most fascinating verses about Jesus’ early life is Luke 2:52:

    
    

    "Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people." (NLT)

    
    

    This verse raises an important theological question—did Jesus “progress” over time, even spiritually? Some people, including members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, see this as evidence that Jesus wasn’t always fully divine. According to LDS teaching, even God the Father was once a man who progressed to godhood, and Jesus followed a similar path. But what does the Bible actually say?

    
    

    Let’s break it down and compare the LDS view with what Scripture really teaches about the eternal nature of Jesus Christ.

    
    

    The LDS View: Jesus Progressed to Godhood

    In LDS teachings, Jesus is seen as the “firstborn spirit child” of Heavenly Father and progressed to become like God. One key scripture cited is Doctrine and Covenants 93:12–14, which says:

    
    

    
    

    “And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;

    
    

    And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness;

    
    

    And thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first.” (D&C 93:12–14)

    
    

    LDS leaders interpret this to mean that Jesus had to grow spiritually—receiving "grace for grace"—until He became divine. This supports the broader LDS belief that even God the Father was once a mortal man who progressed to godhood. As stated by former LDS President Lorenzo Snow:

    
    

    
    

    “As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become.”

    
    

    This couplet summarizes a core tenet of Mormon theology—that God the Father and Jesus Christ both progressed from a mortal state to divine status. But this concept stands in contrast to the Bible's teaching about Jesus' eternal nature.

    
    

    The Biblical View: Jesus Grew in His Humanity

    Luke 2:52 shows that Jesus experienced real human development. He grew in body (“stature”), in mind (“wisdom”), in relationships (“favor with all the people”), and in His connection with God the Father (“favor with God”).

    
    

    Jesus didn’t just appear out of nowhere as a fully grown man. He was born as a baby, raised in a family, and matured over time. This aligns with the Christian understanding of the incarnation—that Jesus, though fully God, also became fully human (John 1:14). Hebrews 2:17 says, “Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God.”

    
    

    So yes, Jesus “progressed” in His humanity, not in His divinity. He matured like any person would—because He was truly one of us.

    
    

    Jesus Was Always Fully God

    Here’s where the Christian understanding differs sharply from LDS teaching. While Jesus grew and learned in His human nature, He never stopped being God. From eternity, Jesus was—and is—fully divine.

    
    

    John 1:1 says, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus didn’t have to “become” God. He didn’t earn it. He is God.

    
    

    Philippians 2:6-7 explains that “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” Jesus laid aside His privileges—not His divine identity.

    
    

    His Growth Shows His Willingness to Relate to Us

    The fact that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature shows His humility and love. He chose to enter into the human experience completely, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.

    
    

    Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” Jesus’ growth doesn’t mean He was ever lacking or imperfect. It means He was fully human in every way—except sin.

    
    

    This matters because it means Jesus can truly sympathize with us. He knows what it’s like to grow, to learn, to struggle, and to trust God.

    
    

    Jesus Did Not Progress to Godhood—He Always Had It

    Some people point to verses like Luke 2:52 or D&C 93:12–14 to argue that Jesus “became” divine, as if He wasn’t God before. But Scripture is clear: Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His divine nature didn’t evolve—it’s eternal.

    
    

    The idea that Jesus had to progress to godhood is not found in the Bible. That idea comes from LDS scripture and teachings such as Lorenzo Snow’s couplet. In contrast, the Bible teaches that Jesus condescended, meaning He came down to our level to rescue us.

    
    

    To go deeper on how Christians understand the eternal nature of God and the Trinity, check out pursueGOD.org/trinity. For more on systematic theology and the core doctrines of biblical Christianity, visit pursueGOD.org/systheo.

    ]]>Luke 2:52 shows Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, but does that mean He had to progress into godhood? The Bible teaches that Jesus has always been fully God—eternal and unchanging.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    One of the most fascinating verses about Jesus’ early life is Luke 2:52:

    
    

    "Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people." (NLT)

    
    

    This verse raises an important theological question—did Jesus “progress” over time, even spiritually? Some people, including members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, see this as evidence that Jesus wasn’t always fully divine. According to LDS teaching, even God the Father was once a man who progressed to godhood, and Jesus followed a similar path. But what does the Bible actually say?

    
    

    Let’s break it down and compare the LDS view with what Scripture really teaches about the eternal nature of Jesus Christ.

    
    

    The LDS View: Jesus Progressed to Godhood

    In LDS teachings, Jesus is seen as the “firstborn spirit child” of Heavenly Father and progressed to become like God. One key scripture cited is Doctrine and Covenants 93:12–14, which says:

    
    

    
    

    “And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;

    
    

    And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness;

    
    

    And thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first.” (D&C 93:12–14)

    
    

    LDS leaders interpret this to mean that Jesus had to grow spiritually—receiving "grace for grace"—until He became divine. This supports the broader LDS belief that even God the Father was once a mortal man who progressed to godhood. As stated by former LDS President Lorenzo Snow:

    
    

    
    

    “As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become.”

    
    

    This couplet summarizes a core tenet of Mormon theology—that God the Father and Jesus Christ both progressed from a mortal state to divine status. But this concept stands in contrast to the Bible's teaching about Jesus' eternal nature.

    
    

    The Biblical View: Jesus Grew in His Humanity

    Luke 2:52 shows that Jesus experienced real human development. He grew in body (“stature”), in mind (“wisdom”), in relationships (“favor with all the people”), and in His connection with God the Father (“favor with God”).

    
    

    Jesus didn’t just appear out of nowhere as a fully grown man. He was born as a baby, raised in a family, and matured over time. This aligns with the Christian understanding of the incarnation—that Jesus, though fully God, also became fully human (John 1:14). Hebrews 2:17 says, “Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God.”

    
    

    So yes, Jesus “progressed” in His humanity, not in His divinity. He matured like any person would—because He was truly one of us.

    
    

    Jesus Was Always Fully God

    Here’s where the Christian understanding differs sharply from LDS teaching. While Jesus grew and learned in His human nature, He never stopped being God. From eternity, Jesus was—and is—fully divine.

    
    

    John 1:1 says, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus didn’t have to “become” God. He didn’t earn it. He is God.

    
    

    Philippians 2:6-7 explains that “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” Jesus laid aside His privileges—not His divine identity.

    
    

    His Growth Shows His Willingness to Relate to Us

    The fact that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature shows His humility and love. He chose to enter into the human experience completely, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally.

    
    

    Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” Jesus’ growth doesn’t mean He was ever lacking or imperfect. It means He was fully human in every way—except sin.

    
    

    This matters because it means Jesus can truly sympathize with us. He knows what it’s like to grow, to learn, to struggle, and to trust God.

    
    

    Jesus Did Not Progress to Godhood—He Always Had It

    Some people point to verses like Luke 2:52 or D&C 93:12–14 to argue that Jesus “became” divine, as if He wasn’t God before. But Scripture is clear: Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His divine nature didn’t evolve—it’s eternal.

    
    

    The idea that Jesus had to progress to godhood is not found in the Bible. That idea comes from LDS scripture and teachings such as Lorenzo Snow’s couplet. In contrast, the Bible teaches that Jesus condescended, meaning He came down to our level to rescue us.

    
    

    To go deeper on how Christians understand the eternal nature of God and the Trinity, check out pursueGOD.org/trinity. For more on systematic theology and the core doctrines of biblical Christianity, visit pursueGOD.org/systheo.

    ]]>6efdbee2-0483-46cd-b1bd-4df2a2f38fddMon, 07 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -060012:06falsefull106106Court and Becca’s Story: Beyond the OpticsCourt and Becca, both inactive Mormons, discuss their experiences with the church and their journey to Jesus.  Becca, raised in a more religious family, held onto her faith despite being inactive, while Court, who became inactive at a young age, had no intention of returning.  

    After having a daughter, Becca felt a sense of urgency to re-engage with the church, leading them to attend services and participate in traditional Mormon practices. They eventually left the church, seeking a more accepting and grace-filled community. Despite initial skepticism, they eventually found a Bible study that rekindled their faith and led them to seek a new church home.

    Grace, as defined in the Bible, is a gift from God, not something earned through works.  Mormons, who believe in salvation through works, miss out on the true meaning of grace and the forgiveness offered by Jesus.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    ]]>Court and Becca, both inactive Mormons, discuss their experiences with the church and their journey to Jesus.  Becca, raised in a more religious family, held onto her faith despite being inactive, while Court, who became inactive at a young age, had no intention of returning.  

    After having a daughter, Becca felt a sense of urgency to re-engage with the church, leading them to attend services and participate in traditional Mormon practices. They eventually left the church, seeking a more accepting and grace-filled community. Despite initial skepticism, they eventually found a Bible study that rekindled their faith and led them to seek a new church home.

    Grace, as defined in the Bible, is a gift from God, not something earned through works.  Mormons, who believe in salvation through works, miss out on the true meaning of grace and the forgiveness offered by Jesus.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    ]]>fd5d2cff-99e7-4d21-8b7b-9bd41941b5f3Mon, 31 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -060030:41falsefull105105Mormonism Exposed by the Book of HebrewsThe Book of Hebrews delivers a powerful and clear message about the supremacy of Christ, the sufficiency of His priesthood, and the finality of His sacrifice. Unlike Mormon teachings, which emphasize human effort, ordinances, and a restored priesthood for exaltation, Hebrews declares that salvation comes through Christ alone!

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Mormonism Exposed by the Book of Hebrews

    The Book of Hebrews presents a strong theological challenge to Mormonism, particularly in its teachings about the nature of Jesus, the priesthood, and the finality of God’s revelation. Hebrews emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, the sufficiency of His sacrifice, and the unchanging nature of God’s covenant, all of which contrast with key Mormon doctrines. By examining these biblical truths, we can see how Hebrews systematically refutes the foundation of Mormon beliefs and upholds the exclusivity of Christ’s redemptive work.

    
    

    The Supremacy of Christ

    One of the key themes in the book of Hebrews is the supremacy of Christ. He's greater than angels, Moses, Melchizedek, and more. 

    
    

    Hebrews 1:1-3 (NLT) states:

    "Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven."

    While Hebrews elevates Christ, Mormonism lowers him. Mormonism teaches that Jesus is one of many spirit children of God, the elder brother of humanity and even of Lucifer. The Book of Mormon also teaches that men can become gods, undermining Christ’s unique supremacy. Additionally, Mormon doctrine asserts that Jesus had to earn His godhood through obedience and progression, similar to how humans supposedly do. Here are some of their scriptures that support these ideas:

    • Abraham 3:22-23 (Pearl of Great Price) – "Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born."
    • Moses 4:1-2 (Pearl of Great Price) – "And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor."
    • Doctrine and Covenants 93:12-14 - "And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace; And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness." This suggests that Jesus progressed to godhood through obedience, a belief that aligns with Mormon teachings on human exaltation.
    
    

    Unlike the Mormon view of Jesus as a created being progressing toward godhood, Hebrews affirms His eternal deity and supreme authority. Jesus is not a spirit child among many; He is the preexistent, uncreated Son of God who holds all things together by His power.

    
    

    Hebrews 13:8-9 (NLT) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas....

    
    

    The Finality of Christ’s Priesthood

    Mormonism promotes a continuation of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, bestowing these titles upon male members of their church. Doctrine and Covenants 107:1 states, "There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic." This implies that Mormon authorities have a continuing role in mediating between God and man.

    Other Mormon scriptures emphasize the necessity of a restored priesthood:

    • Doctrine and Covenants 13:1 claims that John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery: "Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins."ns."
    • Doctrine and Covenants 84:17-21 teaches that without priesthood ordinances, "the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh."
    • Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16 describes the appearance of Moses, Elias, and Elijah in the Kirtland Temple, supposedly restoring priesthood keys to Joseph Smith.
    • Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith—History 1:69-72 records Peter, James, and John conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph Smith, allegedly giving him the authority to administer ordinances.
    
    

    However, Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus Christ is the only true and final High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:23-25 states, "There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore, he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf." There is no need for a restored priesthood, because Christ’s priesthood is eternal and sufficient. Since Jesus is our permanent High Priest, there is no biblical basis for a separate, human-administered priesthood today.

    Hebrews 10:19-22 further confirms that believers have direct access to God through Christ: "And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus." This contradicts Mormon teachings that a hierarchical priesthood is required to approach God.

    
    

    The Certainty of Judgment

    Mormonism teaches that after death, spirits go to either spirit paradise or spirit prison, where they continue to learn and progress. Those in spirit prison can receive the gospel and move toward exaltation through ordinances performed on their behalf by the living. Doctrine and Covenants 138:32-34 describes this process: "Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets. These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and all other principles of the gospel."

    
    

    Another important Mormon teaching is that spirit paradise is not the final destination but a temporary waiting place before resurrection and judgment. Alma 40:11-12 (Book of Mormon) states: "Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."

    
    

    However, Hebrews 9:27 (NLT) states: "...each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment...." This passage presents a key truth that contradicts Mormon theology: There is only one mortal life before judgment. Mormonism teaches the concept of progression after death, including the possibility of posthumous baptism, spirit prison, and eventual exaltation through continued effort. However, Hebrews affirms that after death comes judgment, negating the idea of second chances or progression after mortality.

    
    

    Hebrews 9:28 also declares another vital truth about the nature of salvation. Mormonism teaches that temple ordinances, obedience to commandments, and continued works are necessary for exaltation. However, Hebrews emphasizes that Christ’s single, perfect sacrifice is entirely sufficient for salvation. His return is not to deal with sin again but to bring final salvation to those who trust in Him. This refutes the idea that ongoing ordinances and personal effort contribute to one’s eternal destiny.

    
    

    Hebrews 9:27-28 (NLT) states:

    "And just as each person is...]]>The Book of Hebrews delivers a powerful and clear message about the supremacy of Christ, the sufficiency of His priesthood, and the finality of His sacrifice. Unlike Mormon teachings, which emphasize human effort, ordinances, and a restored priesthood for exaltation, Hebrews declares that salvation comes through Christ alone!

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Mormonism Exposed by the Book of Hebrews

    The Book of Hebrews presents a strong theological challenge to Mormonism, particularly in its teachings about the nature of Jesus, the priesthood, and the finality of God’s revelation. Hebrews emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, the sufficiency of His sacrifice, and the unchanging nature of God’s covenant, all of which contrast with key Mormon doctrines. By examining these biblical truths, we can see how Hebrews systematically refutes the foundation of Mormon beliefs and upholds the exclusivity of Christ’s redemptive work.

    
    

    The Supremacy of Christ

    One of the key themes in the book of Hebrews is the supremacy of Christ. He's greater than angels, Moses, Melchizedek, and more. 

    
    

    Hebrews 1:1-3 (NLT) states:

    "Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven."

    While Hebrews elevates Christ, Mormonism lowers him. Mormonism teaches that Jesus is one of many spirit children of God, the elder brother of humanity and even of Lucifer. The Book of Mormon also teaches that men can become gods, undermining Christ’s unique supremacy. Additionally, Mormon doctrine asserts that Jesus had to earn His godhood through obedience and progression, similar to how humans supposedly do. Here are some of their scriptures that support these ideas:

    • Abraham 3:22-23 (Pearl of Great Price) – "Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born."
    • Moses 4:1-2 (Pearl of Great Price) – "And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor."
    • Doctrine and Covenants 93:12-14 - "And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace; And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness." This suggests that Jesus progressed to godhood through obedience, a belief that aligns with Mormon teachings on human exaltation.
    
    

    Unlike the Mormon view of Jesus as a created being progressing toward godhood, Hebrews affirms His eternal deity and supreme authority. Jesus is not a spirit child among many; He is the preexistent, uncreated Son of God who holds all things together by His power.

    
    

    Hebrews 13:8-9 (NLT) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas....

    
    

    The Finality of Christ’s Priesthood

    Mormonism promotes a continuation of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, bestowing these titles upon male members of their church. Doctrine and Covenants 107:1 states, "There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic." This implies that Mormon authorities have a continuing role in mediating between God and man.

    Other Mormon scriptures emphasize the necessity of a restored priesthood:

    • Doctrine and Covenants 13:1 claims that John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery: "Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins."ns."
    • Doctrine and Covenants 84:17-21 teaches that without priesthood ordinances, "the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh."
    • Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16 describes the appearance of Moses, Elias, and Elijah in the Kirtland Temple, supposedly restoring priesthood keys to Joseph Smith.
    • Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith—History 1:69-72 records Peter, James, and John conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood upon Joseph Smith, allegedly giving him the authority to administer ordinances.
    
    

    However, Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus Christ is the only true and final High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:23-25 states, "There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore, he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf." There is no need for a restored priesthood, because Christ’s priesthood is eternal and sufficient. Since Jesus is our permanent High Priest, there is no biblical basis for a separate, human-administered priesthood today.

    Hebrews 10:19-22 further confirms that believers have direct access to God through Christ: "And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus." This contradicts Mormon teachings that a hierarchical priesthood is required to approach God.

    
    

    The Certainty of Judgment

    Mormonism teaches that after death, spirits go to either spirit paradise or spirit prison, where they continue to learn and progress. Those in spirit prison can receive the gospel and move toward exaltation through ordinances performed on their behalf by the living. Doctrine and Covenants 138:32-34 describes this process: "Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets. These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and all other principles of the gospel."

    
    

    Another important Mormon teaching is that spirit paradise is not the final destination but a temporary waiting place before resurrection and judgment. Alma 40:11-12 (Book of Mormon) states: "Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."

    
    

    However, Hebrews 9:27 (NLT) states: "...each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment...." This passage presents a key truth that contradicts Mormon theology: There is only one mortal life before judgment. Mormonism teaches the concept of progression after death, including the possibility of posthumous baptism, spirit prison, and eventual exaltation through continued effort. However, Hebrews affirms that after death comes judgment, negating the idea of second chances or progression after mortality.

    
    

    Hebrews 9:28 also declares another vital truth about the nature of salvation. Mormonism teaches that temple ordinances, obedience to commandments, and continued works are necessary for exaltation. However, Hebrews emphasizes that Christ’s single, perfect sacrifice is entirely sufficient for salvation. His return is not to deal with sin again but to bring final salvation to those who trust in Him. This refutes the idea that ongoing ordinances and personal effort contribute to one’s eternal destiny.

    
    

    Hebrews 9:27-28 (NLT) states:

    "And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him."

    Takeaway

    The Book of Hebrews presents a powerful and clear message about the supremacy of Christ, the sufficiency of His priesthood, and the finality of His sacrifice. Unlike the teachings of Mormonism, which suggest that human effort, ordinances, and a restored priesthood are necessary for exaltation, Hebrews emphasizes that salvation comes through Christ alone. There is no need for additional mediators, priesthoods, or works to achieve eternal life. Christ’s sacrifice was once for all, and His position as our High Priest remains forever. Those who trust in Him can have full assurance of salvation, knowing that His work is complete and sufficient., so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him."

    ]]>39efd8a3-b779-4bbe-b902-a8eff3eb8eedMon, 24 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -060015:43falsefull104104Mormonism Exposed by the Book of GalatiansThe book of Galatians is one of the clearest biblical refutations of false gospels, and it directly challenges the core teachings of Mormonism. Written by the apostle Paul, Galatians warns against adding anything to the gospel of grace through faith in Christ alone. Paul rebukes those who introduce "another gospel," saying they are distorting the true message of salvation (Galatians 1:6-9). This is highly relevant when evaluating Mormonism, which presents a gospel of works, temple ordinances, and additional revelations beyond Scripture.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Galatians Condemns "Another Gospel"

    Paul’s strongest words in Galatians are aimed at those who preach a gospel different from the one originally given. He writes:

    “I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.” (Galatians 1:6-8, NLT)

    
    

    Mormonism claims that an angel, Moroni, appeared to Joseph Smith and gave him a "restored gospel." Yet, Paul explicitly warns against believing even an angel if it brings a different gospel. This alone should cause concern for those who follow the teachings of Mormonism

    Salvation Is by Faith, Not Works

    One of the foundational teachings of Mormonism is that salvation requires obedience to laws, ordinances, and good works. However, Galatians repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is by faith in Christ alone, apart from works of the law. Paul writes:

    “Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” (Galatians 2:16, NLT)

    
    

    Mormonism teaches that exaltation (becoming like God) requires obedience to commandments, temple ordinances, and the priesthood. But Paul completely rejects any system that mixes faith with works for justification. If righteousness could be gained through works, Christ’s death would have been meaningless (Galatians 2:21).

    The Law Cannot Save

    Mormonism places a heavy emphasis on laws and ordinances, teaching that they are necessary for full salvation. However, Paul explains that the law was never meant to bring salvation but to point people to Christ.

    “Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised… If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it.” (Galatians 3:19, 21b, NLT)

    
    

    Mormonism teaches that one must follow laws to attain exaltation, but Galatians makes it clear that righteousness comes through faith, not by observing religious rules. The law was only a tutor to lead people to Christ (Galatians 3:24-25).

    We Are Children of the Promise, Not of a Religious System

    Paul contrasts those who live by faith with those who try to earn their place in God's kingdom. He uses the story of Abraham’s two sons—Isaac, the child of promise, and Ishmael, the child of human effort—to illustrate the difference between grace and works-based religion.

    
    

    “The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God’s own fulfillment of his promise… So, dear brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman; we are children of the free woman.” (Galatians 4:23, 31, NLT)

    
    

    Mormonism, like many other religious systems, relies on human effort to achieve divine favor. But Galatians teaches that believers are children of God by faith, not through religious performance.

    True Freedom Is in Christ Alone

    The message of Galatians is a call to freedom in Christ. Those who trust in works remain in bondage, but faith in Jesus brings true freedom. Paul warns:

    
    

    “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (Galatians 5:1, NLT)

    
    

    Mormonism places heavy burdens on its followers—temple requirements, tithing obligations, and striving for perfection. But the gospel of Jesus offers complete freedom through faith in Him.

    Takeaway

    The book of Galatians exposes the false gospel of Mormonism by emphasizing that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Paul’s warning about "another gospel" fits Mormonism’s teachings perfectly. No angel, prophet, or religious system can add to the finished work of Christ on the cross. Those who seek salvation through works are rejecting the true gospel.

    ]]>The book of Galatians is one of the clearest biblical refutations of false gospels, and it directly challenges the core teachings of Mormonism. Written by the apostle Paul, Galatians warns against adding anything to the gospel of grace through faith in Christ alone. Paul rebukes those who introduce "another gospel," saying they are distorting the true message of salvation (Galatians 1:6-9). This is highly relevant when evaluating Mormonism, which presents a gospel of works, temple ordinances, and additional revelations beyond Scripture.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Galatians Condemns "Another Gospel"

    Paul’s strongest words in Galatians are aimed at those who preach a gospel different from the one originally given. He writes:

    “I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.” (Galatians 1:6-8, NLT)

    
    

    Mormonism claims that an angel, Moroni, appeared to Joseph Smith and gave him a "restored gospel." Yet, Paul explicitly warns against believing even an angel if it brings a different gospel. This alone should cause concern for those who follow the teachings of Mormonism

    Salvation Is by Faith, Not Works

    One of the foundational teachings of Mormonism is that salvation requires obedience to laws, ordinances, and good works. However, Galatians repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is by faith in Christ alone, apart from works of the law. Paul writes:

    “Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.” (Galatians 2:16, NLT)

    
    

    Mormonism teaches that exaltation (becoming like God) requires obedience to commandments, temple ordinances, and the priesthood. But Paul completely rejects any system that mixes faith with works for justification. If righteousness could be gained through works, Christ’s death would have been meaningless (Galatians 2:21).

    The Law Cannot Save

    Mormonism places a heavy emphasis on laws and ordinances, teaching that they are necessary for full salvation. However, Paul explains that the law was never meant to bring salvation but to point people to Christ.

    “Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised… If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it.” (Galatians 3:19, 21b, NLT)

    
    

    Mormonism teaches that one must follow laws to attain exaltation, but Galatians makes it clear that righteousness comes through faith, not by observing religious rules. The law was only a tutor to lead people to Christ (Galatians 3:24-25).

    We Are Children of the Promise, Not of a Religious System

    Paul contrasts those who live by faith with those who try to earn their place in God's kingdom. He uses the story of Abraham’s two sons—Isaac, the child of promise, and Ishmael, the child of human effort—to illustrate the difference between grace and works-based religion.

    
    

    “The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God’s own fulfillment of his promise… So, dear brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman; we are children of the free woman.” (Galatians 4:23, 31, NLT)

    
    

    Mormonism, like many other religious systems, relies on human effort to achieve divine favor. But Galatians teaches that believers are children of God by faith, not through religious performance.

    True Freedom Is in Christ Alone

    The message of Galatians is a call to freedom in Christ. Those who trust in works remain in bondage, but faith in Jesus brings true freedom. Paul warns:

    
    

    “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (Galatians 5:1, NLT)

    
    

    Mormonism places heavy burdens on its followers—temple requirements, tithing obligations, and striving for perfection. But the gospel of Jesus offers complete freedom through faith in Him.

    Takeaway

    The book of Galatians exposes the false gospel of Mormonism by emphasizing that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Paul’s warning about "another gospel" fits Mormonism’s teachings perfectly. No angel, prophet, or religious system can add to the finished work of Christ on the cross. Those who seek salvation through works are rejecting the true gospel.

    ]]>b8faad54-9404-4397-b3e2-4374ffd9e6cfMon, 17 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -060010:07falsefull103103Rabbit Holes After MormonismLeaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is a life-altering decision. For many, it’s a painful process that leads to more questions than answers. Once the foundation of Mormonism crumbles, ex-members must decide where to go next. Some turn to biblical Christianity and find truth in the gospel of Jesus Christ, while others venture into different ideological or religious rabbit holes. The search for truth can take many forms, but not all paths lead to freedom and fulfillment in Christ.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    1. Deconstructing Faith Altogether

    One of the most common outcomes for ex-Mormons is the complete deconstruction of faith. After realizing that the LDS Church is not true, many begin to doubt all religious claims, including Christianity. The logical conclusion for some is agnosticism or atheism, believing that if Mormonism was a lie, perhaps all religions are man-made.

    This path is often fueled by bitterness or exhaustion from years of religious performance. Former Mormons may feel deceived and unwilling to trust any organized belief system again. Some even become vocal critics of Christianity, equating the Bible with the Book of Mormon and assuming both are unreliable. However, this approach overlooks key differences—unlike Mormonism, biblical Christianity is rooted in historical, archaeological, and theological truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

    2. Embracing a Godless Lifestyle

    For some, leaving Mormonism becomes an excuse to indulge in behaviors previously forbidden by the LDS Church. With no more Word of Wisdom restrictions, some turn to excessive drinking, drug use, or promiscuity as a way to reclaim their "freedom." The strict moral code of Mormonism can feel suffocating, and once those restraints are gone, the pendulum swings hard in the opposite direction.

    But this new form of “freedom” often leads to emptiness. Without a solid moral foundation, people may experience broken relationships, addiction, or deep dissatisfaction. The Bible warns that “there is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (Proverbs 14:12, NLT). True freedom is not found in abandoning all moral boundaries but in Christ, who offers abundant life (John 10:10).

    3. Turning to New Age Spirituality

    Some ex-Mormons don’t abandon spirituality but instead embrace mysticism, energy healing, or Eastern religious ideas. The structured theology of Mormonism can leave a void that alternative spiritualities attempt to fill. Many become drawn to meditation, astrology, or the idea of a “higher consciousness,” believing that they can still connect with the divine—just without the structure of Christianity.

    This path can be appealing because it rejects religious authority while still offering a sense of spirituality. However, it is a dangerous deception. The Bible warns against spiritual practices that lead people away from the true God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Instead of looking inward or seeking mystical experiences, former Mormons need to seek the real Jesus, who offers salvation, not vague spiritualism (John 14:6).

    4. Exploring Eastern Orthodoxy or Catholicism

    Many ex-Mormons who still desire structured faith are drawn to Eastern Orthodoxy or Roman Catholicism because of their claims to apostolic succession. After realizing that Mormon priesthood authority is unfounded, some seek a church that claims unbroken authority from the apostles. The idea of an ancient, traditional church is appealing after leaving a modern, man-made religion like Mormonism.

    While these traditions have deep historical roots, they also come with theological baggage. Many former Mormons find comfort in ritual and tradition but fail to examine whether these traditions align with Scripture. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone—not through sacraments or church authority (Ephesians 2:8-9). While church history is important, authority must always be tested by the Word of God (Acts 17:11).

    Finding Biblical Christianity

    The best path after Mormonism is to examine who Jesus really is and what the Bible truly teaches. Many former Mormons initially resist Christianity because they assume it’s just another version of organized religion. However, biblical Christianity stands apart from Mormonism in fundamental ways.

    Unlike Mormonism, the gospel is not about earning God’s favor through works, temple ordinances, or church membership. Jesus offers salvation as a free gift to those who trust in Him alone (Romans 10:9-10). The Bible is reliable, historically supported, and has not been changed to fit human agendas (Isaiah 40:8). True faith is not about an institution—it’s about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

    Conclusion

    Leaving Mormonism is a journey with many possible destinations. Some ex-Mormons deconstruct faith entirely, others fall into hedonism or New Age beliefs, and still others explore apostolic traditions. But the ultimate question remains: What is truth?

    Jesus made it clear when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NLT). Former Mormons must wrestle with this reality. Instead of following another rabbit hole, the best path is to examine Jesus Christ and the Bible, which provide a firm foundation for faith, hope, and eternal life.

    ]]>Leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is a life-altering decision. For many, it’s a painful process that leads to more questions than answers. Once the foundation of Mormonism crumbles, ex-members must decide where to go next. Some turn to biblical Christianity and find truth in the gospel of Jesus Christ, while others venture into different ideological or religious rabbit holes. The search for truth can take many forms, but not all paths lead to freedom and fulfillment in Christ.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    1. Deconstructing Faith Altogether

    One of the most common outcomes for ex-Mormons is the complete deconstruction of faith. After realizing that the LDS Church is not true, many begin to doubt all religious claims, including Christianity. The logical conclusion for some is agnosticism or atheism, believing that if Mormonism was a lie, perhaps all religions are man-made.

    This path is often fueled by bitterness or exhaustion from years of religious performance. Former Mormons may feel deceived and unwilling to trust any organized belief system again. Some even become vocal critics of Christianity, equating the Bible with the Book of Mormon and assuming both are unreliable. However, this approach overlooks key differences—unlike Mormonism, biblical Christianity is rooted in historical, archaeological, and theological truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

    2. Embracing a Godless Lifestyle

    For some, leaving Mormonism becomes an excuse to indulge in behaviors previously forbidden by the LDS Church. With no more Word of Wisdom restrictions, some turn to excessive drinking, drug use, or promiscuity as a way to reclaim their "freedom." The strict moral code of Mormonism can feel suffocating, and once those restraints are gone, the pendulum swings hard in the opposite direction.

    But this new form of “freedom” often leads to emptiness. Without a solid moral foundation, people may experience broken relationships, addiction, or deep dissatisfaction. The Bible warns that “there is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (Proverbs 14:12, NLT). True freedom is not found in abandoning all moral boundaries but in Christ, who offers abundant life (John 10:10).

    3. Turning to New Age Spirituality

    Some ex-Mormons don’t abandon spirituality but instead embrace mysticism, energy healing, or Eastern religious ideas. The structured theology of Mormonism can leave a void that alternative spiritualities attempt to fill. Many become drawn to meditation, astrology, or the idea of a “higher consciousness,” believing that they can still connect with the divine—just without the structure of Christianity.

    This path can be appealing because it rejects religious authority while still offering a sense of spirituality. However, it is a dangerous deception. The Bible warns against spiritual practices that lead people away from the true God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Instead of looking inward or seeking mystical experiences, former Mormons need to seek the real Jesus, who offers salvation, not vague spiritualism (John 14:6).

    4. Exploring Eastern Orthodoxy or Catholicism

    Many ex-Mormons who still desire structured faith are drawn to Eastern Orthodoxy or Roman Catholicism because of their claims to apostolic succession. After realizing that Mormon priesthood authority is unfounded, some seek a church that claims unbroken authority from the apostles. The idea of an ancient, traditional church is appealing after leaving a modern, man-made religion like Mormonism.

    While these traditions have deep historical roots, they also come with theological baggage. Many former Mormons find comfort in ritual and tradition but fail to examine whether these traditions align with Scripture. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone—not through sacraments or church authority (Ephesians 2:8-9). While church history is important, authority must always be tested by the Word of God (Acts 17:11).

    Finding Biblical Christianity

    The best path after Mormonism is to examine who Jesus really is and what the Bible truly teaches. Many former Mormons initially resist Christianity because they assume it’s just another version of organized religion. However, biblical Christianity stands apart from Mormonism in fundamental ways.

    Unlike Mormonism, the gospel is not about earning God’s favor through works, temple ordinances, or church membership. Jesus offers salvation as a free gift to those who trust in Him alone (Romans 10:9-10). The Bible is reliable, historically supported, and has not been changed to fit human agendas (Isaiah 40:8). True faith is not about an institution—it’s about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

    Conclusion

    Leaving Mormonism is a journey with many possible destinations. Some ex-Mormons deconstruct faith entirely, others fall into hedonism or New Age beliefs, and still others explore apostolic traditions. But the ultimate question remains: What is truth?

    Jesus made it clear when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NLT). Former Mormons must wrestle with this reality. Instead of following another rabbit hole, the best path is to examine Jesus Christ and the Bible, which provide a firm foundation for faith, hope, and eternal life.

    ]]>7321cf8d-ad71-4b25-a04a-9cc3808fbae3Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -060027:12falsefull102102Holli’s Story: Physically In, Mentally Out MormonsGrowing up in a devout Mormon family, Holli never imagined she'd question her faith—until life’s challenges and hidden truths changed everything. In this episode, she shares her journey of doubt, the struggle to balance faith and family, and the beauty of experiencing God's grace.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    In this candid episode, Holli opens up about her lifelong journey within Mormonism and the transformation that led her to question long-held beliefs. Raised in a devout Mormon family and having served a mission in Chile, Holli’s early life was steeped in the traditions and comforts of the church. However, as life’s trials and a series of eye-opening experiences unfolded, she found herself living a double life—physically present in her community while her heart and mind embarked on a quest for deeper truth.

    A Lifelong Bond Turned Challenging

    Holli shares that her early years were deeply rooted in the church, with family, mission work, and a strong communal identity serving as her rock. The church not only provided her with a sense of purpose but also defined her identity, making the journey of deconstruction all the more painful when personal loss and hidden truths emerged.

    The Moment of Unraveling

    The turning point came unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discomfort with mandated safety measures and revelations about the church’s financial interests—like its involvement with Pfizer—sparked questions about the institution’s true nature. As Holli discovered unsettling aspects of church history and policies, her once-black-and-white faith began to blur into a complex tapestry of doubt and revelation.

    Balancing Family and Faith

    One of the most challenging aspects of Holli’s journey is the delicate balance of staying connected to her children’s community while embracing her newfound convictions. Identifying as “pimo” (physically in, mentally out), she continues to participate in church life for her children’s sake, even as her personal beliefs evolve. Her honest approach—attending a local Christian church she loves while gently distancing herself from traditional Mormon practices—exemplifies the struggle many face when re-evaluating deeply ingrained identities.

    Embracing Compassion and Listening

    Despite the upheaval in her spiritual life, Holli emphasizes the importance of compassion and open dialogue. Her advice resonates with anyone grappling with the complexities of faith: listen deeply, approach others with empathy, and remain open to the transformative power of truth. She also highlights the additional struggles faced by widowed women in the church, urging for a more inclusive and understanding community.

    Moving Forward in Faith

    Holli’s story is a powerful testament to the challenges of unlearning a lifetime of beliefs and the courage required to forge a new path. As she navigates this transition, her journey invites us all to reflect on our own spiritual paths and the ways we can seek a deeper, more honest connection with God.

    ]]>Growing up in a devout Mormon family, Holli never imagined she'd question her faith—until life’s challenges and hidden truths changed everything. In this episode, she shares her journey of doubt, the struggle to balance faith and family, and the beauty of experiencing God's grace.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    In this candid episode, Holli opens up about her lifelong journey within Mormonism and the transformation that led her to question long-held beliefs. Raised in a devout Mormon family and having served a mission in Chile, Holli’s early life was steeped in the traditions and comforts of the church. However, as life’s trials and a series of eye-opening experiences unfolded, she found herself living a double life—physically present in her community while her heart and mind embarked on a quest for deeper truth.

    A Lifelong Bond Turned Challenging

    Holli shares that her early years were deeply rooted in the church, with family, mission work, and a strong communal identity serving as her rock. The church not only provided her with a sense of purpose but also defined her identity, making the journey of deconstruction all the more painful when personal loss and hidden truths emerged.

    The Moment of Unraveling

    The turning point came unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discomfort with mandated safety measures and revelations about the church’s financial interests—like its involvement with Pfizer—sparked questions about the institution’s true nature. As Holli discovered unsettling aspects of church history and policies, her once-black-and-white faith began to blur into a complex tapestry of doubt and revelation.

    Balancing Family and Faith

    One of the most challenging aspects of Holli’s journey is the delicate balance of staying connected to her children’s community while embracing her newfound convictions. Identifying as “pimo” (physically in, mentally out), she continues to participate in church life for her children’s sake, even as her personal beliefs evolve. Her honest approach—attending a local Christian church she loves while gently distancing herself from traditional Mormon practices—exemplifies the struggle many face when re-evaluating deeply ingrained identities.

    Embracing Compassion and Listening

    Despite the upheaval in her spiritual life, Holli emphasizes the importance of compassion and open dialogue. Her advice resonates with anyone grappling with the complexities of faith: listen deeply, approach others with empathy, and remain open to the transformative power of truth. She also highlights the additional struggles faced by widowed women in the church, urging for a more inclusive and understanding community.

    Moving Forward in Faith

    Holli’s story is a powerful testament to the challenges of unlearning a lifetime of beliefs and the courage required to forge a new path. As she navigates this transition, her journey invites us all to reflect on our own spiritual paths and the ways we can seek a deeper, more honest connection with God.

    ]]>9a930d20-daa2-4404-a7f1-eb440e6944caMon, 03 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -060029:59falsefull101101Should You Leave the Mormon Church?In a world where even well-intentioned advice from family can lead you astray, it's crucial to remember that true guidance comes from God—not from those whose perspectives are shaped by a false system. Many Mormon family members, though loving, may offer counsel that reflects their own beliefs rather than the unchanging truth of Scripture.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Should You Leave the Mormon Church?

    Every believer faces moments of decision when the question arises: “How do I know if it’s God’s voice or just my own thoughts?” In today’s world—where even our closest friends and family can unintentionally mislead us—it’s essential to learn from Scripture and the example of Paul. His journey, recorded in Acts 21–22 (NLT), offers profound insight into discerning God’s will even when it challenges our most deeply held attachments.

    The Challenge of Discerning God’s Voice

    The Bible reminds us in Jeremiah 17:9–10 (NLT) that “the human heart is the most deceitful of all things… But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives.” Our own desires, combined with well-meaning advice, can cloud our judgment and make it difficult to distinguish between our thoughts and God’s true direction. Often, we listen for what we want to hear rather than what God is actually saying to us.

    Paul’s Journey: A Model for Spiritual Discernment

    In Acts 20:22–23 (NLT), Paul declares, “I am bound by the Spirit… I don’t know what awaits me except that jail and suffering lie ahead.” Yet, as he continued his journey, Paul encountered conflicting messages. In Acts 21:4 (NLT), local believers, moved by the Holy Spirit, warned him not to go to Jerusalem, and later, Agabus’s dramatic prophecy (Acts 21:10–12, NLT) further complicated matters. Despite these warnings, Paul’s unwavering commitment to Jesus led him to boldly proclaim, “The Lord’s will be done” (Acts 21:13–14, NLT). His example teaches us that true clarity comes not from a momentary decision but from a lifelong dedication to following Jesus.

    
    

    The “Friendship Effect” and Ruinous Empathy

    Even those who care for us deeply—our best friends and loving parents—can sometimes offer advice that reflects their own desires rather than God’s truth. This “friendship effect” or “ruinous empathy” can lure us into staying in familiar yet spiritually compromising situations. When seeking God’s guidance, it is crucial to remember that the Holy Spirit speaks above every other voice, urging us toward the unfiltered truth of God’s Word rather than comforting but ultimately misleading opinions.

    
    

    Leaving the Mormon Church: A Call to True Discipleship

    For those questioning, “Should you leave the Mormon church?” the answer is found in a commitment to discerning God’s voice with clarity and conviction. When we compare the unyielding call of Paul with the complex and sometimes deceptive counsel we receive from those within our communities, it becomes clear that a life devoted to Jesus demands obedience—even if that means leaving behind institutions that stray from biblical truth. From an evangelical perspective, the Mormon church’s teachings and practices often diverge from the foundational truths of Scripture. Just as Paul was willing to face suffering for the sake of the gospel (Acts 9:15–16, NLT; Acts 14:22, NLT), so must we be prepared to make difficult decisions that honor the true voice of God in our lives.

    
    

    Embracing a Lifelong Commitment to Jesus

    Discerning God’s voice isn’t a one-time event; it’s the fruit of a lifelong commitment to Christ. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, praying for discernment, and surrounding ourselves with godly counsel, we cultivate the spiritual sensitivity needed to distinguish His voice from our own thoughts. Paul’s example reminds us that following Jesus may require rejecting the comfortable and familiar in favor of a more challenging, yet rewarding, path toward eternal truth.

    
    

    Conclusion

    In our journey of faith, we must be willing to listen carefully to the voice of the Holy Spirit and not be swayed by well-meaning but misguided counsel. When the call to follow Jesus demands that you leave behind teachings and communities that do not align with Scripture, the answer is clear: yes, you should leave the Mormon church.

    ]]>In a world where even well-intentioned advice from family can lead you astray, it's crucial to remember that true guidance comes from God—not from those whose perspectives are shaped by a false system. Many Mormon family members, though loving, may offer counsel that reflects their own beliefs rather than the unchanging truth of Scripture.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    Should You Leave the Mormon Church?

    Every believer faces moments of decision when the question arises: “How do I know if it’s God’s voice or just my own thoughts?” In today’s world—where even our closest friends and family can unintentionally mislead us—it’s essential to learn from Scripture and the example of Paul. His journey, recorded in Acts 21–22 (NLT), offers profound insight into discerning God’s will even when it challenges our most deeply held attachments.

    The Challenge of Discerning God’s Voice

    The Bible reminds us in Jeremiah 17:9–10 (NLT) that “the human heart is the most deceitful of all things… But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives.” Our own desires, combined with well-meaning advice, can cloud our judgment and make it difficult to distinguish between our thoughts and God’s true direction. Often, we listen for what we want to hear rather than what God is actually saying to us.

    Paul’s Journey: A Model for Spiritual Discernment

    In Acts 20:22–23 (NLT), Paul declares, “I am bound by the Spirit… I don’t know what awaits me except that jail and suffering lie ahead.” Yet, as he continued his journey, Paul encountered conflicting messages. In Acts 21:4 (NLT), local believers, moved by the Holy Spirit, warned him not to go to Jerusalem, and later, Agabus’s dramatic prophecy (Acts 21:10–12, NLT) further complicated matters. Despite these warnings, Paul’s unwavering commitment to Jesus led him to boldly proclaim, “The Lord’s will be done” (Acts 21:13–14, NLT). His example teaches us that true clarity comes not from a momentary decision but from a lifelong dedication to following Jesus.

    
    

    The “Friendship Effect” and Ruinous Empathy

    Even those who care for us deeply—our best friends and loving parents—can sometimes offer advice that reflects their own desires rather than God’s truth. This “friendship effect” or “ruinous empathy” can lure us into staying in familiar yet spiritually compromising situations. When seeking God’s guidance, it is crucial to remember that the Holy Spirit speaks above every other voice, urging us toward the unfiltered truth of God’s Word rather than comforting but ultimately misleading opinions.

    
    

    Leaving the Mormon Church: A Call to True Discipleship

    For those questioning, “Should you leave the Mormon church?” the answer is found in a commitment to discerning God’s voice with clarity and conviction. When we compare the unyielding call of Paul with the complex and sometimes deceptive counsel we receive from those within our communities, it becomes clear that a life devoted to Jesus demands obedience—even if that means leaving behind institutions that stray from biblical truth. From an evangelical perspective, the Mormon church’s teachings and practices often diverge from the foundational truths of Scripture. Just as Paul was willing to face suffering for the sake of the gospel (Acts 9:15–16, NLT; Acts 14:22, NLT), so must we be prepared to make difficult decisions that honor the true voice of God in our lives.

    
    

    Embracing a Lifelong Commitment to Jesus

    Discerning God’s voice isn’t a one-time event; it’s the fruit of a lifelong commitment to Christ. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, praying for discernment, and surrounding ourselves with godly counsel, we cultivate the spiritual sensitivity needed to distinguish His voice from our own thoughts. Paul’s example reminds us that following Jesus may require rejecting the comfortable and familiar in favor of a more challenging, yet rewarding, path toward eternal truth.

    
    

    Conclusion

    In our journey of faith, we must be willing to listen carefully to the voice of the Holy Spirit and not be swayed by well-meaning but misguided counsel. When the call to follow Jesus demands that you leave behind teachings and communities that do not align with Scripture, the answer is clear: yes, you should leave the Mormon church.

    ]]>ee431f01-ca2c-4d18-be41-e9d19965e71bMon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -060014:48falsefull100100The Trinity and the Council at NicaeaThe doctrine of the Trinity is one of the foundational beliefs of Christianity, affirming that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet is one in essence. However, misconceptions abound regarding its origins, particularly concerning the role of the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325), Emperor Constantine, and the Arian controversy. Some claim the Trinity was invented at Nicaea or imposed by Constantine, but history tells a different story.

    Watch the conversation between Mike Winger and Wes Huff.

    --

    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

    --

    The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the foundational beliefs of Christianity, affirming that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet is one in essence. However, misconceptions abound regarding its origins, particularly concerning the role of the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325), Emperor Constantine, and the Arian controversy. Some claim the Trinity was invented at Nicaea or imposed by Constantine, but history tells a different story.

    1. Was the Trinity Invented at Nicaea?

    A common myth is that the doctrine of the Trinity was created at the Council of Nicaea. In reality, the core concept of God’s triune nature existed long before the fourth century. The early church fathers, including Tertullian (A.D. 160–225) and Origen (A.D. 185–253), wrote extensively about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct persons sharing one divine essence. The Council of Nicaea did not introduce the idea but clarified it in response to the Arian controversy.

    2. The Arian Controversy: Was Jesus a Created Being?

    Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria, taught that Jesus was not eternally God but a created being who was exalted above all creation. This view directly contradicted Scripture, which presents Jesus as fully divine (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:3). Arianism gained traction, prompting a theological crisis that led Emperor Constantine to convene the Council of Nicaea. The council decisively rejected Arianism, affirming that Christ is "of the same essence" (homoousios) as the Father. This was not a new doctrine but a reaffirmation of what the church had always believed.

    3. Did Constantine Impose the Trinity?

    Another misconception is that Emperor Constantine imposed the doctrine of the Trinity for political reasons. While Constantine did call the council to promote unity in the empire, he did not dictate its theological outcome. He initially leaned toward Arian sympathies but ultimately accepted the Nicene Creed, which was formulated by church leaders based on Scripture, not imperial decree. The council’s decision reflected the consensus of bishops from across the Christian world, not a political mandate.

    4. The Trinity: A Biblical Doctrine, Not a Man-Made One

    Despite arguments that the Trinity is a later theological development, the doctrine is firmly rooted in Scripture. Passages such as Matthew 28:19 (“baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”) and 2 Corinthians 13:14 (“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all”) clearly present a triune understanding of God. The doctrine of the Trinity is not an invention of the church but a faithful reflection of biblical revelation.

    
    

    Mormon Beliefs About the Trinity

    Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or LDS Church) reject the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity as formulated in the Nicene Creed (AD 325). Instead, they believe in the Godhead as three distinct, separate beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who are "one" in purpose rather than being one in substance.

    Latter-day Saints reject the idea that God is of one essence or being (homoousios) as defined in the Nicene Creed. Instead, they believe:

    • God the Father and Jesus Christ are two separate, corporeal beings with glorified bodies of flesh and bone.
    • The Holy Ghost is a separate personage of spirit.
    • They are perfectly united in will, purpose, and power, but not in physical being.
    
    

    Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, emphasized the distinctness of the Father and the Son in his First Vision account, where he claimed to have seen both of them as separate beings:

    “I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—‘This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!’”

    (Joseph Smith—History 1:17, Pearl of Great Price)

    LDS Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland reinforced this belief:

    "We believe these divine persons are three distinct beings, but they are one in purpose, in love, and in desire to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of all mankind."

    (Jeffrey R. Holland, General Conference, October 2007)

    Mormon Views on the Council of Nicaea

    The LDS Church generally views the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) as a departure from original Christian teachings. Mormons believe that after the deaths of the original apostles, doctrinal corruption entered Christianity, which they call the Great Apostasy.

    Joseph Smith spoke critically of creeds, including Nicene Christianity:

    “I cannot believe in any of the creeds of the different denominations, because they all have some things in them I cannot subscribe to. Though all have a little truth, all are wrong, when taken in their entirety.”

    (Joseph Smith, quoted in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 327)

    A modern LDS leader, Bruce R. McConkie, called the Nicene Creed a philosophical distortion:

    “The Creeds of Christendom codify what Jeremiah calls ‘the lies’ which ‘have inherited’ from past ages. They say that the Father is unknowable, incomprehensible, and without body, parts, or passions. This is false.”

    (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 269)

    LDS scholar James E. Talmage also criticized the Nicene formulation:

    “The establishment of the Church of Christ upon the earth was followed by a widespread apostasy. The simplicity of the Gospel was corrupted, and unauthorized changes were made in its structure.”

    (James E. Talmage, The Great Apostasy, 1909, p. 79)

    Mormons reject the traditional doctrine of the Trinity in favor of a belief in a distinct, embodied Father and Son, with the Holy Ghost as a separate spirit being. They view the Council of Nicaea as part of an apostate deviation from early Christianity, replacing simple, biblical truths with Greek philosophical constructs.

    Takeaway

    The Trinity is not a man-made doctrine imposed at Nicaea but a biblical truth affirmed throughout church history. The Council of Nicaea addressed the Arian controversy by defending what Christians had always believed: that Jesus Christ is fully God. Constantine did not create or enforce the Trinity; rather, the church, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, defended it against heresy. Understanding these historical realities helps believers stand firm in the truth and proclaim the gospel with clarity and conviction.

    
    
    

    The Edict of Toleration and the Council of Nicaea are connected through the broader historical context of the legalization and eventual promotion of Christianity in the Roman Empire during the early 4th century.

    1. The Edicts of Toleration and Legalization of Christianity

    Before the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), Christianity had suffered periods of persecution under the Roman Empire. However, this changed through a series of imperial decrees known as Edicts of Toleration, which granted legal status to Christianity:

    • Edict of Toleration (AD 311) – Issued by Emperor Galerius, this decree officially ended the Diocletianic Persecution (303–311) and allowed Christians to practice their faith, though with restrictions. Galerius, once a fierce persecutor, acknowledged that his efforts to suppress Christianity had failed, stating:
    • 
      
    • 
      
    • “Wherefore, for this our indulgence, they ought to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the republic, and for their own.”
    • (Lactantius, On the Deaths of the Persecutors, 34)
    • 
      
    • 
      
    • Edict of Milan (AD 313) – Issued by Constantine the Great (Western Roman Emperor) and Licinius (Eastern Roman Emperor), this decree expanded religious freedom, granting full legal rights to Christians and restoring confiscated property. It declared:
    • 
      
    • 
      
    • “We have resolved to grant to both the Christians and to...]]>The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the foundational beliefs of Christianity, affirming that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet is one in essence. However, misconceptions abound regarding its origins, particularly concerning the role of the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325), Emperor Constantine, and the Arian controversy. Some claim the Trinity was invented at Nicaea or imposed by Constantine, but history tells a different story.

      Watch the conversation between Mike Winger and Wes Huff.

      --

      The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

      Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

      Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

      Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

      Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

      Donate Now

      --

      The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the foundational beliefs of Christianity, affirming that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet is one in essence. However, misconceptions abound regarding its origins, particularly concerning the role of the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325), Emperor Constantine, and the Arian controversy. Some claim the Trinity was invented at Nicaea or imposed by Constantine, but history tells a different story.

      1. Was the Trinity Invented at Nicaea?

      A common myth is that the doctrine of the Trinity was created at the Council of Nicaea. In reality, the core concept of God’s triune nature existed long before the fourth century. The early church fathers, including Tertullian (A.D. 160–225) and Origen (A.D. 185–253), wrote extensively about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct persons sharing one divine essence. The Council of Nicaea did not introduce the idea but clarified it in response to the Arian controversy.

      2. The Arian Controversy: Was Jesus a Created Being?

      Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria, taught that Jesus was not eternally God but a created being who was exalted above all creation. This view directly contradicted Scripture, which presents Jesus as fully divine (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:3). Arianism gained traction, prompting a theological crisis that led Emperor Constantine to convene the Council of Nicaea. The council decisively rejected Arianism, affirming that Christ is "of the same essence" (homoousios) as the Father. This was not a new doctrine but a reaffirmation of what the church had always believed.

      3. Did Constantine Impose the Trinity?

      Another misconception is that Emperor Constantine imposed the doctrine of the Trinity for political reasons. While Constantine did call the council to promote unity in the empire, he did not dictate its theological outcome. He initially leaned toward Arian sympathies but ultimately accepted the Nicene Creed, which was formulated by church leaders based on Scripture, not imperial decree. The council’s decision reflected the consensus of bishops from across the Christian world, not a political mandate.

      4. The Trinity: A Biblical Doctrine, Not a Man-Made One

      Despite arguments that the Trinity is a later theological development, the doctrine is firmly rooted in Scripture. Passages such as Matthew 28:19 (“baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”) and 2 Corinthians 13:14 (“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all”) clearly present a triune understanding of God. The doctrine of the Trinity is not an invention of the church but a faithful reflection of biblical revelation.

      
      

      Mormon Beliefs About the Trinity

      Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or LDS Church) reject the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity as formulated in the Nicene Creed (AD 325). Instead, they believe in the Godhead as three distinct, separate beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who are "one" in purpose rather than being one in substance.

      Latter-day Saints reject the idea that God is of one essence or being (homoousios) as defined in the Nicene Creed. Instead, they believe:

      • God the Father and Jesus Christ are two separate, corporeal beings with glorified bodies of flesh and bone.
      • The Holy Ghost is a separate personage of spirit.
      • They are perfectly united in will, purpose, and power, but not in physical being.
      
      

      Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, emphasized the distinctness of the Father and the Son in his First Vision account, where he claimed to have seen both of them as separate beings:

      “I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—‘This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!’”

      (Joseph Smith—History 1:17, Pearl of Great Price)

      LDS Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland reinforced this belief:

      "We believe these divine persons are three distinct beings, but they are one in purpose, in love, and in desire to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of all mankind."

      (Jeffrey R. Holland, General Conference, October 2007)

      Mormon Views on the Council of Nicaea

      The LDS Church generally views the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) as a departure from original Christian teachings. Mormons believe that after the deaths of the original apostles, doctrinal corruption entered Christianity, which they call the Great Apostasy.

      Joseph Smith spoke critically of creeds, including Nicene Christianity:

      “I cannot believe in any of the creeds of the different denominations, because they all have some things in them I cannot subscribe to. Though all have a little truth, all are wrong, when taken in their entirety.”

      (Joseph Smith, quoted in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 327)

      A modern LDS leader, Bruce R. McConkie, called the Nicene Creed a philosophical distortion:

      “The Creeds of Christendom codify what Jeremiah calls ‘the lies’ which ‘have inherited’ from past ages. They say that the Father is unknowable, incomprehensible, and without body, parts, or passions. This is false.”

      (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 269)

      LDS scholar James E. Talmage also criticized the Nicene formulation:

      “The establishment of the Church of Christ upon the earth was followed by a widespread apostasy. The simplicity of the Gospel was corrupted, and unauthorized changes were made in its structure.”

      (James E. Talmage, The Great Apostasy, 1909, p. 79)

      Mormons reject the traditional doctrine of the Trinity in favor of a belief in a distinct, embodied Father and Son, with the Holy Ghost as a separate spirit being. They view the Council of Nicaea as part of an apostate deviation from early Christianity, replacing simple, biblical truths with Greek philosophical constructs.

      Takeaway

      The Trinity is not a man-made doctrine imposed at Nicaea but a biblical truth affirmed throughout church history. The Council of Nicaea addressed the Arian controversy by defending what Christians had always believed: that Jesus Christ is fully God. Constantine did not create or enforce the Trinity; rather, the church, guided by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, defended it against heresy. Understanding these historical realities helps believers stand firm in the truth and proclaim the gospel with clarity and conviction.

      
      
      

      The Edict of Toleration and the Council of Nicaea are connected through the broader historical context of the legalization and eventual promotion of Christianity in the Roman Empire during the early 4th century.

      1. The Edicts of Toleration and Legalization of Christianity

      Before the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), Christianity had suffered periods of persecution under the Roman Empire. However, this changed through a series of imperial decrees known as Edicts of Toleration, which granted legal status to Christianity:

      • Edict of Toleration (AD 311) – Issued by Emperor Galerius, this decree officially ended the Diocletianic Persecution (303–311) and allowed Christians to practice their faith, though with restrictions. Galerius, once a fierce persecutor, acknowledged that his efforts to suppress Christianity had failed, stating:
      • 
        
      • 
        
      • “Wherefore, for this our indulgence, they ought to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the republic, and for their own.”
      • (Lactantius, On the Deaths of the Persecutors, 34)
      • 
        
      • 
        
      • Edict of Milan (AD 313) – Issued by Constantine the Great (Western Roman Emperor) and Licinius (Eastern Roman Emperor), this decree expanded religious freedom, granting full legal rights to Christians and restoring confiscated property. It declared:
      • 
        
      • 
        
      • “We have resolved to grant to both the Christians and to all others full authority to follow whatever worship each man has desired.”
      • (Lactantius, On the Deaths of the Persecutors, 48)
      • 
        
      
      

      2. Connection to the Council of Nicaea (AD 325)

      The Edict of Milan set the stage for the Council of Nicaea by legalizing Christianity and giving it imperial favor. This had several important consequences:

      1. Christianity Became an Imperial Concern – With Christianity now legally protected, internal theological disputes (such as the Arian controversy) became an issue of state unity. Constantine sought to unify Christian doctrine to maintain stability in the empire.
      2. 
         
      3. Constantine’s Role in Christian Affairs – Though not yet baptized, Constantine saw Christianity as a tool for unifying the empire. He convened the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 to settle the dispute over Arianism (the belief that Jesus was not of the same essence as the Father).
      4. 
         
      5. Shift from Persecuted Sect to Imperial Religion – Before the edicts of toleration, Christians faced martyrdom for their faith. After Nicaea, Christianity moved toward becoming the dominant state religion, culminating in Emperor Theodosius I’s Edict of Thessalonica (AD 380), which made Nicene Christianity the official faith of the Roman Empire.
      6. 
         
      
      

      Conclusion

      The Edict of Toleration (311) and the Edict of Milan (313) paved the way for Christianity’s legal acceptance, leading directly to the Council of Nicaea (325). The council, convened by Constantine, sought to resolve theological disputes within a now imperially recognized and favored Christian Church, marking the transition from a persecuted minority faith to a religion closely tied to imperial authority.

      
      

      The word "Trinity" (Latin: Trinitas) was not used at the Council of Nicaea (AD 325). While the council affirmed the divinity of Jesus Christ and his oneness in essence (homoousios) with the Father, the formal doctrine of the Trinity as later articulated was still developing.

      What Nicaea Did Define

      The primary purpose of the Council of Nicaea was to address the Arian controversy, which questioned whether Jesus was divine in the same way as God the Father. The council produced the Nicene Creed, which affirmed:

      • Jesus Christ is "of one substance" (homoousios) with the Father.
      • He was "begotten, not made," countering Arius' teaching that Christ was a created being.
      
      

      However, the full Trinitarian doctrine—which includes the co-equality and co-eternality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—was not fully articulated until the Council of Constantinople (AD 381), which expanded the Nicene Creed and explicitly included the Holy Spirit.

      Development of the Word "Trinity"

      
      

      The Council of Constantinople (AD 381) is the council that formally established the doctrine of the Trinity as understood in mainstream Christianity.

      Key Contributions of the Council of Constantinople (381):

      1. Expanded the Nicene Creed – The council reaffirmed and expanded the Nicene Creed (325) to include a more detailed statement on the Holy Spirit, confirming His divinity and personhood. This later version is often called the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.
      2. Declared the Holy Spirit as Fully Divine – While Nicaea (325) focused on the Son's divinity (homoousios – "of the same essence" as the Father), Constantinople affirmed that the Holy Spirit is also fully God, proceeding from the Father.
      3. Condemned Various Heresies – The council rejected:
      
      
      • Arianism, which denied Christ’s full divinity.
      • Macedonianism (Pneumatomachianism), which denied the Holy Spirit's divinity.
      
      
      1. Completed the Trinitarian Formula – While the term "Trinity" was used earlier (e.g., by Tertullian in the 2nd century), the Council of Constantinople formally established the doctrine that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal, co-eternal, and of the same divine essence (homoousios).
      
      

      The Final Form of the Trinitarian Doctrine

      The Council of Constantinople solidified the Trinitarian formula still used in Christian theology today:

      One God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit, all distinct but fully divine and of the same essence.

      This doctrine was reaffirmed in later councils, including:

      • The Council of Ephesus (431) – affirmed Christ as fully God and fully man in one person.
      • The Council of Chalcedon (451) – defined the two natures of Christ (divine and human).
      • The Second Council of Constantinople (553) – further clarified Trinitarian theology.
      
      

      Conclusion

      While the Council of Nicaea (325) established Christ’s divinity, the Council of Constantinople (381) formally established the doctrine of the Trinity, defining the Holy Spirit as divine and confirming the Trinitarian view that remains central to Christian orthodoxy today.

      ]]>0c739af6-d372-4876-b89b-96850db9c274Mon, 17 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -060037:10falsefull9999Five More Marks of a Healthy Church (Acts 20) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast! We've previously looked at seven marks of a healthy church in Acts 2:42, and today we'll revisit that topic. We're going to look at five more marks to help you view your own church, or a church you're curious about, through a biblical lens!

      --

      The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

      Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

      Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

      Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

      Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

      Donate Now

      --

      Q. How do I know if a church is healthy? 

      • This is a question we get all the time when people are moving to a new area
      • What should you look for in a church? How do you know it’s functioning biblically?
      • To be sure: there is no perfect church out there
      • Today’s message is not intended to be overly critical
      • But there are healthy churches and there are unhealthy churches
      • And the litmus test is easier than you think
      • Note: We answered this the first time back in Acts 2
      • The question for that lesson was: How Do You Grow a Church?
      • The basic idea was that healthy things grow
      • The seven marks of the early church, a healthy, growing church: baptisms, biblical teaching, authentic community, commitment to prayer, financial generosity, friendliness to outsiders, and dependency on Christ. Acts 2:42-47
      • Today we’re going to answer the question again
      • This time almost 30 years later
      • The events in Acts 2 take place around 30 AD, the year of the Ascension. 
      • The events in Acts 20 take place during Paul's third missionary journey, which occurred around 53–57 AD.
      • Paul is sharing his final thoughts with the elders in Ephesus. We’ll extract 5 marks of a healthy church. 
      
      

      Acts 20:16-17 (NLT) 16 Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost. 17 But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.

      • Didn’t want to be delayed by the church, but sent for elders
      • I get it! Hard to get out of church sometimes because of all the relationships!
      • So he sent only for the elders
      • In a hurry: Probably because he was bringing offering for the believers in Jerusalem
      • Paul wrote Romans from Corinth during the timeframe of Acts 20
      • Romans 15:25-27 (NLT) 25 But before I come [to Rome], I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.
      • Pentecost marked the birth of the church (Acts 2)
      • But it probably also brought on hardships for Jewish Christians
      • So the Gentile believers wanted to bless them!
      
      

      Acts 20:18-20 (NLT) 18 When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now 19 I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. 20 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes.”

      • V20 gives us the first sign to look for in a healthy church: preaching that is committed to speaking the truth, even when it’s unpopular. 
      • 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT) 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
      • Many churches these days buy into popular, progressive ideology and take a low view of scripture. Watch out for these signs of progressive (woke) “Christianity”:
      • The Bible is treated as a historical document shaped by human biases rather than as the inspired, authoritative Word of God.
      • Traditional biblical teachings on sexuality are dismissed as outdated or oppressive.
      • Hell, judgment, and exclusivity of Christ are often softened or denied.
      • Evangelism is seen as arrogant or colonialist rather than a biblical mandate.
      • "Deconstruction" of faith is encouraged, leading many to abandon core Christian beliefs.
      • Paul didn’t fall for this, and neither should we.
      • Acts 20:26-27 (NLT) 26 I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, 27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.
      • At Alpine:
      • That’s why we did the “Kingdom Politics” series
      • At Alpine we’re committed to speaking the truth, even when it’s unpopular. 
      • That’s the first mark of a healthy church
      
      

      Here’s the second mark: preaching that invites a response to the gospel.

      Acts 20:21 (NLT) 21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

      • Look at how simply Paul enumerates the two-part response to the gospel: repent and believe.
      • This has been the simple gospel invitation for 2,000 years. 
      • Go back through all the sermons we’ve studied in Acts, and you’ll see this repeated:
      • Peter’s first sermon (Pentecost): Acts 2:38 “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God….”
      • Peter’s second sermon (temple): Acts 3:19 “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
      • Peter to Cornelius: Acts 10:43 “...everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”
      • Paul’s first missionary journey: Acts 13:38-39 (NLT) We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. 39 Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.
      • Paul’s second missionary journey (in Athens): Acts 17:30 (NLT) 30 “God… commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.”
      • Biblical preaching doesn’t just offer information. It invites transformation through a simple response to the gospel message of Jesus.
      • Repentance = right attitude toward God
      • “Change of mind” - I want to go his way now
      • Many churches avoid this, never call out sin
      • Make it a social club
      • Change the focus instead to prosperity
      • Here’s what’s in it for you…
      • Faith = trusting that Jesus is LORD
      • Jesus is Messiah – preached to Jewish audiences
      • Jesus is Lord – preached to both Jews and Gentiles
      • Bold statement to Jews
      • He’s more than you thought the Messiah would be!
      • (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) The title “Lord” was also proclaimed christologically in Jewish circles, with evident intent to apply to Jesus all that was said of God in the OT
      • Preaching that invites a response to the gospel - that’s the second mark of a healthy church
      • If your church never invites people to repent and believe, find another church!
      
      

      The third mark expands on this: 

      Acts 20:24 (NLT) 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

      • The third mark is preaching that elevates the power behind the gospel: grace. 
      • It’s too easy to get the wrong idea that salvation is to our own credit.
      • That we can work for our right standing before God
      • Almost every other world religion teaches some form of this
      • Ex: In Islam, the concept of scales (Mīzān, ميزان) is central to the belief in divine justice and accountability on the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyāmah). The scales symbolize the weighing of a person's deeds—both good and bad—to determine their eternal fate.
      • Surah Al-Qari’ah (101:6-9) “Then as for him whose scales are heavy [with good deeds], he will be in a pleasant life. But as for him whose scales are light, his refuge will be the Abyss.”
      • Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
      • The power behind the good news of the Bible is God’s grace. Pure gift. All credit goes to him. 
      • This is what Paul preached increasingly in his ministry! 
      • Acts 20:32 (NLT) 32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those]]>Welcome back to the podcast! We've previously looked at seven marks of a healthy church in Acts 2:42, and today we'll revisit that topic. We're going to look at five more marks to help you view your own church, or a church you're curious about, through a biblical lens!

        --

        The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

        Donate Now

        --

        Q. How do I know if a church is healthy? 

        • This is a question we get all the time when people are moving to a new area
        • What should you look for in a church? How do you know it’s functioning biblically?
        • To be sure: there is no perfect church out there
        • Today’s message is not intended to be overly critical
        • But there are healthy churches and there are unhealthy churches
        • And the litmus test is easier than you think
        • Note: We answered this the first time back in Acts 2
        • The question for that lesson was: How Do You Grow a Church?
        • The basic idea was that healthy things grow
        • The seven marks of the early church, a healthy, growing church: baptisms, biblical teaching, authentic community, commitment to prayer, financial generosity, friendliness to outsiders, and dependency on Christ. Acts 2:42-47
        • Today we’re going to answer the question again
        • This time almost 30 years later
        • The events in Acts 2 take place around 30 AD, the year of the Ascension. 
        • The events in Acts 20 take place during Paul's third missionary journey, which occurred around 53–57 AD.
        • Paul is sharing his final thoughts with the elders in Ephesus. We’ll extract 5 marks of a healthy church. 
        
        

        Acts 20:16-17 (NLT) 16 Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost. 17 But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.

        • Didn’t want to be delayed by the church, but sent for elders
        • I get it! Hard to get out of church sometimes because of all the relationships!
        • So he sent only for the elders
        • In a hurry: Probably because he was bringing offering for the believers in Jerusalem
        • Paul wrote Romans from Corinth during the timeframe of Acts 20
        • Romans 15:25-27 (NLT) 25 But before I come [to Rome], I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.
        • Pentecost marked the birth of the church (Acts 2)
        • But it probably also brought on hardships for Jewish Christians
        • So the Gentile believers wanted to bless them!
        
        

        Acts 20:18-20 (NLT) 18 When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now 19 I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. 20 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes.”

        • V20 gives us the first sign to look for in a healthy church: preaching that is committed to speaking the truth, even when it’s unpopular. 
        • 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT) 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
        • Many churches these days buy into popular, progressive ideology and take a low view of scripture. Watch out for these signs of progressive (woke) “Christianity”:
        • The Bible is treated as a historical document shaped by human biases rather than as the inspired, authoritative Word of God.
        • Traditional biblical teachings on sexuality are dismissed as outdated or oppressive.
        • Hell, judgment, and exclusivity of Christ are often softened or denied.
        • Evangelism is seen as arrogant or colonialist rather than a biblical mandate.
        • "Deconstruction" of faith is encouraged, leading many to abandon core Christian beliefs.
        • Paul didn’t fall for this, and neither should we.
        • Acts 20:26-27 (NLT) 26 I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, 27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.
        • At Alpine:
        • That’s why we did the “Kingdom Politics” series
        • At Alpine we’re committed to speaking the truth, even when it’s unpopular. 
        • That’s the first mark of a healthy church
        
        

        Here’s the second mark: preaching that invites a response to the gospel.

        Acts 20:21 (NLT) 21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

        • Look at how simply Paul enumerates the two-part response to the gospel: repent and believe.
        • This has been the simple gospel invitation for 2,000 years. 
        • Go back through all the sermons we’ve studied in Acts, and you’ll see this repeated:
        • Peter’s first sermon (Pentecost): Acts 2:38 “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God….”
        • Peter’s second sermon (temple): Acts 3:19 “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
        • Peter to Cornelius: Acts 10:43 “...everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”
        • Paul’s first missionary journey: Acts 13:38-39 (NLT) We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. 39 Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.
        • Paul’s second missionary journey (in Athens): Acts 17:30 (NLT) 30 “God… commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.”
        • Biblical preaching doesn’t just offer information. It invites transformation through a simple response to the gospel message of Jesus.
        • Repentance = right attitude toward God
        • “Change of mind” - I want to go his way now
        • Many churches avoid this, never call out sin
        • Make it a social club
        • Change the focus instead to prosperity
        • Here’s what’s in it for you…
        • Faith = trusting that Jesus is LORD
        • Jesus is Messiah – preached to Jewish audiences
        • Jesus is Lord – preached to both Jews and Gentiles
        • Bold statement to Jews
        • He’s more than you thought the Messiah would be!
        • (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) The title “Lord” was also proclaimed christologically in Jewish circles, with evident intent to apply to Jesus all that was said of God in the OT
        • Preaching that invites a response to the gospel - that’s the second mark of a healthy church
        • If your church never invites people to repent and believe, find another church!
        
        

        The third mark expands on this: 

        Acts 20:24 (NLT) 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

        • The third mark is preaching that elevates the power behind the gospel: grace. 
        • It’s too easy to get the wrong idea that salvation is to our own credit.
        • That we can work for our right standing before God
        • Almost every other world religion teaches some form of this
        • Ex: In Islam, the concept of scales (Mīzān, ميزان) is central to the belief in divine justice and accountability on the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyāmah). The scales symbolize the weighing of a person's deeds—both good and bad—to determine their eternal fate.
        • Surah Al-Qari’ah (101:6-9) “Then as for him whose scales are heavy [with good deeds], he will be in a pleasant life. But as for him whose scales are light, his refuge will be the Abyss.”
        • Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
        • The power behind the good news of the Bible is God’s grace. Pure gift. All credit goes to him. 
        • This is what Paul preached increasingly in his ministry! 
        • Acts 20:32 (NLT) 32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.”
        • It’s the essential third mark of a healthy, biblical church.
        • If your church doesn’t preach it, find another church.
        
        

        The first three marks were about preaching. The last two marks are about leadership. 

        Acts 20:28-30 (NLT) 28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.

        • The fourth mark is healthy church leadership that is committed to doing their job: shepherding the flock and protecting it from false teachers. Acts 20:28-30
        • Legalism on one side: 1 Timothy 4:1-3 (NLT) 1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods.
        • Liberalism on the other: 2 Timothy 3:1-2 (NLT) 1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 
        • Health church leadership protects the flock from both extremes.
        
        

        The final mark of a healthy church has to do with how leaders handle money:

        Acts 20:33-34 (NLT) 33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me.”

        • The fifth mark is church leadership that stewards finances well.
        • This doesn’t mean you can’t pay your pastors. 
        • 1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NLT) 17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”
        • It does mean that your pastors shouldn’t be in it for the money. 
        • 1 Timothy 6:9-11 (NLT) 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
        • This is a warning to all Christians!
        
        

        Close

        Q. How do I know if a church is healthy? 

        • Look for these five marks:
        • preaching that is committed to speaking the truth, even when it’s unpopular. 
        • preaching that invites a response to the gospel: repentance and faith. 
        • preaching that acknowledges the power behind the gospel: grace.
        • leadership that is committed to shepherding the flock and protecting it from false teachers.
        • leadership that stewards finances well.
        
        ]]>2da396f1-ded1-4ce9-964b-a631d7005181Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -060046:03falsebonus5 Podcasts Worth Listening to in 2025In the fast-paced digital world, podcasts have become an invaluable resource for knowledge, inspiration, and entertainment. If you're looking for insightful discussions on faith, culture, and apologetics, here are five must-listen podcasts for 2025.

        --

        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

        Donate Now

        --

        In the fast-paced digital world, podcasts have become an invaluable resource for knowledge, inspiration, and entertainment. If you're looking for insightful discussions on faith, culture, and apologetics, here are five must-listen podcasts for 2025.

        1. Cultish

        If you're fascinated by the world of cults, Cultish is the perfect deep dive into the minds and methods of cult leaders and their followers. This podcast explores the theological, sociological, and psychological impacts of cult movements. With thought-provoking analysis and expert insights, Cultish provides a compelling look at how these groups shape and influence people’s lives.

        2. The Alisa Childers Podcast

        Navigating the challenges of Progressive Christianity and skeptical arguments against the gospel can be difficult. The Alisa Childers Podcast offers a biblically grounded response to these pressing issues. With Alisa’s insightful commentary and interviews, this podcast equips listeners with the tools to defend their faith and engage with modern theological debates from a biblical worldview.

        3. Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey

        For an engaging and fresh take on news, politics, theology, and culture, Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey is an excellent choice. Allie provides thoughtful analysis from a Christian, conservative perspective, breaking down current events in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Her podcast is perfect for those who want to stay informed while maintaining a biblical perspective on today’s hottest topics.

        4. The AC Podcast (Apologetics Canada) with Wes Huff

        Apologetics is essential for engaging with today’s skeptical world, and The AC Podcast provides an excellent platform for understanding and articulating the Christian faith. Hosted by Wes Huff and the Apologetics Canada team, this podcast helps believers engage with culture thoughtfully, honestly, and respectfully. Whether discussing tough theological questions or addressing societal issues, this podcast is a valuable resource for defending the Christian worldview.

        5. Bible Thinker with Mike Winger (No Ads)

        If you’re looking for clear, in-depth Bible teaching, Bible Thinker with Mike Winger is a must-listen. Covering theology, apologetics, and verse-by-verse studies, Mike Winger tackles even the most controversial topics with clarity and a commitment to biblical accuracy. This podcast is perfect for anyone who wants to grow in their faith, deepen their understanding of Scripture, and learn how to think biblically about all aspects of life.

        Bonus: The Family Podcast (No Ads)

        For those looking to strengthen their family life, The Family Podcast with Tracy and Bryan Dwyer offers practical insights into marriage, parenting, and family relationships. With weekly discussions and additional resources available at pursueGOD.org/family, this podcast is a great tool for fostering a healthier and more faith-centered home environment.

        Whether you’re interested in apologetics, theology, culture, or family life, these podcasts offer valuable insights to equip and encourage you in 2025. Give them a listen and enrich your faith journey!

        ]]>In the fast-paced digital world, podcasts have become an invaluable resource for knowledge, inspiration, and entertainment. If you're looking for insightful discussions on faith, culture, and apologetics, here are five must-listen podcasts for 2025.

        --

        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

        Donate Now

        --

        In the fast-paced digital world, podcasts have become an invaluable resource for knowledge, inspiration, and entertainment. If you're looking for insightful discussions on faith, culture, and apologetics, here are five must-listen podcasts for 2025.

        1. Cultish

        If you're fascinated by the world of cults, Cultish is the perfect deep dive into the minds and methods of cult leaders and their followers. This podcast explores the theological, sociological, and psychological impacts of cult movements. With thought-provoking analysis and expert insights, Cultish provides a compelling look at how these groups shape and influence people’s lives.

        2. The Alisa Childers Podcast

        Navigating the challenges of Progressive Christianity and skeptical arguments against the gospel can be difficult. The Alisa Childers Podcast offers a biblically grounded response to these pressing issues. With Alisa’s insightful commentary and interviews, this podcast equips listeners with the tools to defend their faith and engage with modern theological debates from a biblical worldview.

        3. Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey

        For an engaging and fresh take on news, politics, theology, and culture, Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey is an excellent choice. Allie provides thoughtful analysis from a Christian, conservative perspective, breaking down current events in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Her podcast is perfect for those who want to stay informed while maintaining a biblical perspective on today’s hottest topics.

        4. The AC Podcast (Apologetics Canada) with Wes Huff

        Apologetics is essential for engaging with today’s skeptical world, and The AC Podcast provides an excellent platform for understanding and articulating the Christian faith. Hosted by Wes Huff and the Apologetics Canada team, this podcast helps believers engage with culture thoughtfully, honestly, and respectfully. Whether discussing tough theological questions or addressing societal issues, this podcast is a valuable resource for defending the Christian worldview.

        5. Bible Thinker with Mike Winger (No Ads)

        If you’re looking for clear, in-depth Bible teaching, Bible Thinker with Mike Winger is a must-listen. Covering theology, apologetics, and verse-by-verse studies, Mike Winger tackles even the most controversial topics with clarity and a commitment to biblical accuracy. This podcast is perfect for anyone who wants to grow in their faith, deepen their understanding of Scripture, and learn how to think biblically about all aspects of life.

        Bonus: The Family Podcast (No Ads)

        For those looking to strengthen their family life, The Family Podcast with Tracy and Bryan Dwyer offers practical insights into marriage, parenting, and family relationships. With weekly discussions and additional resources available at pursueGOD.org/family, this podcast is a great tool for fostering a healthier and more faith-centered home environment.

        Whether you’re interested in apologetics, theology, culture, or family life, these podcasts offer valuable insights to equip and encourage you in 2025. Give them a listen and enrich your faith journey!

        ]]>7ecc4512-9e64-4cb9-97ba-71258369a410Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -060017:53falsefull9898What Is the Right Response to Sin? (Acts 19) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the pod! Today we’re covering Acts 19, so open your Bibles. Here’s the question we’ll answer: What Is the Right Response to Sin?

        --

        The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

        Donate Now

        --

        Q. What Is the Right Response to Sin?

        • We all sin; it’s our response to sin that matters most
        • See 10 Sinful Responses to Sin
        • Minimizing Sin: “It’s no big deal.”
        • Rationalizing Sin: “He deserved it.”
        • Blame-Shifting: “She made me.”
        • Codifying Sin: “It’s a condition, not a sin.”
        • Worldly Grief: “Sorry I got caught.”
        • Today in our text (Acts 19) we’re going to see two groups of people
        • Who were confronted with their sin problem and had a choice to make 
        • One group is an example of what to do
        • The other group, what NOT to do
        • The context for the chapter is one particular sin: sorcery
        • But the lessons apply to everyone, everywhere
        
        

        The Set Up

        Acts 19:11-12 (NLT) 11 God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.

        • We’re in Ephesus, a renowned center of occult practices in the ancient Greco-Roman world.
        • To the secular world, miracles look like magic
        • We saw this with Peter and his shadow (Acts 5), Philip and Simon Magus (Acts 8) 
        • The point: Jesus>magic (understatement)
        
        

        Acts 19 (NLT) 13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 

        • Note: they weren’t followers of Jesus, but they were using his name as an incantation.
        • Reminiscent of the "Ephesian Letters" (Greek: Ἐφέσια γράμματα, Ephesia grammata) – a set of words or symbols believed in antiquity to possess magical power. These were often inscribed on amulets, statues, or other objects. 
        • The exact content of the Ephesian Letters is debated, but ancient sources suggest they were a group of six mystical words: Askion, Kataskion, Lix, Tetrax, Damnameneus, Aisia
        • These words were considered meaningless in everyday language but were thought to hold esoteric significance, potentially tied to ancient rituals or the invocation of supernatural powers. Some scholars believe they were connected to the worship of Artemis of Ephesus, the city's patron goddess.
        • These Jewish exorcists were using Jesus’ name like it was one of these six mystical words.
        
        

        Acts 19:14-16 (NLT) 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.

        • The Sons of Sceva attempted to invoke the name of Jesus without genuine faith in Jesus, treating it as a magical formula for their own gain. They did not believe in Jesus or recognize His authority as Lord; instead, they saw His name as a tool to enhance their reputation as exorcists.
        • Essentially "taking the Lord's name in vain" (from the Third Commandment, Exodus 20:7)
        • Acts 19:17 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The ignominious defeat of the Jewish exorcists by the demon showed the Ephesians that 'Jesus' is a power that cannot be controlled: 'he will not act as a lackey for anyone who calls on his name.'
        
        

        So that’s the backdrop for our two groups today. Magic vs. Miracles in Ephesus. Let’s meet our first group.

        The First Group

        Acts 19:17-19 (NLT) 17b A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. 18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. 19 A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. 20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

        • Acts 19:18 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Apparently they were moved by the exposure and overcoming of the exorcists to realize that their own previous involvement with the magic arts now needed to be acknowledged. Perhaps they had kept scrolls in which spells were written as an insurance policy, in case their new-found faith proved to be inadequate in some situation! Burning the scrolls was a way of repudiating what they contained and represented a greater trust in God to deliver them from trouble and supply their needs.
        
        

        Let’s summarize this group’s response to sin:

        • They feared the Lord.
        • We talked about this back in Acts 4: The fear of the Lord is a reverent awe of God.
        • (acknowledged power and sovereignty)
        • They confessed and disclosed their sin.
        • I know the NLT say “confessed”, but the original Gk expands on it:
        • exomologoumenoi kai anangellontes, 'confessing and disclosing'
        • Confessed = to say the same thing (as God)
        • Disclosed = exposed it to the light, truth. They didn’t…
        • Minimize it: “It’s no big deal.”
        • Rationalize it: “He deserved it.”
        • Codify it: “It’s a condition, not a sin.”
        • Blame-Shift: “She made me.”
        • They disclosed it. Admitted it. Put it out there. 
        • They destroyed their old ways. 
        • Militant! This is war!
        • Burned the incantation books in a bonfire
        • These might have been the mysterious and magical “Ephesian Letters”. 
        • Wasn’t just Worldly Grief: “Sorry I got caught.”
        • They did something about it. 
        • I have decided to follow Jesus… No turning back, no turning back.
        
        

        The result:

        Acts 19:20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

        • The word of the Lord grew
        • Mightily
        • And it prevailed.  It overcame.  It tore down strongholds.  It grew.  It spread.
        
        

        The Second Group

        The second group we meet begins in verse 24.

        Acts 19:23-27 (NLT) 23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows: “Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”

        Notice their response:

        • Instead of fearing God, they feared losing money. 
        • Instead of confessing their sin, they pointed fingers.
        • Paul’s the problem, not us 
        • Paul persuaded and turned away…….
        • Instead of disclosing their sin, they defended it.
        • Vs 27  Temple of the great goddess, Artemis will be regarded as worthless and be dethroned if we don’t do something
        • Instead of destroying their old way, they worshiped it even more.
        • Acts 19:28 (NLT) 28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
        • Took action to maintain idols rather than destroy them.
        
        

        The result:

        Acts 19:32 (NLT) 32 Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there.

        • In Gk: “The assembly was in confusion”
        • Assembly = ekklēsia
        • Same word as church elsewhere in Acts!
        • When you respond to sin with more sin…
        • you join a different group, a different “church”: the world
        • They have their own beliefs, values etc
        • They go against God’s word, and anything goes
        • The result: confusion 
        
        

        Close

        Q. What Is Your Response to Sin?

        • Like the second group:
        • Pointing fingers
        • Defending your sin
        • Ending up confused and in the world
        • Or like the first group: 
        • Fearing God
        • Confessing and disclosing your sin
        • Destroying your old way
        • Experiencing the...]]>Welcome back to the pod! Today we’re covering Acts 19, so open your Bibles. Here’s the question we’ll answer: What Is the Right Response to Sin?

          --

          The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

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          Q. What Is the Right Response to Sin?

          • We all sin; it’s our response to sin that matters most
          • See 10 Sinful Responses to Sin
          • Minimizing Sin: “It’s no big deal.”
          • Rationalizing Sin: “He deserved it.”
          • Blame-Shifting: “She made me.”
          • Codifying Sin: “It’s a condition, not a sin.”
          • Worldly Grief: “Sorry I got caught.”
          • Today in our text (Acts 19) we’re going to see two groups of people
          • Who were confronted with their sin problem and had a choice to make 
          • One group is an example of what to do
          • The other group, what NOT to do
          • The context for the chapter is one particular sin: sorcery
          • But the lessons apply to everyone, everywhere
          
          

          The Set Up

          Acts 19:11-12 (NLT) 11 God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.

          • We’re in Ephesus, a renowned center of occult practices in the ancient Greco-Roman world.
          • To the secular world, miracles look like magic
          • We saw this with Peter and his shadow (Acts 5), Philip and Simon Magus (Acts 8) 
          • The point: Jesus>magic (understatement)
          
          

          Acts 19 (NLT) 13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 

          • Note: they weren’t followers of Jesus, but they were using his name as an incantation.
          • Reminiscent of the "Ephesian Letters" (Greek: Ἐφέσια γράμματα, Ephesia grammata) – a set of words or symbols believed in antiquity to possess magical power. These were often inscribed on amulets, statues, or other objects. 
          • The exact content of the Ephesian Letters is debated, but ancient sources suggest they were a group of six mystical words: Askion, Kataskion, Lix, Tetrax, Damnameneus, Aisia
          • These words were considered meaningless in everyday language but were thought to hold esoteric significance, potentially tied to ancient rituals or the invocation of supernatural powers. Some scholars believe they were connected to the worship of Artemis of Ephesus, the city's patron goddess.
          • These Jewish exorcists were using Jesus’ name like it was one of these six mystical words.
          
          

          Acts 19:14-16 (NLT) 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.

          • The Sons of Sceva attempted to invoke the name of Jesus without genuine faith in Jesus, treating it as a magical formula for their own gain. They did not believe in Jesus or recognize His authority as Lord; instead, they saw His name as a tool to enhance their reputation as exorcists.
          • Essentially "taking the Lord's name in vain" (from the Third Commandment, Exodus 20:7)
          • Acts 19:17 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The ignominious defeat of the Jewish exorcists by the demon showed the Ephesians that 'Jesus' is a power that cannot be controlled: 'he will not act as a lackey for anyone who calls on his name.'
          
          

          So that’s the backdrop for our two groups today. Magic vs. Miracles in Ephesus. Let’s meet our first group.

          The First Group

          Acts 19:17-19 (NLT) 17b A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. 18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. 19 A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. 20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

          • Acts 19:18 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Apparently they were moved by the exposure and overcoming of the exorcists to realize that their own previous involvement with the magic arts now needed to be acknowledged. Perhaps they had kept scrolls in which spells were written as an insurance policy, in case their new-found faith proved to be inadequate in some situation! Burning the scrolls was a way of repudiating what they contained and represented a greater trust in God to deliver them from trouble and supply their needs.
          
          

          Let’s summarize this group’s response to sin:

          • They feared the Lord.
          • We talked about this back in Acts 4: The fear of the Lord is a reverent awe of God.
          • (acknowledged power and sovereignty)
          • They confessed and disclosed their sin.
          • I know the NLT say “confessed”, but the original Gk expands on it:
          • exomologoumenoi kai anangellontes, 'confessing and disclosing'
          • Confessed = to say the same thing (as God)
          • Disclosed = exposed it to the light, truth. They didn’t…
          • Minimize it: “It’s no big deal.”
          • Rationalize it: “He deserved it.”
          • Codify it: “It’s a condition, not a sin.”
          • Blame-Shift: “She made me.”
          • They disclosed it. Admitted it. Put it out there. 
          • They destroyed their old ways. 
          • Militant! This is war!
          • Burned the incantation books in a bonfire
          • These might have been the mysterious and magical “Ephesian Letters”. 
          • Wasn’t just Worldly Grief: “Sorry I got caught.”
          • They did something about it. 
          • I have decided to follow Jesus… No turning back, no turning back.
          
          

          The result:

          Acts 19:20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

          • The word of the Lord grew
          • Mightily
          • And it prevailed.  It overcame.  It tore down strongholds.  It grew.  It spread.
          
          

          The Second Group

          The second group we meet begins in verse 24.

          Acts 19:23-27 (NLT) 23 About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. 24 It began with Demetrius, a silversmith who had a large business manufacturing silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. He kept many craftsmen busy. 25 He called them together, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows: “Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. 26 But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! 27 Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”

          Notice their response:

          • Instead of fearing God, they feared losing money. 
          • Instead of confessing their sin, they pointed fingers.
          • Paul’s the problem, not us 
          • Paul persuaded and turned away…….
          • Instead of disclosing their sin, they defended it.
          • Vs 27  Temple of the great goddess, Artemis will be regarded as worthless and be dethroned if we don’t do something
          • Instead of destroying their old way, they worshiped it even more.
          • Acts 19:28 (NLT) 28 At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
          • Took action to maintain idols rather than destroy them.
          
          

          The result:

          Acts 19:32 (NLT) 32 Inside, the people were all shouting, some one thing and some another. Everything was in confusion. In fact, most of them didn’t even know why they were there.

          • In Gk: “The assembly was in confusion”
          • Assembly = ekklēsia
          • Same word as church elsewhere in Acts!
          • When you respond to sin with more sin…
          • you join a different group, a different “church”: the world
          • They have their own beliefs, values etc
          • They go against God’s word, and anything goes
          • The result: confusion 
          
          

          Close

          Q. What Is Your Response to Sin?

          • Like the second group:
          • Pointing fingers
          • Defending your sin
          • Ending up confused and in the world
          • Or like the first group: 
          • Fearing God
          • Confessing and disclosing your sin
          • Destroying your old way
          • Experiencing the “powerful effect” of the message of Jesus
          
          ]]>8c95fe47-3989-467d-9fd7-cfa93a13ed81Fri, 07 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -060035:20falsebonusBo and KD's Story: The Seminary Teacher Who Left the LDS ChurchWe're re-running the incredible story of Bo and KD, co-hosts of this podcast who came to faith just over two years ago!

          --

          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

          Donate Now

          --

          ]]>We're re-running the incredible story of Bo and KD, co-hosts of this podcast who came to faith just over two years ago!

          --

          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

          Donate Now

          --

          ]]>f4b067bf-33ac-427c-a73d-43b7342dc5e4Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -060045:06falsefull9797Do Mormons Believe in Heavenly Mother? (LDS Gospel Topics)In this episode, Bryan, Bo and KD talk about the Mother in Heaven LDS Gospel Topic.

          Find the article here.

          --

          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

          Donate Now

          --

          The "Mother in Heaven" doctrine in Mormon theology, which teaches the existence of a divine mother alongside God the Father, has been a subject of discussion and controversy within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). While the LDS Church officially affirms this doctrine, it remains somewhat vague and underdeveloped in official teachings. Several key arguments against or critiques of the "Mother in Heaven" doctrine are as follows:

          1. Lack of Scriptural Support

          Critics argue that the concept of a "Mother in Heaven" is not explicitly taught in the Bible or the Book of Mormon. There are no direct references to a divine mother figure in these scriptures. While some Latter-day Saints cite passages that imply a heavenly mother (such as references to the "Heavenly Father" and his "children"), these passages are not specific to a maternal deity. Critics contend that the doctrine is an extrapolation based on theological assumptions rather than scriptural foundation.

          2. Ambiguity in Doctrine

          The doctrine of a Mother in Heaven has not been systematically developed or defined in LDS teachings. Official statements by church leaders are rare and often vague, leading to concerns about its theological and doctrinal clarity. Some critics argue that the lack of detailed teaching about her nature, role, and relationship to God the Father makes it difficult for members to fully understand or engage with the doctrine.

          There is a practical concern about the limited role that the Mother in Heaven plays in LDS worship and rituals. Critics argue that while her existence may be acknowledged, she is not directly involved in the faith practices of members, such as prayer or temple rituals. This leads to questions about her relevance within the broader framework of Mormon worship and theology, raising concerns that her role might be more symbolic than substantive.

          3. Historical Silence and Inconsistency

          Historically, early LDS leaders (including Joseph Smith) did not explicitly teach about a Mother in Heaven, and the concept was rarely mentioned for many years. The doctrine became more prominent in the 20th century but remains less central than other aspects of LDS theology. Critics argue that this historical silence and inconsistency undermine the claim that the concept is an essential or deeply rooted part of Mormon belief.

          4. Theological Concerns about Gender Roles

          Some critics view the doctrine as reinforcing traditional gender roles by placing women in a subordinate position to God the Father. They argue that, by emphasizing the distinction between the Father and the Mother in Heaven, the doctrine may inadvertently reinforce ideas of patriarchal hierarchy. Others contend that it fails to offer a robust theological vision of women’s equality with men, especially given the traditional gender roles often ascribed to women in the LDS Church.

          5. Heresy

          In traditional Christian theology, God the Father is often portrayed as the singular, omnipotent deity, without the need for a divine consort. Some critics argue that introducing a Mother in Heaven diminishes the monotheistic view of God, potentially complicating the relationship between God and humanity. This can be seen as problematic from a Christian theological standpoint, where God is typically understood as a single, indivisible entity.

          Given the lack of clear, authoritative teachings about the Mother in Heaven, some argue that it can lead to speculative ideas and even heretical notions. For example, there have been occasional theological and social debates about the role of heavenly mother, which could distract from core doctrines of salvation, Jesus Christ’s role, and the focus on God the Father in worship.

          Conclusion

          While the doctrine of a Mother in Heaven is acknowledged in some Mormon circles, critics highlight issues related to its lack of scriptural foundation, doctrinal ambiguity, historical inconsistency, gender implications, and theological coherence. Many believe that it is more of a speculative or peripheral teaching rather than a central tenet of the LDS faith.

          ]]>In this episode, Bryan, Bo and KD talk about the Mother in Heaven LDS Gospel Topic.

          Find the article here.

          --

          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

          Donate Now

          --

          The "Mother in Heaven" doctrine in Mormon theology, which teaches the existence of a divine mother alongside God the Father, has been a subject of discussion and controversy within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). While the LDS Church officially affirms this doctrine, it remains somewhat vague and underdeveloped in official teachings. Several key arguments against or critiques of the "Mother in Heaven" doctrine are as follows:

          1. Lack of Scriptural Support

          Critics argue that the concept of a "Mother in Heaven" is not explicitly taught in the Bible or the Book of Mormon. There are no direct references to a divine mother figure in these scriptures. While some Latter-day Saints cite passages that imply a heavenly mother (such as references to the "Heavenly Father" and his "children"), these passages are not specific to a maternal deity. Critics contend that the doctrine is an extrapolation based on theological assumptions rather than scriptural foundation.

          2. Ambiguity in Doctrine

          The doctrine of a Mother in Heaven has not been systematically developed or defined in LDS teachings. Official statements by church leaders are rare and often vague, leading to concerns about its theological and doctrinal clarity. Some critics argue that the lack of detailed teaching about her nature, role, and relationship to God the Father makes it difficult for members to fully understand or engage with the doctrine.

          There is a practical concern about the limited role that the Mother in Heaven plays in LDS worship and rituals. Critics argue that while her existence may be acknowledged, she is not directly involved in the faith practices of members, such as prayer or temple rituals. This leads to questions about her relevance within the broader framework of Mormon worship and theology, raising concerns that her role might be more symbolic than substantive.

          3. Historical Silence and Inconsistency

          Historically, early LDS leaders (including Joseph Smith) did not explicitly teach about a Mother in Heaven, and the concept was rarely mentioned for many years. The doctrine became more prominent in the 20th century but remains less central than other aspects of LDS theology. Critics argue that this historical silence and inconsistency undermine the claim that the concept is an essential or deeply rooted part of Mormon belief.

          4. Theological Concerns about Gender Roles

          Some critics view the doctrine as reinforcing traditional gender roles by placing women in a subordinate position to God the Father. They argue that, by emphasizing the distinction between the Father and the Mother in Heaven, the doctrine may inadvertently reinforce ideas of patriarchal hierarchy. Others contend that it fails to offer a robust theological vision of women’s equality with men, especially given the traditional gender roles often ascribed to women in the LDS Church.

          5. Heresy

          In traditional Christian theology, God the Father is often portrayed as the singular, omnipotent deity, without the need for a divine consort. Some critics argue that introducing a Mother in Heaven diminishes the monotheistic view of God, potentially complicating the relationship between God and humanity. This can be seen as problematic from a Christian theological standpoint, where God is typically understood as a single, indivisible entity.

          Given the lack of clear, authoritative teachings about the Mother in Heaven, some argue that it can lead to speculative ideas and even heretical notions. For example, there have been occasional theological and social debates about the role of heavenly mother, which could distract from core doctrines of salvation, Jesus Christ’s role, and the focus on God the Father in worship.

          Conclusion

          While the doctrine of a Mother in Heaven is acknowledged in some Mormon circles, critics highlight issues related to its lack of scriptural foundation, doctrinal ambiguity, historical inconsistency, gender implications, and theological coherence. Many believe that it is more of a speculative or peripheral teaching rather than a central tenet of the LDS faith.

          ]]>3ccf461c-a259-43f7-9909-103d79bb2fd8Mon, 27 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -060044:27falsefull9696Jordan and Becca's Story: Escaping a High Control ReligionIn this episode, Jordan and Becca share their story of leaving the Church of Christ -- a high control religion similar to Mormonism. Wherever you're at in your faith, this is a powerful and encouraging episode you won't want to miss!

          --

          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

          Donate Now

          --

          ]]>In this episode, Jordan and Becca share their story of leaving the Church of Christ -- a high control religion similar to Mormonism. Wherever you're at in your faith, this is a powerful and encouraging episode you won't want to miss!

          --

          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

          Donate Now

          --

          ]]>3baf8126-ef48-42fe-844f-c14a5af85c87Mon, 20 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -060057:03falsefull9595What Does the Bible Say about Abortion? - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastEvery human life, from conception to natural death, is inherently valuable and deserving of protection. Life begins at conception, as this marks the start of a unique human organism with its own DNA, potential, and future.

          --

          The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

          Donate Now

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          • We’re in part 3 of our Kingdom Politics series. 
          • Today we’ll answer the question: Q. What Does the Bible Say about Abortion?
          • This is an emotionally charged topic
          • Maybe some of you want to swipe up, put up walls, run away
          • Because you have personal hurts around this topic
          • Or because you just want to stick your head in the sand
          • I encourage you to resist that temptation
          • There’s something here for everyone
          • I’ll try to speak the truth in love…
          • Such an important topic that I’ve written this episode twice
          • I want to make sure I get it right, which means I need to make sure I understand the opposing view
          • Why are so many people in favor of this? Even some Christians? 
          • 
            
          • Let’s start with…
          
          

          The Pro-Choice Argument

          See the argument for and against pro-life | Lex Fridman Podcast

          • Pro-Choice Argument #1: Bodily Autonomy - A fundamental principle of human rights is that individuals have the right to control their own bodies. Pregnancy profoundly affects a person's body, health, and life, and no one should be compelled to undergo it against their will.
          • Pro-Choice Argument #2: Gender Equality - Denying access to abortion disproportionately affects women and those who can become pregnant, limiting their ability to participate equally in society by controlling their reproductive choices and futures.
          • Pregnancy changes women in a way that it cannot change men, so it’s a form of sex discrimination to make women go through with an unwanted pregnancy. 
          • From an article by a Christian Latina Mom: “Yes, the anti abortion movement has its lens focused solely on birth, but I think they've lost Jesus in the process. How are we protecting all God's creatures beyond gestation? What is being done to help people out of poverty? When will we get mandated paid parental leave? When will we stop aiding wars that lead to the death of many innocent people? When will our maternal health system be fixed so women, especially Black women, don't have to worry about whether or not they are going to survive childbirth in this country? This fight is not about "protecting life" it is about control — controlling women, to be exact. And that's a fight I cannot get behind. I think God understands that and loves me just the same.”
          • History lesson: In the United States, eugenic sterilization laws were passed in many states (popularized in 1920’s), disproportionately targeting Black women, Indigenous women, and immigrants. These sterilizations were often carried out without informed consent.
          • 1907: Indiana passes the first eugenic sterilization law in the United States, targeting those deemed "unfit" to reproduce (e.g., individuals with disabilities or mental illness).
          • 1919: Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, writes about controlling the reproduction of people she considered "unfit," which included those with mental or physical disabilities, as well as impoverished groups, immigrants, and minorities. Here’s the title of the article: "Birth Control and Racial Betterment" 
          • 1925: Hitler’s ideas about racial purity, Aryan superiority, and the need to eliminate "undesirable" traits outlined in his book Mein Kampf.
          • 1927: The Supreme Court upholds forced sterilization laws in Buck v. Bell. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes famously writes, "Three generations of imbeciles are enough."
          • 1933: Hitler implements eugenic policies on a national scale, starting with the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring. This law legalized forced sterilization for individuals with conditions such as mental illness, epilepsy, and physical disabilities.
          • 1973: Roe v. Wade legalizes abortion in the U.S., with abortion services often concentrated in low-income and minority communities, raising concerns about systemic targeting.
          • Pro-Choice Argument #3: Personhood - Many argue that personhood and the associated rights develop gradually and that early-stage embryos do not yet possess the qualities (e.g., consciousness or viability) that confer full moral status.
          • SLED acronym: Pro-choice advocates often argue that personhood is not established until certain criteria are met:
          • Size: Some argue that the unborn’s small size makes them less of a person. The idea is that a tiny embryo cannot hold the same moral status as a fully grown human.
          • Level of Development: Pro-choice proponents frequently claim that personhood is tied to cognitive development. Since the unborn cannot think, feel pain, or exhibit consciousness in the early stages of pregnancy, they argue that the fetus is not yet a person.
          • Environment: It is often asserted that life inside the womb is fundamentally different from life outside it. Until a baby is born and separates from the mother, some argue, it cannot be considered fully human.
          • Degree of Dependency: Pro-choice advocates may contend that the unborn’s complete reliance on the mother for survival makes them less than a person. They might equate this dependency with a lack of individual autonomy, which they see as essential for personhood.
          
          

          The Pro-Life Argument

          Pro-Life Argument #1: Intrinsic Value of Human Life - This is the crux of the pro-life argument. Every human life, from conception to natural death, is inherently valuable and deserving of protection. Life begins at conception, as this marks the start of a unique human organism with its own DNA, potential, and future. (Winger - It’s a living, whole human)

          Genesis 1:27 Genesis 1:27 (NLT) 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

          • Pillar 2 of God and Govt from week 1 of this series: God, Not the Government, Gives Rights to Every Human Being.
          • That’s why this whole argument hinges on whether babies in the womb are human! 
          • They’re not “potential human beings”, but “human beings with potential” 
          • Not once in the history of humanity, did a pregnant mother give birth to a monkey or a fish or a tree. Every single time a human being came out! 
          
          

          Exodus 21:22-25 (NLT) 22 “Now suppose two men are fighting, and in the process they accidentally strike a pregnant woman so she gives birth prematurely. If no further injury results, the man who struck the woman must pay the amount of compensation the woman’s husband demands and the judges approve. 23 But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, 24 an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth….”

          • Exodus 21 (New Bible Commentary) In the case of murder the death penalty was invoked, not out of indifference for human life, but rather because each human life is of tremendous value (Gn. 9:6).
          • 
            
          • Exodus 21 (New Bible Commentary) The distinctiveness of the biblical laws is apparent when one compares them with other Ancient Near Eastern laws. In the earlier Laws of Hammurabi, a murderer was required to make only financial compensation to the victim’s family. This contrasts sharply with the biblical insistence of a life for a life. On the other hand, the non-biblical laws apply the death penalty to breaking and entering, looting at a fire, and theft. These examples reveal that in other cultures financial loss was sometimes treated more seriously than loss of life. The biblical laws consistently emphasize that human life is of greater value than material possessions.
          
          

          Psalms 139:13-16 (NLT) 13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was...]]>Every human life, from conception to natural death, is inherently valuable and deserving of protection. Life begins at conception, as this marks the start of a unique human organism with its own DNA, potential, and future.

          --

          The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

          Donate Now

          --

          • We’re in part 3 of our Kingdom Politics series. 
          • Today we’ll answer the question: Q. What Does the Bible Say about Abortion?
          • This is an emotionally charged topic
          • Maybe some of you want to swipe up, put up walls, run away
          • Because you have personal hurts around this topic
          • Or because you just want to stick your head in the sand
          • I encourage you to resist that temptation
          • There’s something here for everyone
          • I’ll try to speak the truth in love…
          • Such an important topic that I’ve written this episode twice
          • I want to make sure I get it right, which means I need to make sure I understand the opposing view
          • Why are so many people in favor of this? Even some Christians? 
          • 
            
          • Let’s start with…
          
          

          The Pro-Choice Argument

          See the argument for and against pro-life | Lex Fridman Podcast

          • Pro-Choice Argument #1: Bodily Autonomy - A fundamental principle of human rights is that individuals have the right to control their own bodies. Pregnancy profoundly affects a person's body, health, and life, and no one should be compelled to undergo it against their will.
          • Pro-Choice Argument #2: Gender Equality - Denying access to abortion disproportionately affects women and those who can become pregnant, limiting their ability to participate equally in society by controlling their reproductive choices and futures.
          • Pregnancy changes women in a way that it cannot change men, so it’s a form of sex discrimination to make women go through with an unwanted pregnancy. 
          • From an article by a Christian Latina Mom: “Yes, the anti abortion movement has its lens focused solely on birth, but I think they've lost Jesus in the process. How are we protecting all God's creatures beyond gestation? What is being done to help people out of poverty? When will we get mandated paid parental leave? When will we stop aiding wars that lead to the death of many innocent people? When will our maternal health system be fixed so women, especially Black women, don't have to worry about whether or not they are going to survive childbirth in this country? This fight is not about "protecting life" it is about control — controlling women, to be exact. And that's a fight I cannot get behind. I think God understands that and loves me just the same.”
          • History lesson: In the United States, eugenic sterilization laws were passed in many states (popularized in 1920’s), disproportionately targeting Black women, Indigenous women, and immigrants. These sterilizations were often carried out without informed consent.
          • 1907: Indiana passes the first eugenic sterilization law in the United States, targeting those deemed "unfit" to reproduce (e.g., individuals with disabilities or mental illness).
          • 1919: Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, writes about controlling the reproduction of people she considered "unfit," which included those with mental or physical disabilities, as well as impoverished groups, immigrants, and minorities. Here’s the title of the article: "Birth Control and Racial Betterment" 
          • 1925: Hitler’s ideas about racial purity, Aryan superiority, and the need to eliminate "undesirable" traits outlined in his book Mein Kampf.
          • 1927: The Supreme Court upholds forced sterilization laws in Buck v. Bell. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes famously writes, "Three generations of imbeciles are enough."
          • 1933: Hitler implements eugenic policies on a national scale, starting with the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring. This law legalized forced sterilization for individuals with conditions such as mental illness, epilepsy, and physical disabilities.
          • 1973: Roe v. Wade legalizes abortion in the U.S., with abortion services often concentrated in low-income and minority communities, raising concerns about systemic targeting.
          • Pro-Choice Argument #3: Personhood - Many argue that personhood and the associated rights develop gradually and that early-stage embryos do not yet possess the qualities (e.g., consciousness or viability) that confer full moral status.
          • SLED acronym: Pro-choice advocates often argue that personhood is not established until certain criteria are met:
          • Size: Some argue that the unborn’s small size makes them less of a person. The idea is that a tiny embryo cannot hold the same moral status as a fully grown human.
          • Level of Development: Pro-choice proponents frequently claim that personhood is tied to cognitive development. Since the unborn cannot think, feel pain, or exhibit consciousness in the early stages of pregnancy, they argue that the fetus is not yet a person.
          • Environment: It is often asserted that life inside the womb is fundamentally different from life outside it. Until a baby is born and separates from the mother, some argue, it cannot be considered fully human.
          • Degree of Dependency: Pro-choice advocates may contend that the unborn’s complete reliance on the mother for survival makes them less than a person. They might equate this dependency with a lack of individual autonomy, which they see as essential for personhood.
          
          

          The Pro-Life Argument

          Pro-Life Argument #1: Intrinsic Value of Human Life - This is the crux of the pro-life argument. Every human life, from conception to natural death, is inherently valuable and deserving of protection. Life begins at conception, as this marks the start of a unique human organism with its own DNA, potential, and future. (Winger - It’s a living, whole human)

          Genesis 1:27 Genesis 1:27 (NLT) 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

          • Pillar 2 of God and Govt from week 1 of this series: God, Not the Government, Gives Rights to Every Human Being.
          • That’s why this whole argument hinges on whether babies in the womb are human! 
          • They’re not “potential human beings”, but “human beings with potential” 
          • Not once in the history of humanity, did a pregnant mother give birth to a monkey or a fish or a tree. Every single time a human being came out! 
          
          

          Exodus 21:22-25 (NLT) 22 “Now suppose two men are fighting, and in the process they accidentally strike a pregnant woman so she gives birth prematurely. If no further injury results, the man who struck the woman must pay the amount of compensation the woman’s husband demands and the judges approve. 23 But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, 24 an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth….”

          • Exodus 21 (New Bible Commentary) In the case of murder the death penalty was invoked, not out of indifference for human life, but rather because each human life is of tremendous value (Gn. 9:6).
          • 
            
          • Exodus 21 (New Bible Commentary) The distinctiveness of the biblical laws is apparent when one compares them with other Ancient Near Eastern laws. In the earlier Laws of Hammurabi, a murderer was required to make only financial compensation to the victim’s family. This contrasts sharply with the biblical insistence of a life for a life. On the other hand, the non-biblical laws apply the death penalty to breaking and entering, looting at a fire, and theft. These examples reveal that in other cultures financial loss was sometimes treated more seriously than loss of life. The biblical laws consistently emphasize that human life is of greater value than material possessions.
          
          

          Psalms 139:13-16 (NLT) 13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

          • Friends, if you’ve bought into the pro-choice narrative, you’ve been gaslit
          • “My body, my choice” is a lie
          • That baby in the womb has its own body with its own DNA
          • To elevate a woman’s right to choose above the level of a baby’s right to live is simply not biblical or logical. 
          • This next verse shows us something more…
          
          

          Luke 1:41 (NLT) 41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

          Pro-Life Argument #2: Moral Responsibility to the Vulnerable The unborn baby, as the most vulnerable and defenseless member of the human family, deserves special protection. Society has an ethical obligation to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

          Proverbs 31:8-9 (NLT) 8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. 9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

          • Some of you have stayed silent on this issue because it’s unpopular
          • Some are silenced because of your empathy for women
          • Hear this, please: in the vast majority of cases, women are not the vulnerable ones here
          • The unborn are the helpless ones. They are “those being crushed”. 
          • The bible commands us to speak up for them. 
          
          

          Pro-Life Argument #3: Pro-Life, Not Just Pro-Birth – advocating for comprehensive support for the pregnant mother and the child after it’s born 

          • Pro-Moms: advocating for the health and support of moms who bear the burden of pregnancy
          • Women matter to God just as much as babies in the womb.
          • Pro-Family: advocating for mom and a dad in the home
          • Pro-Dads: advocating for a return to biblical masculinity
          • A culture that devalues life often stems from broken views of manhood. Men must reject the cultural narratives of irresponsibility and self-indulgence. 
          • One of the greatest tragedies in the abortion debate is the silence of men. While women bear the physical burden of pregnancy, men often bear moral and relational responsibility. Research consistently shows that a significant percentage of women who have abortions feel unsupported or pressured by the men in their lives. When men fail to step up, women are left to make heart-wrenching decisions alone.
          • The abortion issue is not just a women’s issue; it is a human issue and, more importantly, a gospel issue. Men need to take the lead, but every follower of Jesus has a part to play. 
          • Moses’ final words to the Israelites on their way in to the Promised Land:
          • Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT) “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”
          
          

          The Takeaway:

          Last week we learned that we are citizens of heaven first, and that should impact our participation in this great country (where we are foreigners and exiles). We’re not meant to stand back and let America wander away from the biblical principles it was founded on. Here’s the takeaway for this issue, three practical steps that I hope you’ll pray about so you can honor God in this area: 

          1. Adopt: Some of you will be led to take this life-long leap of faith. This is one of the most practical ways to be a light on this dark issue.
          2. Support: Partner with organizations that provide emotional, financial, and practical support to pregnant women.
          3. Disciple: Walk with someone who’s struggling to understand a biblical worldview on this. Parents: disciple your kids on this topic, or the world will. Remember the first two types of governance we talked about last week: self-governance and family governance. If we lead in this, policies in civil government will follow.
          
          ]]>82004ae6-0ee4-41cd-8c3e-056fe7d62e8eFri, 17 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -060039:04falsebonusWho Are the Seventh Day Adventists?Some modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish. This week: Seventh Day Adventists.

          --

          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

          Donate Now

          --

          Part I: The History

          Origins in the Millerite Movement

          • William Miller (1782–1849): A Baptist preacher who studied Bible prophecy, particularly the books of Daniel and Revelation. Based on his calculations of Daniel 8:14, Miller predicted that Christ would return to earth around 1843–1844.
          • The Great Disappointment (October 22, 1844): When Jesus did not return on the predicted date, many of Miller’s followers abandoned the movement. However, a small group believed the date was correct but misunderstood the nature of the event (we will get into this more when we discuss some of the false doctrines they promote).
          
          

          Formation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

          • The Sabbath Movement: A group led by Joseph Bates and others began emphasizing the importance of observing Saturday (the biblical Sabbath) as a day of worship, based on the fourth commandment.
          • The Sanctuary Doctrine: After the Great Disappointment, followers like Hiram Edson taught that Jesus did not return to earth but instead entered the heavenly sanctuary to begin a new phase of His ministry (the “investigative judgment”).
          • Ellen G. White (1827–1915): Considered a prophetess by Adventists, she played a central role in shaping SDA beliefs and practices. Her visions and writings helped unify the movement and promote distinctive doctrines.
          
          

          Official Organization

          • 1863: The Seventh-day Adventist Church was officially organized in Battle Creek, Michigan, with approximately 3,500 members.
          • Expansion: By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the SDA Church grew rapidly, emphasizing evangelism, education, and healthcare.
          
          

          Today’s SDA Church

          • Global Reach: The SDA Church has grown into a worldwide denomination with over 21 million members.
          • Focus Areas: It emphasizes education, healthcare, and missionary work while holding to its unique doctrines.
          
          

          Part II: The Similarities and Differences

          Similarities:

          • The belief in the Trinity
          • The humanity and deity of Christ (but there is a little twist here)
          • Salvation by grace through faith (but we will discuss this)
          • Authority of Scripture (but we will discuss this as well)
          • The Second Coming of Christ
          • Resurrection of the Dead
          
          

          While there are many similarities in the beliefs between SDA and orthodox Christianity, there are some disturbing differences that Christians need to be aware of when considering SDA’s. 

          
          

          Observance of the Sabbath

          • This is pretty deep. They firmly believe that the 4th commandment to observe the Sabbath is still enforced today and this part of the law was not “fulfilled” in Christ. 
          • SUNDAY LAW: They associate Sunday worship with the Mark of the Beast. They largely derive this from an interpretation of Bible prophecy. They interpret the beast in Revelation 13 as a system of false religion or false worship, mainly the Roman Catholic church. 
          • SDAs believe the Roman Catholic Church is the beast in Revelation, Sunday worship is the “mark of the beast,” and a future Sunday law will test whether people are loyal to God (by keeping the Sabbath) or to human authority (by observing Sunday).
          • Since the RCC was instrumental in establishing Sunday as the official day of worship as opposed to Saturday, those who partake of Sunday worship instead of Sabbath worship in the future will be guilty of taking the mark of the beast or pledging their allegiance to this false system of worship. 
          • How do they view Sunday worshiping Christians?
          • SDAs believe that the "mark of the beast" will only apply in the future, when Sunday worship is enforced by law as a global religious mandate. Until then, they view Christians who worship on Sunday as sincere but misinformed about God’s Sabbath command.
          • Ignorance of the Truth: They teach that many Christians worship on Sunday out of tradition or lack of knowledge about the Sabbath. In such cases, God does not hold them accountable (Acts 17:30).
          • SDAs feel a duty to inform Sunday-keeping Christians about the biblical Sabbath. They see this as part of their mission to call people out of "Babylon" (Revelation 18:4), which they interpret as false religious systems, including Sunday worship.
          • They often present the Sabbath as a test of loyalty to God and obedience to His commandments.
          • What does Ellen G. White Say?
          • "The Sabbath is the golden clasp that unites God and His people." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 351)
          • “Christ is the sinner’s only hope. By His death, He brought salvation within the reach of all.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 131).
          • SDAs use quotes like this to argue that White did not teach salvation by works or Sabbath-keeping alone.
          • In Testimonies for the Church, she stated:“It means eternal salvation to keep the Sabbath holy unto the Lord.”
          • Statements like this can lead to a legalistic mindset where believers feel their salvation depends on rigid obedience to laws, which undermines the gospel of grace.
          • 
            
          • What Does The Bible Say?
          • Scripture References:
          • Not mentioned as a command to observe in the entire new testament. Not only that but the opposite is mentioned. 
          • Romans 14:5-6: “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.”
          • FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REST
          • Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
          • Galatians 4:9-10: “But now that you have come to know God... how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world... You observe days and months and seasons and years!”
          
          
          

          The Investigative Judgment

          • What is it?
          • What Was the Great Disappointment?
          • In 1844, many Christians followed a preacher named William Miller, who said Jesus would return on October 22, 1844.
          • When Jesus didn’t return, it was called the Great Disappointment because people were devastated.
          •  Trying to Understand What Happened
          • Some of Miller’s followers thought the date was right, but they misunderstood what was supposed to happen.
          • A man named Hiram Edson had a new idea. He said that instead of Jesus coming back to earth, He did something important in heaven.
          • A New Explanation
          • Edson said Jesus entered the Most Holy Place in heaven (based on Daniel 8:14) on October 22, 1844.
          • He based this on the Old Testament idea of the Day of Atonement, when priests would cleanse the temple of sins.
          • Ellen G. White: Her visions affirmed this interpretation, and it became foundational for SDA theology.
          • The Investigative Judgment
          • They believed Jesus started a new work in heaven, called the Investigative Judgment:
          • Jesus is now reviewing the lives of all believers to decide who will be saved.
          • This is like a heavenly courtroom where records are checked.
          
          

          Outcome:

          • The faithful who remain obedient are confirmed as saved.
          • Those who turn away from God are judged unworthy and will not be resurrected to eternal life.
          • Criticisms of the Investigative Judgment
          
          

          Lack of Clear Biblical Support:

          • Many argue that Daniel 8:14 refers to the restoration of the Jerusalem temple, not a heavenly judgment.
          • Hebrews 10:12 states that Christ’s sacrifice was "once for all," implying no additional phase of atonement is needed.
          
          

          Salvation by Works?:

          • Critics say the doctrine emphasizes human effort and obedience, potentially undermining salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
          
          

          Conflict with Assurance of Salvation:

          • Mainstream Christianity teaches that believers can have full assurance of salvation in Christ (Romans 8:1), while the Investigative Judgment may lead to uncertainty.
          
          

          How This Differs from Mainstream Christianity

          • Completed Atonement: Christians believe Christ’s work on the cross was finished and fully sufficient for salvation (John 19:30, Hebrews 10:10-14).
          • Hebrews 10:14: "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
          • Judgment After Second Coming: Mainstream Christians teach that judgment occurs after Christ’s return, not as an ongoing process...]]>Some modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish. This week: Seventh Day Adventists.

            --

            The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

            Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

            Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

            Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

            Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

            Donate Now

            --

            Part I: The History

            Origins in the Millerite Movement

            • William Miller (1782–1849): A Baptist preacher who studied Bible prophecy, particularly the books of Daniel and Revelation. Based on his calculations of Daniel 8:14, Miller predicted that Christ would return to earth around 1843–1844.
            • The Great Disappointment (October 22, 1844): When Jesus did not return on the predicted date, many of Miller’s followers abandoned the movement. However, a small group believed the date was correct but misunderstood the nature of the event (we will get into this more when we discuss some of the false doctrines they promote).
            
            

            Formation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

            • The Sabbath Movement: A group led by Joseph Bates and others began emphasizing the importance of observing Saturday (the biblical Sabbath) as a day of worship, based on the fourth commandment.
            • The Sanctuary Doctrine: After the Great Disappointment, followers like Hiram Edson taught that Jesus did not return to earth but instead entered the heavenly sanctuary to begin a new phase of His ministry (the “investigative judgment”).
            • Ellen G. White (1827–1915): Considered a prophetess by Adventists, she played a central role in shaping SDA beliefs and practices. Her visions and writings helped unify the movement and promote distinctive doctrines.
            
            

            Official Organization

            • 1863: The Seventh-day Adventist Church was officially organized in Battle Creek, Michigan, with approximately 3,500 members.
            • Expansion: By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the SDA Church grew rapidly, emphasizing evangelism, education, and healthcare.
            
            

            Today’s SDA Church

            • Global Reach: The SDA Church has grown into a worldwide denomination with over 21 million members.
            • Focus Areas: It emphasizes education, healthcare, and missionary work while holding to its unique doctrines.
            
            

            Part II: The Similarities and Differences

            Similarities:

            • The belief in the Trinity
            • The humanity and deity of Christ (but there is a little twist here)
            • Salvation by grace through faith (but we will discuss this)
            • Authority of Scripture (but we will discuss this as well)
            • The Second Coming of Christ
            • Resurrection of the Dead
            
            

            While there are many similarities in the beliefs between SDA and orthodox Christianity, there are some disturbing differences that Christians need to be aware of when considering SDA’s. 

            
            

            Observance of the Sabbath

            • This is pretty deep. They firmly believe that the 4th commandment to observe the Sabbath is still enforced today and this part of the law was not “fulfilled” in Christ. 
            • SUNDAY LAW: They associate Sunday worship with the Mark of the Beast. They largely derive this from an interpretation of Bible prophecy. They interpret the beast in Revelation 13 as a system of false religion or false worship, mainly the Roman Catholic church. 
            • SDAs believe the Roman Catholic Church is the beast in Revelation, Sunday worship is the “mark of the beast,” and a future Sunday law will test whether people are loyal to God (by keeping the Sabbath) or to human authority (by observing Sunday).
            • Since the RCC was instrumental in establishing Sunday as the official day of worship as opposed to Saturday, those who partake of Sunday worship instead of Sabbath worship in the future will be guilty of taking the mark of the beast or pledging their allegiance to this false system of worship. 
            • How do they view Sunday worshiping Christians?
            • SDAs believe that the "mark of the beast" will only apply in the future, when Sunday worship is enforced by law as a global religious mandate. Until then, they view Christians who worship on Sunday as sincere but misinformed about God’s Sabbath command.
            • Ignorance of the Truth: They teach that many Christians worship on Sunday out of tradition or lack of knowledge about the Sabbath. In such cases, God does not hold them accountable (Acts 17:30).
            • SDAs feel a duty to inform Sunday-keeping Christians about the biblical Sabbath. They see this as part of their mission to call people out of "Babylon" (Revelation 18:4), which they interpret as false religious systems, including Sunday worship.
            • They often present the Sabbath as a test of loyalty to God and obedience to His commandments.
            • What does Ellen G. White Say?
            • "The Sabbath is the golden clasp that unites God and His people." (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 351)
            • “Christ is the sinner’s only hope. By His death, He brought salvation within the reach of all.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 131).
            • SDAs use quotes like this to argue that White did not teach salvation by works or Sabbath-keeping alone.
            • In Testimonies for the Church, she stated:“It means eternal salvation to keep the Sabbath holy unto the Lord.”
            • Statements like this can lead to a legalistic mindset where believers feel their salvation depends on rigid obedience to laws, which undermines the gospel of grace.
            • 
              
            • What Does The Bible Say?
            • Scripture References:
            • Not mentioned as a command to observe in the entire new testament. Not only that but the opposite is mentioned. 
            • Romans 14:5-6: “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.”
            • FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REST
            • Colossians 2:16-17: “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
            • Galatians 4:9-10: “But now that you have come to know God... how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world... You observe days and months and seasons and years!”
            
            
            

            The Investigative Judgment

            • What is it?
            • What Was the Great Disappointment?
            • In 1844, many Christians followed a preacher named William Miller, who said Jesus would return on October 22, 1844.
            • When Jesus didn’t return, it was called the Great Disappointment because people were devastated.
            •  Trying to Understand What Happened
            • Some of Miller’s followers thought the date was right, but they misunderstood what was supposed to happen.
            • A man named Hiram Edson had a new idea. He said that instead of Jesus coming back to earth, He did something important in heaven.
            • A New Explanation
            • Edson said Jesus entered the Most Holy Place in heaven (based on Daniel 8:14) on October 22, 1844.
            • He based this on the Old Testament idea of the Day of Atonement, when priests would cleanse the temple of sins.
            • Ellen G. White: Her visions affirmed this interpretation, and it became foundational for SDA theology.
            • The Investigative Judgment
            • They believed Jesus started a new work in heaven, called the Investigative Judgment:
            • Jesus is now reviewing the lives of all believers to decide who will be saved.
            • This is like a heavenly courtroom where records are checked.
            
            

            Outcome:

            • The faithful who remain obedient are confirmed as saved.
            • Those who turn away from God are judged unworthy and will not be resurrected to eternal life.
            • Criticisms of the Investigative Judgment
            
            

            Lack of Clear Biblical Support:

            • Many argue that Daniel 8:14 refers to the restoration of the Jerusalem temple, not a heavenly judgment.
            • Hebrews 10:12 states that Christ’s sacrifice was "once for all," implying no additional phase of atonement is needed.
            
            

            Salvation by Works?:

            • Critics say the doctrine emphasizes human effort and obedience, potentially undermining salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
            
            

            Conflict with Assurance of Salvation:

            • Mainstream Christianity teaches that believers can have full assurance of salvation in Christ (Romans 8:1), while the Investigative Judgment may lead to uncertainty.
            
            

            How This Differs from Mainstream Christianity

            • Completed Atonement: Christians believe Christ’s work on the cross was finished and fully sufficient for salvation (John 19:30, Hebrews 10:10-14).
            • Hebrews 10:14: "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
            • Judgment After Second Coming: Mainstream Christians teach that judgment occurs after Christ’s return, not as an ongoing process since 1844.
            
            

            Points for Discussion with SDAs

            • Christ’s Finished Work:
            • Ask: "If Jesus said 'It is finished' (John 19:30), why is another phase of atonement necessary?"
            • Assurance of Salvation:
            • Highlight verses like 1 John 5:13, which assure believers of eternal life.
            • Interpretation of Daniel 8:14:
            • Explore whether the prophecy could refer to the earthly temple and historical events, not a heavenly sanctuary.
            
            
            

            The Role of Prophecy (Ellen G. White)

            • Who Was She?
            • Ellen G. White (1827–1915) was one of the founders of the SDA Church. She claimed to have received over 2,000 visions and dreams, which she shared through books, articles, and sermons.
            • Her writings, such as The Great Controversy and Steps to Christ, are considered inspired by God.
            • Her Role in SDA Theology:
            • While not officially considered equal to Scripture, her writings are referred to as the "lesser light" that leads to the "greater light" of the Bible.
            • She is seen as a fulfillment of Revelation 12:17 and Revelation 19:10, which SDAs interpret as God raising up a prophet for the end times.
            • Scope of Influence:
            • White’s writings address doctrinal issues (e.g., Sabbath-keeping, the investigative judgment) and practical matters (e.g., diet, education, health).
            • Many SDA doctrines are rooted in or affirmed by her writings.
            • The SDA Position on Prophecy
            • Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) view prophecy as an ongoing tool for divine guidance, with Ellen G. White regarded as a modern-day prophetess. While her writings are considered a "lesser light" pointing to the Bible, they are heavily relied upon to shape doctrine and practice. SDAs believe her visions and teachings fulfill biblical prophecies, such as those in Revelation 12:17 and 19:10, and serve as authoritative guidance for the end times. This elevated role often leads to her writings being treated as a lens through which Scripture is interpreted, raising concerns about undermining the sufficiency of the Bible.
            • The Orthodox Christian Position on Prophecy
            • Completed Revelation:
            • Christianity teaches that God’s revelation is complete through Jesus Christ and the Scriptures (Hebrews 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
            • Scripture References:
            • Hebrews 1:1-2: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”
            • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
            • Revelation 22:18: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.”
            • Prophecy in the New Testament primarily functioned to authenticate the early church and ceased with the apostolic era.
            • The Bible as the Final Authority:
            • Mainstream Christians affirm sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the ultimate authority for faith and practice.
            • Additional revelations or prophecies are not required for guidance or doctrine.
            • How to Lovingly Engage SDAs on This Issue
            • Affirm Common Ground:
            • Acknowledge their desire to follow God and their respect for Scripture.
            • Example: “It’s clear you care deeply about knowing God’s will. Let’s explore what the Bible says about prophecy.”
            • Point to the Sufficiency of Scripture:
            • Use verses like 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to show that Scripture is sufficient for all aspects of faith and practice.
            • Ask: “If the Bible is complete and sufficient, why would we need additional revelations?”
            • Test Prophecies Biblically:
            • Highlight Deuteronomy 18:22 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, which teach that prophecies must be tested and verified.
            • Ask: “If even one prophecy is inaccurate, should we consider the person a true prophet?”
            
            
            
            

            Conclusion

            Emphasize the Common Ground

            • Highlight shared beliefs with SDAs, such as:
            • Belief in Jesus as fully divine and the Savior.
            • The authority of Scripture.
            • The hope of Jesus’ Second Coming.
            • This helps foster understanding and a respectful tone while distinguishing key doctrinal differences.
            
            

            Address the Key Differences

            • Recap major theological concerns, such as:
            • Sabbath and Salvation: Stress that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), not tied to keeping the Sabbath or other works.
            • Investigative Judgment: Affirm that Jesus’ work on the cross was complete, and there’s no need for a separate judgment to determine salvation (Hebrews 10:14, John 19:30).
            • Prophecy and Ellen G. White: Remind viewers that Scripture is the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and any extra-biblical claims must be tested carefully.
            
            

            Encourage a Biblical Response

            • Urge Christians to respond with truth and grace when engaging SDA members:
            • Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
            • Ask thoughtful questions to challenge their assumptions without attacking their beliefs.
            • Focus on the gospel and the assurance of salvation in Christ.
            
            

            Offer Hope and Assurance

            • Reinforce the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice:
            • “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:14).
            • Remind viewers of the joy and freedom found in Christ:
            • “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
            
            

            End with a Call to Study the Bible

            • Encourage the audience to study Scripture deeply for themselves and to know God’s Word:
            • “Let’s commit to growing in our understanding of the Bible so we can stand firm in truth and share the gospel with those who are seeking.”
            
            

            Soul Sleep and Annihilationism

            Soul Sleep:

            • SDAs teach that when people die, their souls do not go to heaven or hell immediately. Instead, they enter an unconscious state referred to as "soul sleep," awaiting the resurrection at Christ’s return.
            • Death is likened to a deep, dreamless sleep where the person has no awareness of the passage of time (Ecclesiastes 9:5, John 11:11-14).
            • Refuting Soul Sleep
            • These verses suggest that the soul remains conscious after death:
            • Luke 16:19-31 (The Rich Man and Lazarus):
            • Jesus describes the rich man and Lazarus experiencing conscious realities immediately after death—one in torment and the other in comfort.
            • This story undermines the idea of unconsciousness after death.
            • Philippians 1:23-24:
            • Paul writes, "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far."
            • This indicates that being "with Christ" happens immediately after death, not after an unconscious waiting period.
            • 2 Corinthians 5:8:
            • "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
            • Suggests a direct transition from physical death to being in the presence of the Lord.
            • Revelation 6:9-10:
            • Souls of martyrs under the altar cry out to God, asking how long until judgment.
            • Demonstrates that souls are conscious and aware before the resurrection.
            
            

            Annihilationism:

            • SDAs reject the idea of eternal torment in hell. They believe that the wicked will be resurrected for judgment but will ultimately be destroyed (annihilated) rather than suffer eternal punishment.
            • This destruction is seen as the "second death" (Revelation 20:14-15), where the wicked cease to exist entirely.
            • Refuting Annihilationism
            • Matthew 25:46:
            • "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
            • The same word "eternal" is used for both punishment and life, showing parallel everlasting duration.
            • Revelation 14:10-11:
            • "They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever."
            • Indicates eternal, ongoing torment for those who worship the beast.
            • Daniel 12:2:
            • "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt."
            • Describes eternal consequences for both the righteous and the wicked.
            • Mark 9:47-48:
            • Jesus speaks of hell as a place "where the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched."
            • Indicates unending suffering rather than annihilation.
            
            

            Dietary Restrictions and Health Practices

            • SDA Belief:
            • SDAs promote a vegetarian or plant-based diet and discourage the consumption of "unclean" meats listed in Leviticus 11 (e.g., pork, shellfish).
            • They advocate for abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine as part of living a holy and healthy life.
            • Health is viewed as a spiritual obligation, tying physical well-being to faithfulness to God.
            • Ellen G. White’s Influence:
            • White wrote extensively on health, calling the body the "temple of the Holy Spirit" and teaching that a vegetarian diet was God's ideal for humanity.
            • In The Ministry of Healing, she stated, "Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator."
            • White also claimed that avoiding "unclean" meats and harmful substances is essential for moral and spiritual clarity.
            • Holistic Living:
            • The SDA Church operates many hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers worldwide, emphasizing the connection between health and spirituality.
            • Their Health Message is central to their outreach, and they see it as...]]>dd22dbb1-fa6c-4b2c-9632-c80ab1f68e86Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -060059:34falsefull9494Who Are the Jehovah's Witnesses?Some modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish. This week: Jehova's Witnesses.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

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              In the last episode we talked about what is a cult (how to identify a cult, etc.). If you missed that one, be sure and go and check that out. In today’s episode we will focus our attention on a group that claims to be the real Christians, but as we will show today the Jehovah’s Witnesses are not Christians. 

              The Jehovah’s Witnesses originated in the late 19th century with Charles Taze Russell, an American preacher deeply interested in Bible prophecy. Here’s a concise history of the organization:

              Part I: The History

              Origins and Founder:

              • Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916): Russell was influenced by Adventist teachings, particularly their focus on Christ’s second coming. Disillusioned with mainstream Christianity, he began his own Bible study group in the 1870s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
              • 1870s The group now known as Jehovah’s Witnesses was initially called Bible Students or International Bible Students Association (IBSA) during its early years. This name reflected their focus on studying the Bible and disseminating their teachings.
              • Publication of Zion’s Watch Tower (1879): Russell launched this magazine to spread his interpretations of the Bible, emphasizing end-time prophecies and the imminent return of Christ.
              • Why was it called Watchtower? 
              • The name "Watchtower" comes from the Bible, where watchtowers were used as places to keep watch and warn of danger. In ancient times, people would stand in tall towers to look out for enemies or protect their vineyards from animals.
              • Jehovah's Witnesses use the name Watchtower because they believe they are like spiritual watchmen. They think their job is to warn people about the coming of God’s Kingdom and the end of the current world system (what they call Armageddon). They see themselves as sounding the alarm and helping people prepare for what they believe is God’s judgment.
              • The name also reflects their focus on being alert and vigilant about spreading their teachings, which they view as essential for saving others. The magazine The Watchtower became their main way to share these warnings and spread their message worldwide.
              
              

              Formation of the Organization:

              • Incorporation as the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (1884): Russell formally organized his followers under this name, focusing on mass publication and distribution of literature.
              • Today’s Stats and Organizational Structure
              • 8.6 million members today (2023)
              • Governing Body: A centralized leadership that claims exclusive authority in interpreting the Bible.
              • Emphasis on door-to-door evangelism, distribution of "Watchtower" and "Awake!" magazines.
              • Rutherford’s Leadership (1916–1942): After Russell’s death, Rutherford took control. He rebranded the movement, introducing the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in 1931 to distinguish it from other groups. He centralized authority, increased door-to-door evangelism, and solidified distinct doctrines, such as rejecting political involvement and military service.
              • Failed Prophecies: Under both Russell and Rutherford, numerous end-of-the-world dates were predicted and failed, including 1914, 1925, and later dates.
              
              

              Failed Prophecies:

              1874 – Christ’s Invisible Return

              • Prediction: Charles Taze Russell, the founder, taught that Jesus Christ returned invisibly in 1874 to begin ruling spiritually.
              • Outcome: This claim was later adjusted to fit their evolving theology, and they eventually moved the "invisible return" date to 1914.
              
              

              1914 – The End of the World

              • Prediction: Russell taught that the end of the current world system (Armageddon) would occur in 1914.
              • Outcome: When nothing happened, the Watch Tower Society claimed Jesus began ruling invisibly in 1914 and that World War I was part of the fulfillment of prophecy.
              
              

              1925 – The Resurrection of Biblical Patriarchs

              • Prediction: Joseph Rutherford, the second leader, predicted that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and other faithful men of old would be resurrected in 1925 to rule over the earth.
              • Outcome: When this did not happen, the prophecy was quietly dropped. A mansion in California (called Beth Sarim) that was built to house these resurrected patriarchs was eventually sold.
              
              

              1941 – The Beginning of Armageddon

              • Prediction: Rutherford suggested that Armageddon was very near, specifically during or shortly after World War II.
              • Outcome: The war ended, but Armageddon did not occur.
              
              

              1975 – The End of the World

              • Prediction: The Watch Tower Society heavily implied that the end would come in 1975, linking it to their calculation of 6,000 years since the creation of Adam.
              • Outcome: Many Jehovah's Witnesses sold their homes and quit their jobs in anticipation. When nothing happened, the leadership blamed the members for "misinterpreting" their teachings.
              
              

              Why These Failures Matter

              • Credibility Issues: According to Deuteronomy 18:22, a false prophecy is a sign that the message is not from God. Jehovah's Witnesses' repeated failed predictions have led many to question their claim of being God’s sole channel of communication.
              • Impact on Members: These predictions caused emotional and financial strain on members who made life-altering decisions based on them.
              • Shift in Teachings: After each failure, Jehovah's Witnesses adjusted their theology or blamed misunderstandings to maintain credibility and control over followers.
              
              

              Part II: The Differences

              Key Writings

              • The Bible: Jehovah’s Witnesses use the New World Translation (NWT), a version modified to align with their doctrines.
              • Divergence: Mainstream Christians consider the NWT unreliable due to alterations like John 1:1 ("the Word was a god") and Colossians 1:16 (inserting "other" to suggest Jesus is a created being).
              • Supplemental Texts: Publications like The Watchtower and Awake! magazines, as well as books like What Does the Bible Really Teach? serve as authoritative teaching tools.
              • Divergence: These writings are considered equal to, or sometimes above, Scripture in authority by Jehovah's Witnesses.
              
              

              Who is God?

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses: Jehovah is the one true God, the Father, distinct and separate from Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
              • Divergence: Reject the Trinity, which is a core doctrine of mainstream Christianity. Christians believe in one God existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
              
              

              Who is Jesus?

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses:
              • Jesus is a created being, the first and greatest creation of Jehovah. He is identified as Michael the Archangel.
              • Jesus is not co-equal or co-eternal with God and was merely human during His earthly ministry.
              • His resurrection was spiritual, not physical.
              • Jesus’ death provides an opportunity for salvation, but works are required to earn it.
              • Divergence:
              • Mainstream Christianity teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9), eternally preexistent, and co-equal with the Father.
              • Christians affirm the physical resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:39, 1 Corinthians 15:4).
              
              

              Who is the Holy Spirit?

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Holy Spirit is not a person but an impersonal force or "God’s active power."
              • Divergence: Mainstream Christianity teaches the Holy Spirit is a distinct person within the Trinity, co-equal with the Father and the Son (John 14:26, Acts 5:3–4).
              
              

              How to Be Saved

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses:
              • Salvation requires faith in Jesus, adherence to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and participation in works like door-to-door evangelism.
              • Only faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses will survive Armageddon and enter God’s Kingdom.
              • Divergence: Mainstream Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith alone, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 10:9–10).
              
              

              What Happens After Death?

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses:
              • The soul ceases to exist at death (annihilationism).
              • Only 144,000 anointed believers go to heaven to reign with Christ.
              • The rest of the faithful will live forever on a restored paradise earth.
              • The wicked will be permanently destroyed, not eternally tormented.
              • Divergence: Christians believe in eternal life with God for believers and eternal separation from God in hell for the wicked (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:10, 14–15).
              
              

              More Facts About the]]>Some modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish. This week: Jehova's Witnesses.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              In the last episode we talked about what is a cult (how to identify a cult, etc.). If you missed that one, be sure and go and check that out. In today’s episode we will focus our attention on a group that claims to be the real Christians, but as we will show today the Jehovah’s Witnesses are not Christians. 

              The Jehovah’s Witnesses originated in the late 19th century with Charles Taze Russell, an American preacher deeply interested in Bible prophecy. Here’s a concise history of the organization:

              Part I: The History

              Origins and Founder:

              • Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916): Russell was influenced by Adventist teachings, particularly their focus on Christ’s second coming. Disillusioned with mainstream Christianity, he began his own Bible study group in the 1870s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
              • 1870s The group now known as Jehovah’s Witnesses was initially called Bible Students or International Bible Students Association (IBSA) during its early years. This name reflected their focus on studying the Bible and disseminating their teachings.
              • Publication of Zion’s Watch Tower (1879): Russell launched this magazine to spread his interpretations of the Bible, emphasizing end-time prophecies and the imminent return of Christ.
              • Why was it called Watchtower? 
              • The name "Watchtower" comes from the Bible, where watchtowers were used as places to keep watch and warn of danger. In ancient times, people would stand in tall towers to look out for enemies or protect their vineyards from animals.
              • Jehovah's Witnesses use the name Watchtower because they believe they are like spiritual watchmen. They think their job is to warn people about the coming of God’s Kingdom and the end of the current world system (what they call Armageddon). They see themselves as sounding the alarm and helping people prepare for what they believe is God’s judgment.
              • The name also reflects their focus on being alert and vigilant about spreading their teachings, which they view as essential for saving others. The magazine The Watchtower became their main way to share these warnings and spread their message worldwide.

              
              

              Formation of the Organization:

              • Incorporation as the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (1884): Russell formally organized his followers under this name, focusing on mass publication and distribution of literature.
              • Today’s Stats and Organizational Structure
              • 8.6 million members today (2023)
              • Governing Body: A centralized leadership that claims exclusive authority in interpreting the Bible.
              • Emphasis on door-to-door evangelism, distribution of "Watchtower" and "Awake!" magazines.
              • Rutherford’s Leadership (1916–1942): After Russell’s death, Rutherford took control. He rebranded the movement, introducing the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in 1931 to distinguish it from other groups. He centralized authority, increased door-to-door evangelism, and solidified distinct doctrines, such as rejecting political involvement and military service.
              • Failed Prophecies: Under both Russell and Rutherford, numerous end-of-the-world dates were predicted and failed, including 1914, 1925, and later dates.

              
              

              Failed Prophecies:

              1874 – Christ’s Invisible Return

              • Prediction: Charles Taze Russell, the founder, taught that Jesus Christ returned invisibly in 1874 to begin ruling spiritually.
              • Outcome: This claim was later adjusted to fit their evolving theology, and they eventually moved the "invisible return" date to 1914.

              
              

              1914 – The End of the World

              • Prediction: Russell taught that the end of the current world system (Armageddon) would occur in 1914.
              • Outcome: When nothing happened, the Watch Tower Society claimed Jesus began ruling invisibly in 1914 and that World War I was part of the fulfillment of prophecy.

              
              

              1925 – The Resurrection of Biblical Patriarchs

              • Prediction: Joseph Rutherford, the second leader, predicted that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and other faithful men of old would be resurrected in 1925 to rule over the earth.
              • Outcome: When this did not happen, the prophecy was quietly dropped. A mansion in California (called Beth Sarim) that was built to house these resurrected patriarchs was eventually sold.

              
              

              1941 – The Beginning of Armageddon

              • Prediction: Rutherford suggested that Armageddon was very near, specifically during or shortly after World War II.
              • Outcome: The war ended, but Armageddon did not occur.

              
              

              1975 – The End of the World

              • Prediction: The Watch Tower Society heavily implied that the end would come in 1975, linking it to their calculation of 6,000 years since the creation of Adam.
              • Outcome: Many Jehovah's Witnesses sold their homes and quit their jobs in anticipation. When nothing happened, the leadership blamed the members for "misinterpreting" their teachings.

              
              

              Why These Failures Matter

              • Credibility Issues: According to Deuteronomy 18:22, a false prophecy is a sign that the message is not from God. Jehovah's Witnesses' repeated failed predictions have led many to question their claim of being God’s sole channel of communication.
              • Impact on Members: These predictions caused emotional and financial strain on members who made life-altering decisions based on them.
              • Shift in Teachings: After each failure, Jehovah's Witnesses adjusted their theology or blamed misunderstandings to maintain credibility and control over followers.

              
              

              Part II: The Differences

              Key Writings

              • The Bible: Jehovah’s Witnesses use the New World Translation (NWT), a version modified to align with their doctrines.
              • Divergence: Mainstream Christians consider the NWT unreliable due to alterations like John 1:1 ("the Word was a god") and Colossians 1:16 (inserting "other" to suggest Jesus is a created being).
              • Supplemental Texts: Publications like The Watchtower and Awake! magazines, as well as books like What Does the Bible Really Teach? serve as authoritative teaching tools.
              • Divergence: These writings are considered equal to, or sometimes above, Scripture in authority by Jehovah's Witnesses.

              
              

              Who is God?

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses: Jehovah is the one true God, the Father, distinct and separate from Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
              • Divergence: Reject the Trinity, which is a core doctrine of mainstream Christianity. Christians believe in one God existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

              
              

              Who is Jesus?

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses:
              • Jesus is a created being, the first and greatest creation of Jehovah. He is identified as Michael the Archangel.
              • Jesus is not co-equal or co-eternal with God and was merely human during His earthly ministry.
              • His resurrection was spiritual, not physical.
              • Jesus’ death provides an opportunity for salvation, but works are required to earn it.
              • Divergence:
              • Mainstream Christianity teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9), eternally preexistent, and co-equal with the Father.
              • Christians affirm the physical resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:39, 1 Corinthians 15:4).

              
              

              Who is the Holy Spirit?

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Holy Spirit is not a person but an impersonal force or "God’s active power."
              • Divergence: Mainstream Christianity teaches the Holy Spirit is a distinct person within the Trinity, co-equal with the Father and the Son (John 14:26, Acts 5:3–4).

              
              

              How to Be Saved

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses:
              • Salvation requires faith in Jesus, adherence to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and participation in works like door-to-door evangelism.
              • Only faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses will survive Armageddon and enter God’s Kingdom.
              • Divergence: Mainstream Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith alone, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 10:9–10).

              
              

              What Happens After Death?

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses:
              • The soul ceases to exist at death (annihilationism).
              • Only 144,000 anointed believers go to heaven to reign with Christ.
              • The rest of the faithful will live forever on a restored paradise earth.
              • The wicked will be permanently destroyed, not eternally tormented.
              • Divergence: Christians believe in eternal life with God for believers and eternal separation from God in hell for the wicked (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:10, 14–15).

              
              

              More Facts About the 144,000

              In Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs, the 144,000 are a select group of people who will go to heaven to rule with Christ. They don’t interpret it the same way Christians do who believe these are 12,000 Jewish evangelists from each of the 12 tribes. They interpret it symbolically. This teaching is based on a literal interpretation of Revelation 7:4 and 14:1-3, which mention 144,000 sealed servants of God.

              Criteria for Being Part of the 144,000

              1. Spiritual Anointing: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe these individuals have a special spiritual calling or "anointing" from God. This is not something they choose but something they believe God reveals to them.
              2. Faithfulness: Members of the 144,000 are viewed as exceptionally faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses who dedicate their lives to serving God and spreading His message.
              3. Time Period: They teach that the selection of the 144,000 began with Jesus’ apostles and continued into the early 20th century. By the mid-1930s, they believed that most of the 144,000 had already been chosen.

              
              

              Hope of Joining the 144,000 Today

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that very few spots remain in the 144,000 because most were already chosen in the past.
              • It is technically possible for someone today to believe they are part of the 144,000 if they experience a personal conviction of being "anointed."
              • However, this claim is rare and often viewed with skepticism by the broader Witness community.

              
              

              For Most Jehovah’s Witnesses

              • The majority do not believe they will go to heaven. Instead, they look forward to living forever on a paradise earth under the rule of Christ and the 144,000.
              • Witnesses who are not part of the 144,000 are referred to as the "great crowd" (based on Revelation 7:9).

              
              

              Differences From Mainstream Christianity

              • Mainstream Christians do not interpret the 144,000 in Revelation as a literal, exclusive group. Instead, many view this number symbolically, representing the 144,000 Jewish evangelists (12,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel) who spread the gospel during the tribulation. 
              • Christians believe all who are saved through faith in Christ will reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 20:6), not just a select few.

              
              

              Other Facts, Beliefs, and Practices

              • Reject Holidays and National Symbols: Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas, Easter, or birthdays and avoid pledging allegiance to national flags or serving in the military.
              • Divergence: These practices are cultural, not doctrinal, in mainstream Christianity.
              • Refuse Blood Transfusions: Based on their interpretation of Acts 15:28–29, they refuse blood transfusions, even when life-threatening.
              • Divergence: Mainstream Christians do not interpret these verses as prohibiting medical blood transfusions.
              • Evangelism Focus: Known for rigorous door-to-door evangelism and distributing literature.
              • Divergence: Evangelism is a Christian practice, but mainstream Christians emphasize it as part of a broader relationship with Christ rather than as a requirement for salvation.
              • Governing Body Authority: The Governing Body, based in Warwick, New York, is viewed as God's sole channel of communication.
              • Divergence: Mainstream Christianity holds that all believers have access to God through Christ (Hebrews 4:16) and emphasizes the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9).

              
              

              Part III: How To Reach Them

              Build a Relationship of Trust

              • Be Kind and Respectful: Jehovah’s Witnesses are often trained to expect hostility. Being warm and genuine can open doors for deeper conversations.
              • Show Interest: Ask about their beliefs and listen attentively. Avoid debates early on.
              • Example: “Can you tell me more about why you believe this way?”

              
              

              Use Thoughtful Questions

              • Ask questions that encourage them to think critically about their beliefs without feeling attacked.
              • About the Bible: “Why does the New World Translation render John 1:1 differently than most other Bible translations?”
              • About Prophecies: “What should we think about an organization that predicts events that don’t come true? How does that fit with Deuteronomy 18:22?”
              • About Salvation: “Why do we need works to be saved if Ephesians 2:8-9 says salvation is a gift from God?”

              
              

              Focus on Jesus

              • Jehovah’s Witnesses have a distorted view of Jesus. Bring the conversation back to who Jesus is.
              • Use John 20:28: Thomas calls Jesus “My Lord and my God.”
              • Use Isaiah 9:6: Jesus is called “Mighty God.”
              • Ask: “How can Jesus save us if He is not fully God?”

              
              

              Share the Gospel Clearly

              • Emphasize grace over works:
              • Ephesians 2:8-9: Salvation is through faith, not by works.
              • Romans 10:9-10: Confessing Jesus as Lord leads to salvation.
              • John 14:6: Jesus is the only way to God.

              
              

              Challenge Their Exclusive Authority

              • Highlight that the Bible warns against adding or subtracting from God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19).
              • Ask: “If the Governing Body is God’s channel, why have their teachings changed so much over time?”

              
              

              Use Scripture They Recognize

              • Stick to verses in their own Bible (New World Translation). They may dismiss other translations as corrupt.
              • Cross-reference verses they know with others to show biblical consistency.

              
              

              Be Patient and Persistent

              • Don’t expect immediate change. Many Jehovah’s Witnesses fear leaving because of family shunning.
              • Continue to pray for them and share truth gently over time.

              
              

              Share Testimonies

              • If possible, share stories of former Jehovah’s Witnesses who found freedom in Christ. This can plant seeds of doubt about the organization and hope in the gospel.

              
              

              Example Conversation Starter

              • You: "Thank you for sharing your beliefs with me. I’ve always wondered—what does it mean for you to have a personal relationship with Jesus?"
              • Jehovah’s Witness: "We believe Jesus is the way to Jehovah, but we worship Jehovah, not Jesus."
              • You: "That’s interesting. In John 14:6, Jesus says He is the way, the truth, and the life. Do you think that means we can talk directly to Him too?"

              
              ]]>cd0c2177-173f-465d-be31-eec4b03255b8Mon, 06 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -060057:51falsefull9393Was America Founded on Biblical Principles? - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastThe U.S. Constitution, finalized in 1787, is a cornerstone of governance and liberty. While it does not explicitly mention God, many of its principles align with biblical truths. These truths emphasize the role of moral law, the divine origin of human rights, and the purpose of government. In this episode we explore three pillars of God and government, enriched with Scripture to reveal how these principles reflect biblical teaching.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              1. There Is a God, and He Has Established a Fixed Moral Law

              The Constitution assumes the existence of universal truths—principles that govern justice and fairness. This idea aligns with the Bible’s declaration:

              • “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, NLT)

              
              

              By acknowledging a Creator, the foundation of the Constitution reflects an ordered world governed by divine laws. These moral laws are evident in the Ten Commandments, given to guide human behavior:

              • “You must not steal. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:15-16, NLT)

              
              

              The rule of law, central to the Constitution, echoes biblical justice. In God’s eyes, righteousness and impartiality are essential:

              • “Judges must be impartial. They must hear the case of those who are poor just as they hear the case of those who are rich.” (Deuteronomy 1:17, NLT)

              
              

              The Constitution reflects this concept by establishing a legal system grounded in objective, unchanging principles that mirror God’s moral law, ensuring fairness and accountability.

              2. God, Not the Government, Gives Rights to Every Human Being

              The Constitution’s protection of inalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—rests on the belief that rights are given by God, not government. Scripture affirms this truth:

              • “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5, NLT)

              
              

              Every human being possesses dignity and worth because they are created in God’s image:

              • “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NLT)

              
              

              This foundational truth underscores the Constitution’s emphasis on individual freedoms. By safeguarding these rights, the document reflects God’s design for humanity. Government’s role, then, is to protect these God-given freedoms, not to grant or revoke them.

              3. Government Exists to Protect Rights and Enforce Moral Law

              The Constitution defines government’s purpose as protecting rights and maintaining order. The Bible reinforces this by teaching that government is a servant of God, tasked with promoting good and restraining evil:

              • “The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you.” (Romans 13:4, NLT)

              
              

              The preamble begins with the phrase, “We the People,” emphasizing that authority flows from the consent of the governed. This principle aligns with biblical teaching on appointing leaders:

              • “Choose some well-respected men from each tribe who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will appoint them as your leaders.” (Deuteronomy 1:13, NLT)

              
              

              However, the Constitution’s scope raises a question: do these rights extend only to citizens, or are they universal? Scripture challenges us to recognize that all people are valued by God, deserving of justice and dignity:

              • “For God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:11, NLT)
              • “Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself.” (Leviticus 19:33-34, NLT)

              
              

              These verses remind us that while the Constitution primarily governs its citizens, its principles reflect God’s heart for all people.

              
              

              Conclusion

              The U.S. Constitution is a remarkable reflection of biblical principles. It acknowledges a Creator who establishes moral law, affirms that human rights come from God, and defines government as a servant to protect those rights. As Christians, we can celebrate these truths while advocating for policies and practices that align more fully with God’s Word.

              Ultimately, true liberty is found not in human governance but in submission to God’s eternal law. As Scripture reminds us:

              • “For the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us.” (Isaiah 33:22, NLT)

              
              

              By living out these principles, we can encourage a nation that honors God and reflects His justice, mercy, and truth.

              ]]>The U.S. Constitution, finalized in 1787, is a cornerstone of governance and liberty. While it does not explicitly mention God, many of its principles align with biblical truths. These truths emphasize the role of moral law, the divine origin of human rights, and the purpose of government. In this episode we explore three pillars of God and government, enriched with Scripture to reveal how these principles reflect biblical teaching.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              1. There Is a God, and He Has Established a Fixed Moral Law

              The Constitution assumes the existence of universal truths—principles that govern justice and fairness. This idea aligns with the Bible’s declaration:

              • “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1, NLT)

              
              

              By acknowledging a Creator, the foundation of the Constitution reflects an ordered world governed by divine laws. These moral laws are evident in the Ten Commandments, given to guide human behavior:

              • “You must not steal. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:15-16, NLT)

              
              

              The rule of law, central to the Constitution, echoes biblical justice. In God’s eyes, righteousness and impartiality are essential:

              • “Judges must be impartial. They must hear the case of those who are poor just as they hear the case of those who are rich.” (Deuteronomy 1:17, NLT)

              
              

              The Constitution reflects this concept by establishing a legal system grounded in objective, unchanging principles that mirror God’s moral law, ensuring fairness and accountability.

              2. God, Not the Government, Gives Rights to Every Human Being

              The Constitution’s protection of inalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—rests on the belief that rights are given by God, not government. Scripture affirms this truth:

              • “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5, NLT)

              
              

              Every human being possesses dignity and worth because they are created in God’s image:

              • “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NLT)

              
              

              This foundational truth underscores the Constitution’s emphasis on individual freedoms. By safeguarding these rights, the document reflects God’s design for humanity. Government’s role, then, is to protect these God-given freedoms, not to grant or revoke them.

              3. Government Exists to Protect Rights and Enforce Moral Law

              The Constitution defines government’s purpose as protecting rights and maintaining order. The Bible reinforces this by teaching that government is a servant of God, tasked with promoting good and restraining evil:

              • “The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you.” (Romans 13:4, NLT)

              
              

              The preamble begins with the phrase, “We the People,” emphasizing that authority flows from the consent of the governed. This principle aligns with biblical teaching on appointing leaders:

              • “Choose some well-respected men from each tribe who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will appoint them as your leaders.” (Deuteronomy 1:13, NLT)

              
              

              However, the Constitution’s scope raises a question: do these rights extend only to citizens, or are they universal? Scripture challenges us to recognize that all people are valued by God, deserving of justice and dignity:

              • “For God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:11, NLT)
              • “Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself.” (Leviticus 19:33-34, NLT)

              
              

              These verses remind us that while the Constitution primarily governs its citizens, its principles reflect God’s heart for all people.

              
              

              Conclusion

              The U.S. Constitution is a remarkable reflection of biblical principles. It acknowledges a Creator who establishes moral law, affirms that human rights come from God, and defines government as a servant to protect those rights. As Christians, we can celebrate these truths while advocating for policies and practices that align more fully with God’s Word.

              Ultimately, true liberty is found not in human governance but in submission to God’s eternal law. As Scripture reminds us:

              • “For the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us.” (Isaiah 33:22, NLT)

              
              

              By living out these principles, we can encourage a nation that honors God and reflects His justice, mercy, and truth.

              ]]>85823357-2c27-45fb-9e35-ee34bd47c1f3Fri, 03 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -060025:58falsebonusIs Tithing Biblical or Just a Mormon Thing?Tithing isn’t mandated by the New Testament, but Christians should be good stewards of their money by giving regularly, proportionately, and sacrificially.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Tithing, the practice of giving 10% of your income to God, is a topic that Christians still talk about a lot. In the Old Testament, tithing is part of the Mosaic Law, but in the New Testament, people debate its place. Surprisingly, the word “tithe” (or its variations) only shows up four times in the New Testament. Before we dive into the New Testament, let’s quickly look at tithing in the Old Testament to understand what it tells us about the practice.

              The Nebulous Nature of the Tithe in the Old Testament

              In the Old Testament, the concept of the tithe is mentioned multiple times, but its exact application and scope were somewhat complex and varied. For example:

              1. Levitical Tithe: Numbers 18:21-24 describes a tithe given to the Levites as compensation for their service in the Tabernacle. This tithe was based on agricultural produce and livestock, not monetary income.
              2. Festival Tithe: Deuteronomy 14:22-27 outlines a tithe that was set aside for annual festivals. This tithe was consumed by the giver and their household in a celebratory feast before the Lord.
              3. Charity Tithe: Deuteronomy 14:28-29 refers to a tithe given every third year to support the poor, including the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.

              
              

              So, the “tithe” wasn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. It was actually a bunch of different obligations that served different purposes in ancient Israelite society. And guess what? It mostly applied to people who worked in farming, not to everyone who made money or had stuff. This is important to keep in mind when we think about how tithing might work in our modern world.

              The Four Appearances of the Tithe in the New Testament

              Now let’s dive into the four references to the tithe in the New Testament. Surprisingly, we never find Jesus or any New Testament author commanding us to tithe. Instead, the tithe serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting what NOT to do when it’s done with the wrong intentions.

              1. Matthew 23:23

              In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says to the Pharisees:

              "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

              Jesus acknowledges the Pharisees’ strict tithing, even of garden herbs, but points out that they neglected more important things like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He doesn’t say tithing is wrong, but he emphasizes the importance of having a pure heart and focusing on the bigger picture of living a godly life.

              2. Luke 11:42

              Luke’s Gospel includes a parallel to Matthew 23:23, where Jesus says:

              "Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue, and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone."

              This passage echoes what Matthew said. The Pharisees were all about following the rules, especially about tithing, but they forgot to show God the love and justice that’s really important. Jesus said that just doing the right things on the outside, like tithing, isn’t enough.

              3. Luke 18:12

              In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the Pharisee boasts:

              "I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get."

              This part of the Pharisee’s prayer is super self-righteous, and it’s a total contrast to the humble tax collector. Jesus is pointing out that the Pharisee is being too proud and thinks he’s all righteous because he tithes. But tithing, like any spiritual practice, is pointless if you don’t have a humble and repentant heart.

              4. Hebrews 7:1-10

              The Book of Hebrews references tithing in its discussion of Melchizedek and Abraham:

              "This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything..."

              The author of Hebrews uses this historical account to show how Melchizedek’s priesthood is better than any other, and it’s a picture of Christ’s eternal priesthood. Tithing here is like a way of honoring and recognizing spiritual authority. But this passage isn’t really about telling Christians how much to give, it’s about showing that Christ is our High Priest, the one who’s in charge forever.

              A New Testament Approach to Giving

              In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus goes beyond the rules and teaches us to understand the true meaning behind them. For instance, He explains the deeper meaning of the commands against murder and adultery, not just by saying they’re wrong, but by saying that anger and lust are the root causes. This principle also applies to giving. Jesus says that we should give generously, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it shows a changed heart. When our treasure is rooted in God’s kingdom, generosity flows naturally:

              "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

              And consider the early church’s crazy generosity in Acts 2:44-45. They all shared everything they had, and they sold their stuff to help anyone who needed it. This is the spirit of giving in the New Testament—a heart that’s been changed by the gospel. The New Testament doesn’t make tithing a strict rule for believers. Instead, it encourages us to give generously, out of love and thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 9:7).

              Takeaway

              The four New Testament references to the tithe give us some important clues, but they don’t make tithing a strict rule for today’s Christians. Instead, they point to a higher standard of giving—one that comes from being fair, kind, loving, and generous. While Christians today don’t have to tithe the same way it was done under the Mosaic Law, we’re still called to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. 

              A good rule of thumb is to make sure your giving is regular, proportionate, and sacrificial. It should be a regular spiritual discipline, whether weekly, monthly, or yearly. It should be in proportion to your income, whether 2%, 10%, or more. And it should be sacrificial, because we’re following a Savior who sacrificed his life to buy us the freedom we could never afford.

              ]]>Tithing isn’t mandated by the New Testament, but Christians should be good stewards of their money by giving regularly, proportionately, and sacrificially.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Tithing, the practice of giving 10% of your income to God, is a topic that Christians still talk about a lot. In the Old Testament, tithing is part of the Mosaic Law, but in the New Testament, people debate its place. Surprisingly, the word “tithe” (or its variations) only shows up four times in the New Testament. Before we dive into the New Testament, let’s quickly look at tithing in the Old Testament to understand what it tells us about the practice.

              The Nebulous Nature of the Tithe in the Old Testament

              In the Old Testament, the concept of the tithe is mentioned multiple times, but its exact application and scope were somewhat complex and varied. For example:

              1. Levitical Tithe: Numbers 18:21-24 describes a tithe given to the Levites as compensation for their service in the Tabernacle. This tithe was based on agricultural produce and livestock, not monetary income.
              2. Festival Tithe: Deuteronomy 14:22-27 outlines a tithe that was set aside for annual festivals. This tithe was consumed by the giver and their household in a celebratory feast before the Lord.
              3. Charity Tithe: Deuteronomy 14:28-29 refers to a tithe given every third year to support the poor, including the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow.

              
              

              So, the “tithe” wasn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. It was actually a bunch of different obligations that served different purposes in ancient Israelite society. And guess what? It mostly applied to people who worked in farming, not to everyone who made money or had stuff. This is important to keep in mind when we think about how tithing might work in our modern world.

              The Four Appearances of the Tithe in the New Testament

              Now let’s dive into the four references to the tithe in the New Testament. Surprisingly, we never find Jesus or any New Testament author commanding us to tithe. Instead, the tithe serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting what NOT to do when it’s done with the wrong intentions.

              1. Matthew 23:23

              In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says to the Pharisees:

              "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

              Jesus acknowledges the Pharisees’ strict tithing, even of garden herbs, but points out that they neglected more important things like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He doesn’t say tithing is wrong, but he emphasizes the importance of having a pure heart and focusing on the bigger picture of living a godly life.

              2. Luke 11:42

              Luke’s Gospel includes a parallel to Matthew 23:23, where Jesus says:

              "Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue, and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone."

              This passage echoes what Matthew said. The Pharisees were all about following the rules, especially about tithing, but they forgot to show God the love and justice that’s really important. Jesus said that just doing the right things on the outside, like tithing, isn’t enough.

              3. Luke 18:12

              In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the Pharisee boasts:

              "I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get."

              This part of the Pharisee’s prayer is super self-righteous, and it’s a total contrast to the humble tax collector. Jesus is pointing out that the Pharisee is being too proud and thinks he’s all righteous because he tithes. But tithing, like any spiritual practice, is pointless if you don’t have a humble and repentant heart.

              4. Hebrews 7:1-10

              The Book of Hebrews references tithing in its discussion of Melchizedek and Abraham:

              "This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything..."

              The author of Hebrews uses this historical account to show how Melchizedek’s priesthood is better than any other, and it’s a picture of Christ’s eternal priesthood. Tithing here is like a way of honoring and recognizing spiritual authority. But this passage isn’t really about telling Christians how much to give, it’s about showing that Christ is our High Priest, the one who’s in charge forever.

              A New Testament Approach to Giving

              In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus goes beyond the rules and teaches us to understand the true meaning behind them. For instance, He explains the deeper meaning of the commands against murder and adultery, not just by saying they’re wrong, but by saying that anger and lust are the root causes. This principle also applies to giving. Jesus says that we should give generously, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it shows a changed heart. When our treasure is rooted in God’s kingdom, generosity flows naturally:

              "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

              And consider the early church’s crazy generosity in Acts 2:44-45. They all shared everything they had, and they sold their stuff to help anyone who needed it. This is the spirit of giving in the New Testament—a heart that’s been changed by the gospel. The New Testament doesn’t make tithing a strict rule for believers. Instead, it encourages us to give generously, out of love and thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 9:7).

              Takeaway

              The four New Testament references to the tithe give us some important clues, but they don’t make tithing a strict rule for today’s Christians. Instead, they point to a higher standard of giving—one that comes from being fair, kind, loving, and generous. While Christians today don’t have to tithe the same way it was done under the Mosaic Law, we’re still called to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. 

              A good rule of thumb is to make sure your giving is regular, proportionate, and sacrificial. It should be a regular spiritual discipline, whether weekly, monthly, or yearly. It should be in proportion to your income, whether 2%, 10%, or more. And it should be sacrificial, because we’re following a Savior who sacrificed his life to buy us the freedom we could never afford.

              ]]>21d15704-fe2c-4964-b25f-d937885af666Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -060037:44falsefull9292Mormons (Cultish 02) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastSome modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish. This week: Mormons.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              https://www.pursuegod.org/unveiling-mormonism/

              ]]>Some modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish. This week: Mormons.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              https://www.pursuegod.org/unveiling-mormonism/

              ]]>62b59b55-3f03-49e6-8a81-dec7697446caFri, 27 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -060001:02:48falsebonusThree Reasons Baby Jesus Came into the World (In His Own Words) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastBaby Jesus couldn’t tell us anything about his birth, because he was fully baby. But grown-up Jesus can. In this episode we'll look at three reasons Jesus came into the world... in his own words.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              05 Baby Jesus (Christmas Eve)

              Title: Three reasons Jesus came into the world (in his own words)

              
              

              Intro: Kids and Christmas

              I’m not sure if kids really write letters to Santa anymore. You can probably just tweet at him or send him your wishlist on Instagram. But I did come across a couple actual letters from kids to Santa that I wanted to share with you:

              • Dear Santa,
              • You did not bring me anything good last year.
              • You did not bring me anything good the year before that.
              • This is your last chance.
              • Signed, Madison
              • Dear Santa,
              • There are three little kids who live at our house.
              • There is Jeffrey; he is 2.
              • There is Ashley; she is 4.
              • And there is Norman; he is 7.
              • Jeffrey is good some of the time.
              • Ashley is good some of the time.
              • But Norman is good all of the time.
              • I am Norman.

              
              
              

              Kids love Christmas. Do you know who was the first kid at Christmas?

              • Jesus! (Did you ever think about that?)

              
              
              

              Tonight we’re finishing our Christmas series

              • The Story of Christmas from People Who Were Actually There
              • The innkeeper: make room
              • The shepherds: 
              • The wise men:
              • King Herod:
              • Today: Baby Jesus

              
              
              

              The most important person who was actually there is… Jesus. 

              • We don’t have his viewpoint as a baby
              • Because he was fully baby, so he doesn’t remember
              • How many of you remember when you were a baby?
              • Some people claim to remember their birth, but that’s bogus:
              • We have "infantile amnesia," the inability to recall events from the first few years of life. 
              • Memory formation, particularly episodic memory (the ability to recall specific events), begins to function more reliably around the age of 3–4.
              • My earliest memory is about 5 
              • Sunday morning, brother’s face bit by a German Shepherd
              • So, baby Jesus couldn’t tell us much about his birth
              • But grown-up Jesus can
              • At Christmas we tend to think of Jesus as a baby, but Jesus didn’t come to just be a baby, He came because He’s Immanuel, “God with us” 
              • Today: three reasons Jesus came into the world (in his own words) 

              
              
              

              John 3:16 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son….”

              • Jesus came as the ultimate demonstration of God’s love
              • Principle: the gift you give is a demonstration of your love
              • Not everyone understands this (me, AJ)
              • “This is how _____ showed his love: he gave me ______”
              • God understands this principle, that’s why he gave his one and only son
              • Ultimate demonstration of his love
              • Not like giving Kenzie’s hand in marriage
              • That will be a blessing to her
              • He gets to provide and protect now
              • God gave his Son for a brutal purpose
              • That’s the second thing…

              
              
              

              John 3:17 (NLT) 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

              • What a simple, powerful verse
              • So many people see God as judgmental
              • Christmas proves that he is not
              • He sent his son to save the world
              • To do that, he would have to die in our place
              • (Come back for Easter to learn more)
              • Come back on Sunday to learn about the difference between conviction (good) and condemnation (bad)
              • Jesus didn’t come to condemn us, but to set us free
              • But this doesn’t mean we’re free to live wreckless, sinful lives…
              • That’s what Jesus’ final quote is all about…

              
              
              

              John 12:46 (NLT) 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

              John 8: 12 (NLT) 12 Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world.  If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

              • Light is a fun theme at Christmas time
              • Star of Bethlehem (the light above our drum cage)
              • Lights on houses, trees, etc.
              • But the real reason lights are connected to Christmas is this:
              • If we follow Jesus, He leads us out of the darkness of
              • Selfishness
              • Pride
              • Addiction
              • Anger
              • Anxiety 
              • Hopelessness
              • Fear
              • Grief
              • Purposelessness

              
              ]]>Baby Jesus couldn’t tell us anything about his birth, because he was fully baby. But grown-up Jesus can. In this episode we'll look at three reasons Jesus came into the world... in his own words.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              05 Baby Jesus (Christmas Eve)

              Title: Three reasons Jesus came into the world (in his own words)

              
              

              Intro: Kids and Christmas

              I’m not sure if kids really write letters to Santa anymore. You can probably just tweet at him or send him your wishlist on Instagram. But I did come across a couple actual letters from kids to Santa that I wanted to share with you:

              • Dear Santa,
              • You did not bring me anything good last year.
              • You did not bring me anything good the year before that.
              • This is your last chance.
              • Signed, Madison
              • Dear Santa,
              • There are three little kids who live at our house.
              • There is Jeffrey; he is 2.
              • There is Ashley; she is 4.
              • And there is Norman; he is 7.
              • Jeffrey is good some of the time.
              • Ashley is good some of the time.
              • But Norman is good all of the time.
              • I am Norman.

              
              
              

              Kids love Christmas. Do you know who was the first kid at Christmas?

              • Jesus! (Did you ever think about that?)

              
              
              

              Tonight we’re finishing our Christmas series

              • The Story of Christmas from People Who Were Actually There
              • The innkeeper: make room
              • The shepherds: 
              • The wise men:
              • King Herod:
              • Today: Baby Jesus

              
              
              

              The most important person who was actually there is… Jesus. 

              • We don’t have his viewpoint as a baby
              • Because he was fully baby, so he doesn’t remember
              • How many of you remember when you were a baby?
              • Some people claim to remember their birth, but that’s bogus:
              • We have "infantile amnesia," the inability to recall events from the first few years of life. 
              • Memory formation, particularly episodic memory (the ability to recall specific events), begins to function more reliably around the age of 3–4.
              • My earliest memory is about 5 
              • Sunday morning, brother’s face bit by a German Shepherd
              • So, baby Jesus couldn’t tell us much about his birth
              • But grown-up Jesus can
              • At Christmas we tend to think of Jesus as a baby, but Jesus didn’t come to just be a baby, He came because He’s Immanuel, “God with us” 
              • Today: three reasons Jesus came into the world (in his own words) 

              
              
              

              John 3:16 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son….”

              • Jesus came as the ultimate demonstration of God’s love
              • Principle: the gift you give is a demonstration of your love
              • Not everyone understands this (me, AJ)
              • “This is how _____ showed his love: he gave me ______”
              • God understands this principle, that’s why he gave his one and only son
              • Ultimate demonstration of his love
              • Not like giving Kenzie’s hand in marriage
              • That will be a blessing to her
              • He gets to provide and protect now
              • God gave his Son for a brutal purpose
              • That’s the second thing…

              
              
              

              John 3:17 (NLT) 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

              • What a simple, powerful verse
              • So many people see God as judgmental
              • Christmas proves that he is not
              • He sent his son to save the world
              • To do that, he would have to die in our place
              • (Come back for Easter to learn more)
              • Come back on Sunday to learn about the difference between conviction (good) and condemnation (bad)
              • Jesus didn’t come to condemn us, but to set us free
              • But this doesn’t mean we’re free to live wreckless, sinful lives…
              • That’s what Jesus’ final quote is all about…

              
              
              

              John 12:46 (NLT) 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

              John 8: 12 (NLT) 12 Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world.  If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

              • Light is a fun theme at Christmas time
              • Star of Bethlehem (the light above our drum cage)
              • Lights on houses, trees, etc.
              • But the real reason lights are connected to Christmas is this:
              • If we follow Jesus, He leads us out of the darkness of
              • Selfishness
              • Pride
              • Addiction
              • Anger
              • Anxiety 
              • Hopelessness
              • Fear
              • Grief
              • Purposelessness

              
              ]]>a769968d-d323-494e-bb7d-704083d8fd83Tue, 24 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -060008:57falsebonusHow Do You Know It’s a Cult? (Cultish 01) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastSome modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              In this series: The Big Three Christian Cults (disclaimer #2)

              • Mormonism (17 million)
              • Jehovah’s Witnesses (8 million)
              • Seventh Day Adventists (22 million) - Is it or is it not a cult? Debated for 70 years

              
              

              What is a Cult?

              A Clear Explanation of the Term "Cult"

              Define "cult" in a religious context:

              1. Groups that claim to be Christian but deviate significantly from core biblical doctrine.
              2. Disclaimer: Not every person who is in these groups aligns with everything we are going to cover

              
              

              How do cults start?

              • “Many cults begin with a charismatic leader or group claiming special revelation or insight that goes beyond or distorts the Bible. They often address unmet spiritual or emotional needs, offering certainty in confusing times or claiming to restore ‘lost truths.’ Over time, they develop exclusive doctrines, emphasize obedience to their authority, and create a sense of dependency by isolating followers from outside perspectives. The common thread is a departure from the core gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, replacing it with human authority, works-based salvation, or extra-biblical teachings.”
              • Second Great Awakening, burnt over district, restorationism
              • Cane ridge revival 1801
              • Back to basic Christianity
              • End Times fervor
              • 1844
              • If not careful we see this happening on YouTube today.  

              
              

              Signs You’re in a Cult (Allen Asks)

              Explain that any deviation from these essentials leads to a distorted or false version of Christianity. 

              So what are some of the essentials?

              Distortion of Scripture & Sound Doctrine

              • Sufficiency of Scripture (Sola Scriptura): 
              • The group uses its own interpretation of the Bible or an altered version of Scripture to fit its teachings.
              • The authority and sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
              • Extra-biblical writings or revelations are often elevated to the same level as, or higher than, the Bible.
              • Example: Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation and Mormonism’s Book of Mormon.

              
              

              Deity of Christ

              • The group teaches a view of the deity of Christ that diverges from the traditional Christian view of Jesus being fully human and fully divine

              
              

              Salvation by Works

              • The group teaches that salvation is earned through strict adherence to their specific rules, laws, or practices.
              • Grace and faith in Christ alone are downplayed or redefined.
              • Example: Emphasis on Sabbath-keeping by SDAs or door-to-door evangelism by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

              
              

              High Control Leadership

              • The group is led by a single charismatic leader or a small group of leaders who demand unquestioning loyalty and obedience.
              • Leaders often claim divine authority or special revelation, making their words equal to or above Scripture.
              • Example: Ellen G. White's writings being treated as authoritative by SDAs.
              • The BITE acronym, developed by Steven Hassan, is a framework used to identify cult-like behavior by analyzing how groups control their members. BITE stands for:
              • Behavior Control
              • Regulates individual behavior, often through strict rules, schedules, or restrictions on personal freedom.
              • The group discourages relationships or interactions with non-members, labeling outsiders as dangerous or untrustworthy.
              • Members are often isolated socially, emotionally, or even physically.
              • Information Control
              • Limits access to outside information and promotes only the group’s teachings as truth.
              • Encourages censorship, misinformation, or monitoring.
              • Thought Control
              • Discourages independent thinking and critical analysis.
              • Promotes an “us vs. them” mentality and enforces group doctrine as absolute truth.
              • Emotional Control
              • Manipulates feelings to instill fear, guilt, or loyalty.
              • Uses emotional pressure to maintain control and discourage leaving the group.

              
              

              Exclusivity

              • The group believes it is the only true way to God, salvation, or enlightenment. All others are considered deceived or lost.
              • Membership in the group is often seen as essential for salvation.
              • Example: SDAs view themselves as the "remnant church" with unique truth.

              
              

              Why This Series Matters

              • Emphasize the importance of discernment:
              • (INTERNAL): Protecting believers from false teachings (Matthew 7:15, 1 John 4:1).
              • We talk about how easily and quickly many of these cults began. They began with private Bible studies that distorted scripture. 
              • (EXTERNAL): Encouraging Christians to engage lovingly and effectively with members of these groups.
              • Highlight the urgency of addressing cults because they claim to be Christian but distort the gospel, leading people away from freedom in Christ and sometimes even salvation.

              
              

              How to Engage People in Cult Groups

              • Lay out a biblical approach to addressing members of these groups:
              • Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
              • Avoid debates and focus on the gospel.
              • Ask questions that challenge their assumptions without attacking their beliefs.
              • Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in conversations.

              
              ]]>Some modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              In this series: The Big Three Christian Cults (disclaimer #2)

              • Mormonism (17 million)
              • Jehovah’s Witnesses (8 million)
              • Seventh Day Adventists (22 million) - Is it or is it not a cult? Debated for 70 years

              
              

              What is a Cult?

              A Clear Explanation of the Term "Cult"

              Define "cult" in a religious context:

              1. Groups that claim to be Christian but deviate significantly from core biblical doctrine.
              2. Disclaimer: Not every person who is in these groups aligns with everything we are going to cover

              
              

              How do cults start?

              • “Many cults begin with a charismatic leader or group claiming special revelation or insight that goes beyond or distorts the Bible. They often address unmet spiritual or emotional needs, offering certainty in confusing times or claiming to restore ‘lost truths.’ Over time, they develop exclusive doctrines, emphasize obedience to their authority, and create a sense of dependency by isolating followers from outside perspectives. The common thread is a departure from the core gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, replacing it with human authority, works-based salvation, or extra-biblical teachings.”
              • Second Great Awakening, burnt over district, restorationism
              • Cane ridge revival 1801
              • Back to basic Christianity
              • End Times fervor
              • 1844
              • If not careful we see this happening on YouTube today.  

              
              

              Signs You’re in a Cult (Allen Asks)

              Explain that any deviation from these essentials leads to a distorted or false version of Christianity. 

              So what are some of the essentials?

              Distortion of Scripture & Sound Doctrine

              • Sufficiency of Scripture (Sola Scriptura): 
              • The group uses its own interpretation of the Bible or an altered version of Scripture to fit its teachings.
              • The authority and sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
              • Extra-biblical writings or revelations are often elevated to the same level as, or higher than, the Bible.
              • Example: Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation and Mormonism’s Book of Mormon.

              
              

              Deity of Christ

              • The group teaches a view of the deity of Christ that diverges from the traditional Christian view of Jesus being fully human and fully divine

              
              

              Salvation by Works

              • The group teaches that salvation is earned through strict adherence to their specific rules, laws, or practices.
              • Grace and faith in Christ alone are downplayed or redefined.
              • Example: Emphasis on Sabbath-keeping by SDAs or door-to-door evangelism by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

              
              

              High Control Leadership

              • The group is led by a single charismatic leader or a small group of leaders who demand unquestioning loyalty and obedience.
              • Leaders often claim divine authority or special revelation, making their words equal to or above Scripture.
              • Example: Ellen G. White's writings being treated as authoritative by SDAs.
              • The BITE acronym, developed by Steven Hassan, is a framework used to identify cult-like behavior by analyzing how groups control their members. BITE stands for:
              • Behavior Control
              • Regulates individual behavior, often through strict rules, schedules, or restrictions on personal freedom.
              • The group discourages relationships or interactions with non-members, labeling outsiders as dangerous or untrustworthy.
              • Members are often isolated socially, emotionally, or even physically.
              • Information Control
              • Limits access to outside information and promotes only the group’s teachings as truth.
              • Encourages censorship, misinformation, or monitoring.
              • Thought Control
              • Discourages independent thinking and critical analysis.
              • Promotes an “us vs. them” mentality and enforces group doctrine as absolute truth.
              • Emotional Control
              • Manipulates feelings to instill fear, guilt, or loyalty.
              • Uses emotional pressure to maintain control and discourage leaving the group.

              
              

              Exclusivity

              • The group believes it is the only true way to God, salvation, or enlightenment. All others are considered deceived or lost.
              • Membership in the group is often seen as essential for salvation.
              • Example: SDAs view themselves as the "remnant church" with unique truth.

              
              

              Why This Series Matters

              • Emphasize the importance of discernment:
              • (INTERNAL): Protecting believers from false teachings (Matthew 7:15, 1 John 4:1).
              • We talk about how easily and quickly many of these cults began. They began with private Bible studies that distorted scripture. 
              • (EXTERNAL): Encouraging Christians to engage lovingly and effectively with members of these groups.
              • Highlight the urgency of addressing cults because they claim to be Christian but distort the gospel, leading people away from freedom in Christ and sometimes even salvation.

              
              

              How to Engage People in Cult Groups

              • Lay out a biblical approach to addressing members of these groups:
              • Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
              • Avoid debates and focus on the gospel.
              • Ask questions that challenge their assumptions without attacking their beliefs.
              • Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in conversations.

              
              ]]>eb30731d-409f-4c0a-b913-c4cf3418f0d4Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -060044:04falsebonusFirst Vision Accounts (LDS Gospel Topics)Bryan, Bo and KD talk about the multiple accounts of the First Vision and the article in the Gospel Topics series.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Find the article here. 

              The First Vision is one of the most pivotal events in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), regarded as the moment when Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, received a divine visitation from God the Father and Jesus Christ. This vision, which Smith claimed to have experienced in 1820 in the woods near his home in Palmyra, New York, is foundational to LDS theology, marking the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel and the establishment of the LDS Church. As such, the account of this vision is central to the faith of millions of Latter-day Saints.

              In an effort to address the complexities surrounding the multiple accounts of the First Vision, the LDS Church published an article titled "The First Vision Accounts" in its Gospel Topics series. The article is part of the Church's broader effort to engage with historical scholarship, acknowledging that there are discrepancies between the various accounts Joseph Smith gave of his vision over the years. While the article seeks to harmonize these differences and present the vision as a consistent and inspired event, a closer critical examination reveals several concerns, particularly regarding its treatment of historical context, the inconsistencies between accounts, and the theological implications of these discrepancies.

              1. Acknowledging Multiple Accounts

              The article begins by acknowledging that Joseph Smith gave several accounts of the First Vision over the years, each with varying details. This is a notable step in the Church's public engagement with historical criticism, as it is an issue that has long been raised by scholars and critics alike. The article lists the key versions of the First Vision: the 1832 account, the 1835 account (given to a man named Joshua, later written down by a scribe), the 1838 account (which is the version published in the History of the Church), and later retellings in the 1840s.

              The acknowledgment of multiple accounts is an important admission, especially given that some critics have argued that the differing versions undermine the credibility of Joseph Smith’s vision. The article explains that these differences are not contradictions, but rather reflections of Joseph Smith's evolving understanding of the experience, the audience he was addressing, and his desire to emphasize certain aspects of the vision depending on the context.

              While this approach offers a plausible defense for the differing accounts, the article could be seen as somewhat dismissive of the deeper implications of these discrepancies. A more robust engagement with the question of why Joseph Smith's retellings varied so widely, both in terms of content and theological emphasis, would provide a more nuanced perspective.

              2. Inconsistencies Between Accounts

              The article emphasizes that the differences between the accounts do not invalidate the event itself. Instead, it suggests that the variations are natural and even expected, given that Joseph Smith was recounting a profound spiritual experience over the course of several years. The article points out that the 1832 account, for example, mentions only a single divine being, while the 1835 and 1838 accounts describe both God the Father and Jesus Christ appearing to Joseph Smith. The differences in the descriptions of the vision's purpose and the timing of the event are also addressed.

              However, the Church’s explanation often minimizes the significance of these discrepancies. For instance, the 1838 account, which is the most widely cited version and the one included in the Doctrine and Covenants, is markedly different in tone and detail from the earlier accounts. In this version, Joseph Smith describes being told that all existing churches were wrong, and he is directed to join none of them. In contrast, the 1832 account is more introspective, focusing primarily on Smith’s own search for forgiveness and peace. The question of why Smith’s understanding of the vision shifted so dramatically between these accounts remains largely unexplored in the article.

              A deeper exploration of these variations would be valuable for those seeking to reconcile these differences with the Church’s theological narrative. Why did Joseph Smith choose to emphasize the condemnation of other churches in the 1838 version, when earlier accounts do not mention this? Why did his earlier descriptions of the vision focus more on personal spiritual longing and forgiveness, while later accounts stress the Restoration of the gospel and the rejection of existing Christian denominations?

              3. The Theological Emphasis of the Accounts

              The article makes a strong case for the idea that the differing accounts of the First Vision reflect Joseph Smith’s evolving theological understanding and his need to adapt his narrative to the needs of different audiences. It suggests that as Smith’s ministry grew, his understanding of the vision became more doctrinally developed, with the 1838 account aligning with the Church’s later teachings on the nature of God, the rejection of traditional Christian denominations, and the coming Restoration.

              However, this emphasis on the theological evolution of the First Vision raises significant questions about the historical authenticity of the vision itself. If the details of the vision evolved so substantially over time, can it be said that the vision was a singular, unchanging experience? Alternatively, is it possible that Joseph Smith’s retellings were shaped by his growing theological views and the evolving context of his religious movement, rather than being a direct account of an unchanging historical event?

              The article could do more to address these concerns directly. While it is understandable that Smith’s understanding of the vision would evolve as his theological framework developed, the wide discrepancies between the accounts (particularly in terms of the nature of the vision’s message and the number of divine beings involved) invite a critical reflection on how the vision may have been shaped by Smith’s later doctrinal developments. To what extent was the vision interpreted through the lens of later LDS teachings, such as the doctrine of the Godhead, which was clarified in the 1830s and 1840s?

              4. Theological Implications for Modern Belief

              For modern Latter-day Saints, the First Vision is a foundational event that underpins their belief in the divine restoration of the gospel. The account of the vision provides theological legitimacy for the unique doctrines of the LDS Church, particularly the nature of God and the rejection of traditional Christian teachings. However, the theological significance of the First Vision rests on the assumption that the vision was a consistent and divinely inspired event.

              The article’s attempts to harmonize the various accounts may be comforting to some members of the LDS Church, but they do not fully address the theological tension that arises from the inconsistencies between the accounts. If the vision was truly a divine revelation, why did Joseph Smith present such different versions of it? Can modern believers continue to rely on the vision as a historically accurate event, or should they focus more on its theological and symbolic meaning?

              Takeaway

              The LDS Church's article "The First Vision Accounts" represents a significant step forward in acknowledging the historical complexities of the First Vision and the discrepancies between Joseph Smith's various retellings of the event. It is a commendable effort to engage with historical criticism and present a faith-based explanation for the differences between the accounts. However, the article falls short in addressing some of the deeper theological and historical questions raised by these inconsistencies.

              While the Church’s explanation that the differences reflect Joseph Smith’s evolving understanding of the vision may provide a satisfactory answer for many believers, it does not fully address the implications of these differences for the historical authenticity of the vision. A more comprehensive exploration of the cultural and religious context of Joseph Smith’s time, as well as a deeper reflection on the theological consequences of the variations in the accounts, would provide a more nuanced and rigorous response to the challenges posed by modern scholarship.

              Ultimately, for those who seek a deeper reconciliation between faith and history, the article leaves several important questions unanswered. Nevertheless, it is an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue between history, theology, and the LDS community’s understanding of its foundational...]]>Bryan, Bo and KD talk about the multiple accounts of the First Vision and the article in the Gospel Topics series.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Find the article here. 

              The First Vision is one of the most pivotal events in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), regarded as the moment when Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, received a divine visitation from God the Father and Jesus Christ. This vision, which Smith claimed to have experienced in 1820 in the woods near his home in Palmyra, New York, is foundational to LDS theology, marking the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel and the establishment of the LDS Church. As such, the account of this vision is central to the faith of millions of Latter-day Saints.

              In an effort to address the complexities surrounding the multiple accounts of the First Vision, the LDS Church published an article titled "The First Vision Accounts" in its Gospel Topics series. The article is part of the Church's broader effort to engage with historical scholarship, acknowledging that there are discrepancies between the various accounts Joseph Smith gave of his vision over the years. While the article seeks to harmonize these differences and present the vision as a consistent and inspired event, a closer critical examination reveals several concerns, particularly regarding its treatment of historical context, the inconsistencies between accounts, and the theological implications of these discrepancies.

              1. Acknowledging Multiple Accounts

              The article begins by acknowledging that Joseph Smith gave several accounts of the First Vision over the years, each with varying details. This is a notable step in the Church's public engagement with historical criticism, as it is an issue that has long been raised by scholars and critics alike. The article lists the key versions of the First Vision: the 1832 account, the 1835 account (given to a man named Joshua, later written down by a scribe), the 1838 account (which is the version published in the History of the Church), and later retellings in the 1840s.

              The acknowledgment of multiple accounts is an important admission, especially given that some critics have argued that the differing versions undermine the credibility of Joseph Smith’s vision. The article explains that these differences are not contradictions, but rather reflections of Joseph Smith's evolving understanding of the experience, the audience he was addressing, and his desire to emphasize certain aspects of the vision depending on the context.

              While this approach offers a plausible defense for the differing accounts, the article could be seen as somewhat dismissive of the deeper implications of these discrepancies. A more robust engagement with the question of why Joseph Smith's retellings varied so widely, both in terms of content and theological emphasis, would provide a more nuanced perspective.

              2. Inconsistencies Between Accounts

              The article emphasizes that the differences between the accounts do not invalidate the event itself. Instead, it suggests that the variations are natural and even expected, given that Joseph Smith was recounting a profound spiritual experience over the course of several years. The article points out that the 1832 account, for example, mentions only a single divine being, while the 1835 and 1838 accounts describe both God the Father and Jesus Christ appearing to Joseph Smith. The differences in the descriptions of the vision's purpose and the timing of the event are also addressed.

              However, the Church’s explanation often minimizes the significance of these discrepancies. For instance, the 1838 account, which is the most widely cited version and the one included in the Doctrine and Covenants, is markedly different in tone and detail from the earlier accounts. In this version, Joseph Smith describes being told that all existing churches were wrong, and he is directed to join none of them. In contrast, the 1832 account is more introspective, focusing primarily on Smith’s own search for forgiveness and peace. The question of why Smith’s understanding of the vision shifted so dramatically between these accounts remains largely unexplored in the article.

              A deeper exploration of these variations would be valuable for those seeking to reconcile these differences with the Church’s theological narrative. Why did Joseph Smith choose to emphasize the condemnation of other churches in the 1838 version, when earlier accounts do not mention this? Why did his earlier descriptions of the vision focus more on personal spiritual longing and forgiveness, while later accounts stress the Restoration of the gospel and the rejection of existing Christian denominations?

              3. The Theological Emphasis of the Accounts

              The article makes a strong case for the idea that the differing accounts of the First Vision reflect Joseph Smith’s evolving theological understanding and his need to adapt his narrative to the needs of different audiences. It suggests that as Smith’s ministry grew, his understanding of the vision became more doctrinally developed, with the 1838 account aligning with the Church’s later teachings on the nature of God, the rejection of traditional Christian denominations, and the coming Restoration.

              However, this emphasis on the theological evolution of the First Vision raises significant questions about the historical authenticity of the vision itself. If the details of the vision evolved so substantially over time, can it be said that the vision was a singular, unchanging experience? Alternatively, is it possible that Joseph Smith’s retellings were shaped by his growing theological views and the evolving context of his religious movement, rather than being a direct account of an unchanging historical event?

              The article could do more to address these concerns directly. While it is understandable that Smith’s understanding of the vision would evolve as his theological framework developed, the wide discrepancies between the accounts (particularly in terms of the nature of the vision’s message and the number of divine beings involved) invite a critical reflection on how the vision may have been shaped by Smith’s later doctrinal developments. To what extent was the vision interpreted through the lens of later LDS teachings, such as the doctrine of the Godhead, which was clarified in the 1830s and 1840s?

              4. Theological Implications for Modern Belief

              For modern Latter-day Saints, the First Vision is a foundational event that underpins their belief in the divine restoration of the gospel. The account of the vision provides theological legitimacy for the unique doctrines of the LDS Church, particularly the nature of God and the rejection of traditional Christian teachings. However, the theological significance of the First Vision rests on the assumption that the vision was a consistent and divinely inspired event.

              The article’s attempts to harmonize the various accounts may be comforting to some members of the LDS Church, but they do not fully address the theological tension that arises from the inconsistencies between the accounts. If the vision was truly a divine revelation, why did Joseph Smith present such different versions of it? Can modern believers continue to rely on the vision as a historically accurate event, or should they focus more on its theological and symbolic meaning?

              Takeaway

              The LDS Church's article "The First Vision Accounts" represents a significant step forward in acknowledging the historical complexities of the First Vision and the discrepancies between Joseph Smith's various retellings of the event. It is a commendable effort to engage with historical criticism and present a faith-based explanation for the differences between the accounts. However, the article falls short in addressing some of the deeper theological and historical questions raised by these inconsistencies.

              While the Church’s explanation that the differences reflect Joseph Smith’s evolving understanding of the vision may provide a satisfactory answer for many believers, it does not fully address the implications of these differences for the historical authenticity of the vision. A more comprehensive exploration of the cultural and religious context of Joseph Smith’s time, as well as a deeper reflection on the theological consequences of the variations in the accounts, would provide a more nuanced and rigorous response to the challenges posed by modern scholarship.

              Ultimately, for those who seek a deeper reconciliation between faith and history, the article leaves several important questions unanswered. Nevertheless, it is an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue between history, theology, and the LDS community’s understanding of its foundational narrative.

              ]]>37497924-3d24-4163-864c-06a06d08122dMon, 16 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -060047:50falsefull9191The Masonic Roots of Mormonism (LDS Gospel Topics)The LDS church released a gospel topics essay on Masonry... and the eerily suspicious overlap of Masonic rituals and symbols with the Mormon temple. Then they removed it from their Gospel Topics section. Let's talk about that.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              ]]>The LDS church released a gospel topics essay on Masonry... and the eerily suspicious overlap of Masonic rituals and symbols with the Mormon temple. Then they removed it from their Gospel Topics section. Let's talk about that.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              ]]>165a63df-8470-4d78-aab9-6dd59be368d1Mon, 09 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -060040:24falsefull9090Best of UM: Coming Clean About Polygamy (LDS Gospel Topics)In 2013 the Mormon church released a series of four essays on polygamy (they call it "plural marriage") to try to explain away some of the more difficult episodes in their brief history. For many LDS members, the strategy backfired. Bryan and Bo talk about it in this episode.

              Find the official gospel topics essays here.

              Learn more about Mormonism vs. biblical Christianity at pursueGod.org/mormonism.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              ]]>In 2013 the Mormon church released a series of four essays on polygamy (they call it "plural marriage") to try to explain away some of the more difficult episodes in their brief history. For many LDS members, the strategy backfired. Bryan and Bo talk about it in this episode.

              Find the official gospel topics essays here.

              Learn more about Mormonism vs. biblical Christianity at pursueGod.org/mormonism.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              ]]>1f009f90-e9ab-4728-9159-6c84259f5063Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -060044:37falsefull8989Best of UM: Becoming Like God (LDS Gospel Topics)Mormons believe in the doctrine of "exaltation"- that worthy Mormons can become gods of their own planets some day. They believe God was once like us, and we can someday become like him. Let's unpack that heresy.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              ]]>Mormons believe in the doctrine of "exaltation"- that worthy Mormons can become gods of their own planets some day. They believe God was once like us, and we can someday become like him. Let's unpack that heresy.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              ]]>e584d2c6-b007-4da4-89ab-c87a26f20d45Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -060041:02falsefull8888Is Your Culture Keeping You from God? (Acts 17) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast! Cultures create an environment for faith or disbelief, so today we'll be looking at the question: is your culture keeping you from God?

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Q. Is Your Culture Keeping You from God?

              • Last week (ch 16) we looked at households of faith
              • parents create an environment for faith or disbelief
              • Generational blessings and curses
              • The greatest generational blessing: salvation
              • Today: we zoom out from the household to the culture at large
              • Here’s the thing: Cultures also create an environment for faith or disbelief
              • Countries, regions, cities
              • Also religions, churches, faith traditions
              • Today we’ll look at 3 different cultures
              • As Paul continues his second missionary journey
              • And shares the Good News in 3 different towns
              • Two of these cultures kept people from God
              • First: Religious culture in Thessalonica
              • Shocking to think that a religious culture can keep you from God!
              • But that can definitely happen
              • Legalism
              • False religion
              • Second: Popular (secular) culture in Athens
              • Remember, the gospel was just now going out to Gentiles
              • Today we see it reach Greece for the first time
              • Athens was home to some of history's greatest philosophers:
              • Socrates (469–399 BC)
              • Plato (427–347 BC)
              • Plato founds the Academy in Athens (c. 387 BCE), the first institution dedicated to philosophy and scientific study. 
              • Aristotle (384–322 BC)
              • Cicero (106–43 BC): Roman statesman, orator, philosopher, and writer. A pivotal figure in transmission of Greek philosophy to the Roman world. 
              • The Academy was closed by Emperor Justinian in 529 AD, marking the symbolic end of Athens as a center of ancient philosophy.
              • The point: Athens was the center of pop culture by time of Acts
              • And would be for a long time
              • America is even influenced by this
              • Opposite ends of the spectrum
              • Pause and think about the culture that most influences YOU
              • Is it religious culture?
              • Or is it popular culture
              • And is this culture building your faith or destroying it? 
              • Let’s get to the text

              
              

              Thessalonians: Religious Culture

              Acts 17:1-4 (NLT) 1 Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. 3 He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” 4 Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.

              • Trying to reach Jews first
              • Notice: women mentioned again! 
              • Some people were open to the message and found God

              
              

              Acts 17:5-6 (NLT) 5 But some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd. 6 Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too.”

              • Look at what these religious people were doing:
              • They attacked
              • Who? Businessmen (marketplace) and politicians (city council)
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The designation of these bad men (andras ponērous) as 'marketfolk' (agoraiōn) is interesting (NRSV 'some ruffians in the market-places'; ESV 'some wicked men of the rabble'). In the ancient world, the term agoraioi designated common labourers, artisans, and people who traded in the town centres. In terms of social status, they were regarded as 'people of low birth . . . contrasted with the nobility or upper classes.'
              • They twisted truth
              • Accused Paul and Silas of being trouble-makers
              • But they were the trouble-makers!
              • Still happens today
              • Christian ideology is a blessing, not a curse! 
              • But the world will twist this, gaslight
              • Ex: abortion
              • Ex: gender
              • Ex: sexuality
              • Here is a group of spiritual seekers in Thess who did NOT find God
              • We’ve seen this a lot already in Acts 
              • Religious Jews who rejected Jesus
              • Let’s give this a name so we can generalize: Dead Religion
              • Here’s a defn: Dead religion is any belief system that leads people away from Jesus.
              • Don’t misunderstand: it can still appear very fervent, sincere, even faithful
              • But if it leads people away from the One Way, it’s a dead religion
              • Here’s the point: People in dead religions think they’ve found God, but they’re wrong.
              • Islam – Approximately 1.91 billion followers
              • Hinduism – Approximately 1.2 billion followers
              • Buddhism – Approximately 507 million followers
              • Christian Cults
              • If this sounds exclusivistic, it is. 
              • There’s only one way to heaven, and it’s through Jesus
              • That’s what Paul preached in Thessalonica, and that’s why he was rejected.
              • 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 (NLT) 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins.

              
              

              Let’s skip to the bottom of the chapter to find our next culture

              Athenians: Popular Culture

              Acts 17:16-17 (NLT) 16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. 17 He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.

              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The verb paroxynō in the passive means 'become irritated, angry' (BDAG, cf. 15:39, paroxysmos, 'irritation, sharp disagreement'). In the imperfect tense, the verb expresses 'not a sudden loss of temper but rather a continuous settled reaction to what Paul saw.'
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The pain or anger which Paul felt in Athens was due to 'his abhorrence of idolatry, which aroused within him deep stirrings of jealousy for the Name of God, as he saw human beings so depraved as to be giving idols the honour and glory which were due to the one, living and true God alone.'

              
              

              Acts 17:18 (NLT) 18 He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.”

              • The Epicureans were followers of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher (341–270 BCE), whose school of thought emphasized the pursuit of a happy, tranquil life characterized by peace of mind and freedom from fear. They valued the absence of pain (both physical and mental) and advocated for a life of simple pleasures, friendship, and reflection rather than indulgence in material excess.
              • Were materialists and believed that everything, including the soul, is made of atoms and ceases to exist at death. They argued that the gods exist but do not interfere with human affairs, so people should not fear divine retribution or an afterlife.
              • The Stoics were followers of a school of philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE. Stoicism emphasized living in harmony with nature, accepting events outside one's control, and cultivating inner virtues as the foundation of a good life.
              • Believed in a divine, rational principle governing the universe (often identified with "Nature" or "Logos"). They viewed the universe as a single, interconnected organism guided by divine reason. Stoics saw life as a training ground for virtue, with each event part of a greater rational order.
              • While Epicureans focused on achieving tranquility by minimizing pain and pursuing simple pleasures, Stoics emphasized cultivating virtue and accepting life’s challenges as part of a larger, rational order. Epicureans pursued personal peace by avoiding public involvement, while Stoics actively engaged in society, seeing virtue and duty as integral to a meaningful life.

              
              

              Acts 17:19-21 (NLT) 19 Then they...]]>Welcome back to the podcast! Cultures create an environment for faith or disbelief, so today we'll be looking at the question: is your culture keeping you from God?

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Q. Is Your Culture Keeping You from God?

              • Last week (ch 16) we looked at households of faith
              • parents create an environment for faith or disbelief
              • Generational blessings and curses
              • The greatest generational blessing: salvation
              • Today: we zoom out from the household to the culture at large
              • Here’s the thing: Cultures also create an environment for faith or disbelief
              • Countries, regions, cities
              • Also religions, churches, faith traditions
              • Today we’ll look at 3 different cultures
              • As Paul continues his second missionary journey
              • And shares the Good News in 3 different towns
              • Two of these cultures kept people from God
              • First: Religious culture in Thessalonica
              • Shocking to think that a religious culture can keep you from God!
              • But that can definitely happen
              • Legalism
              • False religion
              • Second: Popular (secular) culture in Athens
              • Remember, the gospel was just now going out to Gentiles
              • Today we see it reach Greece for the first time
              • Athens was home to some of history's greatest philosophers:
              • Socrates (469–399 BC)
              • Plato (427–347 BC)
              • Plato founds the Academy in Athens (c. 387 BCE), the first institution dedicated to philosophy and scientific study. 
              • Aristotle (384–322 BC)
              • Cicero (106–43 BC): Roman statesman, orator, philosopher, and writer. A pivotal figure in transmission of Greek philosophy to the Roman world. 
              • The Academy was closed by Emperor Justinian in 529 AD, marking the symbolic end of Athens as a center of ancient philosophy.
              • The point: Athens was the center of pop culture by time of Acts
              • And would be for a long time
              • America is even influenced by this
              • Opposite ends of the spectrum
              • Pause and think about the culture that most influences YOU
              • Is it religious culture?
              • Or is it popular culture
              • And is this culture building your faith or destroying it? 
              • Let’s get to the text

              
              

              Thessalonians: Religious Culture

              Acts 17:1-4 (NLT) 1 Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. 3 He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” 4 Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.

              • Trying to reach Jews first
              • Notice: women mentioned again! 
              • Some people were open to the message and found God

              
              

              Acts 17:5-6 (NLT) 5 But some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd. 6 Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too.”

              • Look at what these religious people were doing:
              • They attacked
              • Who? Businessmen (marketplace) and politicians (city council)
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The designation of these bad men (andras ponērous) as 'marketfolk' (agoraiōn) is interesting (NRSV 'some ruffians in the market-places'; ESV 'some wicked men of the rabble'). In the ancient world, the term agoraioi designated common labourers, artisans, and people who traded in the town centres. In terms of social status, they were regarded as 'people of low birth . . . contrasted with the nobility or upper classes.'
              • They twisted truth
              • Accused Paul and Silas of being trouble-makers
              • But they were the trouble-makers!
              • Still happens today
              • Christian ideology is a blessing, not a curse! 
              • But the world will twist this, gaslight
              • Ex: abortion
              • Ex: gender
              • Ex: sexuality
              • Here is a group of spiritual seekers in Thess who did NOT find God
              • We’ve seen this a lot already in Acts 
              • Religious Jews who rejected Jesus
              • Let’s give this a name so we can generalize: Dead Religion
              • Here’s a defn: Dead religion is any belief system that leads people away from Jesus.
              • Don’t misunderstand: it can still appear very fervent, sincere, even faithful
              • But if it leads people away from the One Way, it’s a dead religion
              • Here’s the point: People in dead religions think they’ve found God, but they’re wrong.
              • Islam – Approximately 1.91 billion followers
              • Hinduism – Approximately 1.2 billion followers
              • Buddhism – Approximately 507 million followers
              • Christian Cults
              • If this sounds exclusivistic, it is. 
              • There’s only one way to heaven, and it’s through Jesus
              • That’s what Paul preached in Thessalonica, and that’s why he was rejected.
              • 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 (NLT) 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins.

              
              

              Let’s skip to the bottom of the chapter to find our next culture

              Athenians: Popular Culture

              Acts 17:16-17 (NLT) 16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. 17 He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.

              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The verb paroxynō in the passive means 'become irritated, angry' (BDAG, cf. 15:39, paroxysmos, 'irritation, sharp disagreement'). In the imperfect tense, the verb expresses 'not a sudden loss of temper but rather a continuous settled reaction to what Paul saw.'
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The pain or anger which Paul felt in Athens was due to 'his abhorrence of idolatry, which aroused within him deep stirrings of jealousy for the Name of God, as he saw human beings so depraved as to be giving idols the honour and glory which were due to the one, living and true God alone.'

              
              

              Acts 17:18 (NLT) 18 He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.”

              • The Epicureans were followers of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher (341–270 BCE), whose school of thought emphasized the pursuit of a happy, tranquil life characterized by peace of mind and freedom from fear. They valued the absence of pain (both physical and mental) and advocated for a life of simple pleasures, friendship, and reflection rather than indulgence in material excess.
              • Were materialists and believed that everything, including the soul, is made of atoms and ceases to exist at death. They argued that the gods exist but do not interfere with human affairs, so people should not fear divine retribution or an afterlife.
              • The Stoics were followers of a school of philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE. Stoicism emphasized living in harmony with nature, accepting events outside one's control, and cultivating inner virtues as the foundation of a good life.
              • Believed in a divine, rational principle governing the universe (often identified with "Nature" or "Logos"). They viewed the universe as a single, interconnected organism guided by divine reason. Stoics saw life as a training ground for virtue, with each event part of a greater rational order.
              • While Epicureans focused on achieving tranquility by minimizing pain and pursuing simple pleasures, Stoics emphasized cultivating virtue and accepting life’s challenges as part of a larger, rational order. Epicureans pursued personal peace by avoiding public involvement, while Stoics actively engaged in society, seeing virtue and duty as integral to a meaningful life.

              
              

              Acts 17:19-21 (NLT) 19 Then they took him to the high council of the city (Areopagus). “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. 20 “You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.” 21 (It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.)

              • Sound familiar? Back then it was called the Areopagus (Hill of Ares, or Mars Hill)
              • Ares being the Greek god of war, while his Roman counterpart is Mars
              • Today it’s called entertainment, social media, podcasts
              • The place we discuss latest ideas
              • But these are all empty philosophies of man
              • Our best guess at how to think about the world

              
              

              Acts 17:22-23 (NLT) 22 So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, 23 for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.”

              • Contextualize!
              • He goes on to explain the God of the Bible in a way the pagans could understand
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) …sounds more like a reflection on the opening chapters of Genesis (even though no text is actually cited), moving from a proclamation of the one true Creator, to an assertion of his purpose for humanity, and concluding with a declaration of universal accountability before God as judge.
              • For today we’ll skip to the end…

              
              

              Acts 17:27 (NLT) 27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.”

              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The verb psēlaphēseian ('to look for something in uncertain fashion, to feel around for, grope for', BDAG) expresses the idea of 'groping for God in the darkness, when the light of special revelation is not available.
              • Special revelation comes in two primary ways:
              • Reading Scripture (see Bereans)
              • Hearing the Good News
              • This is why Paul was sharing in the marketplace!

              
              

              Acts 17:32 (NLT) 32 When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.”

              • Two groups of people in popular culture
              • Mockers of the Good News
              • Those who want to hear more

              
              

              That brings us to our final group of seekers…

              Bereans: Seeking God through His Special Revelation

              Acts 17:10-12 (NLT) 10 That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 12 As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.

              • more open-minded - Not what you think it means
              • Today that means follow your heart, anything goes, all roads lead to heaven
              • For the Bereans, it meant they were willing to challenge their dead religion
              • They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth
              • This is the key to seeking and finding God
              • Searching the Scriptures
              • Submitting to the Scriptures

              
              

              Close

              Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT) If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

              ]]>2b94a5b3-4094-4101-9b2a-b8fd733120e3Fri, 22 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -060037:12falsebonusBest of UM: Translating the Book of Mormon (LDS Gospel Topics)The LDS Gospel Topics Essays claim that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham "by the gift and power of God". But upon further review, it seems something sketchy might have been afoot.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              ]]>The LDS Gospel Topics Essays claim that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham "by the gift and power of God". But upon further review, it seems something sketchy might have been afoot.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              ]]>49637e6d-07bb-44f1-a1b4-5ac5b343d5ddMon, 18 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -060043:17falsefull8787Are Family Curses (and Blessings) Real? (Acts 16) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast! In today's episode, we'll be talking about family curses...and blessings! Are they still a thing? Listen to find out!

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Q. Are Family Curses (and Blessings) Real?

              • Super scary verse in the OT (Second Commandment):
              • Exodus 20:4-5 (NLT) 4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 
              • Generational curses? 
              • Need to cast out demons? “Bondage Breaker” book
              • No! This is more about learned behavior
              • Third and fourth generations
              • You may have met these people!
              • Influence extends to grandkids and great grandchildren
              • Principle: parenting matters!
              • You will pass on more than you think
              • Family idols (even today)
              • Alcoholism
              • Pride, selfishness
              • Materialism (wealth)
              • But don’t miss the next verse
              • Exodus 20:6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
              • God wants to bless your family!
              • A thousand generations vs. 3 or 4
              • But look at the recipient of this
              • Those who love me and obey my commands
              • The greatest generational blessing: salvation
              • Households where grandparents, parents, kids are all followers
              • Nothing better than this
              • Very few families have it
              • We’re going to see this in action in 3 families in Acts 16 today…

              
              

              Acts 16: (NLT) 1 Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek.

              • This is Paul’s second missionary journey 
              • First time we meet Timothy. This guy becomes Paul’s protege. 
              • Jewish mom
              • Greek dad
              • 2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT) 5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.
              • Notice: no mention of father
              • Dad was likely not a Gentile follower of God
              • If he was, he would have had Timothy circumcised
              • One more hint about Timothy’s upbringing…
              • 2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT) 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
              • Taught by mother and grandmother!
              • The point: if you want to pass on your faith, teach your kids the Bible early and often

              
              

              Next passage:

              Acts 16:13-14 (NLT) 13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.

              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The fact that she is named could mean that she was a person of some status, 'since it was normal in such a Greco-Roman setting not to mention women by personal name in public unless they were either notable or notorious.'

              
              

              Acts 16:15 (NLT) 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.

              • Maybe a widow? Divorced? Either way, seems to be a single mom
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) A woman such as Lydia might have been head of a household in Greco-Roman culture because her husband had died or she was divorced, and less probably because she was a single woman of means.
              • Also very wealthy
              • Money doesn’t have to be a generational curse
              • She’s already using it to be a blessing
              • Main point: Look at her impact
              • she got saved, the household followed

              
              

              One more example: a blue collar worker dad, jailer where Paul and Silas were imprisoned:

              Acts 16:25-28 (NLT) 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

              Acts 16:29-30 (NLT) 29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

              Acts 16:31-33 (NLT) 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household…. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized.

              • Wow. This time a dad gets saved and the family follows

              
              

              What’s going on here? What can we learn from these three stories

              • A young man with a Christian mom and grandma (and unbelieving dad)
              • A wealthy single mom
              • A blue collar dad

              
              

              They’re included as a sampling of what was happening in the early church

              • People were getting saved
              • It was so powerful that it impacted their households
              • That’s how it should still work today
              • Moms and Dads embrace the message of Jesus
              • And they intentionally pass it on to their kids

              
              

              Back to the verse at the top:

              Exodus 20:6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

              • Family blessings are real! 
              • Parents: your love for God, your obedience to his commands
              • Can be passed on to generations

              
              ]]>Welcome back to the podcast! In today's episode, we'll be talking about family curses...and blessings! Are they still a thing? Listen to find out!

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Q. Are Family Curses (and Blessings) Real?

              • Super scary verse in the OT (Second Commandment):
              • Exodus 20:4-5 (NLT) 4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 
              • Generational curses? 
              • Need to cast out demons? “Bondage Breaker” book
              • No! This is more about learned behavior
              • Third and fourth generations
              • You may have met these people!
              • Influence extends to grandkids and great grandchildren
              • Principle: parenting matters!
              • You will pass on more than you think
              • Family idols (even today)
              • Alcoholism
              • Pride, selfishness
              • Materialism (wealth)
              • But don’t miss the next verse
              • Exodus 20:6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
              • God wants to bless your family!
              • A thousand generations vs. 3 or 4
              • But look at the recipient of this
              • Those who love me and obey my commands
              • The greatest generational blessing: salvation
              • Households where grandparents, parents, kids are all followers
              • Nothing better than this
              • Very few families have it
              • We’re going to see this in action in 3 families in Acts 16 today…

              
              

              Acts 16: (NLT) 1 Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek.

              • This is Paul’s second missionary journey 
              • First time we meet Timothy. This guy becomes Paul’s protege. 
              • Jewish mom
              • Greek dad
              • 2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT) 5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.
              • Notice: no mention of father
              • Dad was likely not a Gentile follower of God
              • If he was, he would have had Timothy circumcised
              • One more hint about Timothy’s upbringing…
              • 2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT) 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
              • Taught by mother and grandmother!
              • The point: if you want to pass on your faith, teach your kids the Bible early and often

              
              

              Next passage:

              Acts 16:13-14 (NLT) 13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.

              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The fact that she is named could mean that she was a person of some status, 'since it was normal in such a Greco-Roman setting not to mention women by personal name in public unless they were either notable or notorious.'

              
              

              Acts 16:15 (NLT) 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.

              • Maybe a widow? Divorced? Either way, seems to be a single mom
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) A woman such as Lydia might have been head of a household in Greco-Roman culture because her husband had died or she was divorced, and less probably because she was a single woman of means.
              • Also very wealthy
              • Money doesn’t have to be a generational curse
              • She’s already using it to be a blessing
              • Main point: Look at her impact
              • she got saved, the household followed

              
              

              One more example: a blue collar worker dad, jailer where Paul and Silas were imprisoned:

              Acts 16:25-28 (NLT) 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

              Acts 16:29-30 (NLT) 29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

              Acts 16:31-33 (NLT) 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household…. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized.

              • Wow. This time a dad gets saved and the family follows

              
              

              What’s going on here? What can we learn from these three stories

              • A young man with a Christian mom and grandma (and unbelieving dad)
              • A wealthy single mom
              • A blue collar dad

              
              

              They’re included as a sampling of what was happening in the early church

              • People were getting saved
              • It was so powerful that it impacted their households
              • That’s how it should still work today
              • Moms and Dads embrace the message of Jesus
              • And they intentionally pass it on to their kids

              
              

              Back to the verse at the top:

              Exodus 20:6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

              • Family blessings are real! 
              • Parents: your love for God, your obedience to his commands
              • Can be passed on to generations

              
              ]]>abea9572-9260-4f27-a4a3-6788d5b93150Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -060024:50falsebonusAre Mormons Christians? (LDS Gospel Topics)The LDS Church's "Gospel Topics Essays" released in 2013. These essays were written by Mormon experts in an attempt to explain away some of the difficult questions coming against the Church. In today's episode we explore the essay titled "Are Mormons Christians?"

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Notes

              ]]>The LDS Church's "Gospel Topics Essays" released in 2013. These essays were written by Mormon experts in an attempt to explain away some of the difficult questions coming against the Church. In today's episode we explore the essay titled "Are Mormons Christians?"

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Notes

              ]]>f6b4a249-7f7a-4976-8c81-4d96ba38454dMon, 11 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -060043:34falsefull8686Should Serious Christians Ever Compromise? (Acts 15) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast! Today's world is full of conflicting thoughts, ideas, and problems. In this episode, we'll be answering the question: should serious Christians ever compromise?

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Q. Should Serious Christians Ever Compromise? 

              • Might seem like a weird question
              • Maybe you know Christians who never compromise
              • Draw hard lines everywhere on everything. Totally unbending
              • Ex: Halloween 
              • Ex: Tattoos
              • The Fundamental Law of Legalism: Drawing a hard line in gray areas weakens the hard lines we draw in the black and white.
              • So we have to be smart about compromise!
              • Parents: could win the battle but lose the war
              • Our strategy: don’t make a big deal of these gray areas (even though we still drew boundaries) – so our kids would take us seriously when we drew the line on serious issues
              • A strange paradox: 
              • Biblical Christians draw hard lines in some areas
              • And then they turn around and compromise in other areas
              • Today: We’ll see the first time the church wrestled with this
              • It was such a big question, they gathered in Jerusalem
              • First church council
              • Everybody was there! Peter, Paul, Barnabas, etc.
              • To answer: When do we fight vs when do we compromise?
              • I want to start at the end: where they landed
              • In the words of Paul, later, to the church at Corinth
              • It’s a great summary, and it shows you this is a thing
              • Compromise, that is, for serious Christians
              • Cause Pauls was serious, unbending
              • Yet look at where he landed on this ?

              
              

              1 Corinthians 9:19-21 (NLT) 19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ…. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

              • Hypocrite? No way! 
              • Jesus-centered vs. rule-centered
              • Just wanted to point people to Jesus
              • Therefore willing to compromise
              • Heart issue
              • Pointed Jews to Jesus by using the law of Moses
              • Pointed Gentiles to Jesus without using the law of Moses
              • All along obeyed the higher law “of Christ”
              • Ie, not free to do whatever we want (antinomianism)
              • compromising on the Lordship of Christ

              
              

              Last week: Acts 14, Paul’s first missionary journey

              • Proclaimed the gospel
              • Contextualized the gospel for Gentiles
              • Made disciples and commissioned them to make disciples
              • Returned to home base, Antioch 

              
              

              Now we have a blended church, and with that came questions…

              Acts 15:1-2 (NLT) 1 While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question.

              • This isn’t a secondary issue. This is a core, doctrinal issue - how can one be made right with God? 
              • There are times when we can agree to disagree - color of the carpet, how often to celebrate communion, what type of worship music to play - but there are essential doctrines that are worth fighting for.  We need to protect and proclaim the Gospel. 
              • There was a desire of the church in Antioch for truth.  
              • If they were just looking for the answer that was most convenient or matched up with their feelings, they wouldn’t have sent a delegation to Jerusalem.  They would have just said, “Paul and Barnabas preached that it is by faith in Jesus that we are made right with God and that’s all we need.”  
              • They wanted to make sure they weren’t in error and so they sent them to appeal to the apostles and elders. 
              • Do we desire truth?  Are we willing to invite other, more mature, believers in to weigh in on questions and give us advice?  Are we willing to follow the evidence, or do we put more stock in our feelings?  Jeremiah 17:9 “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? 

              
              

              Acts 15:4-6 (NLT) 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Paul were welcomed by the whole church, including the apostles and elders. They reported everything God had done through them. 5 But then some of the believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and insisted, “The Gentile converts must be circumcised and required to follow the law of Moses.” 6 So the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue.

              • This was a legit issue, they all wanted clarity
              • First Peter shares
              • Acts 15:8-11 (NLT) 8 God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us… 11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
              • Peter reminds the believers that they couldn’t keep the law, their fathers couldn’t keep the law, their grandfathers couldn’t keep the law.  No one could.. It isn’t just Gentile believers who are saved by grace, the Jewish believers were also saved strictly by God’s grace.  Even though they had the law and practiced the law and traditions, that isn’t what saved them.  
              • Then Paul (and Barnabas) shares
              • Acts 15:12 (NLT) 12 Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
              • Even though the dispute was sharp and the debate heavy, the believers were willing to listen to the evidence brought forth.  We could learn many lessons from this.  This is such a stark contrast to the way most disagreements are handled today where opposing sides just continually try to shout over one another or cut the other side down. 
              • This is what’s amazing about Paul. He had been so zealous as a Pharisee!
              • What could have happened to him to change his whole outlook? 
              • He really met Jesus. Total transformation.
              • This is the only hope for anyone struggling with the Fundamental Law of Legalism. Jesus changes people.
              • Then James has the final word
              • James, the brother of Jesus, declaries in verse 14 that God has taken a people for his name from among the Gentiles.  The significance of this statement is probably lost on us.  That is what Israel was supposed to be.  Israel was the people God had taken for his name.  James is confirming the previous testimony that God has also called a people for himself from among the Gentiles.  This would have been such a shift in thinking for a Jewish believer and the believers who were Pharisees were having a difficult time accepting it. 
              • James quotes Amos 9:11-12 - core value #1 We look to God and his Word in all we do. God’s Word would be the standard upon which the decision would be made. We should be able to point to God’s Word for the positions we take on any issue.  For all of the hot topics of today; abortion, transgenderism, premarital sex, pornography, divorce - God’s Word is the framework from which I take my position. 
              • Fallen tabernacle of David - Jewish nation
              • It will be rebuilt and restored
              • Why? - so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord.  The so is the reasoning here.  God’s plan all along was to use the nation of Israel to draw people from all nations unto himself. Amos is arguing that if we would just take the time to really look, we’d see that God has made his intentions known since long ago. It’s always been the plan! 

              
              

              Acts 15:19 (NLT) 19 “And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”

              • “We should not make it difficult”
              • Legalism makes it difficult
              • Matthew 23:13 (NLT) 13 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.”
              • No compromise on the good news
              • Saved by grace through faith, period. 
              • But the next verse seems confusing
              • Maybe not what you expect: 

              
              

              Acts 15:20-21 (NLT) 20 Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from]]>Welcome back to the podcast! Today's world is full of conflicting thoughts, ideas, and problems. In this episode, we'll be answering the question: should serious Christians ever compromise?

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Q. Should Serious Christians Ever Compromise? 

              • Might seem like a weird question
              • Maybe you know Christians who never compromise
              • Draw hard lines everywhere on everything. Totally unbending
              • Ex: Halloween 
              • Ex: Tattoos
              • The Fundamental Law of Legalism: Drawing a hard line in gray areas weakens the hard lines we draw in the black and white.
              • So we have to be smart about compromise!
              • Parents: could win the battle but lose the war
              • Our strategy: don’t make a big deal of these gray areas (even though we still drew boundaries) – so our kids would take us seriously when we drew the line on serious issues
              • A strange paradox: 
              • Biblical Christians draw hard lines in some areas
              • And then they turn around and compromise in other areas
              • Today: We’ll see the first time the church wrestled with this
              • It was such a big question, they gathered in Jerusalem
              • First church council
              • Everybody was there! Peter, Paul, Barnabas, etc.
              • To answer: When do we fight vs when do we compromise?
              • I want to start at the end: where they landed
              • In the words of Paul, later, to the church at Corinth
              • It’s a great summary, and it shows you this is a thing
              • Compromise, that is, for serious Christians
              • Cause Pauls was serious, unbending
              • Yet look at where he landed on this ?

              
              

              1 Corinthians 9:19-21 (NLT) 19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ…. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

              • Hypocrite? No way! 
              • Jesus-centered vs. rule-centered
              • Just wanted to point people to Jesus
              • Therefore willing to compromise
              • Heart issue
              • Pointed Jews to Jesus by using the law of Moses
              • Pointed Gentiles to Jesus without using the law of Moses
              • All along obeyed the higher law “of Christ”
              • Ie, not free to do whatever we want (antinomianism)
              • compromising on the Lordship of Christ

              
              

              Last week: Acts 14, Paul’s first missionary journey

              • Proclaimed the gospel
              • Contextualized the gospel for Gentiles
              • Made disciples and commissioned them to make disciples
              • Returned to home base, Antioch 

              
              

              Now we have a blended church, and with that came questions…

              Acts 15:1-2 (NLT) 1 While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question.

              • This isn’t a secondary issue. This is a core, doctrinal issue - how can one be made right with God? 
              • There are times when we can agree to disagree - color of the carpet, how often to celebrate communion, what type of worship music to play - but there are essential doctrines that are worth fighting for.  We need to protect and proclaim the Gospel. 
              • There was a desire of the church in Antioch for truth.  
              • If they were just looking for the answer that was most convenient or matched up with their feelings, they wouldn’t have sent a delegation to Jerusalem.  They would have just said, “Paul and Barnabas preached that it is by faith in Jesus that we are made right with God and that’s all we need.”  
              • They wanted to make sure they weren’t in error and so they sent them to appeal to the apostles and elders. 
              • Do we desire truth?  Are we willing to invite other, more mature, believers in to weigh in on questions and give us advice?  Are we willing to follow the evidence, or do we put more stock in our feelings?  Jeremiah 17:9 “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? 

              
              

              Acts 15:4-6 (NLT) 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Paul were welcomed by the whole church, including the apostles and elders. They reported everything God had done through them. 5 But then some of the believers who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees stood up and insisted, “The Gentile converts must be circumcised and required to follow the law of Moses.” 6 So the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue.

              • This was a legit issue, they all wanted clarity
              • First Peter shares
              • Acts 15:8-11 (NLT) 8 God knows people’s hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us… 11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”
              • Peter reminds the believers that they couldn’t keep the law, their fathers couldn’t keep the law, their grandfathers couldn’t keep the law.  No one could.. It isn’t just Gentile believers who are saved by grace, the Jewish believers were also saved strictly by God’s grace.  Even though they had the law and practiced the law and traditions, that isn’t what saved them.  
              • Then Paul (and Barnabas) shares
              • Acts 15:12 (NLT) 12 Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
              • Even though the dispute was sharp and the debate heavy, the believers were willing to listen to the evidence brought forth.  We could learn many lessons from this.  This is such a stark contrast to the way most disagreements are handled today where opposing sides just continually try to shout over one another or cut the other side down. 
              • This is what’s amazing about Paul. He had been so zealous as a Pharisee!
              • What could have happened to him to change his whole outlook? 
              • He really met Jesus. Total transformation.
              • This is the only hope for anyone struggling with the Fundamental Law of Legalism. Jesus changes people.
              • Then James has the final word
              • James, the brother of Jesus, declaries in verse 14 that God has taken a people for his name from among the Gentiles.  The significance of this statement is probably lost on us.  That is what Israel was supposed to be.  Israel was the people God had taken for his name.  James is confirming the previous testimony that God has also called a people for himself from among the Gentiles.  This would have been such a shift in thinking for a Jewish believer and the believers who were Pharisees were having a difficult time accepting it. 
              • James quotes Amos 9:11-12 - core value #1 We look to God and his Word in all we do. God’s Word would be the standard upon which the decision would be made. We should be able to point to God’s Word for the positions we take on any issue.  For all of the hot topics of today; abortion, transgenderism, premarital sex, pornography, divorce - God’s Word is the framework from which I take my position. 
              • Fallen tabernacle of David - Jewish nation
              • It will be rebuilt and restored
              • Why? - so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord.  The so is the reasoning here.  God’s plan all along was to use the nation of Israel to draw people from all nations unto himself. Amos is arguing that if we would just take the time to really look, we’d see that God has made his intentions known since long ago. It’s always been the plan! 

              
              

              Acts 15:19 (NLT) 19 “And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”

              • “We should not make it difficult”
              • Legalism makes it difficult
              • Matthew 23:13 (NLT) 13 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.”
              • No compromise on the good news
              • Saved by grace through faith, period. 
              • But the next verse seems confusing
              • Maybe not what you expect: 

              
              

              Acts 15:20-21 (NLT) 20 Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from consuming blood. 21 For these laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for many generations.”

              • What?! This seems legalistic! These things don’t save! 
              • Two things help us understand this list:
              • ONE: It was an honoring God issue (no compromise)
              • These things were all related to pagan temple festivals
              • This represented their old life, idolatry
              • 1 Corinthians 10:14 (NLT) 14 So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.
              • Following Jesus means we live a new kind of life!
              • TWO: It was a unity in the church issue
              • Unity in the new Jew/Gentile church would take some compromise
              • Value: We give up things we love for things we love more, including preferences. 
              •  Are we willing to give up preferences for harmony within the body? 
              • Do I complain or grumble when decisions are made that are contrary to my preferences? 
              • (Enduring Word Commentary) These three commands had to do with the eating habits of Gentile Christians. Though they were not bound under the Law of Moses, they were bound under the Law of Love. The Law of Love told them, “Don’t unnecessarily antagonize your Jewish neighbors, both in and out of the church.”
              • This is where serious Christians must compromise
              • Imagine the chaos that would have erupted during table fellowship (sharing of meals) if the Gentile Christians insisted on celebrating their freedom in regards to all of the Jewish dietary laws.  In a setting that was to promote unity and fellowship, only division and hurt feelings would have been sown. 

              
              

              1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (NLT) 31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

              Q. Should Serious Christians Ever Compromise? 

              • No, when it comes to the essentials of the gospel
              • We are saved by grace through faith
              • That salvation means a changed life
              • Yes, when it comes to helping people pursue God
              • Free to give up our preferences for the sake of love

              
              ]]>2afc8ca5-c73a-460f-ad21-f7130d0e0ab0Fri, 08 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -060030:15falsebonusWhat Happens to People Who Have Never Heard the Gospel?In today's episode Pastor Bryan answers a listener's question about people who have never heard the gospel.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

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              ]]>In today's episode Pastor Bryan answers a listener's question about people who have never heard the gospel.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

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              ]]>78a4af5a-9378-414e-af68-25a409c29aabMon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -060031:38falsefull8585How to Be a Biblical Missionary (Acts 14) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast! Today we’re going to spend some time studying Paul’s first missionary journey, answering the question: What are the marks of a Biblical missionary?

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Today we’re going to spend some time studying Paul’s first missionary journey. Tracing his travels through Acts, we can break his travels into three parts:

              • First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14): Paul, along with Barnabas, traveled through Cyprus and parts of modern-day Turkey, including cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.
              • Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22): This journey began after a disagreement with Barnabas. Paul traveled through regions of Asia Minor and then to Europe, including cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
              • Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:17): Paul revisited many of the places he had previously established churches, such as Galatia and Ephesus, and continued his ministry in Macedonia and Greece.

              
              

              Today we’ll answer this question: Q. What Are the Marks of a Biblical Missionary?

              • Today we’ll identify Three Marks.
              • First: What is a missionary?
              • Defn: A “sent one” who goes to a different culture to share the good news about Jesus.
              • “Missio” means to be sent. Implication: sent on God’s mission. 
              • In the case of Paul & Barnabas: sent by the Holy Spirit, but through the local church (13:1-3)
              • Comes from Great Commission:
              • Matthew 28:19 (NLT) 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
              • Why does this question matter?
              • Not all missionary efforts are biblical!
              • Our church: do these missionaries actually make disciples? 
              • Think of it like an investment…
              • Goal: make money
              • If it didn’t make money, would you keep investing? 
              • At some point, NO!
              • Back to biblical missions:
              • Goal: make disciples
              • If it didn’t make disciples, would you keep investing?
              • Example: missionaries in Spain
              • Living like they were retired
              • No fruit, no disciple-making
              • Our church: evaluating our investments
              • Individually, too

              
              

              So let’s get to the text, the first-ever Christian mission

              • To discover Three Marks of Biblical Missionaries
              • Three things that were true back then
              • They’re still true today

              
              

              Mark 1: Biblical missionaries proclaim the gospel. (14:1-7)

              • Easy to forget this and make the focus “doing good” for society
              • Some famous missionaries and their humanitarian impact: 
              • John Eliot (1604–1690)
              • Known as the "Apostle to the Indians," Eliot was an English Puritan missionary who focused on converting Native Americans in New England.
              • Eliot advocated for the rights of Native Americans, often opposing colonial injustices and working to protect their interests.
              • William Carey (1761–1834)
              • An English missionary known as the "father of modern missions," Carey was a key figure in the founding of the Baptist Missionary Society and dedicated his life to spreading Christianity in India.
              • He advocated for social reforms, such as the abolition of practices like Sati (the burning of widows) and the promotion of education for women.
              • David Livingstone (1813–1873)
              • A Scottish missionary and explorer, Livingstone is known for his extensive travels in Africa.
              • Exploration and Mapping: His explorations helped map large parts of Africa, providing valuable information about the continent's geography.
              • Anti-Slavery Advocacy: Livingstone's writings raised awareness of the horrors of the slave trade, influencing public opinion in Britain and contributing to the eventual abolition of slavery in many parts of Africa.
              • Healthcare and Education: He established missions and medical clinics, promoting education and healthcare in local communities.
              • But each of these missionaries had the same focus: sharing Jesus
              • Impacting culture was a byproduct of this, not the main focus
              • This is the first mark of biblical missions
              • Comes from Jesus himself:
              • Acts 1:8: “you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere…”
              • Compare Matt 28: go make disciples of all nations”
              • Survey of Paul’s first missionary journey:
              • Acts 13:38-39 (Pisidian Antioch) “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight - something the law of Moses could never do.”
              • Acts 14:1 (Iconium) “...Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers.”
              • Acts 14:15 (Lystra) “...We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God…”
              • As seen in ch 13 and 14: 
              • Some people respond joyfully to the message of Jesus, 
              • while others respond antagonistically
              • That’s not up to the missionaries
              • Their part is to share the good news about Jesus
              • Humanitarian impact is good, but it’s not ultimate. 
              • Biblical missionaries must proclaim the gospel
              • That’s the first mark we see from Acts 14

              
              

              Here’s the second one:

              Mark 2: Biblical missionaries contextualize the gospel. (14:8-20)

              • Every culture has its own context.
              • Explain what culture is: how a group uniquely organizes its normative behaviors and ideas
              • Thailand: don’t pat a child on the head; 
              • Malaysia & India: don’t eat food with left hand; etc. (google it)
              • Ethics and values are part of culture: what a society assumes is good & right
              • Can’t assume people everywhere think like we do / value what we value
              • Acts 1:8 = “in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
              • On surface, it looks like a geographical expansion
              • Partly it is, but more significantly, a cultural expansion
              • Jerusalem → my hometown
              • Judea → the region surrounding: culturally similar
              • Samaria → geographically near, but culturally distant
              • Ends of the earth → geographically and culturally distant
              • Worldview is also part of culture: what is assumed about reality, including role of supernatural
              • In the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, this crossing of cultures is marked by the inclusion of Gentiles along with Jews
              • Last week (ch 13): Paul preached to the Jewish community in Antioch of Pisidia
              • When the Jews began to oppose their message, Paul and Barnabas turned to the non-Jewish people
              • From now on, we see a deliberate outreach focus on non-Jewish people
              • IOW: Paul & Barnabus seeking to communicate with people NOT like them
              • As missionaries cross the barriers of culture, the challenge of communicating the gospel increases, so MISSIONARIES CROSS THE BARRIER OF MISUNDERSTANDING (14:8-20)
              • People who are presented with the gospel (or any message) make sense of what they hear in light of what they already believe
              • You can see the misunderstanding in (8-13)
              • In other situations, healing underscored the message of Jesus (see v.3)
              • But in this case, the healing interpreted in light of cultural understanding of God
              • Paul knew what to do → frame the gospel starting with those peoples’ worldview
              • (Verses 14-17) - didn’t start with Jewish scriptures, as he did in Pisidian Antioch
              • Would have made no sense to these rural pagans
              • Started with common ground of natural revelation: the God who made everything, who provide common graces like rain and crops
              • Examples from cultures where Alpine sends missionaries?
              • Note: contextualizing the gospel shouldn’t change the gospel

              
              

              Acts 14:8-10 (NLT) 8 While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting 9 and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. 10 So Paul called to him in a loud voice, “Stand up!” And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.

              • Jesus, Peter, now Paul.
              • Why? To legitimize their message.

              
              

              Acts 14:11-13 (NLT) 11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, “These men are gods in human form!” 12 They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. 13 Now the temple of Zeus was located just outside the town. So the priest of the]]>Welcome back to the podcast! Today we’re going to spend some time studying Paul’s first missionary journey, answering the question: What are the marks of a Biblical missionary?

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Today we’re going to spend some time studying Paul’s first missionary journey. Tracing his travels through Acts, we can break his travels into three parts:

              • First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14): Paul, along with Barnabas, traveled through Cyprus and parts of modern-day Turkey, including cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.
              • Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22): This journey began after a disagreement with Barnabas. Paul traveled through regions of Asia Minor and then to Europe, including cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
              • Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:17): Paul revisited many of the places he had previously established churches, such as Galatia and Ephesus, and continued his ministry in Macedonia and Greece.

              
              

              Today we’ll answer this question: Q. What Are the Marks of a Biblical Missionary?

              • Today we’ll identify Three Marks.
              • First: What is a missionary?
              • Defn: A “sent one” who goes to a different culture to share the good news about Jesus.
              • “Missio” means to be sent. Implication: sent on God’s mission. 
              • In the case of Paul & Barnabas: sent by the Holy Spirit, but through the local church (13:1-3)
              • Comes from Great Commission:
              • Matthew 28:19 (NLT) 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
              • Why does this question matter?
              • Not all missionary efforts are biblical!
              • Our church: do these missionaries actually make disciples? 
              • Think of it like an investment…
              • Goal: make money
              • If it didn’t make money, would you keep investing? 
              • At some point, NO!
              • Back to biblical missions:
              • Goal: make disciples
              • If it didn’t make disciples, would you keep investing?
              • Example: missionaries in Spain
              • Living like they were retired
              • No fruit, no disciple-making
              • Our church: evaluating our investments
              • Individually, too

              
              

              So let’s get to the text, the first-ever Christian mission

              • To discover Three Marks of Biblical Missionaries
              • Three things that were true back then
              • They’re still true today

              
              

              Mark 1: Biblical missionaries proclaim the gospel. (14:1-7)

              • Easy to forget this and make the focus “doing good” for society
              • Some famous missionaries and their humanitarian impact: 
              • John Eliot (1604–1690)
              • Known as the "Apostle to the Indians," Eliot was an English Puritan missionary who focused on converting Native Americans in New England.
              • Eliot advocated for the rights of Native Americans, often opposing colonial injustices and working to protect their interests.
              • William Carey (1761–1834)
              • An English missionary known as the "father of modern missions," Carey was a key figure in the founding of the Baptist Missionary Society and dedicated his life to spreading Christianity in India.
              • He advocated for social reforms, such as the abolition of practices like Sati (the burning of widows) and the promotion of education for women.
              • David Livingstone (1813–1873)
              • A Scottish missionary and explorer, Livingstone is known for his extensive travels in Africa.
              • Exploration and Mapping: His explorations helped map large parts of Africa, providing valuable information about the continent's geography.
              • Anti-Slavery Advocacy: Livingstone's writings raised awareness of the horrors of the slave trade, influencing public opinion in Britain and contributing to the eventual abolition of slavery in many parts of Africa.
              • Healthcare and Education: He established missions and medical clinics, promoting education and healthcare in local communities.
              • But each of these missionaries had the same focus: sharing Jesus
              • Impacting culture was a byproduct of this, not the main focus
              • This is the first mark of biblical missions
              • Comes from Jesus himself:
              • Acts 1:8: “you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere…”
              • Compare Matt 28: go make disciples of all nations”
              • Survey of Paul’s first missionary journey:
              • Acts 13:38-39 (Pisidian Antioch) “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight - something the law of Moses could never do.”
              • Acts 14:1 (Iconium) “...Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers.”
              • Acts 14:15 (Lystra) “...We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God…”
              • As seen in ch 13 and 14: 
              • Some people respond joyfully to the message of Jesus, 
              • while others respond antagonistically
              • That’s not up to the missionaries
              • Their part is to share the good news about Jesus
              • Humanitarian impact is good, but it’s not ultimate. 
              • Biblical missionaries must proclaim the gospel
              • That’s the first mark we see from Acts 14

              
              

              Here’s the second one:

              Mark 2: Biblical missionaries contextualize the gospel. (14:8-20)

              • Every culture has its own context.
              • Explain what culture is: how a group uniquely organizes its normative behaviors and ideas
              • Thailand: don’t pat a child on the head; 
              • Malaysia & India: don’t eat food with left hand; etc. (google it)
              • Ethics and values are part of culture: what a society assumes is good & right
              • Can’t assume people everywhere think like we do / value what we value
              • Acts 1:8 = “in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
              • On surface, it looks like a geographical expansion
              • Partly it is, but more significantly, a cultural expansion
              • Jerusalem → my hometown
              • Judea → the region surrounding: culturally similar
              • Samaria → geographically near, but culturally distant
              • Ends of the earth → geographically and culturally distant
              • Worldview is also part of culture: what is assumed about reality, including role of supernatural
              • In the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, this crossing of cultures is marked by the inclusion of Gentiles along with Jews
              • Last week (ch 13): Paul preached to the Jewish community in Antioch of Pisidia
              • When the Jews began to oppose their message, Paul and Barnabas turned to the non-Jewish people
              • From now on, we see a deliberate outreach focus on non-Jewish people
              • IOW: Paul & Barnabus seeking to communicate with people NOT like them
              • As missionaries cross the barriers of culture, the challenge of communicating the gospel increases, so MISSIONARIES CROSS THE BARRIER OF MISUNDERSTANDING (14:8-20)
              • People who are presented with the gospel (or any message) make sense of what they hear in light of what they already believe
              • You can see the misunderstanding in (8-13)
              • In other situations, healing underscored the message of Jesus (see v.3)
              • But in this case, the healing interpreted in light of cultural understanding of God
              • Paul knew what to do → frame the gospel starting with those peoples’ worldview
              • (Verses 14-17) - didn’t start with Jewish scriptures, as he did in Pisidian Antioch
              • Would have made no sense to these rural pagans
              • Started with common ground of natural revelation: the God who made everything, who provide common graces like rain and crops
              • Examples from cultures where Alpine sends missionaries?
              • Note: contextualizing the gospel shouldn’t change the gospel

              
              

              Acts 14:8-10 (NLT) 8 While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting 9 and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. 10 So Paul called to him in a loud voice, “Stand up!” And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.

              • Jesus, Peter, now Paul.
              • Why? To legitimize their message.

              
              

              Acts 14:11-13 (NLT) 11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, “These men are gods in human form!” 12 They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. 13 Now the temple of Zeus was located just outside the town. So the priest of the temple and the crowd brought bulls and wreaths of flowers to the town gates, and they prepared to offer sacrifices to the apostles.

              • Greco-Roman culture: lots of gods and legends
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Since the people were shouting in the Lycaonian language, the missionaries were at first unaware of the honour that was being paid to them.

              
              

              Acts 14:14-17 (NLT) 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, 15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 16 In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, 17 but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.”

              • Notice what Paul is doing here: contextualizing the gospel
              • To a Jew: “Good News” in context of OT promises to Abraham
              • To a Gentile: “Good News” in context of God’s generosity in general
              • In both cases there’s a call to faith and repentance 
              • Faith in a good, sovereign God
              • Repentance: turning from sin to God
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) What we have here is not evangelism in the normal NT sense of proclaiming Christ and his saving work. However, it is a biblical foundation for evangelism in a culture where fundamental presuppositions about God and nature and the meaning of human existence need to be challenged.
              • That’s what we try to do in The Pursuit series:
              • Lesson 1: God is for you, not against you
              • Lesson 2: The Bible can be trusted for truth
              • Lesson 3: Biblical principles are the foundation for a moralistic worldview. 
              • These three lessons provide a foundation for sharing Jesus with people in post-modern world
              • Then we go on to the basics of the gospel: 
              • L4: What is sin?
              • L5: Who is Jesus? 
              • L6: Responding in faith
              • Paul is laying the foundation for sharing the basics of the gospel
              • But they don’t have ears to hear it…

              
              

              Acts 14:18 (NLT) 18 But even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them.

              • He shared the gospel
              • But he couldn’t make them receive it
              • Section ends with Paul getting stoned and drug out of the town
              • But he gets up and moves on to the next town

              
              

              So we’ve seen two marks of biblical missionaries so far:

              • They proclaim the gospel
              • They contextualize the gospel

              
              

              And here’s the third thing we notice in the text:

              Mark 3: Biblical missionaries make disciple-makers. (14:21-25)

              Acts 14:21-23 (NLT) 21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

              • Went back to cities where preached the gospel
              • Took steps to strengthen and encourage the new believers there
              • Discipled them: taught them about the nature of God’s kingdom / how to live as Xian
              • In this case: how to handle suffering
              • Appointed elders in every church → leaders to care for the people
              • “Church” implies: believers were gathered into a specific community
              • Paul and Barnabas were itinerant, but no missionary will be anywhere forever
              • The goal is to develop a church that is not dependent on outsiders
              • The “Three-Self” ideal: Self-governing / Self-supporting / Self-propagating
              • IOW: a church that is making disciples who make disciples who make disciples
              • Sometimes this means establish disciple-making churches
              • Share example from Victory church: “make one disciple”

              
              

              Close: 

              • We’re all called to all three of these things, not just missionaries.

              
              ]]>2b2a6b4c-b476-4c28-94b8-60bb3658bea8Fri, 01 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -060034:53falsebonusCane Ridge Revival, Church of Christ, and MormonismIn this episode Pastor Bryan does a deep dive on the historical context in which Mormonism was born.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              The Cane Ridge Revival of 1801 (Smith was born in 1805) was one of the most significant events of the Second Great Awakening, attracting thousands of people to the rural meeting grounds near Cane Ridge, Kentucky. Often described as America’s first "camp meeting," it became a powerful symbol of the evangelical fervor and transformative social energy characteristic of the revivalist movement. Organized by Presbyterian minister Barton W. Stone, the Cane Ridge Revival ultimately became a catalyst for the Restoration Movement and helped shape the trajectory of American evangelical Christianity in the 19th century.

              Key Aspects of the Cane Ridge Revival

              1. The Setting and Attendance:

              
              

              • Cane Ridge was a small frontier settlement with a simple log church, yet the revival attracted an astonishing 10,000–20,000 people over the course of several days in August 1801. This was unprecedented for the time, especially in such a remote area. Attendees came from multiple states and diverse denominations, including Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists, drawn by word-of-mouth and the promise of a powerful religious experience.

              
              

              1. Camp Meeting Format:

              
              

              • The revival used the camp meeting format, which would become a hallmark of the Second Great Awakening. People set up tents and stayed on the grounds for days, worshiping and participating in continuous services. Multiple preachers spoke simultaneously from different locations, allowing crowds to move from one sermon to another and creating an immersive, 24/7 environment of worship, singing, and prayer.

              
              

              1. Emotional and Physical Reactions:

              
              

              • Attendees reported a wide range of intense physical and emotional responses to the preaching, which were often seen as signs of divine presence. People fainted, trembled, shouted, spoke in tongues, and even went into "fits." Some fell into trances, while others cried out in repentance or sang with ecstatic fervor. These manifestations were controversial but contributed to the atmosphere of awe and fervor, as many saw them as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s power.

              
              

              1. Emphasis on Personal Conversion:

              
              

              • The revival centered on personal conversion experiences and repentance, stressing a direct relationship with God that didn’t depend on church tradition or hierarchy. The Cane Ridge preachers, including Stone, called people to experience a "new birth" and a deep personal commitment to Christ. This call for individual faith resonated strongly with the democratic and egalitarian ideals of the early American frontier, where settlers sought new spiritual freedoms along with their new land.

              
              

              1. Interdenominational and Ecumenical Nature:

              
              

              • Unlike typical religious gatherings of the time, the Cane Ridge Revival welcomed people from various denominations, encouraging unity in worship despite doctrinal differences. This ecumenical spirit reflected a belief that all Christians could be unified in Christ, which later became a central tenet of the Restoration Movement. Barton W. Stone, who organized the revival, would go on to champion the idea of a unified, non-denominational church.

              
              

              1. Lasting Impact and the Restoration Movement:

              
              

              • Cane Ridge’s impact extended far beyond the revival itself. Stone and other ministers were inspired to reject traditional denominational labels and creeds, seeing them as barriers to true Christian unity. In 1804, Stone and several other ministers issued the “Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery,” declaring their independence from the Presbyterian Church and their intention to follow the Bible alone as their guide. This document marked the formal beginning of Stone’s Christian Church or Christian Connection, one branch of what became known as the Restoration Movement.

              
              

              1. Criticism and Controversy:

              
              

              • The revival faced criticism from more traditional church leaders, who were skeptical of the intense emotional displays and lack of doctrinal oversight. Some saw the unrestrained atmosphere as chaotic and even dangerous, believing it encouraged emotional excess at the expense of sound doctrine. This controversy, however, only increased the revival’s notoriety and solidified its reputation as a revolutionary religious event.

              
              

              Influence on American Religion

              The Cane Ridge Revival was instrumental in shaping the Second Great Awakening and set the stage for the proliferation of revivalism across the United States. Its emphasis on personal salvation, direct access to God, and non-denominational unity became foundational principles for the broader Restoration Movement, influencing leaders like Alexander Campbell and Sidney Rigdon. Moreover, Cane Ridge popularized the camp meeting model, which spread throughout the frontier, particularly in the American South, and contributed to the formation of other denominations, such as Methodism and Baptist churches.

              Legacy of Cane Ridge

              Today, Cane Ridge is remembered as a landmark event that demonstrated the appeal of revivalist Christianity to the growing American frontier population and laid critical groundwork for the Restorationist ideals of unity, simplicity, and Bible-based faith. It also underscored the importance of the camp meeting as a uniquely American religious tradition, a format that would influence Protestant gatherings for decades to come.

              The early Restoration Movement of the 1800s in America was an effort by various Christian groups to return to what they believed were the authentic teachings and practices of the New Testament church. Emerging amid this movement were groups that came to be known as Christian Churches, Churches of Christ, and the Disciples of Christ. The movement came out of the Second Great Awakening and focused on rejecting traditional denominations and creeds, prioritizing Bible-based beliefs, and pursuing unity among Christians by restoring what adherents saw as the primitive church founded by Jesus.

              A significant and sometimes overlooked aspect of this movement was its influence on early Mormonism, particularly through Sidney Rigdon, a well-known preacher in the Restorationist circles who ultimately joined the fledgling Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rigdon’s involvement created an intersection between Mormonism and Restorationism that would shape the development of Mormon theology, organizational structure, and community goals.

              The Restoration Movement: Core Beliefs and Goals

              In the early 19th century, several prominent preachers and religious leaders sought to unify Christians by moving away from established denominational doctrines toward a model they believed represented the original teachings of the New Testament church. Leaders like Thomas and Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone emphasized the importance of baptism, the simplicity of early Christian worship, and the rejection of complex creeds in favor of "Bible-only" Christianity.

              These leaders believed that modern Christianity had fallen into apostasy, deviating from the original practices and purity of the New Testament church. As such, they advocated for a "restoration" rather than a reformation, seeking not just to reform the existing churches but to reestablish the primitive church on American soil. This framework of restoration influenced Mormonism profoundly, particularly through the work and beliefs of Sidney Rigdon.

              Sidney Rigdon: From Restorationist Preacher to Mormon Leader

              Sidney Rigdon was a dynamic preacher deeply involved in the Restoration Movement. He was close to Alexander Campbell, a central figure in the movement, and initially preached Restorationist principles to congregations in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Rigdon’s theology was heavily rooted in the idea of restoring the true church that had been lost after the death of the apostles, a concept central to the Restoration Movement and one that he would later find compatible with Joseph Smith’s teachings.

              Rigdon’s Early Life and...]]>In this episode Pastor Bryan does a deep dive on the historical context in which Mormonism was born.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              The Cane Ridge Revival of 1801 (Smith was born in 1805) was one of the most significant events of the Second Great Awakening, attracting thousands of people to the rural meeting grounds near Cane Ridge, Kentucky. Often described as America’s first "camp meeting," it became a powerful symbol of the evangelical fervor and transformative social energy characteristic of the revivalist movement. Organized by Presbyterian minister Barton W. Stone, the Cane Ridge Revival ultimately became a catalyst for the Restoration Movement and helped shape the trajectory of American evangelical Christianity in the 19th century.

              Key Aspects of the Cane Ridge Revival

              1. The Setting and Attendance:

              
              

              • Cane Ridge was a small frontier settlement with a simple log church, yet the revival attracted an astonishing 10,000–20,000 people over the course of several days in August 1801. This was unprecedented for the time, especially in such a remote area. Attendees came from multiple states and diverse denominations, including Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists, drawn by word-of-mouth and the promise of a powerful religious experience.

              
              

              1. Camp Meeting Format:

              
              

              • The revival used the camp meeting format, which would become a hallmark of the Second Great Awakening. People set up tents and stayed on the grounds for days, worshiping and participating in continuous services. Multiple preachers spoke simultaneously from different locations, allowing crowds to move from one sermon to another and creating an immersive, 24/7 environment of worship, singing, and prayer.

              
              

              1. Emotional and Physical Reactions:

              
              

              • Attendees reported a wide range of intense physical and emotional responses to the preaching, which were often seen as signs of divine presence. People fainted, trembled, shouted, spoke in tongues, and even went into "fits." Some fell into trances, while others cried out in repentance or sang with ecstatic fervor. These manifestations were controversial but contributed to the atmosphere of awe and fervor, as many saw them as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s power.

              
              

              1. Emphasis on Personal Conversion:

              
              

              • The revival centered on personal conversion experiences and repentance, stressing a direct relationship with God that didn’t depend on church tradition or hierarchy. The Cane Ridge preachers, including Stone, called people to experience a "new birth" and a deep personal commitment to Christ. This call for individual faith resonated strongly with the democratic and egalitarian ideals of the early American frontier, where settlers sought new spiritual freedoms along with their new land.

              
              

              1. Interdenominational and Ecumenical Nature:

              
              

              • Unlike typical religious gatherings of the time, the Cane Ridge Revival welcomed people from various denominations, encouraging unity in worship despite doctrinal differences. This ecumenical spirit reflected a belief that all Christians could be unified in Christ, which later became a central tenet of the Restoration Movement. Barton W. Stone, who organized the revival, would go on to champion the idea of a unified, non-denominational church.

              
              

              1. Lasting Impact and the Restoration Movement:

              
              

              • Cane Ridge’s impact extended far beyond the revival itself. Stone and other ministers were inspired to reject traditional denominational labels and creeds, seeing them as barriers to true Christian unity. In 1804, Stone and several other ministers issued the “Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery,” declaring their independence from the Presbyterian Church and their intention to follow the Bible alone as their guide. This document marked the formal beginning of Stone’s Christian Church or Christian Connection, one branch of what became known as the Restoration Movement.

              
              

              1. Criticism and Controversy:

              
              

              • The revival faced criticism from more traditional church leaders, who were skeptical of the intense emotional displays and lack of doctrinal oversight. Some saw the unrestrained atmosphere as chaotic and even dangerous, believing it encouraged emotional excess at the expense of sound doctrine. This controversy, however, only increased the revival’s notoriety and solidified its reputation as a revolutionary religious event.

              
              

              Influence on American Religion

              The Cane Ridge Revival was instrumental in shaping the Second Great Awakening and set the stage for the proliferation of revivalism across the United States. Its emphasis on personal salvation, direct access to God, and non-denominational unity became foundational principles for the broader Restoration Movement, influencing leaders like Alexander Campbell and Sidney Rigdon. Moreover, Cane Ridge popularized the camp meeting model, which spread throughout the frontier, particularly in the American South, and contributed to the formation of other denominations, such as Methodism and Baptist churches.

              Legacy of Cane Ridge

              Today, Cane Ridge is remembered as a landmark event that demonstrated the appeal of revivalist Christianity to the growing American frontier population and laid critical groundwork for the Restorationist ideals of unity, simplicity, and Bible-based faith. It also underscored the importance of the camp meeting as a uniquely American religious tradition, a format that would influence Protestant gatherings for decades to come.

              The early Restoration Movement of the 1800s in America was an effort by various Christian groups to return to what they believed were the authentic teachings and practices of the New Testament church. Emerging amid this movement were groups that came to be known as Christian Churches, Churches of Christ, and the Disciples of Christ. The movement came out of the Second Great Awakening and focused on rejecting traditional denominations and creeds, prioritizing Bible-based beliefs, and pursuing unity among Christians by restoring what adherents saw as the primitive church founded by Jesus.

              A significant and sometimes overlooked aspect of this movement was its influence on early Mormonism, particularly through Sidney Rigdon, a well-known preacher in the Restorationist circles who ultimately joined the fledgling Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rigdon’s involvement created an intersection between Mormonism and Restorationism that would shape the development of Mormon theology, organizational structure, and community goals.

              The Restoration Movement: Core Beliefs and Goals

              In the early 19th century, several prominent preachers and religious leaders sought to unify Christians by moving away from established denominational doctrines toward a model they believed represented the original teachings of the New Testament church. Leaders like Thomas and Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone emphasized the importance of baptism, the simplicity of early Christian worship, and the rejection of complex creeds in favor of "Bible-only" Christianity.

              These leaders believed that modern Christianity had fallen into apostasy, deviating from the original practices and purity of the New Testament church. As such, they advocated for a "restoration" rather than a reformation, seeking not just to reform the existing churches but to reestablish the primitive church on American soil. This framework of restoration influenced Mormonism profoundly, particularly through the work and beliefs of Sidney Rigdon.

              Sidney Rigdon: From Restorationist Preacher to Mormon Leader

              Sidney Rigdon was a dynamic preacher deeply involved in the Restoration Movement. He was close to Alexander Campbell, a central figure in the movement, and initially preached Restorationist principles to congregations in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Rigdon’s theology was heavily rooted in the idea of restoring the true church that had been lost after the death of the apostles, a concept central to the Restoration Movement and one that he would later find compatible with Joseph Smith’s teachings.

              Rigdon’s Early Life and Ministry

              • 1793: Sidney Rigdon was born in Pennsylvania. He was raised in a Baptist family and became a preacher within the Baptist tradition.
              • 1819-1821: Rigdon studied under Andrew Clark, a Baptist minister, and eventually became a minister himself, serving in Pennsylvania and later in Ohio. He initially preached within the Baptist framework.

              
              

              Involvement in the Restoration Movement

              • 1821-1826: Rigdon became influenced by the ideas of the Restoration Movement, which was championed by Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone. This movement sought to restore Christianity to its New Testament roots, rejecting creeds and denominational divisions.
              • 1826: Rigdon aligned more closely with Alexander Campbell and began to preach the principles of the movement. This was especially evident when he adopted the Restorationist plea for a return to the original teachings of the Bible, particularly regarding baptism by immersion and a simpler, non-denominational church structure.
              • Rigdon was well-known for his charismatic preaching and drew large crowds, especially in Ohio. He established congregations that embraced Restorationist ideals.

              
              

              Break with the Campbell-Stone Movement and Conversion to Mormonism

              • 1829: Despite his prominence in the Campbell-Stone Movement, Rigdon began to show interest in religious ideas that extended beyond the strict biblical primitivism of Campbell. He also engaged in deeper theological speculations, which were less aligned with Campbell’s rational and scriptural approach.
              • 1830: The key turning point occurred when Sidney Rigdon was introduced to Joseph Smith and the newly published Book of Mormon through a fellow CofC preacher Parley P. Pratt. Rigdon reportedly met Smith in October 1830, and by December 1830, Rigdon had converted to Mormonism. This event was a major shock to the Restoration Movement, especially for Campbell, who saw Rigdon’s departure as a serious blow.
              • After his conversion, Rigdon brought many of his congregants from Ohio into the fledgling Mormon movement, helping the young church grow significantly. Rigdon quickly became one of Joseph Smith’s closest advisors and helped shape early Mormon theology.

              
              

              Aftermath and Later Life

              • Rigdon became a key figure in the development of Mormonism, playing a role in its theological, political, and social development. He served as a spokesman, missionary, and even as Joseph Smith’s running mate during Smith’s ill-fated 1844 U.S. presidential campaign.
              • 1844: After Joseph Smith’s assassination, Rigdon sought to become the leader of the church but was outmaneuvered by Brigham Young. He eventually broke away from the mainline Latter-day Saints and attempted to lead a splinter group but never regained the prominence he once had.

              
              

              Rigdon’s Conversion and Influence in Mormonism

              In 1830, Rigdon was introduced to the Book of Mormon through Parley P. Pratt, a fellow preacher who had converted to the fledgling LDS Church. Rigdon was captivated by the Book of Mormon's restorationist themes, particularly the emphasis on the re-establishment of Zion and the gathering of a covenant people in the last days. Rigdon converted and, along with many members of his congregation, joined the Church of Christ—the original name given to the LDS Church by Joseph Smith.

              Rigdon’s conversion brought not only his congregation but also his significant theological influence and understanding of Restorationist ideas into Mormonism. He quickly became one of Joseph Smith’s closest associates and was a key architect of early Mormon theology. Rigdon’s views contributed to the LDS Church’s focus on establishing Zion, a consecrated community, and the role of living prophets and apostles, ideas that resonated with many Restorationists who longed for a more direct and literal connection to New Testament Christianity.

              Initially, Joseph Smith did seem to align his early movement with the broader Restoration Movement and the shared goal of returning to New Testament Christianity. His early emphasis on restoring Christ's original church and teachings resonated with themes present in the Restoration Movement, especially as he sought to correct what he saw as doctrinal errors and institutional corruption in existing churches. However, Smith’s vision of restoration quickly took on unique features that set it apart from other Restorationist groups, especially after he introduced claims of new revelation and additional scripture with the Book of Mormon.

              Early Parallels with the Restoration Movement

              1. Biblical Restoration and Anti-Creedalism:

              
              

              • Like many in the Restoration Movement, Smith initially emphasized returning to the simplicity of the New Testament church. His early teachings rejected traditional creeds, echoed sentiments of apostasy in mainstream Christianity, and advocated for biblically based teachings and structure. This approach would have resonated with Restorationists, who similarly sought to restore the church to its New Testament foundations.

              
              

              1. Desire for Unity Among Christians:

              
              

              • Early on, Smith and his followers seemed to share the Restorationist vision of unity among Christians. They referred to the new church as the "Church of Christ", a name commonly used by Restorationist groups to indicate alignment with the apostolic church and distance from denominational labels.

              
              

              1. Interest in Reform and Purity:

              
              

              • Smith’s early sermons and teachings focused on reform, personal purity, and a direct relationship with God. These principles were popular among other Restorationists, who viewed reform as a way to recapture the essence of early Christianity.

              
              

              The Break from Broader Restorationism

              As Smith’s movement developed, it began diverging significantly from other Restorationist groups, largely due to Smith’s introduction of additional scriptures (such as the Book of Mormon), new doctrines, and his assertion of prophetic authority.

              1. The Book of Mormon and New Revelation:

              
              

              • The publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830 was a major departure from other Restorationist beliefs, which were rooted in the “Bible alone” principle. This new scripture, which Smith claimed was an ancient record revealed to him by divine means, marked a significant theological innovation that other Restorationists, like Alexander Campbell, strongly opposed. Campbell, who had been an early influence on Sidney Rigdon, was among the first to publicly denounce Mormonism’s claims, arguing that the Bible alone was sufficient.

              
              

              1. Claims of Prophetic Leadership:

              
              

              • Smith’s claim of direct revelation and prophetic authority went beyond the Restorationist emphasis on Bible interpretation and communal governance. The idea of an ongoing prophetic office challenged the Restorationist focus on the priesthood of all believers and a congregational style of governance.
              • Smith also introduced a structured hierarchy of apostles, prophets, and high priests, which differed sharply from the more egalitarian model promoted by other Restorationist groups. This new structure began with the formation of the Melchizedek Priesthood and the office of apostle, which Smith believed was essential to restoring the fullness of Christ's church.

              
              

              1. Unique Doctrinal Innovations:

              
              

              • As Smith’s teachings evolved, he introduced doctrines that further separated his movement from the broader Restorationist cause. These included beliefs in temple ordinances, baptism for the dead, and later, plural marriage. These doctrines were not only distinct from Restorationist beliefs but were seen as controversial and unacceptable within that broader movement.
              • The concept of Zion and the gathering of Saints to specific locations (such as Kirtland, Ohio, and later Nauvoo, Illinois) further emphasized the distinct identity of Smith’s movement, positioning it as a separate body of believers rather than as part of the larger Restorationist effort.

              
              

              Sidney Rigdon’s Role in the Transition

              When Sidney Rigdon joined Smith’s church in 1830, he brought with him Restorationist principles, especially the belief in restoring New Testament practices and the importance of gathering believers into a single community. Rigdon’s background and influence initially made the church appealing to those who identified with the broader Restorationist goals.

              However, Rigdon’s involvement also hastened Mormonism’s divergence. Rigdon’s acceptance of Smith’s prophetic claims and support for additional revelation helped formalize Mormonism’s theological distinctiveness, which increasingly distanced it from Restorationist groups. Rigdon’s vision of Zion as a literal, theocratic community led by a prophet was appealing to early Mormons but alienated other Restorationists who did not accept Smith’s claims to modern prophecy or additional scripture.

              Conclusion

              While Joseph Smith’s movement initially shared restorationist ideals and seemed to be aligned with the broader Restoration Movement, it quickly moved...]]>a25c4dac-134d-4745-b24f-0deced5fdf08Mon, 28 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -060021:26falsefull8484Why Should Christians Fast Today? (Acts 13) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast, today we're talking about fasting as we continue our study in Acts chapter 13.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Today is a turning point in our study of Acts (We’ll cover ch 13)

              • Reminds me of “Clue”:
              • Col Mustard in the library with the candlestick, or
              • Prof Plum in the kitchen with the revolver
              • Here’s a summary of Acts:
              • Ch 1-12: Peter in Jerusalem with the HS
              • Ch 13-28: Paul in Gentile territories with the HS
              • Remember: Acts of the Apostles = Acts of the HS
              • Today we’ll see a spiritual discipline that opens us to be used by HS
              • Fasting
              • Have you ever done it?
              • In the Bible, fasting is a discipline where believers intentionally set aside their most basic needs to realign their hearts with God’s will.
              • Food, water (mainly what we’re talking about today)
              • TV, entertainment
              • Social media

              
              

              Q. Five Reasons Christians Should Fast

              • Based on an examination of Acts 13
              • So open your Bibles with me…

              
              

              Fasting is a timeless spiritual discipline.

              • We see it all over the Bible: followers of God sometimes fast.
              • Moses - He fasted for 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai when receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
              • David - He fasted when he was grieving for the illness of his child (2 Samuel 12:16).
              • Elijah - He fasted for 40 days while fleeing from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:8).
              • Esther - She called for a fast among the Jews before approaching King Xerxes (Esther 4:16).
              • Daniel - He fasted and sought God for understanding and guidance (Daniel 9:3; Daniel 10:3).
              • Anna - The prophetess who served in the temple, fasted regularly (Luke 2:37).
              • Jesus - He fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning his ministry (Matthew 4:1-2).
              • And we also see it here in Acts 13…
              • Acts 13:1-2 (NLT) 1 Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting…
              • “As these men were fasting…”
              • No need for explanation
              • It seemed normative for the early church
              • Matthew 6:16 And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
              • “When,” not “If”
              • Q. Have you ever fasted? 
              • Reason #1: Fasting is a timeless spiritual discipline.
              • See also: Breakthrough Disciplines (Series) 

              
              

              But Christians should not fast pointlessly, just because it’s “what we do.” It’s about more than that…

              Fasting helps us to hear the Holy Spirit.

              • To be clear: I’ve never audibly “heard” the HS
              • Watch out for people who say that
              • It can happen, but it should always align w Bible
              • Lots of false prophets 
              • 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
              • This isn’t usually what we mean when we talk about “hearing the HS”
              • We’re talking about 
              • an internal conviction
              • a leading
              • It always aligns with the Word
              • Acts 13:2 (NLT) 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said…
              • There it is: worship+fasting=hearing
              • Q. Are you having a hard time hearing God?
              • Try fasting
              • Let’s finish the verse to see what exactly they heard from the HS…
              • Acts 13:2 (NLT) 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”

              
              

              This points to the third reason to fast from this text:

              Fasting prepares us for seasons of ministry.

              • In v2 it was called their “special work”
              • Acts 13:3 (NLT) 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit.
              • Keep that in mind as we continue through the book of Acts
              • It’s going to follow Paul’s missionary journeys
              • But it all started right here: with fasting and prayer
              • Notice: the whole church was involved in this “missions program”
              • We’ll talk about this more next week
              • Acts 14:27 Paul and Barnabas report back to the whole church
              • So clearly the whole church sent out the missionaries
              • But ultimately the HS sent them out! (Acts 1:8)
              • Again, not physically
              • God the Father sent the son
              • God the HS sends us
              • So: Fasting prepares us for seasons of ministry
              • Paul and Barnabas learned this from Jesus
              • He fasted in the wilderness for 40 days
              • Then started his public ministry
              • But you say: “I’m not in ministry”
              • Wrong! We all are called to get in the game

              
              

              That’s why we need this next thing…

              Fasting equips us for spiritual warfare.

              • Because this is what happens when you get in the game w Jesus
              • We see that in Paul’s first missionary journey
              • Let’s read some of it:
              • Acts 13:6-8 (NLT) 6 Afterward they traveled from town to town across the entire island until finally they reached Paphos, where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing.
              • Acts 13:9-11 (NLT) 9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. 10 Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.” Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him.
              • Acts 13:12 (NLT) 12 When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
              • Saw the miracle, but was astonished at the teaching
              • Jesus: this kind comes out only by prayer and fasting
              • See also: Spiritual Warfare (Series)

              
              

              One last reason I see in the chapter…

              Fasting trains us to rely on God.

              • Good summary of what fasting is about in the end
              • Fasting, at its core, is not about punishment or self-denial for its own sake. It’s about creating space—physically, mentally, and spiritually—so we can draw closer to God. 
              • …so we can become more aware of our need for him.
              • Acts 13:43 (NLT) 43 Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God.

              
              ]]>Welcome back to the podcast, today we're talking about fasting as we continue our study in Acts chapter 13.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Today is a turning point in our study of Acts (We’ll cover ch 13)

              • Reminds me of “Clue”:
              • Col Mustard in the library with the candlestick, or
              • Prof Plum in the kitchen with the revolver
              • Here’s a summary of Acts:
              • Ch 1-12: Peter in Jerusalem with the HS
              • Ch 13-28: Paul in Gentile territories with the HS
              • Remember: Acts of the Apostles = Acts of the HS
              • Today we’ll see a spiritual discipline that opens us to be used by HS
              • Fasting
              • Have you ever done it?
              • In the Bible, fasting is a discipline where believers intentionally set aside their most basic needs to realign their hearts with God’s will.
              • Food, water (mainly what we’re talking about today)
              • TV, entertainment
              • Social media

              
              

              Q. Five Reasons Christians Should Fast

              • Based on an examination of Acts 13
              • So open your Bibles with me…

              
              

              Fasting is a timeless spiritual discipline.

              • We see it all over the Bible: followers of God sometimes fast.
              • Moses - He fasted for 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai when receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
              • David - He fasted when he was grieving for the illness of his child (2 Samuel 12:16).
              • Elijah - He fasted for 40 days while fleeing from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:8).
              • Esther - She called for a fast among the Jews before approaching King Xerxes (Esther 4:16).
              • Daniel - He fasted and sought God for understanding and guidance (Daniel 9:3; Daniel 10:3).
              • Anna - The prophetess who served in the temple, fasted regularly (Luke 2:37).
              • Jesus - He fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning his ministry (Matthew 4:1-2).
              • And we also see it here in Acts 13…
              • Acts 13:1-2 (NLT) 1 Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting…
              • “As these men were fasting…”
              • No need for explanation
              • It seemed normative for the early church
              • Matthew 6:16 And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
              • “When,” not “If”
              • Q. Have you ever fasted? 
              • Reason #1: Fasting is a timeless spiritual discipline.
              • See also: Breakthrough Disciplines (Series) 

              
              

              But Christians should not fast pointlessly, just because it’s “what we do.” It’s about more than that…

              Fasting helps us to hear the Holy Spirit.

              • To be clear: I’ve never audibly “heard” the HS
              • Watch out for people who say that
              • It can happen, but it should always align w Bible
              • Lots of false prophets 
              • 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
              • This isn’t usually what we mean when we talk about “hearing the HS”
              • We’re talking about 
              • an internal conviction
              • a leading
              • It always aligns with the Word
              • Acts 13:2 (NLT) 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said…
              • There it is: worship+fasting=hearing
              • Q. Are you having a hard time hearing God?
              • Try fasting
              • Let’s finish the verse to see what exactly they heard from the HS…
              • Acts 13:2 (NLT) 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”

              
              

              This points to the third reason to fast from this text:

              Fasting prepares us for seasons of ministry.

              • In v2 it was called their “special work”
              • Acts 13:3 (NLT) 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit.
              • Keep that in mind as we continue through the book of Acts
              • It’s going to follow Paul’s missionary journeys
              • But it all started right here: with fasting and prayer
              • Notice: the whole church was involved in this “missions program”
              • We’ll talk about this more next week
              • Acts 14:27 Paul and Barnabas report back to the whole church
              • So clearly the whole church sent out the missionaries
              • But ultimately the HS sent them out! (Acts 1:8)
              • Again, not physically
              • God the Father sent the son
              • God the HS sends us
              • So: Fasting prepares us for seasons of ministry
              • Paul and Barnabas learned this from Jesus
              • He fasted in the wilderness for 40 days
              • Then started his public ministry
              • But you say: “I’m not in ministry”
              • Wrong! We all are called to get in the game

              
              

              That’s why we need this next thing…

              Fasting equips us for spiritual warfare.

              • Because this is what happens when you get in the game w Jesus
              • We see that in Paul’s first missionary journey
              • Let’s read some of it:
              • Acts 13:6-8 (NLT) 6 Afterward they traveled from town to town across the entire island until finally they reached Paphos, where they met a Jewish sorcerer, a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He had attached himself to the governor, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man. The governor invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him, for he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing.
              • Acts 13:9-11 (NLT) 9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. 10 Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.” Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him.
              • Acts 13:12 (NLT) 12 When the governor saw what had happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
              • Saw the miracle, but was astonished at the teaching
              • Jesus: this kind comes out only by prayer and fasting
              • See also: Spiritual Warfare (Series)

              
              

              One last reason I see in the chapter…

              Fasting trains us to rely on God.

              • Good summary of what fasting is about in the end
              • Fasting, at its core, is not about punishment or self-denial for its own sake. It’s about creating space—physically, mentally, and spiritually—so we can draw closer to God. 
              • …so we can become more aware of our need for him.
              • Acts 13:43 (NLT) 43 Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God.

              
              ]]>bcba0a62-bb66-4fde-904b-9e80a56e6bbdFri, 25 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -060030:32falsebonusShould Christians Celebrate Halloween? - The Family PodcastHalloween is a widely celebrated holiday that involves costumes, candy, and a variety of spooky activities. However, for many Christians, the origins and themes of Halloween raise important questions. Should believers participate in a holiday with roots in paganism and associations with the occult? This question is a matter of personal conviction, but exploring biblical principles can help guide us toward a thoughtful, Christ-centered decision.

              --

              The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              The History of All Hallow’s Eve: The Origins of Halloween

              All Hallow’s Eve, now widely known as Halloween, is a holiday with deep historical roots that stretch back centuries. Its origins lie in the blending of ancient pagan traditions with early Christian practices, resulting in a complex history that reflects the intersection of cultures, beliefs, and religious observances.

              1. Ancient Celtic Festival of Samhain

              The earliest origins of Halloween can be traced to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sow-in"), which was celebrated by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, primarily in what is now Ireland, the UK, and northern France. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, which was often associated with death. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the physical world and the spirit world became thin, allowing ghosts and spirits to cross over.

              During Samhain, people would light bonfires and wear costumes made from animal skins to ward off wandering spirits. Offerings of food and drink were also made to appease the spirits, ensuring protection from harm during the harsh winter months.

              2. The Roman Influence

              As the Roman Empire expanded and conquered Celtic lands by the first century AD, the Romans brought their own festivals and beliefs, which blended with the local traditions. One such Roman festival was Feralia, a day in late October when Romans commemorated the dead. Another was Pomona, a celebration of the goddess of fruits and trees. The association of Pomona with apples likely contributed to later Halloween traditions such as bobbing for apples.

              3. Christianization of Samhain: All Saints' Day

              With the spread of Christianity across Europe, many pagan festivals were Christianized to align with church doctrine. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved All Saints’ Day—a day to honor all Christian saints and martyrs—to November 1. This was likely an attempt to replace or overshadow Samhain, which fell on the previous day. The evening before All Saints' Day became known as All Hallows’ Eve, meaning “the evening before All Saints.” Over time, the name evolved into "Halloween."

              All Saints’ Day (also called All Hallows' Day) was followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2, a day to pray for the souls of the deceased who had not yet entered heaven. Together, these days formed a trilogy of holy observances dedicated to the dead, which became deeply entwined with the older pagan traditions of honoring the dead around the same time of year.

              See also: Catholics vs. Protestants 

              4. Medieval and Early Modern Halloween Practices

              During the medieval period in Europe, All Hallows’ Eve continued to be a time associated with the dead, though with increasing Christian influence. "Souling" was a common practice where poor people would go door-to-door on All Hallows’ Eve, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food or money. This practice bears some resemblance to modern-day trick-or-treating, though it had a much more spiritual dimension.

              During this period, superstitions and fear of evil spirits were also prominent. People believed that the dead could still roam the earth on All Hallows’ Eve, and they would light candles or carve lanterns out of turnips (predecessors to today's pumpkins) to ward off these malevolent spirits.

              5. Halloween in America

              Halloween as we know it began to take shape in the 19th century when Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their traditions to the United States. They celebrated Halloween with a mix of customs from Samhain and All Hallows’ Eve, including dressing up in costumes, playing pranks, and engaging in festivities that included telling ghost stories.

              As these traditions merged with American culture, Halloween became more secularized, especially by the early 20th century. Communities began to focus on Halloween as a time for family-oriented fun, with costume parties, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin carving becoming central elements. The spooky aspects of Halloween, such as ghosts, witches, and skeletons, persisted, though in a more playful and commercialized form.

              Back to the question…

              The concern for many Christians is that Halloween continues to feature imagery and practices associated with darkness, death, and the supernatural. The Bible speaks clearly about avoiding any involvement with the occult. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God’s people are instructed to reject practices like witchcraft, divination, and sorcery, which are detestable to Him. Similarly, Ephesians 5:11 says, "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

              A Matter of the Heart

              While the origins of Halloween raise valid concerns, the deeper issue for Christians is how we approach the holiday from the heart. Jesus teaches in Matthew 15:18-20 that what comes out of a person’s heart is more important than external actions or rituals. Our focus should be on honoring God in all that we do. As Colossians 3:17 instructs, "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

              Some Christians view Halloween as a harmless opportunity for family fun—dressing up in non-scary costumes, enjoying fellowship, and reaching out to neighbors. Others feel convicted to avoid the holiday altogether, preferring not to engage in activities that even loosely align with pagan or occult traditions. Both perspectives are valid, as long as the motivation is to honor God and live according to personal conviction under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

              Biblical Principles for Decision-Making

              When it comes to making a decision about Halloween, here are a few biblical principles that can help guide us:

              1. Avoiding Participation in Darkness: As Christians, we are called to be light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). This means avoiding practices and symbols that glorify evil, death, and fear. While wearing costumes or handing out candy might seem innocent, we should ask ourselves if we are inadvertently celebrating themes that are contrary to God’s Word.
              2. Freedom in Christ: Romans 14:5-6 reminds us that some believers may feel free to participate in certain activities while others may not. “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” There is room for different convictions, as long as our motivation is to glorify God.
              3. A Witness to the World: Halloween can provide unique opportunities for evangelism and connection with the community. Instead of shutting doors and isolating ourselves, some Christians use Halloween as a way to shine the light of Christ. This might include handing out gospel tracts along with candy or hosting a "fall festival" at church as a family-friendly alternative. As 1 Peter 3:15 says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
              4. Living in Discernment: In 1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul teaches, "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive." Just because something is allowed doesn’t mean it is helpful or edifying. As we consider Halloween, we need to exercise discernment, asking whether our participation will glorify God or distract us from our walk with Him.

              
              

              The Takeaway

              In the end, whether or not Christians should celebrate Halloween is a matter of personal conviction. The most important thing is to seek God’s wisdom and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our choices. We must ask ourselves how our actions align with our faith and whether they help or hinder our witness for Christ.

              Instead of getting caught up in debates or focusing on the external elements of Halloween, we should focus on the internal condition of our hearts. Whether we choose to participate in Halloween or abstain from it, the goal should always be to glorify God and reflect His love to the world around us.

              As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31,]]>Halloween is a widely celebrated holiday that involves costumes, candy, and a variety of spooky activities. However, for many Christians, the origins and themes of Halloween raise important questions. Should believers participate in a holiday with roots in paganism and associations with the occult? This question is a matter of personal conviction, but exploring biblical principles can help guide us toward a thoughtful, Christ-centered decision.

              --

              The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              The History of All Hallow’s Eve: The Origins of Halloween

              All Hallow’s Eve, now widely known as Halloween, is a holiday with deep historical roots that stretch back centuries. Its origins lie in the blending of ancient pagan traditions with early Christian practices, resulting in a complex history that reflects the intersection of cultures, beliefs, and religious observances.

              1. Ancient Celtic Festival of Samhain

              The earliest origins of Halloween can be traced to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sow-in"), which was celebrated by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, primarily in what is now Ireland, the UK, and northern France. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, which was often associated with death. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the physical world and the spirit world became thin, allowing ghosts and spirits to cross over.

              During Samhain, people would light bonfires and wear costumes made from animal skins to ward off wandering spirits. Offerings of food and drink were also made to appease the spirits, ensuring protection from harm during the harsh winter months.

              2. The Roman Influence

              As the Roman Empire expanded and conquered Celtic lands by the first century AD, the Romans brought their own festivals and beliefs, which blended with the local traditions. One such Roman festival was Feralia, a day in late October when Romans commemorated the dead. Another was Pomona, a celebration of the goddess of fruits and trees. The association of Pomona with apples likely contributed to later Halloween traditions such as bobbing for apples.

              3. Christianization of Samhain: All Saints' Day

              With the spread of Christianity across Europe, many pagan festivals were Christianized to align with church doctrine. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved All Saints’ Day—a day to honor all Christian saints and martyrs—to November 1. This was likely an attempt to replace or overshadow Samhain, which fell on the previous day. The evening before All Saints' Day became known as All Hallows’ Eve, meaning “the evening before All Saints.” Over time, the name evolved into "Halloween."

              All Saints’ Day (also called All Hallows' Day) was followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2, a day to pray for the souls of the deceased who had not yet entered heaven. Together, these days formed a trilogy of holy observances dedicated to the dead, which became deeply entwined with the older pagan traditions of honoring the dead around the same time of year.

              See also: Catholics vs. Protestants 

              4. Medieval and Early Modern Halloween Practices

              During the medieval period in Europe, All Hallows’ Eve continued to be a time associated with the dead, though with increasing Christian influence. "Souling" was a common practice where poor people would go door-to-door on All Hallows’ Eve, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food or money. This practice bears some resemblance to modern-day trick-or-treating, though it had a much more spiritual dimension.

              During this period, superstitions and fear of evil spirits were also prominent. People believed that the dead could still roam the earth on All Hallows’ Eve, and they would light candles or carve lanterns out of turnips (predecessors to today's pumpkins) to ward off these malevolent spirits.

              5. Halloween in America

              Halloween as we know it began to take shape in the 19th century when Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their traditions to the United States. They celebrated Halloween with a mix of customs from Samhain and All Hallows’ Eve, including dressing up in costumes, playing pranks, and engaging in festivities that included telling ghost stories.

              As these traditions merged with American culture, Halloween became more secularized, especially by the early 20th century. Communities began to focus on Halloween as a time for family-oriented fun, with costume parties, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin carving becoming central elements. The spooky aspects of Halloween, such as ghosts, witches, and skeletons, persisted, though in a more playful and commercialized form.

              Back to the question…

              The concern for many Christians is that Halloween continues to feature imagery and practices associated with darkness, death, and the supernatural. The Bible speaks clearly about avoiding any involvement with the occult. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God’s people are instructed to reject practices like witchcraft, divination, and sorcery, which are detestable to Him. Similarly, Ephesians 5:11 says, "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

              A Matter of the Heart

              While the origins of Halloween raise valid concerns, the deeper issue for Christians is how we approach the holiday from the heart. Jesus teaches in Matthew 15:18-20 that what comes out of a person’s heart is more important than external actions or rituals. Our focus should be on honoring God in all that we do. As Colossians 3:17 instructs, "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

              Some Christians view Halloween as a harmless opportunity for family fun—dressing up in non-scary costumes, enjoying fellowship, and reaching out to neighbors. Others feel convicted to avoid the holiday altogether, preferring not to engage in activities that even loosely align with pagan or occult traditions. Both perspectives are valid, as long as the motivation is to honor God and live according to personal conviction under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

              Biblical Principles for Decision-Making

              When it comes to making a decision about Halloween, here are a few biblical principles that can help guide us:

              1. Avoiding Participation in Darkness: As Christians, we are called to be light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). This means avoiding practices and symbols that glorify evil, death, and fear. While wearing costumes or handing out candy might seem innocent, we should ask ourselves if we are inadvertently celebrating themes that are contrary to God’s Word.
              2. Freedom in Christ: Romans 14:5-6 reminds us that some believers may feel free to participate in certain activities while others may not. “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” There is room for different convictions, as long as our motivation is to glorify God.
              3. A Witness to the World: Halloween can provide unique opportunities for evangelism and connection with the community. Instead of shutting doors and isolating ourselves, some Christians use Halloween as a way to shine the light of Christ. This might include handing out gospel tracts along with candy or hosting a "fall festival" at church as a family-friendly alternative. As 1 Peter 3:15 says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
              4. Living in Discernment: In 1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul teaches, "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive." Just because something is allowed doesn’t mean it is helpful or edifying. As we consider Halloween, we need to exercise discernment, asking whether our participation will glorify God or distract us from our walk with Him.

              
              

              The Takeaway

              In the end, whether or not Christians should celebrate Halloween is a matter of personal conviction. The most important thing is to seek God’s wisdom and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our choices. We must ask ourselves how our actions align with our faith and whether they help or hinder our witness for Christ.

              Instead of getting caught up in debates or focusing on the external elements of Halloween, we should focus on the internal condition of our hearts. Whether we choose to participate in Halloween or abstain from it, the goal should always be to glorify God and reflect His love to the world around us.

              As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

              ]]>d5e1e9aa-84b4-4c51-8fbd-91397463c0ebWed, 23 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -060013:05falsebonusMormon Questions: Will I Go to Outer Darkness if I Leave Mormonism?When someone leaves the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), one of the most pressing and emotionally challenging concerns is the fear of going to "outer darkness." According to Mormon doctrine, outer darkness is often thought of as a place reserved for the most severe sinners—those who were once believers in the truth of the gospel but later rejected it. This concept can induce significant fear for members who contemplate leaving the LDS church. However, from a biblical perspective, the idea of being cast into "outer darkness" for leaving Mormonism is inconsistent with the broader teachings of Scripture. Let's explore why.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              When someone leaves the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), one of the most pressing and emotionally challenging concerns is the fear of going to "outer darkness." According to Mormon doctrine, outer darkness is often thought of as a place reserved for the most severe sinners—those who were once believers in the truth of the gospel but later rejected it. This concept can induce significant fear for members who contemplate leaving the LDS church. However, from a biblical perspective, the idea of being cast into "outer darkness" for leaving Mormonism is inconsistent with the broader teachings of Scripture. Let's explore why.

              1. Understanding Outer Darkness in LDS Theology

              In LDS theology, "outer darkness" is a term used to describe the ultimate destination of those who commit the "unpardonable sin" of denying the Holy Spirit after having received a perfect knowledge of the truth. This concept is derived from the teachings of Joseph Smith and the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 76:31-38, 88:24). According to these teachings, those who end up in outer darkness are typically referred to as "sons of perdition" and are believed to be cast off from God forever.

              While the LDS church emphasizes grace and various levels of glory in the afterlife, outer darkness is portrayed as a terrifying place of eternal punishment, usually reserved for those who were fully enlightened by the gospel and then rejected it.

              2. The Concept of "Outer Darkness" in Scripture

              The term "outer darkness" appears a few times in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). In these passages, it refers to a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, often described in connection with those who reject God's invitation or fail to be faithful to His call. However, biblical scholars generally agree that these references to "outer darkness" do not align with the LDS concept of a unique place of punishment for former believers of a particular church.

              In biblical terms, "outer darkness" is better understood as a metaphor for the separation from God that comes from rejecting Christ, not for leaving any particular denomination. The ultimate issue in the Bible is not church membership but one's relationship with Jesus. As John 3:36 says, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them."

              3. Biblical Understanding of Salvation

              The Bible, however, teaches a very different perspective on salvation, grace, and eternal security. The central message of Christianity is that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This means that salvation is not dependent on one's membership in a particular church or the adherence to specific rituals but is a result of trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

              Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

              Romans 8:1 assures believers that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." If you have put your faith in Jesus, the Bible promises that you are saved, and nothing can separate you from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). This foundational truth contrasts sharply with the fear-inducing idea of being cast into outer darkness for rejecting a specific religious system like Mormonism.

              Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

              4. The Doctrine of Eternal Security

              For those leaving Mormonism, the question of whether they will be eternally condemned is addressed by the doctrine of eternal security. Jesus promises that His sheep will never be snatched from His hand (John 10:28-29). When someone truly believes in Jesus, their salvation is secure, not because of their own efforts or church affiliation, but because of God’s sovereign grace.

              Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them." The emphasis here is on Christ's ongoing work as our mediator and savior. Salvation is a gift from God that He does not revoke because of doctrinal disagreement or leaving an earthly institution.

              5. Grace and Assurance of Salvation

              The Bible offers profound assurance to those who trust in Jesus Christ. In contrast to the anxiety that can come from believing that leaving a religious organization might lead to spiritual ruin, Scripture provides peace for those who rely on God’s promises. In 1 John 5:13, we read, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."

              This confidence is not based on our perfect adherence to rules or affiliation with a specific religious group, but on God’s unchanging character and the finished work of Christ. The Bible makes it clear that believers can have assurance of their salvation through faith, and this assurance does not depend on remaining within a particular denomination or sect.

              Takeaway: Freedom in Christ

              For those grappling with the fear of "outer darkness" after leaving Mormonism, the Bible offers a message of hope and liberation. Scripture assures us that salvation is found in Jesus Christ, and not in membership in any particular religious organization. The fear of being cast into outer darkness is incompatible with the biblical teaching that God's grace is sufficient, and that through faith in Christ, we can be assured of eternal life.

              As Romans 10:9-10 promises, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

              For those leaving the LDS church, take heart: you are not condemned to outer darkness for rejecting Mormonism. Instead, turn to the true gospel of Jesus Christ and embrace the freedom, assurance, and grace that He offers through faith alone. The Bible’s message is clear: in Christ, you are safe, loved, and eternally secure.

              ]]>When someone leaves the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), one of the most pressing and emotionally challenging concerns is the fear of going to "outer darkness." According to Mormon doctrine, outer darkness is often thought of as a place reserved for the most severe sinners—those who were once believers in the truth of the gospel but later rejected it. This concept can induce significant fear for members who contemplate leaving the LDS church. However, from a biblical perspective, the idea of being cast into "outer darkness" for leaving Mormonism is inconsistent with the broader teachings of Scripture. Let's explore why.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              When someone leaves the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), one of the most pressing and emotionally challenging concerns is the fear of going to "outer darkness." According to Mormon doctrine, outer darkness is often thought of as a place reserved for the most severe sinners—those who were once believers in the truth of the gospel but later rejected it. This concept can induce significant fear for members who contemplate leaving the LDS church. However, from a biblical perspective, the idea of being cast into "outer darkness" for leaving Mormonism is inconsistent with the broader teachings of Scripture. Let's explore why.

              1. Understanding Outer Darkness in LDS Theology

              In LDS theology, "outer darkness" is a term used to describe the ultimate destination of those who commit the "unpardonable sin" of denying the Holy Spirit after having received a perfect knowledge of the truth. This concept is derived from the teachings of Joseph Smith and the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 76:31-38, 88:24). According to these teachings, those who end up in outer darkness are typically referred to as "sons of perdition" and are believed to be cast off from God forever.

              While the LDS church emphasizes grace and various levels of glory in the afterlife, outer darkness is portrayed as a terrifying place of eternal punishment, usually reserved for those who were fully enlightened by the gospel and then rejected it.

              2. The Concept of "Outer Darkness" in Scripture

              The term "outer darkness" appears a few times in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). In these passages, it refers to a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, often described in connection with those who reject God's invitation or fail to be faithful to His call. However, biblical scholars generally agree that these references to "outer darkness" do not align with the LDS concept of a unique place of punishment for former believers of a particular church.

              In biblical terms, "outer darkness" is better understood as a metaphor for the separation from God that comes from rejecting Christ, not for leaving any particular denomination. The ultimate issue in the Bible is not church membership but one's relationship with Jesus. As John 3:36 says, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them."

              3. Biblical Understanding of Salvation

              The Bible, however, teaches a very different perspective on salvation, grace, and eternal security. The central message of Christianity is that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). This means that salvation is not dependent on one's membership in a particular church or the adherence to specific rituals but is a result of trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

              Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

              Romans 8:1 assures believers that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." If you have put your faith in Jesus, the Bible promises that you are saved, and nothing can separate you from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). This foundational truth contrasts sharply with the fear-inducing idea of being cast into outer darkness for rejecting a specific religious system like Mormonism.

              Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

              4. The Doctrine of Eternal Security

              For those leaving Mormonism, the question of whether they will be eternally condemned is addressed by the doctrine of eternal security. Jesus promises that His sheep will never be snatched from His hand (John 10:28-29). When someone truly believes in Jesus, their salvation is secure, not because of their own efforts or church affiliation, but because of God’s sovereign grace.

              Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them." The emphasis here is on Christ's ongoing work as our mediator and savior. Salvation is a gift from God that He does not revoke because of doctrinal disagreement or leaving an earthly institution.

              5. Grace and Assurance of Salvation

              The Bible offers profound assurance to those who trust in Jesus Christ. In contrast to the anxiety that can come from believing that leaving a religious organization might lead to spiritual ruin, Scripture provides peace for those who rely on God’s promises. In 1 John 5:13, we read, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."

              This confidence is not based on our perfect adherence to rules or affiliation with a specific religious group, but on God’s unchanging character and the finished work of Christ. The Bible makes it clear that believers can have assurance of their salvation through faith, and this assurance does not depend on remaining within a particular denomination or sect.

              Takeaway: Freedom in Christ

              For those grappling with the fear of "outer darkness" after leaving Mormonism, the Bible offers a message of hope and liberation. Scripture assures us that salvation is found in Jesus Christ, and not in membership in any particular religious organization. The fear of being cast into outer darkness is incompatible with the biblical teaching that God's grace is sufficient, and that through faith in Christ, we can be assured of eternal life.

              As Romans 10:9-10 promises, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

              For those leaving the LDS church, take heart: you are not condemned to outer darkness for rejecting Mormonism. Instead, turn to the true gospel of Jesus Christ and embrace the freedom, assurance, and grace that He offers through faith alone. The Bible’s message is clear: in Christ, you are safe, loved, and eternally secure.

              ]]>76d38582-d70e-45c2-b2a6-e4a23ea4be17Mon, 21 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -060027:30falsefull8383If You Keep Knocking, Will God Open the Door? (Acts 12) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast! This week we're continuing in Acts to clarify what Jesus meant when, Matthew 7:8, he said: "For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

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              Q. If You Keep Knocking, Will God Open the Door?

              • What did Jesus mean when He told us to ask, seek, and knock?

              
              

              Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT) 7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

              • Is this a promise or a principle?
              • Ex: Prov 22:6 “train up a child…”
              • Clearly a principle

              
              

              So: If I Keep Knocking, Will God Open the Door?

              • Let’s go to Acts to find our answer…

              
              

              Acts 12:1-2 (NLT) 1 About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 

              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) King Herod in this context means Herod Agrippa I (reigned AD 41-4), who was son of Aristobulus and grandson of Herod the Great (reigned 37 BC – 4 BC).
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) son Agrippa II in Acts 25:13—26:32. Agrippa I also had two daughters, Drusilla, who is mentioned in 24:24, and Bernice, who is mentioned in 25:13.
              • James dies. First apostle to go.

              
              

              Acts 12:3-4 (NLT) 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter…. 4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 

              • Sound familiar?
              • John 21:18-19 (NLT) 18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

              
              

              Acts 12:5 (NLT) 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

              • Here we go. Prayer works!
              • Acts 12:6-8 (NLT) 6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.
              • Acts 12:9-10 (NLT) 9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.
              • Acts 12:11 (NLT) 11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”
              • Acts 12:12-14 (NLT) 12 When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. 13 He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”
              • This next verse is the one that sheds light on prayer: 

              
              

              Acts 12:15 (NLT) 15 “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.”

              • Did you pick up on the insight? 
              • The believers couldn’t believe it when Peter was rescued. 
              • Let me say it another way to make sure you get the point:
              • The church prayed very earnestly for Peter… and then couldn’t believe it when their prayers were answered.
              • IOW: they weren’t expecting this outcome. They were shocked.
              • Doesn’t seem very earnest, does it? 
              • Where was their faith? 
              • One of two possible answers:
              • Either: They weren’t praying for his rescue, just for strength
              • They probably knew what Jesus had said about him, how he would die.
              • Or: They were praying for his rescue, but with weak faith
              • Obviously, or they would have all run to the door at the sound of knocking

              
              

              Acts 12:16-17 (NLT) 16 Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. 17 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers what happened,” he said. And then he went to another place.

              • A couple of random notes:
              • “Tell James” 
              • James the bro of Jesus, not the martyr from above (Gal. 1:19; cf. Mk. 6:3; 1 Cor. 15:7)
              • An indication that James was a leader in the church (see also Acts 15)
              • Another place: left Jerusalem? 
              • Now Peter fades away in Acts (shows up one more time in ch 15)
              • From here we follow Paul and his ministry
              • But for today’s question: 
              • Peter kept knocking… they finally opened the door.
              • Some of us feel like this with prayer
              • We’re the ones knocking… will he ever open?
              • Is Mt 7:8 a promise or a principle?

              
              

              Both! The answer can be found in one more verse:

              1 John 5:14 (NIV) 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

              • “Approaching God”
              • This is the principle: prayer is about connecting to God
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The NIV translates pros auton as 'in approaching God'. It is better translated 'in his [God's] presence' (cf. John 1:1: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God [pros ton theon])'. 
              • Prayer is about God, not about what he can give us. 
              • This is what the early disciples were learning
              • Peter wasn’t the central focus of the story; Jesus was
              • Too many people “ask, seek, knock” for their own selfish purposes. 
              • “Knock and the door will be opened” is an invitation to relationship.
              • “According to his will”
              • This is the promise part: God’s will WILL be done
              • That’s for sure!
              • The point: the more we are “with God”, in his presence, the more we can ask “according to his will”. And those are the prayers that get answered.
              • James 4:3 (NLT) 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
              • “Knock and the door will be opened” is about God’s will, not ours.

              
              

              So, Q. If You Keep Knocking, Will God Open the Door?

              • Absolutely, because he wants a relationship with you.
              • So keep knocking, keep seeking, keep asking
              • But like the disciples, what you find when the doors gets opened… might not be what you expected.

              
              ]]>Welcome back to the podcast! This week we're continuing in Acts to clarify what Jesus meant when, Matthew 7:8, he said: "For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              Q. If You Keep Knocking, Will God Open the Door?

              • What did Jesus mean when He told us to ask, seek, and knock?

              
              

              Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT) 7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

              • Is this a promise or a principle?
              • Ex: Prov 22:6 “train up a child…”
              • Clearly a principle

              
              

              So: If I Keep Knocking, Will God Open the Door?

              • Let’s go to Acts to find our answer…

              
              

              Acts 12:1-2 (NLT) 1 About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 

              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) King Herod in this context means Herod Agrippa I (reigned AD 41-4), who was son of Aristobulus and grandson of Herod the Great (reigned 37 BC – 4 BC).
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) son Agrippa II in Acts 25:13—26:32. Agrippa I also had two daughters, Drusilla, who is mentioned in 24:24, and Bernice, who is mentioned in 25:13.
              • James dies. First apostle to go.

              
              

              Acts 12:3-4 (NLT) 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter…. 4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 

              • Sound familiar?
              • John 21:18-19 (NLT) 18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

              
              

              Acts 12:5 (NLT) 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

              • Here we go. Prayer works!
              • Acts 12:6-8 (NLT) 6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.
              • Acts 12:9-10 (NLT) 9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.
              • Acts 12:11 (NLT) 11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”
              • Acts 12:12-14 (NLT) 12 When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. 13 He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”
              • This next verse is the one that sheds light on prayer: 

              
              

              Acts 12:15 (NLT) 15 “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.”

              • Did you pick up on the insight? 
              • The believers couldn’t believe it when Peter was rescued. 
              • Let me say it another way to make sure you get the point:
              • The church prayed very earnestly for Peter… and then couldn’t believe it when their prayers were answered.
              • IOW: they weren’t expecting this outcome. They were shocked.
              • Doesn’t seem very earnest, does it? 
              • Where was their faith? 
              • One of two possible answers:
              • Either: They weren’t praying for his rescue, just for strength
              • They probably knew what Jesus had said about him, how he would die.
              • Or: They were praying for his rescue, but with weak faith
              • Obviously, or they would have all run to the door at the sound of knocking

              
              

              Acts 12:16-17 (NLT) 16 Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. 17 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers what happened,” he said. And then he went to another place.

              • A couple of random notes:
              • “Tell James” 
              • James the bro of Jesus, not the martyr from above (Gal. 1:19; cf. Mk. 6:3; 1 Cor. 15:7)
              • An indication that James was a leader in the church (see also Acts 15)
              • Another place: left Jerusalem? 
              • Now Peter fades away in Acts (shows up one more time in ch 15)
              • From here we follow Paul and his ministry
              • But for today’s question: 
              • Peter kept knocking… they finally opened the door.
              • Some of us feel like this with prayer
              • We’re the ones knocking… will he ever open?
              • Is Mt 7:8 a promise or a principle?

              
              

              Both! The answer can be found in one more verse:

              1 John 5:14 (NIV) 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

              • “Approaching God”
              • This is the principle: prayer is about connecting to God
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The NIV translates pros auton as 'in approaching God'. It is better translated 'in his [God's] presence' (cf. John 1:1: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God [pros ton theon])'. 
              • Prayer is about God, not about what he can give us. 
              • This is what the early disciples were learning
              • Peter wasn’t the central focus of the story; Jesus was
              • Too many people “ask, seek, knock” for their own selfish purposes. 
              • “Knock and the door will be opened” is an invitation to relationship.
              • “According to his will”
              • This is the promise part: God’s will WILL be done
              • That’s for sure!
              • The point: the more we are “with God”, in his presence, the more we can ask “according to his will”. And those are the prayers that get answered.
              • James 4:3 (NLT) 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
              • “Knock and the door will be opened” is about God’s will, not ours.

              
              

              So, Q. If You Keep Knocking, Will God Open the Door?

              • Absolutely, because he wants a relationship with you.
              • So keep knocking, keep seeking, keep asking
              • But like the disciples, what you find when the doors gets opened… might not be what you expected.

              
              ]]>77fa41f9-a3a2-43cf-a18b-e1dfc30e18a5Fri, 18 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -060024:52falsebonusMormon Questions: What If I Felt a Burning in My Bosom?One of the central experiences many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as Mormons, testify to is a feeling described as "a burning in the bosom." This phrase is derived from Doctrine and Covenants 9:8, where it speaks of a spiritual confirmation through an internal feeling of warmth or peace. Mormons often interpret this experience as the Holy Spirit confirming the truth of the Book of Mormon or other LDS teachings. But what should Christians make of this experience? How does it compare to the Bible's teaching on spiritual discernment and truth?

              D&C 9:8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              One of the central experiences many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as Mormons, testify to is a feeling described as "a burning in the bosom." This phrase is derived from Doctrine and Covenants 9:8-9, where it speaks of a spiritual confirmation through an internal feeling of warmth or peace. Mormons often interpret this experience as the Holy Spirit confirming the truth of the Book of Mormon or other LDS teachings. But what should Christians make of this experience? How does it compare to the Bible's teaching on spiritual discernment and truth?

              The Subjective Nature of Experience

              The concept of a "burning in the bosom" is subjective and relies heavily on personal feelings as a way to confirm religious truth. Mormons are taught to seek personal confirmation of their beliefs through this emotional experience. While experiences are certainly part of a believer’s life, they are not the foundation of truth in Christianity.

              The Bible warns against relying solely on feelings to determine truth. Proverbs 28:26 says, "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered." Jeremiah 17:9 echoes this by stating, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" In other words, while emotions and internal feelings may feel compelling, they can be misleading if not anchored in objective truth.

              See related

              Truth According to the Bible

              Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He points to Himself as the embodiment of truth, not a subjective feeling. The Bible emphasizes knowing God through His revealed Word and by the Spirit’s illuminating work, not by relying on emotions or spiritual experiences alone.

              When discerning truth, the Bible consistently points us back to Scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes that "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Scripture, not a subjective feeling, is the ultimate guide for truth.

              2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

              Testing the Spirits

              The Bible also commands Christians to test any spiritual experience against the truth of God's Word. 1 John 4:1 says, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." This command warns that not all spiritual experiences come from God. Some can come from deception, either self-induced or from false spirits.

              1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.

              1 John 4:3 (NLT) 3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.

              A "burning in the bosom" as an emotional experience cannot be a reliable standard for truth because feelings can easily be manipulated. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:15-16 about "false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits." The fruits in this context refer to doctrinal soundness and alignment with God's revealed Word, not to subjective emotions or personal experiences.

              Matthew 7:15-16 (NLT) 15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.”

              Galatians 1:8-9 (NLT) 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.

              The Holy Spirit’s Role in Confirming Truth

              The Bible does teach that the Holy Spirit confirms the truth of God's Word and Christ’s work in a believer’s heart. Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." However, this witness of the Holy Spirit is deeply connected with a proper understanding of Scripture and the truth about who Christ is, rather than based on feelings that can vary from person to person.

              The Spirit leads believers into all truth (John 16:13), but this leading is rooted in the objective truth of God’s Word, not in subjective experiences. Any experience, whether it be peace, warmth, or even joy, must be weighed against Scripture. If an experience contradicts biblical doctrine, it cannot be from the Holy Spirit, for God does not contradict Himself.

              John 16:13 (NLT) 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

              Takeaway: The Need for Biblical Truth

              The "burning in the bosom" is a deeply emotional experience for many Mormons, but it is not a reliable test of truth. Biblical theology teaches that truth comes from God's Word and that experiences, while important, must be tested by Scripture. Relying on feelings alone can lead to confusion, error, and ultimately, spiritual deception.

              Christians are called to base their faith on the clear, objective revelation of God found in the Bible, not on feelings or emotions. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." The freedom and assurance we seek come not from a "burning in the bosom," but from trusting in the revealed Word of God and the finished work of Christ.

              Related: What Is the Wesleyan Quadrilateral?

              John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, developed a theological framework that included four important sources for Christian understanding: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. This approach is often referred to as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, though Wesley himself didn’t use this term. It is a helpful way to see how Wesley valued these elements as tools for interpreting and applying Christian faith. Below is an outline of how Wesley understood each of these sources:

              1. Scripture (The Primary Source of Authority)

              For Wesley, Scripture was the supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. He referred to the Bible as the foundation of Christian belief, insisting that it is “the sufficient rule” for the knowledge of God and salvation. Wesley strongly believed in the inspiration of Scripture and maintained that the Bible was the primary means through which God reveals Himself.

              Wesley emphasized the importance of reading Scripture with humility and prayer, expecting the Holy Spirit to guide believers into truth. He encouraged believers to "search the Scriptures" (John 5:39) diligently and to base their beliefs and lives on what God has revealed there. He did not, however, advocate for a literalistic reading but believed that Scripture should be interpreted in the context of the whole biblical narrative, always with the centrality of Christ in mind.

              John 5:39-40 (NLT) 39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.

              2. Tradition (The Wisdom of the Church)

              Wesley valued tradition as the collective wisdom of the Christian church throughout history. While...]]>One of the central experiences many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as Mormons, testify to is a feeling described as "a burning in the bosom." This phrase is derived from Doctrine and Covenants 9:8, where it speaks of a spiritual confirmation through an internal feeling of warmth or peace. Mormons often interpret this experience as the Holy Spirit confirming the truth of the Book of Mormon or other LDS teachings. But what should Christians make of this experience? How does it compare to the Bible's teaching on spiritual discernment and truth?

              D&C 9:8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

              --

              The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              One of the central experiences many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as Mormons, testify to is a feeling described as "a burning in the bosom." This phrase is derived from Doctrine and Covenants 9:8-9, where it speaks of a spiritual confirmation through an internal feeling of warmth or peace. Mormons often interpret this experience as the Holy Spirit confirming the truth of the Book of Mormon or other LDS teachings. But what should Christians make of this experience? How does it compare to the Bible's teaching on spiritual discernment and truth?

              The Subjective Nature of Experience

              The concept of a "burning in the bosom" is subjective and relies heavily on personal feelings as a way to confirm religious truth. Mormons are taught to seek personal confirmation of their beliefs through this emotional experience. While experiences are certainly part of a believer’s life, they are not the foundation of truth in Christianity.

              The Bible warns against relying solely on feelings to determine truth. Proverbs 28:26 says, "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered." Jeremiah 17:9 echoes this by stating, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" In other words, while emotions and internal feelings may feel compelling, they can be misleading if not anchored in objective truth.

              See related

              Truth According to the Bible

              Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He points to Himself as the embodiment of truth, not a subjective feeling. The Bible emphasizes knowing God through His revealed Word and by the Spirit’s illuminating work, not by relying on emotions or spiritual experiences alone.

              When discerning truth, the Bible consistently points us back to Scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes that "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Scripture, not a subjective feeling, is the ultimate guide for truth.

              2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

              Testing the Spirits

              The Bible also commands Christians to test any spiritual experience against the truth of God's Word. 1 John 4:1 says, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." This command warns that not all spiritual experiences come from God. Some can come from deception, either self-induced or from false spirits.

              1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.

              1 John 4:3 (NLT) 3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.

              A "burning in the bosom" as an emotional experience cannot be a reliable standard for truth because feelings can easily be manipulated. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:15-16 about "false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits." The fruits in this context refer to doctrinal soundness and alignment with God's revealed Word, not to subjective emotions or personal experiences.

              Matthew 7:15-16 (NLT) 15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.”

              Galatians 1:8-9 (NLT) 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.

              The Holy Spirit’s Role in Confirming Truth

              The Bible does teach that the Holy Spirit confirms the truth of God's Word and Christ’s work in a believer’s heart. Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." However, this witness of the Holy Spirit is deeply connected with a proper understanding of Scripture and the truth about who Christ is, rather than based on feelings that can vary from person to person.

              The Spirit leads believers into all truth (John 16:13), but this leading is rooted in the objective truth of God’s Word, not in subjective experiences. Any experience, whether it be peace, warmth, or even joy, must be weighed against Scripture. If an experience contradicts biblical doctrine, it cannot be from the Holy Spirit, for God does not contradict Himself.

              John 16:13 (NLT) 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

              Takeaway: The Need for Biblical Truth

              The "burning in the bosom" is a deeply emotional experience for many Mormons, but it is not a reliable test of truth. Biblical theology teaches that truth comes from God's Word and that experiences, while important, must be tested by Scripture. Relying on feelings alone can lead to confusion, error, and ultimately, spiritual deception.

              Christians are called to base their faith on the clear, objective revelation of God found in the Bible, not on feelings or emotions. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." The freedom and assurance we seek come not from a "burning in the bosom," but from trusting in the revealed Word of God and the finished work of Christ.

              Related: What Is the Wesleyan Quadrilateral?

              John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, developed a theological framework that included four important sources for Christian understanding: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. This approach is often referred to as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, though Wesley himself didn’t use this term. It is a helpful way to see how Wesley valued these elements as tools for interpreting and applying Christian faith. Below is an outline of how Wesley understood each of these sources:

              1. Scripture (The Primary Source of Authority)

              For Wesley, Scripture was the supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. He referred to the Bible as the foundation of Christian belief, insisting that it is “the sufficient rule” for the knowledge of God and salvation. Wesley strongly believed in the inspiration of Scripture and maintained that the Bible was the primary means through which God reveals Himself.

              Wesley emphasized the importance of reading Scripture with humility and prayer, expecting the Holy Spirit to guide believers into truth. He encouraged believers to "search the Scriptures" (John 5:39) diligently and to base their beliefs and lives on what God has revealed there. He did not, however, advocate for a literalistic reading but believed that Scripture should be interpreted in the context of the whole biblical narrative, always with the centrality of Christ in mind.

              John 5:39-40 (NLT) 39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.

              2. Tradition (The Wisdom of the Church)

              Wesley valued tradition as the collective wisdom of the Christian church throughout history. While Scripture was primary, tradition helped interpret and apply biblical truths. Wesley drew from the writings of early church fathers, creeds, councils, and centuries of Christian thought and practice.

              He did not view tradition as infallible but as a valuable resource to help guard against misinterpretation of the Bible. For Wesley, tradition provided continuity with the historic faith of the apostles and the early church. He understood it as a way to gain insight from those who had lived and wrestled with the Christian faith before, but it was always to be subordinated to Scripture.

              2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT) 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

              3. Reason (The Role of Intellect and Logic)

              Wesley had a high view of reason and saw it as a God-given gift to help humans understand and apply the truths of faith. He believed that while reason alone cannot lead someone to salvation, it is essential for interpreting Scripture, making moral judgments, and organizing Christian beliefs into a coherent system.

              Wesley wrote that reason “is the faculty of discerning truth from falsehood." For him, faith and reason were not in conflict; rather, reason served as a tool for deepening one’s understanding of God and Christian doctrine. He warned against the misuse of reason when it becomes a source of pride or is used to override Scripture, but he also opposed anti-intellectualism, stressing the importance of thoughtful reflection on faith.

              Acts 17:11 (NLT) 11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

              4. Experience (The Personal Knowledge of God)

              Wesley placed a significant emphasis on experience, specifically the personal and transformative experience of God's grace. He believed that faith was not just an intellectual exercise but also a living, personal relationship with God through Christ, confirmed by the inner witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16).

              Romans 8:15-16 (NLT) 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.

              Wesley’s own conversion experience in 1738, where he felt his heart "strangely warmed," underscored his belief in the necessity of experiential knowledge of God. This experience gave him assurance of his salvation and helped shape his understanding of Christian life. Wesley believed that this inward experience of God's love and grace should confirm and align with the teachings of Scripture.

              However, Wesley was careful not to elevate personal experience above Scripture. Experience had to be tested and shaped by biblical truth, not the other way around. If an experience conflicted with Scripture, Wesley taught that the experience should be questioned, not the Bible.

              Takeaway: The Wesleyan Balance

              In Wesley’s framework, Scripture remained the ultimate authority, with tradition, reason, and experience serving as complementary resources to aid believers in their understanding of God. For Wesley:

              • Scripture is primary and authoritative.
              • Tradition provides historical and theological context.
              • Reason helps interpret and apply biblical truths logically and consistently.
              • Experience confirms the reality of faith in the believer’s life.

              
              

              By balancing these four elements, Wesley offered a holistic approach to Christian theology and practice that emphasizes both heart and mind, both personal experience and communal wisdom. This balance has shaped not only Methodism but has also influenced wider Christian thinking on how to live out a faithful, thoughtful, and Spirit-led life in Christ.

              ]]>bba0955a-7aa2-4406-baa3-5e41eaf27379Mon, 14 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -060024:14falsefull8282The Trademark Qualities of an Encourager (Acts 11) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast! Today we’ll examine a certain kind of person we see in Acts - so profound, his name still carries a reputation: Barnabas.

              --

              The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

              Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

              Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

              Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

              Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

              Donate Now

              --

              We're starting the speed round: taking one chapter a week.

              • Focusing in on one element in the chapter
              • You’ll have to go back and read the whole chapter on your own
              • Today: we’ll examine a certain kind of person we see in Acts - so profound, his name still carries a reputation
              • There’s a name for this: a generic trademark or proprietary eponym. This happens when a brand name becomes so widely recognized that it’s used to describe a general product or category rather than the specific brand.
              • tissue paper = Kleenex
              • adhesive bandage = Band-Aid
              • Cola = Coke
              • lip balm = ChapStick
              • cotton swab = Q-tip
              • slow cooker = Crock Pot
              • hook-and-loop fastener = Velcro
              • Today: Q. What are the trademark qualities of a “Barnabas”? 
              • Barnabas = Encourager
              • We’re going to drill down to identify 5 qualities of a “Barnabas” 

              
              

              1. A “Barnabas” gives more than takes. 

              • We already saw this in ch 4
              • Acts 4:32 (NLT) 32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had…. 36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
              • “Tribe of Levi”
              • These were the priests, the givers
              • They were supposed to serve the people
              • “The Lord was their inheritance”
              • Joseph had that kind of heart
              • Giver, not a taker
              • Do you know someone like that? (SG question this week)

              
              

              2. A “Barnabas” sees the best in people.

              • We saw this in ch 9 with Saul after his dramatic conversion
              • Acts 9:26-27 (NLT) 26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.
              • Barnabas miraculously appears to vouch for Saul
              • He saw the best in him
              • Paid attention to his changed life 
              • rather than judging him on his past life
              • Do you know someone like that? (SG question this week)

              
              

              3. A “Barnabas” embraces the chaos.

              • This is where we get to today’s text, ch 11

              
              

              Acts 11:1-3 (NLT) 1 Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said.

              • Some people - even Christians - can be like this
              • God is on the move, but it means change and chaos
              • Natural reaction for some: I object!
              • The news of what God had done in Cesarea got back to Jerusalem before Peter did.  Even before the internet and social media, scandalous news traveled fast.  From a Jewish perspective, this was scandalous.  The Jewish believers are already facing persecution from the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.  A big part of that persecution was that this movement called Christianity was causing Jewish believers to disregard the law and abandon Jewish customs.  Peter’s decision to go in and fellowship with Gentiles and share a meal with them, would have just added more fuel to the fire and would have been evidence that the accusations made by the religious leaders were valid.  
              • Peter recaps his experience from ch 10. To the credit of Jerusalem believers, they rejoice:
              • Acts 11:18 (NLT) 18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”
              • If only church conflict could be so simple!
              • But wait… we’re going to see in Acts 15 that there was a contingent of Jewish converts who weren’t so sure that salvation could be so easy. They wanted Gentiles to become Jews first!?
              • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Acts 15 reveals that the underlying issue raised in v. 3 was not settled for some. Could Gentiles really become the beneficiaries of the New Covenant without conforming in some way to the demands of the Mosaic law? The impression is given in Acts 11 that the majority were persuaded of the rightness of Peter's actions in preaching to Cornelius and his household and then baptising them into Christ.
              • Jerusalem believers rejoiced about Gentile conversion, but interestingly they did not participate in yet!? Instead…

              
              

              Acts 11:19 (NLT) 19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews.

              • These were Jerusalem-based believers. Still only went to Jews. 

              
              

              Acts 11:20-21 (NLT) 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

              • Some of them preached to the Gentiles
              • These were Cyprus- and Cyrene-based believers. 
              • Remember where Barnabas was from? Cyprus!
              • These were the Barnabases!
              • They were willing to embrace the chaos that comes with revival
              • All these new believers coming from strange backgrounds
              • Think about what was happening here:
              • Christianity was moving to the big city!
              • (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) The Jesus movement shifts from a predominantly rural movement in Galilee to an urban movement in Jerusalem to a cosmopolitan movement in Antioch.
              • (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) Antioch on the Orontes in Syria was the third (or possibly fourth) largest urban center of the Roman empire (after Rome and Alexandria), though population estimates range from one hundred thousand to six hundred thousand.

              
              

              Now look at what happens next:

              Acts 11:22-24 (NLT) 22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

              • They didn’t send the apostles this time. They sent Barnabas
              • They knew he was an encourager.
              • They knew he would embrace the chaos
              • …and many people were brought to the Lord
              • Do you know someone like that? (SG question this week)

              
              

              And as we read on we see the fourth trademark of a Barnabas:

              4. A “Barnabas” takes the backseat. 

              • In the midst of all the chaos and conversion, Barnabas doesn’t need to be at the center of it all. He’s willing to team up with others and fade into the background.
              • This is typical of the “Barnabas” type. I love these guys.

              
              

              Acts 11:25-26 (NLT) 25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

              • Saul had been a Christian for several years. Was back in his hometown. 
              • Barnabas went and got him, bc he knew that this was Saul’s mission.
              • And the rest of the book of Acts is about Paul’s missionary journeys. 
              • Barnabas is an add-on. Fades to the BG.
              • He’s OK with it. Do you know someone like this? 

              
              

              And it’s during these missionary journeys that we learn the fifth trademark of a Barnabas:

              5. A “Barnabas” believes in second chances. 

              • One of the most well-known conflicts in the New Testament occurred between Barnabas and Paul over John Mark. John Mark, who had accompanied Barnabas and Paul on an earlier missionary journey, had abandoned the mission partway through. When Paul and Barnabas planned another journey, Paul refused to take John Mark along, citing his earlier...]]>Welcome back to the podcast! Today we’ll examine a certain kind of person we see in Acts - so profound, his name still carries a reputation: Barnabas.

                --

                The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                Donate Now

                --

                We're starting the speed round: taking one chapter a week.

                • Focusing in on one element in the chapter
                • You’ll have to go back and read the whole chapter on your own
                • Today: we’ll examine a certain kind of person we see in Acts - so profound, his name still carries a reputation
                • There’s a name for this: a generic trademark or proprietary eponym. This happens when a brand name becomes so widely recognized that it’s used to describe a general product or category rather than the specific brand.
                • tissue paper = Kleenex
                • adhesive bandage = Band-Aid
                • Cola = Coke
                • lip balm = ChapStick
                • cotton swab = Q-tip
                • slow cooker = Crock Pot
                • hook-and-loop fastener = Velcro
                • Today: Q. What are the trademark qualities of a “Barnabas”? 
                • Barnabas = Encourager
                • We’re going to drill down to identify 5 qualities of a “Barnabas” 
                
                

                1. A “Barnabas” gives more than takes. 

                • We already saw this in ch 4
                • Acts 4:32 (NLT) 32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had…. 36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
                • “Tribe of Levi”
                • These were the priests, the givers
                • They were supposed to serve the people
                • “The Lord was their inheritance”
                • Joseph had that kind of heart
                • Giver, not a taker
                • Do you know someone like that? (SG question this week)
                
                

                2. A “Barnabas” sees the best in people.

                • We saw this in ch 9 with Saul after his dramatic conversion
                • Acts 9:26-27 (NLT) 26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.
                • Barnabas miraculously appears to vouch for Saul
                • He saw the best in him
                • Paid attention to his changed life 
                • rather than judging him on his past life
                • Do you know someone like that? (SG question this week)
                
                

                3. A “Barnabas” embraces the chaos.

                • This is where we get to today’s text, ch 11
                
                

                Acts 11:1-3 (NLT) 1 Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said.

                • Some people - even Christians - can be like this
                • God is on the move, but it means change and chaos
                • Natural reaction for some: I object!
                • The news of what God had done in Cesarea got back to Jerusalem before Peter did.  Even before the internet and social media, scandalous news traveled fast.  From a Jewish perspective, this was scandalous.  The Jewish believers are already facing persecution from the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.  A big part of that persecution was that this movement called Christianity was causing Jewish believers to disregard the law and abandon Jewish customs.  Peter’s decision to go in and fellowship with Gentiles and share a meal with them, would have just added more fuel to the fire and would have been evidence that the accusations made by the religious leaders were valid.  
                • Peter recaps his experience from ch 10. To the credit of Jerusalem believers, they rejoice:
                • Acts 11:18 (NLT) 18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”
                • If only church conflict could be so simple!
                • But wait… we’re going to see in Acts 15 that there was a contingent of Jewish converts who weren’t so sure that salvation could be so easy. They wanted Gentiles to become Jews first!?
                • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Acts 15 reveals that the underlying issue raised in v. 3 was not settled for some. Could Gentiles really become the beneficiaries of the New Covenant without conforming in some way to the demands of the Mosaic law? The impression is given in Acts 11 that the majority were persuaded of the rightness of Peter's actions in preaching to Cornelius and his household and then baptising them into Christ.
                • Jerusalem believers rejoiced about Gentile conversion, but interestingly they did not participate in yet!? Instead…
                
                

                Acts 11:19 (NLT) 19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews.

                • These were Jerusalem-based believers. Still only went to Jews. 
                
                

                Acts 11:20-21 (NLT) 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

                • Some of them preached to the Gentiles
                • These were Cyprus- and Cyrene-based believers. 
                • Remember where Barnabas was from? Cyprus!
                • These were the Barnabases!
                • They were willing to embrace the chaos that comes with revival
                • All these new believers coming from strange backgrounds
                • Think about what was happening here:
                • Christianity was moving to the big city!
                • (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) The Jesus movement shifts from a predominantly rural movement in Galilee to an urban movement in Jerusalem to a cosmopolitan movement in Antioch.
                • (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) Antioch on the Orontes in Syria was the third (or possibly fourth) largest urban center of the Roman empire (after Rome and Alexandria), though population estimates range from one hundred thousand to six hundred thousand.
                
                

                Now look at what happens next:

                Acts 11:22-24 (NLT) 22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

                • They didn’t send the apostles this time. They sent Barnabas
                • They knew he was an encourager.
                • They knew he would embrace the chaos
                • …and many people were brought to the Lord
                • Do you know someone like that? (SG question this week)
                
                

                And as we read on we see the fourth trademark of a Barnabas:

                4. A “Barnabas” takes the backseat. 

                • In the midst of all the chaos and conversion, Barnabas doesn’t need to be at the center of it all. He’s willing to team up with others and fade into the background.
                • This is typical of the “Barnabas” type. I love these guys.
                
                

                Acts 11:25-26 (NLT) 25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

                • Saul had been a Christian for several years. Was back in his hometown. 
                • Barnabas went and got him, bc he knew that this was Saul’s mission.
                • And the rest of the book of Acts is about Paul’s missionary journeys. 
                • Barnabas is an add-on. Fades to the BG.
                • He’s OK with it. Do you know someone like this? 
                
                

                And it’s during these missionary journeys that we learn the fifth trademark of a Barnabas:

                5. A “Barnabas” believes in second chances. 

                • One of the most well-known conflicts in the New Testament occurred between Barnabas and Paul over John Mark. John Mark, who had accompanied Barnabas and Paul on an earlier missionary journey, had abandoned the mission partway through. When Paul and Barnabas planned another journey, Paul refused to take John Mark along, citing his earlier failure. 
                • Barnabas insisted on giving John Mark a second chance (Acts 15:36-41).
                
                

                Acts 15:39-41 (NLT) 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40 Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41 Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

                • How embarrassing for Paul
                • He was the chief of sinners! 
                • Barnabas saw the best in him, vouched for him.
                • Now Barnabas is the only one doing this for John Mark
                • Because a Barnabas believes in second chances.
                • Do you know someone like this?
                
                ]]>34191656-5728-4263-9d0d-76348a46ac9dFri, 11 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -060028:56falsebonusMormon Questions: Are Families Forever in Heaven?The question of whether families are forever in heaven is a central tenet of Mormon theology, but how does this idea align with the Bible? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as Mormonism, teaches that families are eternal, and through specific temple ordinances, marriages can be sealed for time and eternity. This concept appeals to the deep human desire for everlasting connection with loved ones, yet the Bible presents a different perspective on the nature of relationships in eternity. In this episode we explore how biblical theology addresses this question and where it diverges from Mormon doctrine.

                --

                The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                Donate Now

                --

                The question of whether families are forever in heaven is a central tenet of Mormon theology, but how does this idea align with the Bible? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as Mormonism, teaches that families are eternal, and through specific temple ordinances, marriages can be sealed for time and eternity. This concept appeals to the deep human desire for everlasting connection with loved ones, yet the Bible presents a different perspective on the nature of relationships in eternity. Let’s explore how biblical theology addresses this question and where it diverges from Mormon doctrine.

                Mormon Doctrine on Eternal Families

                Mormonism teaches that marriage, family, and human relationships can be eternal through sacred ordinances performed in their temples. A key scripture often cited by Mormons is found in Doctrine and Covenants 132:19, which discusses the sealing of marriages that can last "for time and all eternity." For faithful Latter-day Saints, this belief promises that family units will continue beyond this life, ensuring the continuation of their relationships forever.

                What Does the Bible Say?

                While the Bible affirms that relationships are important in this life and that marriage is a God-ordained institution, it does not teach that earthly family units, including marriages, will persist in their current form in heaven. Instead, the Bible offers a more profound view of eternal life in which all believers are united in Christ.

                1. Marriage Does Not Continue in Heaven

                One of the clearest statements about marriage in eternity comes from Jesus Himself. In Matthew 22:23–30, the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, asked Jesus a tricky question about a woman who had been married multiple times—whose wife would she be in the resurrection? Jesus answered in verse 30, saying, “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.”

                Jesus’ response shows that earthly institutions like marriage do not continue in heaven. Instead, believers will experience relationships that are transformed, not bound by earthly categories like marriage or family. Think about the implications of marriage in heaven. Polygamy would exist!? This is clearly not an option according to the Bible.

                2. Heavenly Relationships Are Perfected, not Eliminated

                While the Bible does not affirm the continuation of earthly family units in heaven, it does teach that relationships will be perfect and glorified in eternity. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” In heaven, believers will experience a depth of love, understanding, and unity with others far beyond what is possible on earth. Consider these verses:

                • Ephesians 2:19 – The Household of God – “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
                • 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – Reunion of Believers in Christ – “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
                • John 14:2–3 – Dwelling in the Father's House – “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
                • Revelation 21:3–4 – God Dwells with His People – “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’”
                • Revelation 7:9–10 – Unity of All Believers – “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”
                
                

                The New Testament presents heaven as a place where believers, regardless of their earthly families, will enjoy perfect fellowship with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Earthly distinctions, including marriage and family ties, will fade as all believers are united in Christ.

                Ultimately, the Bible teaches that God’s eternal family is spiritual, not earthly. Jesus, when asked about His mother and brothers, redefined the family by saying, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). In heaven, the family of God will be made up of all believers, united by faith in Christ, sharing in the joy of His presence forever.

                3. Our Primary Relationship in Heaven is with Christ

                The Bible teaches that in heaven, believers will be perfectly united in their relationship with God through Christ. Revelation 21:3 describes the eternal state, saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” The focus of eternity is not on human relationships but on our perfect communion with God. While relationships with others will exist, they will be secondary to the overwhelming joy of being with Christ.

                Furthermore, in Romans 8:16–17, the Bible emphasizes that believers are co-heirs with Christ, united in one family under God the Father. This passage points to the ultimate family of God, comprised of all believers who are spiritually adopted into His family, not through earthly bonds, but through faith in Christ.

                Romans 8:15-17 (NLT) 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

                The Takeaway

                The idea that families are forever in heaven, as taught by Mormonism, is not supported by the Bible. While the Bible affirms the beauty and significance of family life on earth, it teaches that marriage and earthly family structures will not persist into eternity. Instead, believers are promised something far greater: perfect communion with God and a transformed relationship with others, where the family of God is united forever in Christ.

                Our hope should rest not in the continuation of earthly family units, but in the glorious future where all believers will be one in Christ, experiencing His perfect love and the fullness of joy in His presence forever.

                ]]>The question of whether families are forever in heaven is a central tenet of Mormon theology, but how does this idea align with the Bible? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as Mormonism, teaches that families are eternal, and through specific temple ordinances, marriages can be sealed for time and eternity. This concept appeals to the deep human desire for everlasting connection with loved ones, yet the Bible presents a different perspective on the nature of relationships in eternity. In this episode we explore how biblical theology addresses this question and where it diverges from Mormon doctrine.

                --

                The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                Donate Now

                --

                The question of whether families are forever in heaven is a central tenet of Mormon theology, but how does this idea align with the Bible? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as Mormonism, teaches that families are eternal, and through specific temple ordinances, marriages can be sealed for time and eternity. This concept appeals to the deep human desire for everlasting connection with loved ones, yet the Bible presents a different perspective on the nature of relationships in eternity. Let’s explore how biblical theology addresses this question and where it diverges from Mormon doctrine.

                Mormon Doctrine on Eternal Families

                Mormonism teaches that marriage, family, and human relationships can be eternal through sacred ordinances performed in their temples. A key scripture often cited by Mormons is found in Doctrine and Covenants 132:19, which discusses the sealing of marriages that can last "for time and all eternity." For faithful Latter-day Saints, this belief promises that family units will continue beyond this life, ensuring the continuation of their relationships forever.

                What Does the Bible Say?

                While the Bible affirms that relationships are important in this life and that marriage is a God-ordained institution, it does not teach that earthly family units, including marriages, will persist in their current form in heaven. Instead, the Bible offers a more profound view of eternal life in which all believers are united in Christ.

                1. Marriage Does Not Continue in Heaven

                One of the clearest statements about marriage in eternity comes from Jesus Himself. In Matthew 22:23–30, the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, asked Jesus a tricky question about a woman who had been married multiple times—whose wife would she be in the resurrection? Jesus answered in verse 30, saying, “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.”

                Jesus’ response shows that earthly institutions like marriage do not continue in heaven. Instead, believers will experience relationships that are transformed, not bound by earthly categories like marriage or family. Think about the implications of marriage in heaven. Polygamy would exist!? This is clearly not an option according to the Bible.

                2. Heavenly Relationships Are Perfected, not Eliminated

                While the Bible does not affirm the continuation of earthly family units in heaven, it does teach that relationships will be perfect and glorified in eternity. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” In heaven, believers will experience a depth of love, understanding, and unity with others far beyond what is possible on earth. Consider these verses:

                • Ephesians 2:19 – The Household of God – “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
                • 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – Reunion of Believers in Christ – “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
                • John 14:2–3 – Dwelling in the Father's House – “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
                • Revelation 21:3–4 – God Dwells with His People – “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’”
                • Revelation 7:9–10 – Unity of All Believers – “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”
                
                

                The New Testament presents heaven as a place where believers, regardless of their earthly families, will enjoy perfect fellowship with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Earthly distinctions, including marriage and family ties, will fade as all believers are united in Christ.

                Ultimately, the Bible teaches that God’s eternal family is spiritual, not earthly. Jesus, when asked about His mother and brothers, redefined the family by saying, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). In heaven, the family of God will be made up of all believers, united by faith in Christ, sharing in the joy of His presence forever.

                3. Our Primary Relationship in Heaven is with Christ

                The Bible teaches that in heaven, believers will be perfectly united in their relationship with God through Christ. Revelation 21:3 describes the eternal state, saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” The focus of eternity is not on human relationships but on our perfect communion with God. While relationships with others will exist, they will be secondary to the overwhelming joy of being with Christ.

                Furthermore, in Romans 8:16–17, the Bible emphasizes that believers are co-heirs with Christ, united in one family under God the Father. This passage points to the ultimate family of God, comprised of all believers who are spiritually adopted into His family, not through earthly bonds, but through faith in Christ.

                Romans 8:15-17 (NLT) 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

                The Takeaway

                The idea that families are forever in heaven, as taught by Mormonism, is not supported by the Bible. While the Bible affirms the beauty and significance of family life on earth, it teaches that marriage and earthly family structures will not persist into eternity. Instead, believers are promised something far greater: perfect communion with God and a transformed relationship with others, where the family of God is united forever in Christ.

                Our hope should rest not in the continuation of earthly family units, but in the glorious future where all believers will be one in Christ, experiencing His perfect love and the fullness of joy in His presence forever.

                ]]>cad656b4-21f0-4f53-8df7-ea6a318a59feMon, 07 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -060028:45falsefull8181Did God Change How Salvation Works? (Acts 10) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome back to the podcast! Today, we're going to answer this question: Did God change how salvation works?

                --

                The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                Donate Now

                --

                Today we’re in part 4 of our mini-series on how salvation works

                • Three weeks ago: Is Anyone Too Far Gone for God? (Acts 8:26-40)
                • Answer: No! God can reach you on the desert road to nowhere
                • Two weeks ago: How Does Spiritual Conversion Actually Work?
                • We’ll looked at the dramatic conversion story of Saul (Paul)
                • – and what we can generalize from his experience.
                • About the HS opening eyes
                • And how faith/repentance changes you in an instant
                • From death to life
                • From enemy of God to child of God
                • Last week: How can you know if you’re really saved? (Acts 9:20-31)
                • Paul went about preaching the gospel immediately
                • The disciples in Jerusalem didn’t believe he was really saved!? After 3 years! 
                • We looked at how Christians can have “assurance” of their salvation
                • Today to finish up we’ll dig deeper into a theological question: 
                
                

                Q. Did God Change How Salvation Works?

                • Have you ever thought about this?
                • In the NT
                • grace, forgiveness, Jesus
                • Jn 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
                • Jesus is THE way. But what about in the OT?
                • Did salvation work one way in OT before Jesus
                • And another way in NT after Jesus?
                
                

                Q. What was the Old Testament way of salvation?

                • Many thought: saved by keeping the commandments
                • In Jewish tradition, there are 613 commandments (known as the Mitzvot) in the Torah. These commandments are derived from the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and encompass a wide range of moral, religious, and civil laws. 248 positive commandments (things to do) and 365 negative commandments (things not to do)
                • Scholars estimate that around 100 to 150 of the 613 commandments address issues of purity and impurity.
                • Dietary Laws (Kashrut): These include commandments related to clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14).
                • Table fellowship refers to the practice of sharing meals, which in ancient Jewish culture held deep social, religious, and spiritual significance. In the context of the Old Testament and Jewish tradition, sharing a meal symbolized more than just eating together; it represented community, unity, and, in many cases, ritual purity. This practice also reinforced the separation between Jews and Gentiles due to differences in dietary laws and religious observance. Eating with Gentiles, who were considered ritually impure, could defile an observant Jew, requiring purification rites (Leviticus 20:24-26).
                • Clean vs. unclean
                • So is this how people were saved in OT? Keep yourself clean? 
                
                

                The answer is found in today’s text. 

                • The passage we’re reading today is groundbreaking. 
                • The early Christians are going to learn the answer to this question
                • …by way of answering a broader question about salvation.
                • Here’s the story:
                
                

                Acts 10:1-6 (NLT) 1 In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. 3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said.

                4 Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel.

                And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! 5 Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.”

                Acts 10:9-14 (NLT) 9 The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, 10 and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. 12 In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.”

                14 “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.”

                • Even after Jesus’ teaching on this, Peter still didn’t understand (see below). This would be the moment that he really got it… and its implications for the church.
                • Mark 7:18-19 (NLT) 18 “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? 19 Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)
                
                

                Acts 10:15-16 (NLT) 15 But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” 16 The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven.

                • This is a watershed moment in salvation history
                • Peter was learning the answer to our question today
                • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) What was implicit in the teaching of Jesus is now made explicit. The clean and unclean provisions of the law were temporary, designed to keep Israel a holy and distinct people, until the time when Jews and Gentiles could receive the forgiveness of sins and sanctification on the same basis, through faith in Christ (Acts 20:32; 26:17-18; cf. 15:9, 'having cleansed their hearts by faith'). 
                
                

                Peter was confused, then Cornelius’ men showed up..

                • He went with them to the Gentile’s house, and said this: 
                
                

                Acts 10:28 (NLT) 28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.”

                • It wasn’t just about food! It was about people.
                • God was revealing himself to Cornelius, and Peter was to share the gospel 
                • Note similarity with Samaritan revival
                • Philip shared the gospel
                • But God waited for Peter and John to give HS
                • This same pattern is happening
                • God could have just shared the gospel in a vision
                • But he wanted Peter to share it
                • Not for Cornelius’ sake
                • But for Peter’s sake!
                
                

                Acts 10:34-36 (NLT) 34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…. 43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”

                • Not just Lord of Jews. (mind blown)
                • Salvation now goes out to Gentiles. This isn’t just a Jewish thing.
                • Salvation is not about being clean or unclean according to Law
                • It’s about trusting Jesus to clean you by his final work on the cross
                • He is the ultimate sacrifice
                • No longer a need for the old system
                
                

                And here’s where it connects to our question of the day…

                This answer doesn’t just apply to Jews and Gentiles moving forward

                • It applies to everyone looking backward!
                • Q. Did God Change How Salvation Works?
                • Answer: no!! Everyone who has ever been saved… has been saved by faith
                • Jews in NT were saved by faith in the one who came (Jesus).
                • Gentiles in NT were saved by that same faith in the one who came (Jesus).
                • People in OT were saved by faith, too
                • In the one who was to come, even though they didn’t know his name
                • Object of faith was still Messiah
                • Galatians 3:11 (NLT) 11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
                • Quoting OT! Now they look back and see the truth: it was always faith
                • salvation by faith, apart from the Law was an Old Testament principle
                • Romans 4:1-3 (NLT) 1 Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. 3 For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
                • Believed in God’s promise (about his...]]>Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we're going to answer this question: Did God change how salvation works?

                  --

                  The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

                  --

                  Today we’re in part 4 of our mini-series on how salvation works

                  • Three weeks ago: Is Anyone Too Far Gone for God? (Acts 8:26-40)
                  • Answer: No! God can reach you on the desert road to nowhere
                  • Two weeks ago: How Does Spiritual Conversion Actually Work?
                  • We’ll looked at the dramatic conversion story of Saul (Paul)
                  • – and what we can generalize from his experience.
                  • About the HS opening eyes
                  • And how faith/repentance changes you in an instant
                  • From death to life
                  • From enemy of God to child of God
                  • Last week: How can you know if you’re really saved? (Acts 9:20-31)
                  • Paul went about preaching the gospel immediately
                  • The disciples in Jerusalem didn’t believe he was really saved!? After 3 years! 
                  • We looked at how Christians can have “assurance” of their salvation
                  • Today to finish up we’ll dig deeper into a theological question: 
                  
                  

                  Q. Did God Change How Salvation Works?

                  • Have you ever thought about this?
                  • In the NT
                  • grace, forgiveness, Jesus
                  • Jn 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
                  • Jesus is THE way. But what about in the OT?
                  • Did salvation work one way in OT before Jesus
                  • And another way in NT after Jesus?
                  
                  

                  Q. What was the Old Testament way of salvation?

                  • Many thought: saved by keeping the commandments
                  • In Jewish tradition, there are 613 commandments (known as the Mitzvot) in the Torah. These commandments are derived from the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and encompass a wide range of moral, religious, and civil laws. 248 positive commandments (things to do) and 365 negative commandments (things not to do)
                  • Scholars estimate that around 100 to 150 of the 613 commandments address issues of purity and impurity.
                  • Dietary Laws (Kashrut): These include commandments related to clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14).
                  • Table fellowship refers to the practice of sharing meals, which in ancient Jewish culture held deep social, religious, and spiritual significance. In the context of the Old Testament and Jewish tradition, sharing a meal symbolized more than just eating together; it represented community, unity, and, in many cases, ritual purity. This practice also reinforced the separation between Jews and Gentiles due to differences in dietary laws and religious observance. Eating with Gentiles, who were considered ritually impure, could defile an observant Jew, requiring purification rites (Leviticus 20:24-26).
                  • Clean vs. unclean
                  • So is this how people were saved in OT? Keep yourself clean? 
                  
                  

                  The answer is found in today’s text. 

                  • The passage we’re reading today is groundbreaking. 
                  • The early Christians are going to learn the answer to this question
                  • …by way of answering a broader question about salvation.
                  • Here’s the story:
                  
                  

                  Acts 10:1-6 (NLT) 1 In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. 3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said.

                  4 Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel.

                  And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! 5 Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.”

                  Acts 10:9-14 (NLT) 9 The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, 10 and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. 12 In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.”

                  14 “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.”

                  • Even after Jesus’ teaching on this, Peter still didn’t understand (see below). This would be the moment that he really got it… and its implications for the church.
                  • Mark 7:18-19 (NLT) 18 “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? 19 Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)
                  
                  

                  Acts 10:15-16 (NLT) 15 But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” 16 The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven.

                  • This is a watershed moment in salvation history
                  • Peter was learning the answer to our question today
                  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) What was implicit in the teaching of Jesus is now made explicit. The clean and unclean provisions of the law were temporary, designed to keep Israel a holy and distinct people, until the time when Jews and Gentiles could receive the forgiveness of sins and sanctification on the same basis, through faith in Christ (Acts 20:32; 26:17-18; cf. 15:9, 'having cleansed their hearts by faith'). 
                  
                  

                  Peter was confused, then Cornelius’ men showed up..

                  • He went with them to the Gentile’s house, and said this: 
                  
                  

                  Acts 10:28 (NLT) 28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.”

                  • It wasn’t just about food! It was about people.
                  • God was revealing himself to Cornelius, and Peter was to share the gospel 
                  • Note similarity with Samaritan revival
                  • Philip shared the gospel
                  • But God waited for Peter and John to give HS
                  • This same pattern is happening
                  • God could have just shared the gospel in a vision
                  • But he wanted Peter to share it
                  • Not for Cornelius’ sake
                  • But for Peter’s sake!
                  
                  

                  Acts 10:34-36 (NLT) 34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…. 43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”

                  • Not just Lord of Jews. (mind blown)
                  • Salvation now goes out to Gentiles. This isn’t just a Jewish thing.
                  • Salvation is not about being clean or unclean according to Law
                  • It’s about trusting Jesus to clean you by his final work on the cross
                  • He is the ultimate sacrifice
                  • No longer a need for the old system
                  
                  

                  And here’s where it connects to our question of the day…

                  This answer doesn’t just apply to Jews and Gentiles moving forward

                  • It applies to everyone looking backward!
                  • Q. Did God Change How Salvation Works?
                  • Answer: no!! Everyone who has ever been saved… has been saved by faith
                  • Jews in NT were saved by faith in the one who came (Jesus).
                  • Gentiles in NT were saved by that same faith in the one who came (Jesus).
                  • People in OT were saved by faith, too
                  • In the one who was to come, even though they didn’t know his name
                  • Object of faith was still Messiah
                  • Galatians 3:11 (NLT) 11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
                  • Quoting OT! Now they look back and see the truth: it was always faith
                  • salvation by faith, apart from the Law was an Old Testament principle
                  • Romans 4:1-3 (NLT) 1 Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. 3 For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
                  • Believed in God’s promise (about his offspring)
                  • Even though it was humanly impossible (he was old and childless)
                  • God counted him as righteousness (even though he wasn’t)
                  • Because of his faith.
                  • Faith in God to come through on his promise
                  • His promise was all about Jesus!
                  
                  

                  Here’s the point: 

                  • No one was ever saved by perfectly keeping the Law
                  • Not back then, not today
                  • The Law simply shows people how imperfect they are
                  • To set the stage for the One who could perfectly keep the Law
                  • = Jesus
                  • So all along this was God’s plan for salvation
                  • It was always about dependence upon God, trusting his pathway
                  • In the OT his pathway was a concept: Messiah
                  • In the NT his pathway had a name: Jesus
                  • Everyone who has ever been saved… has been saved by faith in Jesus.
                  • As Peter said to the Jewish leaders in Acts 4:
                  
                  

                  Acts 4:12 (NLT) 12 “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

                  ]]>a26a61d0-4dfb-465d-8b32-61eaeabb3203Fri, 04 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -060030:07falsebonusMormon Questions: Did Humans Exist Before Conception?The concept of pre-mortal existence—that humans existed before their earthly life—is a theological doctrine central to Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). In contrast, the traditional Christian view, rooted in the Bible, maintains that life begins at conception, and there is no pre-birth existence of the soul. In this episode, we explore both perspectives and defend the biblical view against Mormon teachings on pre-existence.

                  --

                  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

                  --

                  Pre-Mortal Existence: A Biblical Response to Mormon Teachings

                  The concept of pre-mortal existence—that humans existed before their earthly life—is a central doctrine of Mormonism, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). In contrast, traditional Christianity, grounded in the Bible, teaches that life begins at conception and denies any pre-birth existence of the soul. This article will explore both perspectives and present a biblical defense against the LDS doctrine of pre-existence.

                  The Mormon Belief in Pre-Mortal Existence

                  In Mormon theology, it is believed that human beings existed as spirit children of God before their earthly life. This belief is foundational to their understanding of the purpose of life. Key Mormon scriptures, including Doctrine and Covenants 93:29 and Abraham 3:22-23 (from the Pearl of Great Price), outline the idea that humans lived as pre-mortal spirits in heaven before coming to Earth.

                  Mormons believe that this pre-mortal existence is essential for understanding why humans are sent to Earth: to receive bodies, face challenges, and ultimately return to God. Life on Earth is seen as a critical step in an eternal journey of progression, where spiritual growth continues after death.

                  Biblical Refutation of Pre-Mortal Existence

                  While Mormonism presents a narrative of pre-mortal existence, traditional Christianity finds no biblical basis for this belief. Instead, Scripture presents a clear view that human life begins at conception, and each soul is uniquely created by God.

                  Several key passages are often misunderstood in LDS theology but, when correctly interpreted, refute the concept of pre-existence:

                  1. Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT): “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
                  2. This verse, often cited by Mormons, does not refer to a pre-existence. Instead, it highlights God's foreknowledge and His plans for Jeremiah. Similar language is used in passages like:
                  
                  
                  • Romans 8:29: God’s foreknowledge and predestination.
                  • Ephesians 1:4: God’s choice of believers before the foundation of the world. These passages emphasize God’s omniscience, not human pre-mortal existence.
                  
                  
                  1. Psalm 139:16 (NLT): “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”
                  2. This text celebrates God's intimate knowledge and sovereignty over human life, beginning in the womb, not before it.
                  3. Galatians 1:15 (NLT): “But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace.”
                  4. Similar to Jeremiah, this passage reflects God’s foreknowledge and plan, not pre-existence.
                  
                  

                  In all these instances, the biblical narrative is clear that life begins at conception, and God’s knowledge of individuals precedes their birth but does not suggest a pre-mortal life.

                  The Uniqueness of Christ

                  A significant theological issue with the Mormon doctrine of pre-mortal existence is that it undermines the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. In Christian theology, Jesus is uniquely pre-existent. John 8:58 records Jesus saying, “Before Abraham was, I am.” Unlike any other human being, Jesus existed eternally as God before His incarnation.

                  John 3:13 further emphasizes this uniqueness: “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.” If all humans existed in heaven before their earthly lives, this statement would lose its meaning. Jesus’ pre-existence sets Him apart as the only one who descended from heaven, making His divinity and incarnation singularly significant in the plan of salvation.

                  Theological Implications of Pre-Mortal Existence

                  The Mormon doctrine of pre-mortal existence raises two critical theological problems:

                  1. The Authority of Scripture:
                  2. Mormon teachings about pre-existence are not found in the Bible, but are drawn from extra-biblical sources like the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. Orthodox Christianity affirms that Scripture is complete and sufficient, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Adding non-biblical teachings undermines the authority of God’s Word.
                  3. Salvation and Grace:
                  4. In Mormonism, pre-mortal existence is part of an eternal progression that continues after death. This view stands in contrast to the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith in Christ’s atoning work (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible presents this life as a one-time opportunity to embrace God’s grace, after which comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27). There is no eternal progression or second chance after death.
                  
                  

                  The Biblical View is Clear

                  In defending the biblical perspective against Mormonism, it is evident that the Bible teaches a linear view of human existence, beginning at conception and culminating in eternal life or judgment after death. The doctrine of pre-mortal existence as taught in Mormonism is not supported by Scripture. Instead, the Bible affirms that each human being is uniquely created by God, beginning with conception, and Jesus Christ alone pre-existed as the eternal Son of God.

                  Christians engaging with Mormons on this topic should emphasize the sufficiency of Scripture, the uniqueness of Christ, and the centrality of grace in salvation. While discussions on doctrinal differences should be respectful and gracious, they are essential for upholding the truth of the biblical message.

                  ]]>The concept of pre-mortal existence—that humans existed before their earthly life—is a theological doctrine central to Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). In contrast, the traditional Christian view, rooted in the Bible, maintains that life begins at conception, and there is no pre-birth existence of the soul. In this episode, we explore both perspectives and defend the biblical view against Mormon teachings on pre-existence.

                  --

                  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

                  --

                  Pre-Mortal Existence: A Biblical Response to Mormon Teachings

                  The concept of pre-mortal existence—that humans existed before their earthly life—is a central doctrine of Mormonism, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). In contrast, traditional Christianity, grounded in the Bible, teaches that life begins at conception and denies any pre-birth existence of the soul. This article will explore both perspectives and present a biblical defense against the LDS doctrine of pre-existence.

                  The Mormon Belief in Pre-Mortal Existence

                  In Mormon theology, it is believed that human beings existed as spirit children of God before their earthly life. This belief is foundational to their understanding of the purpose of life. Key Mormon scriptures, including Doctrine and Covenants 93:29 and Abraham 3:22-23 (from the Pearl of Great Price), outline the idea that humans lived as pre-mortal spirits in heaven before coming to Earth.

                  Mormons believe that this pre-mortal existence is essential for understanding why humans are sent to Earth: to receive bodies, face challenges, and ultimately return to God. Life on Earth is seen as a critical step in an eternal journey of progression, where spiritual growth continues after death.

                  Biblical Refutation of Pre-Mortal Existence

                  While Mormonism presents a narrative of pre-mortal existence, traditional Christianity finds no biblical basis for this belief. Instead, Scripture presents a clear view that human life begins at conception, and each soul is uniquely created by God.

                  Several key passages are often misunderstood in LDS theology but, when correctly interpreted, refute the concept of pre-existence:

                  1. Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT): “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
                  2. This verse, often cited by Mormons, does not refer to a pre-existence. Instead, it highlights God's foreknowledge and His plans for Jeremiah. Similar language is used in passages like:
                  
                  
                  • Romans 8:29: God’s foreknowledge and predestination.
                  • Ephesians 1:4: God’s choice of believers before the foundation of the world. These passages emphasize God’s omniscience, not human pre-mortal existence.
                  
                  
                  1. Psalm 139:16 (NLT): “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”
                  2. This text celebrates God's intimate knowledge and sovereignty over human life, beginning in the womb, not before it.
                  3. Galatians 1:15 (NLT): “But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace.”
                  4. Similar to Jeremiah, this passage reflects God’s foreknowledge and plan, not pre-existence.
                  
                  

                  In all these instances, the biblical narrative is clear that life begins at conception, and God’s knowledge of individuals precedes their birth but does not suggest a pre-mortal life.

                  The Uniqueness of Christ

                  A significant theological issue with the Mormon doctrine of pre-mortal existence is that it undermines the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. In Christian theology, Jesus is uniquely pre-existent. John 8:58 records Jesus saying, “Before Abraham was, I am.” Unlike any other human being, Jesus existed eternally as God before His incarnation.

                  John 3:13 further emphasizes this uniqueness: “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.” If all humans existed in heaven before their earthly lives, this statement would lose its meaning. Jesus’ pre-existence sets Him apart as the only one who descended from heaven, making His divinity and incarnation singularly significant in the plan of salvation.

                  Theological Implications of Pre-Mortal Existence

                  The Mormon doctrine of pre-mortal existence raises two critical theological problems:

                  1. The Authority of Scripture:
                  2. Mormon teachings about pre-existence are not found in the Bible, but are drawn from extra-biblical sources like the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. Orthodox Christianity affirms that Scripture is complete and sufficient, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Adding non-biblical teachings undermines the authority of God’s Word.
                  3. Salvation and Grace:
                  4. In Mormonism, pre-mortal existence is part of an eternal progression that continues after death. This view stands in contrast to the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith in Christ’s atoning work (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible presents this life as a one-time opportunity to embrace God’s grace, after which comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27). There is no eternal progression or second chance after death.
                  
                  

                  The Biblical View is Clear

                  In defending the biblical perspective against Mormonism, it is evident that the Bible teaches a linear view of human existence, beginning at conception and culminating in eternal life or judgment after death. The doctrine of pre-mortal existence as taught in Mormonism is not supported by Scripture. Instead, the Bible affirms that each human being is uniquely created by God, beginning with conception, and Jesus Christ alone pre-existed as the eternal Son of God.

                  Christians engaging with Mormons on this topic should emphasize the sufficiency of Scripture, the uniqueness of Christ, and the centrality of grace in salvation. While discussions on doctrinal differences should be respectful and gracious, they are essential for upholding the truth of the biblical message.

                  ]]>669abe05-01af-4405-bf41-b7ced6022f9bMon, 30 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -060026:50falsefull8080How Can You Know If You’re Really Saved? (Acts 9:20-31) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWelcome to part three in our Salvation 101 mini-series! Today we'll be asking and answering the question: How can you know if you’re really saved?

                  --

                  The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

                  --

                  Q. How Can You Know If You’re Really Saved?

                  • Part 19 in our Acts series!!
                  • Part 3 in our mini-series on “How Salvation Works”
                  • Two weeks ago: Is Anyone Too Far Gone for God? (Acts 8:26-40)
                  • Answer: No! God can reach you on the desert road to nowhere
                  • Last week: How Does Spiritual Conversion Actually Work?
                  • We’ll looked at the dramatic conversion story of Saul (Paul)
                  • – and what we can generalize from his experience.
                  • Today: How can you know if you’re really saved? (Acts 9:20-31)
                  • Paul went about preaching the gospel immediately
                  • The disciples in Jerusalem didn’t believe he was really saved!? After 3 years! 
                  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Even believers who have seen the power of God at work in their own lives can doubt God's ability to change others.
                  • The fancy term for this: “assurance of salvation”
                  • Can you have it for yourself?
                  • Some people “know that they know” they’re saved, no problems with this
                  • So many other people doubt their salvation and live in fear of judgment
                  • Here’s the thing: you can think you’re saved and NOT be saved
                  • False conversions are a thing. Jesus said:
                  • Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT) 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
                  • Ouch! One of the most frightening verses in the Bible!
                  • So, how can you know? We’ll get to that answer, but let’s start with our text…
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:19-20 (NLT) Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

                  • Wow! What a transformation in Saul’s life
                  • One moment he’s persecuting these messengers of Christianity
                  • Next moment he IS a messenger!
                  • Have you met anyone like this? Total transformation
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:21 (NLT) 21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

                  Acts 9:22 (NLT) 22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 

                  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) When Luke says that Saul grew more and more powerful, the term he uses (enedynamouto) suggests the empowerment of the Spirit.
                  • Proving from OT, on which he was an expert (scales fell)
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.

                  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) This signifies the completion of a significant period in the narrative (cf. Lk. 9:51) and is consistent with the mention of a three-year gap between his conversion and his first journey to Jerusalem as a Christian:
                  • Galatians 1:15-18 (NLT) 15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. 
                  • When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days.
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:26 (NLT) 26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer!

                  • Now you know why this was our question of the day.
                  • Saul had been a Christian for 3 years, yet the Jerusalem believers doubted it
                  • They (all of them?) thought he was a false convert! (still afraid of him)
                  • Would YOU have? 
                  • Have YOU ever struggled to truly believe in the life-changing power of Jesus? 
                  • In someone else’s life
                  • In your own life
                  
                  

                  So, back to our question:

                  Q. How Can You Know If You’re Really Saved?

                  • Paul himself later raises this question to some “believers” in Corinth:
                  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT) 5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.
                  • This is Saul, now called Paul, writing to the Christian church in Corinth. It’s jacked up. There’s stuff going on there that’s not Christian at all. And there are two questions that must be answered to see if their faith would pass the test: 
                  • First, will they believe Paul’s message?
                  • They didn’t like what he was saying. They were even challenging his authority as an apostle. That was the test.
                  • It was Saul’s test, too, last week: When Jesus called out Saul and challenged his understanding, he shockingly submitted to him. 
                  • Now it was the Corinthians’ turn. Would they submit to the truth?
                  • Second, will they repent and turn from their own way?
                  • Remember last week: Christianity is a way, not just a set of beliefs.
                  • True conversion happens when you leave the way of death to follow the way of Jesus.
                  • These so-called believers were not following the way of Jesus
                  • Paul was calling them out on it, and their response would tell him if their faith was genuine. 
                  • 1 John 3:9-10 (ESV) 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
                  
                  

                  Let’s finish the question for Saul:

                  Acts 9:27 (NLT) 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

                  • We met this guy earlier. The encourager. Living up to his name.
                  • Ananias vouched for Saul in Damascus because he saw Jesus in a vision.
                  • Barnabus vouched for Saul in Jerusalem because he saw a changed life.
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:28 (NLT) 28 So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

                  • They realized he was a true believer, and he
                  • Stayed with them
                  • Preaching with them
                  • Saul’s story had a clear answer: he was saved, no doubt about it. 
                  
                  

                  What about you?

                  Three simple questions to know if you’re truly saved (full circle):

                  • Have you trusted Jesus for salvation? (nothing else can save, but it’s more than mere confession)
                  • Do you live your life to honor God? (practice righteousness vs practice sinning)
                  • Do you care enough to share with others? (make disciples)
                  • This might be the ultimate litmus test. 
                  • In the book of Acts, all of the believers did more than receive the message; they shared it.
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:31 (NLT) 31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.

                  ]]>Welcome to part three in our Salvation 101 mini-series! Today we'll be asking and answering the question: How can you know if you’re really saved?

                  --

                  The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

                  --

                  Q. How Can You Know If You’re Really Saved?

                  • Part 19 in our Acts series!!
                  • Part 3 in our mini-series on “How Salvation Works”
                  • Two weeks ago: Is Anyone Too Far Gone for God? (Acts 8:26-40)
                  • Answer: No! God can reach you on the desert road to nowhere
                  • Last week: How Does Spiritual Conversion Actually Work?
                  • We’ll looked at the dramatic conversion story of Saul (Paul)
                  • – and what we can generalize from his experience.
                  • Today: How can you know if you’re really saved? (Acts 9:20-31)
                  • Paul went about preaching the gospel immediately
                  • The disciples in Jerusalem didn’t believe he was really saved!? After 3 years! 
                  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Even believers who have seen the power of God at work in their own lives can doubt God's ability to change others.
                  • The fancy term for this: “assurance of salvation”
                  • Can you have it for yourself?
                  • Some people “know that they know” they’re saved, no problems with this
                  • So many other people doubt their salvation and live in fear of judgment
                  • Here’s the thing: you can think you’re saved and NOT be saved
                  • False conversions are a thing. Jesus said:
                  • Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT) 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
                  • Ouch! One of the most frightening verses in the Bible!
                  • So, how can you know? We’ll get to that answer, but let’s start with our text…
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:19-20 (NLT) Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

                  • Wow! What a transformation in Saul’s life
                  • One moment he’s persecuting these messengers of Christianity
                  • Next moment he IS a messenger!
                  • Have you met anyone like this? Total transformation
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:21 (NLT) 21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

                  Acts 9:22 (NLT) 22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 

                  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) When Luke says that Saul grew more and more powerful, the term he uses (enedynamouto) suggests the empowerment of the Spirit.
                  • Proving from OT, on which he was an expert (scales fell)
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.

                  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) This signifies the completion of a significant period in the narrative (cf. Lk. 9:51) and is consistent with the mention of a three-year gap between his conversion and his first journey to Jerusalem as a Christian:
                  • Galatians 1:15-18 (NLT) 15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. 
                  • When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days.
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:26 (NLT) 26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer!

                  • Now you know why this was our question of the day.
                  • Saul had been a Christian for 3 years, yet the Jerusalem believers doubted it
                  • They (all of them?) thought he was a false convert! (still afraid of him)
                  • Would YOU have? 
                  • Have YOU ever struggled to truly believe in the life-changing power of Jesus? 
                  • In someone else’s life
                  • In your own life
                  
                  

                  So, back to our question:

                  Q. How Can You Know If You’re Really Saved?

                  • Paul himself later raises this question to some “believers” in Corinth:
                  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT) 5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.
                  • This is Saul, now called Paul, writing to the Christian church in Corinth. It’s jacked up. There’s stuff going on there that’s not Christian at all. And there are two questions that must be answered to see if their faith would pass the test: 
                  • First, will they believe Paul’s message?
                  • They didn’t like what he was saying. They were even challenging his authority as an apostle. That was the test.
                  • It was Saul’s test, too, last week: When Jesus called out Saul and challenged his understanding, he shockingly submitted to him. 
                  • Now it was the Corinthians’ turn. Would they submit to the truth?
                  • Second, will they repent and turn from their own way?
                  • Remember last week: Christianity is a way, not just a set of beliefs.
                  • True conversion happens when you leave the way of death to follow the way of Jesus.
                  • These so-called believers were not following the way of Jesus
                  • Paul was calling them out on it, and their response would tell him if their faith was genuine. 
                  • 1 John 3:9-10 (ESV) 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
                  
                  

                  Let’s finish the question for Saul:

                  Acts 9:27 (NLT) 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

                  • We met this guy earlier. The encourager. Living up to his name.
                  • Ananias vouched for Saul in Damascus because he saw Jesus in a vision.
                  • Barnabus vouched for Saul in Jerusalem because he saw a changed life.
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:28 (NLT) 28 So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

                  • They realized he was a true believer, and he
                  • Stayed with them
                  • Preaching with them
                  • Saul’s story had a clear answer: he was saved, no doubt about it. 
                  
                  

                  What about you?

                  Three simple questions to know if you’re truly saved (full circle):

                  • Have you trusted Jesus for salvation? (nothing else can save, but it’s more than mere confession)
                  • Do you live your life to honor God? (practice righteousness vs practice sinning)
                  • Do you care enough to share with others? (make disciples)
                  • This might be the ultimate litmus test. 
                  • In the book of Acts, all of the believers did more than receive the message; they shared it.
                  
                  

                  Acts 9:31 (NLT) 31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.

                  ]]>29e7030a-5900-4346-9e4d-976dfd0b7528Fri, 27 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -060031:58falsebonusMormon Questions: Do Mormons Hold the Keys to the Kingdom?In this episode, Pastor Bryan takes a deep into the Bible to answer the question "Do Mormons Hold the Keys to the Kingdom?".

                  --

                  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

                  --

                  The phrase "keys to the kingdom" is found in Matthew 16:19, where Jesus tells Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This phrase has significant theological implications, especially in the context of how different Christian traditions interpret its meaning. While various denominations, including Roman Catholicism and Mormonism, have their own views on this passage, this article will focus on a biblical perspective of the "keys to the kingdom" and offer a critique of how it is understood in Mormon doctrine.

                  Mormon Doctrine of "Keys to the Kingdom"

                  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormonism) teaches that the "keys to the kingdom" refer to the authority of the priesthood, which they believe was restored through Joseph Smith. In Mormon doctrine, the "keys" of the priesthood are held by Church leaders, specifically the president of the Church, who is considered a prophet, seer, and revelator. These keys are believed to include the authority to perform necessary ordinances for salvation, such as baptism, confirmation, marriage, and other sacred rites.

                  Mormon teaching emphasizes that the priesthood keys are necessary for entering the celestial kingdom, the highest level of heaven in LDS theology. They believe that these keys were lost after the death of the original apostles and were restored through Joseph Smith during the early 19th century. In this view, the LDS Church is the only church that has the fullness of the priesthood keys necessary for salvation.

                  What Does the Bible Really Teach about the "Keys to the Kingdom"?

                  Matthew 16:15-19 (NLT) 15 Then Jesus asked his disciples, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

                  In Matthew 16:19, the "keys to the kingdom" symbolize authority, specifically spiritual authority in the context of the Church. The image of keys implies the power to open and close doors, which in this case represents the ability to grant or deny access to the kingdom of heaven. This authority is often understood to involve the power of teaching, guiding, and governing within the Church under Christ’s leadership.

                  • Authority to Bind and Loose: The terms "bind" and "loose" in first-century Jewish context referred to legal and religious rulings. To "bind" meant to forbid something, while to "loose" meant to permit something. This indicates that Peter, and by extension the apostles and the Church, were given the authority to make decisions in matters of faith, practice, and discipline. This is confirmed in Matthew 18:18, where Jesus extends this authority to the community of believers as a whole (in the context of a believer sinning).
                  • Matthew 18:18 (NLT) 18 “I tell you (plural) the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
                  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) To the church as a whole there is committed the responsibility of declaring what conduct is forbidden to the believer and what is permitted. This was very necessary in a situation where the Jewish Scriptures were accepted as the Scriptures of the believers, but where the Jewish interpretation was rejected, as were many Jewish practices that those who performed them alleged were based on Scripture. The church as a whole should decide such matters, Jesus is saying.
                  • Foundation of the Church: Jesus tells Peter, "On this rock, I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). Some have interpreted this to mean that Peter himself is the foundation of the Church, while others view the "rock" as Peter’s confession of faith that Jesus is the Messiah. Either way, the authority of the apostles is firmly grounded in their role as witnesses to Christ and His resurrection (Ephesians 2:20). And it’s all about Jesus:
                  
                  

                  Biblical Context of Authority

                  Throughout the New Testament, authority is a critical theme, and Jesus makes it clear that all authority comes from Him (Matthew 28:18). The "keys" given to Peter are not Peter's own personal authority but a stewardship of the authority of Christ. Pillar New Testament Commentary: “The early church knows nothing of a personal headship over the church possessed by Peter. He, together with John, was “sent” by the church (Acts 8:14), he is called by the church to give an account of himself (Acts 11:1-18), it is James, not Peter, who presides over the council in Jerusalem (Acts 15), and Paul rebukes him sharply (Gal. 2:11-14).”

                  Significantly, the "keys" do not represent unlimited or independent authority. Jesus, as the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), remains the ultimate source of power. The authority to "bind and loose" is contingent upon faithfulness to Christ’s will, which is why the early apostles operated not as autonomous rulers but as humble servants of the Word (1 Corinthians 3:5-11).

                  • Colossians 1:18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body.
                  • 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
                  
                  

                  Moreover, this authority is always exercised in service to the Gospel. Peter and the other apostles are commissioned to preach, teach, and lead in a way that aligns with Christ's teachings (see Acts 2, 8, and 10 for the door opening to Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles respectively). Contrast this with the Jewish leaders shutting the door on people (see Matthew 23:13)

                  • Matthew 23:13 (NLT) 13 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.”
                  
                  

                  A Biblical Critique of the Mormon View

                  1. No Apostolic Succession of Keys in the Bible: While the Bible does speak of the apostles receiving authority from Christ, it does not suggest that this authority was passed down in a formal, institutionalized manner after their deaths. Ephesians 2:20 says that the Church is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." This implies that the apostles’ unique role in establishing the Church was foundational and not something that would continue through future generations.
                  2. The Priesthood of All Believers: In the New Testament, the concept of priesthood shifts dramatically. 1 Peter 2:9 refers to all believers as a "royal priesthood," indicating that every Christian, through faith in Christ, has direct access to God. Hebrews 7:23-28 and Hebrews 10:19-22 emphasize that Jesus is the perfect and eternal High Priest, rendering any additional earthly priesthood unnecessary for salvation.
                  3. Christ’s Authority is Final and Complete: Jesus declares that "all authority in heaven and on earth" has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). The idea that the "keys" were lost and needed to be restored is not supported by Scripture – and it would make Jesus incompetent! After His resurrection, Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to the apostles (John 20:22) to guide them, indicating that the Church was fully equipped for its mission. The New Testament gives no indication that there would be a need for additional restoration of authority.
                  4. Salvation is Through Faith, Not Ordinances: The New Testament consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), not through the performance of ordinances. While baptism, communion, and other practices are important expressions of faith, they are not prerequisites for salvation in the biblical sense. The idea that the "keys to the kingdom" involve controlling access to salvation through ordinances contradicts the teaching that faith in Christ alone is what saves (John 3:16, Romans 10:9).
                  
                  

                  The Takeaway

                  The biblical understanding of the "keys to the kingdom" is that they represent the authority Christ gave to the apostles to lead the Church in faithfulness to His teachings. This authority is always under the lordship of Christ and serves the proclamation of the...]]>In this episode, Pastor Bryan takes a deep into the Bible to answer the question "Do Mormons Hold the Keys to the Kingdom?".

                  --

                  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

                  --

                  The phrase "keys to the kingdom" is found in Matthew 16:19, where Jesus tells Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This phrase has significant theological implications, especially in the context of how different Christian traditions interpret its meaning. While various denominations, including Roman Catholicism and Mormonism, have their own views on this passage, this article will focus on a biblical perspective of the "keys to the kingdom" and offer a critique of how it is understood in Mormon doctrine.

                  Mormon Doctrine of "Keys to the Kingdom"

                  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormonism) teaches that the "keys to the kingdom" refer to the authority of the priesthood, which they believe was restored through Joseph Smith. In Mormon doctrine, the "keys" of the priesthood are held by Church leaders, specifically the president of the Church, who is considered a prophet, seer, and revelator. These keys are believed to include the authority to perform necessary ordinances for salvation, such as baptism, confirmation, marriage, and other sacred rites.

                  Mormon teaching emphasizes that the priesthood keys are necessary for entering the celestial kingdom, the highest level of heaven in LDS theology. They believe that these keys were lost after the death of the original apostles and were restored through Joseph Smith during the early 19th century. In this view, the LDS Church is the only church that has the fullness of the priesthood keys necessary for salvation.

                  What Does the Bible Really Teach about the "Keys to the Kingdom"?

                  Matthew 16:15-19 (NLT) 15 Then Jesus asked his disciples, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

                  In Matthew 16:19, the "keys to the kingdom" symbolize authority, specifically spiritual authority in the context of the Church. The image of keys implies the power to open and close doors, which in this case represents the ability to grant or deny access to the kingdom of heaven. This authority is often understood to involve the power of teaching, guiding, and governing within the Church under Christ’s leadership.

                  • Authority to Bind and Loose: The terms "bind" and "loose" in first-century Jewish context referred to legal and religious rulings. To "bind" meant to forbid something, while to "loose" meant to permit something. This indicates that Peter, and by extension the apostles and the Church, were given the authority to make decisions in matters of faith, practice, and discipline. This is confirmed in Matthew 18:18, where Jesus extends this authority to the community of believers as a whole (in the context of a believer sinning).
                  • Matthew 18:18 (NLT) 18 “I tell you (plural) the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
                  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) To the church as a whole there is committed the responsibility of declaring what conduct is forbidden to the believer and what is permitted. This was very necessary in a situation where the Jewish Scriptures were accepted as the Scriptures of the believers, but where the Jewish interpretation was rejected, as were many Jewish practices that those who performed them alleged were based on Scripture. The church as a whole should decide such matters, Jesus is saying.
                  • Foundation of the Church: Jesus tells Peter, "On this rock, I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18). Some have interpreted this to mean that Peter himself is the foundation of the Church, while others view the "rock" as Peter’s confession of faith that Jesus is the Messiah. Either way, the authority of the apostles is firmly grounded in their role as witnesses to Christ and His resurrection (Ephesians 2:20). And it’s all about Jesus:
                  
                  

                  Biblical Context of Authority

                  Throughout the New Testament, authority is a critical theme, and Jesus makes it clear that all authority comes from Him (Matthew 28:18). The "keys" given to Peter are not Peter's own personal authority but a stewardship of the authority of Christ. Pillar New Testament Commentary: “The early church knows nothing of a personal headship over the church possessed by Peter. He, together with John, was “sent” by the church (Acts 8:14), he is called by the church to give an account of himself (Acts 11:1-18), it is James, not Peter, who presides over the council in Jerusalem (Acts 15), and Paul rebukes him sharply (Gal. 2:11-14).”

                  Significantly, the "keys" do not represent unlimited or independent authority. Jesus, as the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), remains the ultimate source of power. The authority to "bind and loose" is contingent upon faithfulness to Christ’s will, which is why the early apostles operated not as autonomous rulers but as humble servants of the Word (1 Corinthians 3:5-11).

                  • Colossians 1:18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body.
                  • 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.
                  
                  

                  Moreover, this authority is always exercised in service to the Gospel. Peter and the other apostles are commissioned to preach, teach, and lead in a way that aligns with Christ's teachings (see Acts 2, 8, and 10 for the door opening to Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles respectively). Contrast this with the Jewish leaders shutting the door on people (see Matthew 23:13)

                  • Matthew 23:13 (NLT) 13 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.”
                  
                  

                  A Biblical Critique of the Mormon View

                  1. No Apostolic Succession of Keys in the Bible: While the Bible does speak of the apostles receiving authority from Christ, it does not suggest that this authority was passed down in a formal, institutionalized manner after their deaths. Ephesians 2:20 says that the Church is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." This implies that the apostles’ unique role in establishing the Church was foundational and not something that would continue through future generations.
                  2. The Priesthood of All Believers: In the New Testament, the concept of priesthood shifts dramatically. 1 Peter 2:9 refers to all believers as a "royal priesthood," indicating that every Christian, through faith in Christ, has direct access to God. Hebrews 7:23-28 and Hebrews 10:19-22 emphasize that Jesus is the perfect and eternal High Priest, rendering any additional earthly priesthood unnecessary for salvation.
                  3. Christ’s Authority is Final and Complete: Jesus declares that "all authority in heaven and on earth" has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). The idea that the "keys" were lost and needed to be restored is not supported by Scripture – and it would make Jesus incompetent! After His resurrection, Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to the apostles (John 20:22) to guide them, indicating that the Church was fully equipped for its mission. The New Testament gives no indication that there would be a need for additional restoration of authority.
                  4. Salvation is Through Faith, Not Ordinances: The New Testament consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), not through the performance of ordinances. While baptism, communion, and other practices are important expressions of faith, they are not prerequisites for salvation in the biblical sense. The idea that the "keys to the kingdom" involve controlling access to salvation through ordinances contradicts the teaching that faith in Christ alone is what saves (John 3:16, Romans 10:9).
                  
                  

                  The Takeaway

                  The biblical understanding of the "keys to the kingdom" is that they represent the authority Christ gave to the apostles to lead the Church in faithfulness to His teachings. This authority is always under the lordship of Christ and serves the proclamation of the Gospel. The idea that the keys were lost and later restored through Joseph Smith, as taught in Mormonism, is not supported by the Bible. Rather, the Bible emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ’s authority and the priesthood of all believers, showing that access to the kingdom of God is granted through faith in Jesus Christ, not through institutionalized priesthood or restored keys.

                  ]]>025ca19c-892e-4eef-aa7d-812073b28ed4Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -060025:53falsefull7979How Does Spiritual Conversion Actually Work? (Acts 9: 1-19) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastExcerpt

                  --

                  The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

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                  Notes

                  ]]>Excerpt

                  --

                  The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

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                  Notes

                  ]]>5b0ad7e1-ca02-4235-9c58-7ff273944e19Fri, 20 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -060032:27falsebonusMormon Questions: Can the Bible Be Trusted?Mormons are taught that the Bible is true *as far as it's translated correctly. That's a big asterisk that causes most LDS folks to doubt it reliability or usefulness in life. But here are three reasons to believe the Bible is reliable.

                  --

                  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

                  --

                  ]]>Mormons are taught that the Bible is true *as far as it's translated correctly. That's a big asterisk that causes most LDS folks to doubt it reliability or usefulness in life. But here are three reasons to believe the Bible is reliable.

                  --

                  The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

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                  ]]>5f44f2d6-4141-45da-a06d-0fd4febe0c16Mon, 16 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -060048:35falsefull7878What Are the Church’s Greatest Threats? (Acts 8:1-25) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastToday we’ll look at the first part of Acts chapter 8. We’ll do a “threat assessment” on the early church as we answer this question: What Are the Church’s Greatest Threats?

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                  The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                  Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                  Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                  Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                  Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                  Donate Now

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                  Q. What Are the Church’s Greatest Threats?

                  • (Alpine is 23 years old today!)
                  • First public service held Sept 9, 2001
                  • Two days later the twin towers fell and the world changed
                  • Threat of terrorism
                  • Threat of global war
                  • Threat of losing American way
                  • But Alpine continued to grow, and today…
                  • Eight campuses, and growing!
                  • Opening service at the Syracuse building
                  • Where will God take us in the next 23 years? 
                  • And what threats will we have to endure?
                  • Today we’ll look at three threats that the early church faced (persecution, power, and division) and one bonus threat that seems unique to us today (apathy). 
                  • We have a lot to cover, so let’s get straight to the text… 
                  
                  

                  The Threat of Persecution

                  Acts 8: (NLT) 1 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.

                  Acts 8:1-3 (NLT) A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2 (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

                  • The External Threat
                  • Pay attention to the language here, and how different it is from what we’ve seen so far in our study of Acts
                  • First, let’s review the memories (honeymoon stage)
                  • Growth: Acts 2:41 (NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
                  • Miracles: Acts 3:7 (NLT) 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.
                  • Community: Acts 4:32 (NLT) 32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.
                  • Freedom: Acts 5:42 (NLT) 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
                  • Now we have all new language:
                  • “Great wave of persecution”
                  • I remember standing in the ocean with my kids when they were young, the power of the waves
                  • That’s nothing compared to the tsunami that hit Japan 
                  • March 11, 2011
                  • They call it “3/11”
                  • The church experienced this external threat
                  • A tsunami of persecution
                  • scary
                  • “all the believers … were scattered”
                  • So much for community!
                  • And then this:
                  • “Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church”
                  • This guy’s personal mission! 
                  • I’ve seen some of these guys on YouTube…
                  • Atheists
                  • Christian haters
                  • Deconstructionists
                  
                  

                  But here’s the thing with God: a threat is just an opportunity. 

                  Acts 8: (NLT) 4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. 

                  • Don’t you love it!? 
                  • Genesis 50:20 (NLT) You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. (Like the Esther story with Haman)
                  • In fact, this was God’s plan all along: that the next stop after Jerusalem would be Judea and Samaria. Let’s put some verses side-by-side:
                  • Acts 1:8 (NLT) 8 …And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
                  • Jesus’ final words before his ascension
                  • Acts 8:1 (NLT) …and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria.
                  • Bad thing, right? Not quite…
                  • Acts 8:4 (NLT) But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
                  • What the enemy meant for evil….
                  
                  

                  Then Luke gives a specific example…

                  Acts 8:5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. 6 Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. 7 Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

                  • How did all of this start? With persecution in Jerusalem.
                  
                  

                  And that’s where our bonus threat comes in…

                  The Threat of Apathy

                  Q. Does the church face the threat of persecution today?

                  • In some countries, yes. Ex: Iran
                  • Iran was number nine on Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List, an annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.
                  • Sheep Among Wolves Vol 2 documentary
                  • Incredible persecution among Christians in Iran
                  • Yet the church is growing, gospel is spreading 
                  • Underground!
                  • According to scholar Shay Khatiri of Johns Hopkins University, “Islam is the fastest shrinking religion in there [Iran], while Christianity is growing the fastest”, and in 2018 "up to half a million Iranians are Christian converts from Muslim families, and most of these Christians are evangelicals." He adds that "recent estimates claim that the number might have climbed up to somewhere between 1 million and 3 million".
                  • But what about America, where there is no true persecution?
                  • Iranian Christian couple was able to move to the US. But after being in US, wife began to plead with husband to take her back to Iran.
                  • “There’s a satanic lullaby here. All the Christians are sleepy, and I’m feeling sleepy.”
                  • Spiritual apathy is a greater threat than persecution.
                  • Lulled into our comfortable lives
                  • Not caring about the lost
                  • Not serious about our pursuit of God
                  • Because we feel like we don’t have to be
                  
                  

                  As we read on, Luke describes another threat in the early church, one that still exists today.

                  The Threat of Power

                  Acts 8:9-11 (NLT) 9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. 10 Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” 11 They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.

                  • Think of him as a popular secular influencer
                  
                  

                  Acts 8:12-13 (NLT) 12 But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.

                  • Simon had magic, Philip had miracles
                  • To the outside observer, might not have looked different
                  • Notice the similarities in the crowds reactions:
                  • Astounded with his magic
                  • Amazed by his miracles
                  • Even Simon the sorcerer is impressed
                  • He believed
                  • He was baptized
                  • Remember this as we hear the rest of the story…
                  
                  

                  Acts 8:14-17 (NLT) 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.

                  • (New Bible Commentary) It is, of course, delightful that John, who once wanted to call down the fire of judgment on a Samaritan village (Lk. 9:54), was one of those who was now calling down the Holy Spirit!
                  
                  

                  But here’s where the threat comes in…

                  Acts 8:18-19 (NLT) 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19 “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”

                  • Simon was thinking in terms of magic power and influence
                  • And he wanted to buy this influence
                  • This came to be known as “Simony” - named after this passage!
                  • Simony is the act of buying or selling spiritual things, particularly church offices or roles
                  • In medieval Europe, the church was often intertwined with]]>Today we’ll look at the first part of Acts chapter 8. We’ll do a “threat assessment” on the early church as we answer this question: What Are the Church’s Greatest Threats?

                    --

                    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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                    Q. What Are the Church’s Greatest Threats?

                    • (Alpine is 23 years old today!)
                    • First public service held Sept 9, 2001
                    • Two days later the twin towers fell and the world changed
                    • Threat of terrorism
                    • Threat of global war
                    • Threat of losing American way
                    • But Alpine continued to grow, and today…
                    • Eight campuses, and growing!
                    • Opening service at the Syracuse building
                    • Where will God take us in the next 23 years? 
                    • And what threats will we have to endure?
                    • Today we’ll look at three threats that the early church faced (persecution, power, and division) and one bonus threat that seems unique to us today (apathy). 
                    • We have a lot to cover, so let’s get straight to the text… 
                    
                    

                    The Threat of Persecution

                    Acts 8: (NLT) 1 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.

                    Acts 8:1-3 (NLT) A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2 (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

                    • The External Threat
                    • Pay attention to the language here, and how different it is from what we’ve seen so far in our study of Acts
                    • First, let’s review the memories (honeymoon stage)
                    • Growth: Acts 2:41 (NLT) 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
                    • Miracles: Acts 3:7 (NLT) 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.
                    • Community: Acts 4:32 (NLT) 32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.
                    • Freedom: Acts 5:42 (NLT) 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
                    • Now we have all new language:
                    • “Great wave of persecution”
                    • I remember standing in the ocean with my kids when they were young, the power of the waves
                    • That’s nothing compared to the tsunami that hit Japan 
                    • March 11, 2011
                    • They call it “3/11”
                    • The church experienced this external threat
                    • A tsunami of persecution
                    • scary
                    • “all the believers … were scattered”
                    • So much for community!
                    • And then this:
                    • “Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church”
                    • This guy’s personal mission! 
                    • I’ve seen some of these guys on YouTube…
                    • Atheists
                    • Christian haters
                    • Deconstructionists
                    
                    

                    But here’s the thing with God: a threat is just an opportunity. 

                    Acts 8: (NLT) 4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. 

                    • Don’t you love it!? 
                    • Genesis 50:20 (NLT) You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. (Like the Esther story with Haman)
                    • In fact, this was God’s plan all along: that the next stop after Jerusalem would be Judea and Samaria. Let’s put some verses side-by-side:
                    • Acts 1:8 (NLT) 8 …And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
                    • Jesus’ final words before his ascension
                    • Acts 8:1 (NLT) …and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria.
                    • Bad thing, right? Not quite…
                    • Acts 8:4 (NLT) But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
                    • What the enemy meant for evil….
                    
                    

                    Then Luke gives a specific example…

                    Acts 8:5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. 6 Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. 7 Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

                    • How did all of this start? With persecution in Jerusalem.
                    
                    

                    And that’s where our bonus threat comes in…

                    The Threat of Apathy

                    Q. Does the church face the threat of persecution today?

                    • In some countries, yes. Ex: Iran
                    • Iran was number nine on Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List, an annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.
                    • Sheep Among Wolves Vol 2 documentary
                    • Incredible persecution among Christians in Iran
                    • Yet the church is growing, gospel is spreading 
                    • Underground!
                    • According to scholar Shay Khatiri of Johns Hopkins University, “Islam is the fastest shrinking religion in there [Iran], while Christianity is growing the fastest”, and in 2018 "up to half a million Iranians are Christian converts from Muslim families, and most of these Christians are evangelicals." He adds that "recent estimates claim that the number might have climbed up to somewhere between 1 million and 3 million".
                    • But what about America, where there is no true persecution?
                    • Iranian Christian couple was able to move to the US. But after being in US, wife began to plead with husband to take her back to Iran.
                    • “There’s a satanic lullaby here. All the Christians are sleepy, and I’m feeling sleepy.”
                    • Spiritual apathy is a greater threat than persecution.
                    • Lulled into our comfortable lives
                    • Not caring about the lost
                    • Not serious about our pursuit of God
                    • Because we feel like we don’t have to be
                    
                    

                    As we read on, Luke describes another threat in the early church, one that still exists today.

                    The Threat of Power

                    Acts 8:9-11 (NLT) 9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. 10 Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One—the Power of God.” 11 They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.

                    • Think of him as a popular secular influencer
                    
                    

                    Acts 8:12-13 (NLT) 12 But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.

                    • Simon had magic, Philip had miracles
                    • To the outside observer, might not have looked different
                    • Notice the similarities in the crowds reactions:
                    • Astounded with his magic
                    • Amazed by his miracles
                    • Even Simon the sorcerer is impressed
                    • He believed
                    • He was baptized
                    • Remember this as we hear the rest of the story…
                    
                    

                    Acts 8:14-17 (NLT) 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.

                    • (New Bible Commentary) It is, of course, delightful that John, who once wanted to call down the fire of judgment on a Samaritan village (Lk. 9:54), was one of those who was now calling down the Holy Spirit!
                    
                    

                    But here’s where the threat comes in…

                    Acts 8:18-19 (NLT) 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. 19 “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”

                    • Simon was thinking in terms of magic power and influence
                    • And he wanted to buy this influence
                    • This came to be known as “Simony” - named after this passage!
                    • Simony is the act of buying or selling spiritual things, particularly church offices or roles
                    • In medieval Europe, the church was often intertwined with the feudal system. This led to church positions being treated as hereditary titles, sometimes sold or exchanged for political support.
                    • The sale of indulgences, closely related to simony, became a central issue leading to the Protestant Reformation.
                    • Here’s what the threat might look like today: desire to be an “Apostle”
                    • Or bishop or prophet… or whatever you call it
                    • The person who holds the keys to the kingdom
                    • Making a claim to this kind of power when it’s not up for grabs 
                    • Mormon idea (and other groups like Catholics, New Apostolic Reformation): apostles still exist and authority is conferred by laying on of hands (apostolic succession)
                    • According to Joseph Smith's account, the first major instance of the laying on of hands took place on May 15, 1829. Joseph Smith and his scribe, Oliver Cowdery, were translating the Book of Mormon when they had questions about baptism and authority. In response to their prayers, John the Baptist appeared to them as a resurrected being. John the Baptist laid his hands upon Joseph and Oliver, conferring upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. John instructed them to baptize each other and gave them the authority to do so.
                    • Shortly after the conferral of the Aaronic Priesthood, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery reported that Peter, James, and John laid their hands upon Joseph and Oliver, conferring upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood. This higher priesthood includes the authority to lead the Church, bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, and perform other sacred ordinances. This priesthood is also believed to include the authority to administer the Church's sacraments and other spiritual gifts.
                    • But here’s the truth: We don’t have apostles anymore in the foundational sense (See Unveiling Mormonism Episode 70). Only offices in the church are elder or deacon (See two weeks ago in the Acts series).
                    • Maybe even more important to understand: even in the NT the apostles didn’t have exclusive rights to give the HS.
                    • In Acts 9, Ananias (not an apostle) laid hands on Saul and he received the HS
                    • In Acts 10 the HS was given to a group of Gentiles without the laying on of hands. Given directly by God
                    • In Acts 2 the same thing happened for the disciples - given directly by God, no laying on of hands (Jesus could’ve done it before his ascension if it was always a thing.)
                    • The point: HS is God’s gift to give, not man’s. He can give it through apostolic laying on of hands (Acts 8, 19) or not (Acts 2, 9, 10)
                    • (Expositor's Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) Neither baptism nor the laying on of hands conveys any status or power of itself, though Simon with his shallow spiritual perception thought they could.
                    • Generally, the New Testament teaches that all who put their faith in Jesus receive the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:2, Ephesians 1:13). This indwelling is not dependent on the physical laying on of hands but is the work of the Holy Spirit in response to faith.
                    
                    

                    So why did God wait to give his HS through Peter and John? Why not just do it himself without the involvement of the Jerusalem apostles? The reason: it could have created the threat of division. 

                    The Threat of Division

                    • (Zondervan Bible Commentary (1 Vol.)) Why did the Spirit not ‘fall upon’ the Samaritan believers as He did later on the Gentiles who received the word in Caesarea (10:44–48)? It must be remembered that the Samaritans had maintained a Jehovistic worship for centuries, divorced from Jewish witness, God’s channel of salvation (Jn 4:22). The believers ‘in the name’ might have desired to run their own show, carrying the schism over to the church.
                    • God wanted two things:
                    • To show the Samaritans that the apostles were the real deal.
                    • This was the foundation of one church
                    • To show the apostles that the Samaritans were the real deal.
                    • They were fully accepted by God, just like they had been
                    • They received the same HS!
                    • Were it not for this, there would be division in the church
                    • Remember: still mainly a Jewish thing
                    • In this chapter the door opens to the Samaritans
                    • Soon enough the door will open to the Gentiles
                    
                    

                    Close

                    So what are the threats facing the church today?

                    • Persecution
                    • Apathy
                    • Power
                    • Division
                    
                    

                    And so many more - maybe you can make your own list with your family, small group, or mentor. But I think it would be good to end this section where Luke does:

                    Acts 8:25 (NLT) 25 After testifying and preaching the word of the Lord in Samaria, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And they stopped in many Samaritan villages along the way to preach the Good News.

                    • Threats will come. Our job is to preach the Good News in every generation.
                    • Mat 16:18 (NLT) I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
                    
                    ]]>81a81012-5153-408e-bf54-5bc041e7aa1eFri, 06 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -060034:48falsebonusHow Did This Make It Into the LDS Articles of Faith?!In this conversation, Bryan and Bo discuss the final three Articles of Faith in the LDS Church. They touch on the changing doctrines and teachings within Mormonism and the difficulty of finding accurate information outside of church-approved sources.

                    --

                    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                    Donate Now

                    --

                    Shownotes:

                    Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                    LDS:“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

                    LDS:“We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

                    LDS:“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

                    • AC: “Sanctification” describes the maturing process, guided and enabled by the Holy Spirit, in a believer’s life. The standard for this process is derived from the Bible and informed and interpreted through reason, tradition, and experience. Where Scripture gives clear directives we submit ourselves wholly to its teachings. Where it is silent we extract timeless principles that apply to our situation and seek to live responsibly. We do not, however, bind the conscience of other believers in areas of spiritual or cultural ambiguity. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 1 Thess 4:1-8; Col. 3:17; Matt. 5:13-16; Eph. 2:10; Gal. 6:9-10).
                    • https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng
                    
                    

                    https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

                    ]]>In this conversation, Bryan and Bo discuss the final three Articles of Faith in the LDS Church. They touch on the changing doctrines and teachings within Mormonism and the difficulty of finding accurate information outside of church-approved sources.

                    --

                    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                    Donate Now

                    --

                    Shownotes:

                    Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                    LDS:“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

                    LDS:“We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

                    LDS:“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

                    • AC: “Sanctification” describes the maturing process, guided and enabled by the Holy Spirit, in a believer’s life. The standard for this process is derived from the Bible and informed and interpreted through reason, tradition, and experience. Where Scripture gives clear directives we submit ourselves wholly to its teachings. Where it is silent we extract timeless principles that apply to our situation and seek to live responsibly. We do not, however, bind the conscience of other believers in areas of spiritual or cultural ambiguity. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 1 Thess 4:1-8; Col. 3:17; Matt. 5:13-16; Eph. 2:10; Gal. 6:9-10).
                    • https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo?lang=eng
                    
                    

                    https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

                    ]]>512464be-1ee5-4837-8100-c605995ea506Mon, 02 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -060050:35falsefull7777Is There a Right Way to Organize a Church? (Acts 6:1-7) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastToday we're beginning a new chapter in our Acts book series, as we uncover what chapter 6 has to say about organizing a church.

                    --

                    The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                    Donate Now

                    --

                    Is there a right way to organize a church? 

                    • But seriously, lots of debate on this over the centuries
                    • Elders, deacons, pastors, bishops, etc.
                    • Are these different positions in the church?
                    • Today I’ll show you that there are only two “offices” in the church when it comes to positions of leadership
                    • But is there only one prescribed, God-ordained way to organize?
                    
                    

                    Acts 6:1 (NLT) 1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

                    • Church growth brings it challenges!
                    • Greek speaking vs. Hebrew speaking - Warning against cliques in the church, us vs. them mentality, contrary to the unity Jesus calls us to have and the unity that will show the world we are his disciples
                    
                    

                    Acts 6:2-4 (NLT) 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

                    • Division of labor
                    • Apostles weren’t discounting the importance of meeting physical needs. The apostles were teaching “everything they had seen and heard” ( We have seen this phrase used earlier in the book of Acts).  They couldn’t just pass that responsibility on to people who hadn’t walked with Jesus.  They didn’t have Bibles available for the average believer.  They were teaching what Jesus had taught them, both prior to his crucifixion and between his resurrection and ascension.  
                    • The church should be looking for opportunities to meet physical needs of others, particularly other believers. (1 John 3:17, James 2:15-16)
                    • Philosophy of ministry to have elders/pastors whose only role is teaching the Word of God. Teaching the Word of God is extremely important, but we do have a different context today.  Believers do have access to the Bible. They do have access to other believers, commentaries, etc.  
                    • Notice the requirements don’t mention anything about the charisma, wealth, talents of the individuals being put forth for consideration.  It is about their character, wisdom, and being Spirit filled. 
                    • Note also the importance of prayer.  The apostles were intentional about making room in their schedule for prayer.  This is critical in ministry.  Something I certainly fall short in at times. 
                    
                    

                    Acts 6:5-6 (NLT) 5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

                    • Everyone liked this idea - maybe the biggest miracle in all of scripture!!
                    • Process: men selected from the people, presented to apostles who released them for ministry
                    • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In the history of exegesis and church government, Acts 6 with the appointment of Stephen and six others was always seen as relevant to diaconal definition and identity. But they are not actually called deacons using the Greek word diakonos. That word refers to a “servant” in various senses and capacities in Paul’s twenty-one uses of the word.
                    
                    

                    Let’s break down “diakonos” (servant, minister, deacon) in Paul’s writings:

                    • General uses: Not referring to official positions in a local church
                    • Rom 15:8 - Christ has become a servant
                    • 1 Cor 3:5 - Apollos and Paul are servants
                    • Col 1:7, 4:7 - Epaphras and Tychicus are ministers
                    • 2 Cor 11:15 - Satan has servants
                    • Office of deacon in local church: Only 3 times!
                    • Phil 1:1 (NLT) I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.
                    • Philippians written around 60-62 AD
                    • 1 Tim 3:8-12 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity….
                    • 1 Timothy 62-66 AD
                    • Romans 16:1-2 (NLT) 1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
                    • Some people debate whether this is referring to an official role in the church or just a general statement like the earlier list.
                    • May be the first reference to the office of deacon. Was the concept even yet formalized in the early church or in the mind of Paul? We don’t know. 
                    • Romans written around 57–58 AD
                    • (Stephen selected 30-36 AD)
                    • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Even if Acts 6 and the appointment of seven men to assist in serving widows is brought into the discussion, it may be surprising how little is known from the NT sources about specifics regarding the office of deacon. Much of what we think we know today likely stems from projecting back into early NT history the roles of deacons with which we are familiar from traditions that can be attested in full only much later. This does not mean contemporary discussion of deacons cannot make appeal to these (and other) Scriptures. It is simply to underscore that the explicit sources are quite limited. Applications made from them deserve to be careful and as modest as the amount of definite information available.
                    
                    

                    In summary, here’s what we can say for sure from the Bible:

                    • The office of overseer (elder, pastor) is different from the office of deacon (minister, servant). 
                    • Paul appointed overseers in churches (around 50 AD): Acts 14:23 (NLT) 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
                    • The office of overseer was open to men only. The office of deacon appeared to be open to both men and women.
                    • Some churches debate this
                    • Alpine is committed to this. Overseers, pastoral team is made up of godly men who carry the burden of spiritual authority in the church, to include church discipline, etc.
                    • Some overseers are already functioning in “pastoral care” roles, including hospital/prayer visits, baby dedications, and even performing weddings.
                    • Appointment to either of these offices was a serious thing, and both overseers and deacons were expected to be whole-hearted followers of Jesus. 
                    • We’ll see this with Stephen next week…
                    • 1 Timothy 3:9 (NLT) 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.
                    • Stephen was, even died for his faith. Guess who was there witnessing it: Paul, the guy who later wrote 1 Timothy!
                    • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Historians can only speculate on how this incident might still inform Paul’s thinking on the character of deacons decades later.
                    • However it’s organized, the church should proclaim and protect the gospel. (So it’s for Christians and non-Christians.)
                    • We’ve seen proclaim over and over in the book of Acts
                    • Soon we’ll see protect… as false teaching creep in
                    • That’s a major role of the overseers
                    
                    

                    Close

                    The result of a well-organized church was growth!

                    Acts 6:7 (NLT) 7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

                    • Many of the Jewish priests were converted - Who would have guessed that during Jesus’ earthly ministry?  Who would have guessed it right after his resurrection?  It would have seemed hopeless.  They were the chief source of opposition.  They hung Jesus on the cross.  
                    • God is a God of miracles.  He brings dead things to life.  He makes beauty from ashes. 
                    • Who in your world have you given up on because you think it’s no use?  They’re a lost cause.  I hope this would encourage you to keep praying for them.  Keep witnessing to them.  Keep sharing the love of Christ with them. 
                    • The priests were mostly of Sadducean persuasion. They didn’t believe in a resurrection. What a turn around! 
                    • One of the things that helped God’s message to spread was winning as a team.  More people were getting involved in...]]>Today we're beginning a new chapter in our Acts book series, as we uncover what chapter 6 has to say about organizing a church.

                      --

                      The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                      Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                      Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                      Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                      Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                      Donate Now

                      --

                      Is there a right way to organize a church? 

                      • But seriously, lots of debate on this over the centuries
                      • Elders, deacons, pastors, bishops, etc.
                      • Are these different positions in the church?
                      • Today I’ll show you that there are only two “offices” in the church when it comes to positions of leadership
                      • But is there only one prescribed, God-ordained way to organize?
                      
                      

                      Acts 6:1 (NLT) 1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

                      • Church growth brings it challenges!
                      • Greek speaking vs. Hebrew speaking - Warning against cliques in the church, us vs. them mentality, contrary to the unity Jesus calls us to have and the unity that will show the world we are his disciples
                      
                      

                      Acts 6:2-4 (NLT) 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

                      • Division of labor
                      • Apostles weren’t discounting the importance of meeting physical needs. The apostles were teaching “everything they had seen and heard” ( We have seen this phrase used earlier in the book of Acts).  They couldn’t just pass that responsibility on to people who hadn’t walked with Jesus.  They didn’t have Bibles available for the average believer.  They were teaching what Jesus had taught them, both prior to his crucifixion and between his resurrection and ascension.  
                      • The church should be looking for opportunities to meet physical needs of others, particularly other believers. (1 John 3:17, James 2:15-16)
                      • Philosophy of ministry to have elders/pastors whose only role is teaching the Word of God. Teaching the Word of God is extremely important, but we do have a different context today.  Believers do have access to the Bible. They do have access to other believers, commentaries, etc.  
                      • Notice the requirements don’t mention anything about the charisma, wealth, talents of the individuals being put forth for consideration.  It is about their character, wisdom, and being Spirit filled. 
                      • Note also the importance of prayer.  The apostles were intentional about making room in their schedule for prayer.  This is critical in ministry.  Something I certainly fall short in at times. 
                      
                      

                      Acts 6:5-6 (NLT) 5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

                      • Everyone liked this idea - maybe the biggest miracle in all of scripture!!
                      • Process: men selected from the people, presented to apostles who released them for ministry
                      • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In the history of exegesis and church government, Acts 6 with the appointment of Stephen and six others was always seen as relevant to diaconal definition and identity. But they are not actually called deacons using the Greek word diakonos. That word refers to a “servant” in various senses and capacities in Paul’s twenty-one uses of the word.
                      
                      

                      Let’s break down “diakonos” (servant, minister, deacon) in Paul’s writings:

                      • General uses: Not referring to official positions in a local church
                      • Rom 15:8 - Christ has become a servant
                      • 1 Cor 3:5 - Apollos and Paul are servants
                      • Col 1:7, 4:7 - Epaphras and Tychicus are ministers
                      • 2 Cor 11:15 - Satan has servants
                      • Office of deacon in local church: Only 3 times!
                      • Phil 1:1 (NLT) I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.
                      • Philippians written around 60-62 AD
                      • 1 Tim 3:8-12 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity….
                      • 1 Timothy 62-66 AD
                      • Romans 16:1-2 (NLT) 1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
                      • Some people debate whether this is referring to an official role in the church or just a general statement like the earlier list.
                      • May be the first reference to the office of deacon. Was the concept even yet formalized in the early church or in the mind of Paul? We don’t know. 
                      • Romans written around 57–58 AD
                      • (Stephen selected 30-36 AD)
                      • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Even if Acts 6 and the appointment of seven men to assist in serving widows is brought into the discussion, it may be surprising how little is known from the NT sources about specifics regarding the office of deacon. Much of what we think we know today likely stems from projecting back into early NT history the roles of deacons with which we are familiar from traditions that can be attested in full only much later. This does not mean contemporary discussion of deacons cannot make appeal to these (and other) Scriptures. It is simply to underscore that the explicit sources are quite limited. Applications made from them deserve to be careful and as modest as the amount of definite information available.
                      
                      

                      In summary, here’s what we can say for sure from the Bible:

                      • The office of overseer (elder, pastor) is different from the office of deacon (minister, servant). 
                      • Paul appointed overseers in churches (around 50 AD): Acts 14:23 (NLT) 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
                      • The office of overseer was open to men only. The office of deacon appeared to be open to both men and women.
                      • Some churches debate this
                      • Alpine is committed to this. Overseers, pastoral team is made up of godly men who carry the burden of spiritual authority in the church, to include church discipline, etc.
                      • Some overseers are already functioning in “pastoral care” roles, including hospital/prayer visits, baby dedications, and even performing weddings.
                      • Appointment to either of these offices was a serious thing, and both overseers and deacons were expected to be whole-hearted followers of Jesus. 
                      • We’ll see this with Stephen next week…
                      • 1 Timothy 3:9 (NLT) 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.
                      • Stephen was, even died for his faith. Guess who was there witnessing it: Paul, the guy who later wrote 1 Timothy!
                      • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Historians can only speculate on how this incident might still inform Paul’s thinking on the character of deacons decades later.
                      • However it’s organized, the church should proclaim and protect the gospel. (So it’s for Christians and non-Christians.)
                      • We’ve seen proclaim over and over in the book of Acts
                      • Soon we’ll see protect… as false teaching creep in
                      • That’s a major role of the overseers
                      
                      

                      Close

                      The result of a well-organized church was growth!

                      Acts 6:7 (NLT) 7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

                      • Many of the Jewish priests were converted - Who would have guessed that during Jesus’ earthly ministry?  Who would have guessed it right after his resurrection?  It would have seemed hopeless.  They were the chief source of opposition.  They hung Jesus on the cross.  
                      • God is a God of miracles.  He brings dead things to life.  He makes beauty from ashes. 
                      • Who in your world have you given up on because you think it’s no use?  They’re a lost cause.  I hope this would encourage you to keep praying for them.  Keep witnessing to them.  Keep sharing the love of Christ with them. 
                      • The priests were mostly of Sadducean persuasion. They didn’t believe in a resurrection. What a turn around! 
                      • One of the things that helped God’s message to spread was winning as a team.  More people were getting involved in the work of the ministry (Ephesian 4:11-12, Core Value #3).
                      
                      ]]>976e6bee-df0a-44e1-95aa-a2089955719fFri, 23 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -060034:53falsebonusWhat Do Mormons Believe about the Literal Gathering of Israel?In this episode, Bryan and Bo discuss the concept of the gathering of Israel in Mormonism and compare it to the Christian view of dispensationalism. They explore the differences between the literal gathering of Jewish people in Israel as believed by dispensationalists and the broader gathering of believers in Mormonism. They also discuss the role of the temple in Mormonism and how it differs from the Christian understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus. The conversation highlights the simplicity and grace of biblical Christianity compared to the works-based approach of Mormonism.

                      Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                      LDS:“We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.”

                      • AC: We believe every person’s eternal destiny is sealed at the moment of death. God knows those who are His own. Those who have accepted His free grace through Jesus Christ will live forever to glorify Him. Unbelievers will be judged with righteousness and separated forever from His presence. (2 Cor. 5:6-10; Luke 23:40-43; Phil. 1:23; John 5:29; Luke 16:22-28; Matt. 25:46; 1 Cor. 15:51-55; Heb. 9:27-28; Rev. 22:3-5; Rev. 1:17-18)
                      • See also: https://www.pursuegod.org/eschatology/ 
                      
                      

                      --

                      The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                      Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                      Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                      Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                      Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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                      ]]>In this episode, Bryan and Bo discuss the concept of the gathering of Israel in Mormonism and compare it to the Christian view of dispensationalism. They explore the differences between the literal gathering of Jewish people in Israel as believed by dispensationalists and the broader gathering of believers in Mormonism. They also discuss the role of the temple in Mormonism and how it differs from the Christian understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus. The conversation highlights the simplicity and grace of biblical Christianity compared to the works-based approach of Mormonism.

                      Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                      LDS:“We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.”

                      • AC: We believe every person’s eternal destiny is sealed at the moment of death. God knows those who are His own. Those who have accepted His free grace through Jesus Christ will live forever to glorify Him. Unbelievers will be judged with righteousness and separated forever from His presence. (2 Cor. 5:6-10; Luke 23:40-43; Phil. 1:23; John 5:29; Luke 16:22-28; Matt. 25:46; 1 Cor. 15:51-55; Heb. 9:27-28; Rev. 22:3-5; Rev. 1:17-18)
                      • See also: https://www.pursuegod.org/eschatology/ 
                      
                      

                      --

                      The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                      Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                      Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                      Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                      Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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                      ]]>1049387c-ef04-4a8d-ab63-dc5b20125952Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -060039:56falsefull7676Mormon Stories: The Couple Who Came for CommunityChris and Beck share their journey of leaving the Mormon Church after facing the questions and doubts they had. If you came to Mormonism because of the social side of it - the friendships, connection, and community - then this episode might be for you!

                      --

                      The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                      Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                      Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                      Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                      Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                      Donate Now

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                      ]]>Chris and Beck share their journey of leaving the Mormon Church after facing the questions and doubts they had. If you came to Mormonism because of the social side of it - the friendships, connection, and community - then this episode might be for you!

                      --

                      The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                      Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                      Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                      Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                      Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                      Donate Now

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                      ]]>71733cc2-c541-4325-9842-c6b65bf3bf40Mon, 12 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -060046:55falsefull7575Mormon Doctrine of Scripture Compared to ChristianityIn this conversation, Bryan, Bo, and Katie discuss LDS Article of Faith 8, which states that Mormons believe in the Bible as far as it is translated correctly, as well as the Book of Mormon. They explore the implications of this belief, including the doubt it introduces into Bible study and the emphasis on the Book of Mormon in LDS teachings. They also discuss the Gospel Topics Essays, which address controversial topics in Mormon history, and the impact of leaving the Mormon Church on individuals and families. The conversation highlights the importance of a biblical worldview and the nourishment found in preaching from the Bible. Article of Faith number nine in Mormonism states that continuing revelation is critical to their belief system, with modern-day prophets revealing God's Word today. However, this belief contradicts the Christian view that the Bible is the only complete and final authority in faith and life. Mormons hold the words of a modern prophet above God's revealed word in the Bible, which can be dangerous as it allows modern culture to influence doctrine. The foundation of faith in Christianity is God's Word, which provides a direct relationship with God and serves as the complete and final authority in life.

                      Takeaways

                      • Mormons believe in the Bible as far as it is translated correctly, but they also believe in the Book of Mormon.
                      • The emphasis on the Book of Mormon in LDS teachings can overshadow the importance of the Bible.
                      • The Gospel Topics Essays address controversial topics in Mormon history and have caused many Mormons to question their faith.
                      • Leaving the Mormon Church can be a difficult and emotional process, as it challenges deeply held beliefs and can lead to social ostracism.
                      • A church that preaches from the Bible as the inspired, authoritative, and infallible Word of God can provide a nourishing spiritual experience. Mormons believe in continuing revelation through modern-day prophets, while Christians believe that the Bible is the only complete and final authority in faith and life.
                      • Mormons prioritize the words of a modern prophet over God's revealed word in the Bible, which can lead to changes in doctrine influenced by culture.
                      • The foundation of faith in Christianity is God's word, which provides a direct relationship with God and serves as the complete and final authority in life.
                      • Believing in Jesus and accepting the Bible as the ultimate authority can lead to a transformed life and salvation.
                      
                      

                      Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                      LDS:“We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”

                      • AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).
                      
                      

                      LDS:“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”

                      • AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).
                      
                      

                      Hebrews 1:1-3 (NLT) 1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. 3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

                      --

                      The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                      Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                      Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                      Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                      Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                      Donate Now

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                      Mentioned in this episode:

                      Donate Now

                      ]]>In this conversation, Bryan, Bo, and Katie discuss LDS Article of Faith 8, which states that Mormons believe in the Bible as far as it is translated correctly, as well as the Book of Mormon. They explore the implications of this belief, including the doubt it introduces into Bible study and the emphasis on the Book of Mormon in LDS teachings. They also discuss the Gospel Topics Essays, which address controversial topics in Mormon history, and the impact of leaving the Mormon Church on individuals and families. The conversation highlights the importance of a biblical worldview and the nourishment found in preaching from the Bible. Article of Faith number nine in Mormonism states that continuing revelation is critical to their belief system, with modern-day prophets revealing God's Word today. However, this belief contradicts the Christian view that the Bible is the only complete and final authority in faith and life. Mormons hold the words of a modern prophet above God's revealed word in the Bible, which can be dangerous as it allows modern culture to influence doctrine. The foundation of faith in Christianity is God's Word, which provides a direct relationship with God and serves as the complete and final authority in life.

                      Takeaways

                      • Mormons believe in the Bible as far as it is translated correctly, but they also believe in the Book of Mormon.
                      • The emphasis on the Book of Mormon in LDS teachings can overshadow the importance of the Bible.
                      • The Gospel Topics Essays address controversial topics in Mormon history and have caused many Mormons to question their faith.
                      • Leaving the Mormon Church can be a difficult and emotional process, as it challenges deeply held beliefs and can lead to social ostracism.
                      • A church that preaches from the Bible as the inspired, authoritative, and infallible Word of God can provide a nourishing spiritual experience. Mormons believe in continuing revelation through modern-day prophets, while Christians believe that the Bible is the only complete and final authority in faith and life.
                      • Mormons prioritize the words of a modern prophet over God's revealed word in the Bible, which can lead to changes in doctrine influenced by culture.
                      • The foundation of faith in Christianity is God's word, which provides a direct relationship with God and serves as the complete and final authority in life.
                      • Believing in Jesus and accepting the Bible as the ultimate authority can lead to a transformed life and salvation.
                      
                      

                      Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                      LDS:“We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”

                      • AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).
                      
                      

                      LDS:“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”

                      • AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).
                      
                      

                      Hebrews 1:1-3 (NLT) 1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. 3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

                      --

                      The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                      Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                      Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                      Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                      Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                      Donate Now

                      --

                      Mentioned in this episode:

                      Donate Now

                      ]]>c149676c-c0d9-44a3-b6b3-d0468d0b4e4cMon, 05 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -060053:28falsefull7474When Should You Reject Spiritual Authority? (Acts 4:1-22) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastToday we’ll answer the question: When should you reject spiritual authority? It was required a few times in Christian history, and it all started with Peter and John in Acts 4.

                      --

                      The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                      Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                      Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                      Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                      Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                      Donate Now

                      --

                      Here’s a question: When Should You Reject Spiritual Authority?

                      • Some of you may say, Always
                      • No one wants to submit these days…
                      • Judges era: “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes”
                      • General lack of respect for spiritual authority
                      • So much hopping around from church to church
                      • Not a “sense of awe” that we saw at the end of book of Acts
                      • But see Is Spiritual Authority a Thing Anymore?
                      • Quick answer: Yes!
                      • Spiritual leadership in the church flows from Jesus’ authority, and obedience to godly leaders benefits the soul. 
                      • Hebrews 13:17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
                      • So I’ll ask again: When should you reject spiritual authority?
                      • Because you shouldn’t blindly follow it
                      • There are times you should reject it, as we’ll see in the text today
                      • We’re covering Acts 4:1-22
                      • We’ll get there in a minute, but first…
                      
                      

                      Examples from History

                      Martin Luther (1483-1546)

                      • 1507: Ordained as a priest.
                      • 1517: On October 31, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, challenging the Catholic Church’s practice of selling indulgences and other corruptions. This event is often marked as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.
                      • 1520: Published three key works: "To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation," "On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church," and "On the Freedom of a Christian," outlining his theological views and criticisms of the Church.
                      • 1521: Excommunicated by Pope Leo X in January. In April, he was summoned to the Diet of Worms, where he famously refused to recant his writings, saying, "Here I stand, I can do no other." Declared an outlaw by the Edict of Worms.
                      
                      

                      William Tyndale (c. 1494-1536)

                      • 1523: Sought permission to translate the Bible into English, but was denied by the Bishop of London. Fled the next year to Germany to work on his translation.
                      • 1525: Completed the New Testament in English, printed in 1526 in Cologne and Worms.
                      • 1526: The first printed copies of Tyndale’s New Testament were smuggled into England, where they were banned and burned by the Church.
                      • 1536: William Tyndale was executed by strangulation and then burned at the stake on October 6.
                      
                      

                      Jan Hus (c. 1372-1415)

                      • 1400: Ordained as a priest.
                      • 1411: Excommunicated by Pope John XXIII for his opposition to indulgences.
                      • 1415: Jan Hus was burned at the stake on July 6 for his teachings and refusal to recant.
                      
                      

                      John Wycliffe (c. 1330-1384)

                      • 1376: Began criticizing the wealth and corruption of the Church, calling for reform.
                      • 1377: Pope Gregory XI condemned Wycliffe’s teachings, issuing five papal bulls against him.
                      • 1380: Wycliffe started translating the Bible into English, believing that scripture should be accessible to all believers. His translation was completed by his followers after his death.
                      • Wycliffe is often called the "Morning Star of the Reformation" for his early calls for reform within the Catholic Church.
                      
                      

                      But 1300 years earlier, the ragtag followers of Jesus were the first Christian reformers. And that story begins in Acts chapter 4 

                      • the first clash between the apostles and the Jewish religious authority. 
                      • In the Gospels, Jesus was the one clashing with the spiritual leaders. but now in the church age the battle will be waged between the followers of Jesus and the religious establishment. 
                      • Chapter 4 gives us our first glimpse at the changing of the guard. the church has been born, but in its infancy it's unclear to the apostles how they will relate to the temple and its leaders. This chapter begins to reveal the answer… 
                      
                      

                      The Showdown

                      Acts 4:1-2 (NLT) 1 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. 2 These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead.

                      • Who did these guys think they were? Uneducated!!
                      
                      

                      Acts 4:3-4 (NLT) 3 They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. 4 But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.

                      • Jesus: “I will build my church….” 
                      
                      

                      Acts 4:5-7 (NLT) 5 The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. 7 They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”

                      • Same as Jesus’ trial: Luke 20:2 (NLT) 2 They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”
                      
                      

                      Acts 4:8-10 (NLT) 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.

                      • Boldness to point people to Jesus
                      • But it gets even more bold…
                      
                      

                      Acts 4:11-12 (NLT) 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

                      • Last chapter: Acts 3:22-23 (NLT) 22 Moses said, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything he tells you.’ 23 Then Moses said, ‘Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from God’s people.’
                      • We’re about to see this prophecy fulfilled in the religious leaders. They would be cut off, not the disciples!
                      • Notice the exclusive claim: salvation in no one else
                      • This would have been offensive to Jewish ears
                      • Blasphemous to the leaders’ ears
                      • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Members of the Sanhedrin would have agreed that the God of Israel is humanity's only true saviour (cf. Ex. 15:1-11; Is. 43:11-12; 45:22; Ps. 96:1-5). But Peter now insists that the name of Jesus is the exclusive means by which God's saving power can be invoked and experienced.
                      
                      

                      Changing of the Guard

                      Acts 4:13 (NLT) 13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

                      • Irony: these guys were nobodies, and the educated guys were blown away by their understanding of the OT
                      • They had “been with Jesus”. That’s all the training they needed
                      
                      

                      Acts 4:16-18 (NLT) 16 “What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. 17 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

                      • This was their exercise of spiritual authority
                      
                      

                      Acts 4:19-20 (NLT) 19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

                      • This was the changing of the guard. Old Israel was done. New Israel had begun, led by a bunch of misfits and nobodies.
                      • Peter and John rejected their religious authorities, because those authorities rejected Jesus. 
                      
                      

                      Close

                      So, When Should You Reject Spiritual Authority?

                      • Not talking about the Reformation, because the evangelical church at large doesn’t need that
                      • But it’s a “mini-reformation” question: when should you...]]>Today we’ll answer the question: When should you reject spiritual authority? It was required a few times in Christian history, and it all started with Peter and John in Acts 4.

                        --

                        The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        --

                        Here’s a question: When Should You Reject Spiritual Authority?

                        • Some of you may say, Always
                        • No one wants to submit these days…
                        • Judges era: “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes”
                        • General lack of respect for spiritual authority
                        • So much hopping around from church to church
                        • Not a “sense of awe” that we saw at the end of book of Acts
                        • But see Is Spiritual Authority a Thing Anymore?
                        • Quick answer: Yes!
                        • Spiritual leadership in the church flows from Jesus’ authority, and obedience to godly leaders benefits the soul. 
                        • Hebrews 13:17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
                        • So I’ll ask again: When should you reject spiritual authority?
                        • Because you shouldn’t blindly follow it
                        • There are times you should reject it, as we’ll see in the text today
                        • We’re covering Acts 4:1-22
                        • We’ll get there in a minute, but first…
                        
                        

                        Examples from History

                        Martin Luther (1483-1546)

                        • 1507: Ordained as a priest.
                        • 1517: On October 31, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, challenging the Catholic Church’s practice of selling indulgences and other corruptions. This event is often marked as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.
                        • 1520: Published three key works: "To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation," "On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church," and "On the Freedom of a Christian," outlining his theological views and criticisms of the Church.
                        • 1521: Excommunicated by Pope Leo X in January. In April, he was summoned to the Diet of Worms, where he famously refused to recant his writings, saying, "Here I stand, I can do no other." Declared an outlaw by the Edict of Worms.
                        
                        

                        William Tyndale (c. 1494-1536)

                        • 1523: Sought permission to translate the Bible into English, but was denied by the Bishop of London. Fled the next year to Germany to work on his translation.
                        • 1525: Completed the New Testament in English, printed in 1526 in Cologne and Worms.
                        • 1526: The first printed copies of Tyndale’s New Testament were smuggled into England, where they were banned and burned by the Church.
                        • 1536: William Tyndale was executed by strangulation and then burned at the stake on October 6.
                        
                        

                        Jan Hus (c. 1372-1415)

                        • 1400: Ordained as a priest.
                        • 1411: Excommunicated by Pope John XXIII for his opposition to indulgences.
                        • 1415: Jan Hus was burned at the stake on July 6 for his teachings and refusal to recant.
                        
                        

                        John Wycliffe (c. 1330-1384)

                        • 1376: Began criticizing the wealth and corruption of the Church, calling for reform.
                        • 1377: Pope Gregory XI condemned Wycliffe’s teachings, issuing five papal bulls against him.
                        • 1380: Wycliffe started translating the Bible into English, believing that scripture should be accessible to all believers. His translation was completed by his followers after his death.
                        • Wycliffe is often called the "Morning Star of the Reformation" for his early calls for reform within the Catholic Church.
                        
                        

                        But 1300 years earlier, the ragtag followers of Jesus were the first Christian reformers. And that story begins in Acts chapter 4 

                        • the first clash between the apostles and the Jewish religious authority. 
                        • In the Gospels, Jesus was the one clashing with the spiritual leaders. but now in the church age the battle will be waged between the followers of Jesus and the religious establishment. 
                        • Chapter 4 gives us our first glimpse at the changing of the guard. the church has been born, but in its infancy it's unclear to the apostles how they will relate to the temple and its leaders. This chapter begins to reveal the answer… 
                        
                        

                        The Showdown

                        Acts 4:1-2 (NLT) 1 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. 2 These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead.

                        • Who did these guys think they were? Uneducated!!
                        
                        

                        Acts 4:3-4 (NLT) 3 They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. 4 But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.

                        • Jesus: “I will build my church….” 
                        
                        

                        Acts 4:5-7 (NLT) 5 The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. 7 They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”

                        • Same as Jesus’ trial: Luke 20:2 (NLT) 2 They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”
                        
                        

                        Acts 4:8-10 (NLT) 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.

                        • Boldness to point people to Jesus
                        • But it gets even more bold…
                        
                        

                        Acts 4:11-12 (NLT) 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

                        • Last chapter: Acts 3:22-23 (NLT) 22 Moses said, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything he tells you.’ 23 Then Moses said, ‘Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from God’s people.’
                        • We’re about to see this prophecy fulfilled in the religious leaders. They would be cut off, not the disciples!
                        • Notice the exclusive claim: salvation in no one else
                        • This would have been offensive to Jewish ears
                        • Blasphemous to the leaders’ ears
                        • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Members of the Sanhedrin would have agreed that the God of Israel is humanity's only true saviour (cf. Ex. 15:1-11; Is. 43:11-12; 45:22; Ps. 96:1-5). But Peter now insists that the name of Jesus is the exclusive means by which God's saving power can be invoked and experienced.
                        
                        

                        Changing of the Guard

                        Acts 4:13 (NLT) 13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

                        • Irony: these guys were nobodies, and the educated guys were blown away by their understanding of the OT
                        • They had “been with Jesus”. That’s all the training they needed
                        
                        

                        Acts 4:16-18 (NLT) 16 “What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. 17 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

                        • This was their exercise of spiritual authority
                        
                        

                        Acts 4:19-20 (NLT) 19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

                        • This was the changing of the guard. Old Israel was done. New Israel had begun, led by a bunch of misfits and nobodies.
                        • Peter and John rejected their religious authorities, because those authorities rejected Jesus. 
                        
                        

                        Close

                        So, When Should You Reject Spiritual Authority?

                        • Not talking about the Reformation, because the evangelical church at large doesn’t need that
                        • But it’s a “mini-reformation” question: when should you find a new church? 
                        • The answer is easy: when it corrupts any of the core teachings of the early church:
                        • Jesus is Lord (do they get Jesus right?)
                        • We are saved by grace (do they get salvation right?)
                        • We’re on a mission (do they get disciple-making right?)
                        
                        

                        Close with a challenge: think twice before you reject authority

                        • Too many people hop from church to church and lack authority
                        • Hebrews 13:17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
                        
                        ]]>c8466dc0-03bb-4be9-be39-e9e1ada47a07Fri, 26 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -060028:44falsebonusThe 5 Traits of an Emotionally Intelligent Marriage - The Family PodcastEmotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial for successful relationships, including marriage. EQ is different from IQ and focuses on understanding and managing emotions, as well as understanding others. The five traits of EQ are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skill. In this episode, Bryan and Tracy discuss the importance of EQ for a healthy marriage.

                        --

                        The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        --

                        ]]>Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial for successful relationships, including marriage. EQ is different from IQ and focuses on understanding and managing emotions, as well as understanding others. The five traits of EQ are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skill. In this episode, Bryan and Tracy discuss the importance of EQ for a healthy marriage.

                        --

                        The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

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                        ]]>b0cd0d19-18f6-42ab-86ec-2801b443af4bWed, 24 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -060033:59falsebonusPersonality Types in MarriageIn this bonus episode from the PursueGOD Family Podcast, Bryan and Tracy discuss the importance of understanding personality types in marriage and parenting. They focus on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as a framework for understanding different personality types. They explain that the purpose of understanding personality types is not to change the other person, but to gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses. They discuss the four main indicators of the MBTI: introvert vs. extrovert, sensor vs. intuitive, thinker vs. feeler, and judger vs. perceiver. They provide examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate how these indicators can impact relationships. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and empathy in building healthy relationships.

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        --

                        Notes

                        ]]>In this bonus episode from the PursueGOD Family Podcast, Bryan and Tracy discuss the importance of understanding personality types in marriage and parenting. They focus on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as a framework for understanding different personality types. They explain that the purpose of understanding personality types is not to change the other person, but to gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses. They discuss the four main indicators of the MBTI: introvert vs. extrovert, sensor vs. intuitive, thinker vs. feeler, and judger vs. perceiver. They provide examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate how these indicators can impact relationships. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and empathy in building healthy relationships.

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        --

                        Notes

                        ]]>247ced82-397f-44fc-87c9-00eb39a9a045Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -060039:03falsebonus7474Spiritual Gifts through the Lens of MormonismIn this conversation we discuss the topic of spiritual gifts, specifically focusing on the gift of tongues. We explore the differences between the Mormon and Christian perspectives on spiritual gifts and how they are practiced. We also highlight the importance of aligning spiritual experiences with God's Word and the potential dangers of relying solely on feelings. Overall, we encourage listeners to seek a biblical understanding of spiritual gifts and to prioritize love and the edification of the body of Christ.

                        Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                        LDS: “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.”

                        • AC: We believe in one true universal church, comprised of all who genuinely acknowledge the message of the gospel of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. This church, we believe, has many valid local expressions and denominations. God through the Holy Spirit equips every believer with spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. Mature believers recognize this and participate in God’s work alongside other followers of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 2:19-22; Phil. 1:1; Acts 2:42; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
                        
                        

                        Takeaways:

                        • Mormons view the gift of tongues as the ability to quickly learn a language for missionary work.
                        • Mormons believe in a wide range of spiritual gifts, but they are more focused on the authority of their leaders.
                        • There is a spectrum of beliefs among Christians regarding spiritual gifts, ranging from cessationism to pentecostal practices.
                        • Patriarchal blessings play a significant role in Mormonism, serving as personal scripture and recorded blessings that individuals are expected to live up to.
                        • A biblical understanding of spiritual gifts emphasizes the importance of love and the edification of the body of Christ.
                        • Relying solely on feelings can be misleading, and it is crucial to prioritize God's Word and the giver of the gifts over the gifts themselves.
                        
                        

                        Check out this LDS.org link for more on the Mormon view.

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        ]]>In this conversation we discuss the topic of spiritual gifts, specifically focusing on the gift of tongues. We explore the differences between the Mormon and Christian perspectives on spiritual gifts and how they are practiced. We also highlight the importance of aligning spiritual experiences with God's Word and the potential dangers of relying solely on feelings. Overall, we encourage listeners to seek a biblical understanding of spiritual gifts and to prioritize love and the edification of the body of Christ.

                        Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                        LDS: “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.”

                        • AC: We believe in one true universal church, comprised of all who genuinely acknowledge the message of the gospel of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. This church, we believe, has many valid local expressions and denominations. God through the Holy Spirit equips every believer with spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. Mature believers recognize this and participate in God’s work alongside other followers of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 2:19-22; Phil. 1:1; Acts 2:42; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
                        
                        

                        Takeaways:

                        • Mormons view the gift of tongues as the ability to quickly learn a language for missionary work.
                        • Mormons believe in a wide range of spiritual gifts, but they are more focused on the authority of their leaders.
                        • There is a spectrum of beliefs among Christians regarding spiritual gifts, ranging from cessationism to pentecostal practices.
                        • Patriarchal blessings play a significant role in Mormonism, serving as personal scripture and recorded blessings that individuals are expected to live up to.
                        • A biblical understanding of spiritual gifts emphasizes the importance of love and the edification of the body of Christ.
                        • Relying solely on feelings can be misleading, and it is crucial to prioritize God's Word and the giver of the gifts over the gifts themselves.
                        
                        

                        Check out this LDS.org link for more on the Mormon view.

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        ]]>22f6805b-6f40-483a-a623-fc3a4e5aa2fcMon, 15 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -060047:42falsefull7373Mormon Stories: The Idaho Mormon Who Found the Real JesusSusan Malo grew up in Idaho, which she describes as an extension of Utah in terms of Mormonism. She had very limited exposure to non-Mormons, with only two non-Mormon friends in her childhood. Susan's family and community were deeply rooted in the Mormon faith, and she felt safe and connected in that environment. However, as she grew older, she began to question her beliefs and explore other perspectives. Susan's two older brothers left the Mormon Church, which had a significant impact on her understanding of her own eternal destiny. Susan's journey from Mormonism to Christianity was marked by questioning, doubt, and a search for truth. She found support and guidance from mentors and resources like Faith After Mormonism. Susan's husband played a significant role in helping her navigate her doubts and discover the true Jesus of the Bible. She emphasizes the importance of prayer, seeking out Bible-based churches, and not giving up on the journey. Susan's story is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the transformative nature of encountering the Triune God.

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        --

                        Notes

                        ]]>Susan Malo grew up in Idaho, which she describes as an extension of Utah in terms of Mormonism. She had very limited exposure to non-Mormons, with only two non-Mormon friends in her childhood. Susan's family and community were deeply rooted in the Mormon faith, and she felt safe and connected in that environment. However, as she grew older, she began to question her beliefs and explore other perspectives. Susan's two older brothers left the Mormon Church, which had a significant impact on her understanding of her own eternal destiny. Susan's journey from Mormonism to Christianity was marked by questioning, doubt, and a search for truth. She found support and guidance from mentors and resources like Faith After Mormonism. Susan's husband played a significant role in helping her navigate her doubts and discover the true Jesus of the Bible. She emphasizes the importance of prayer, seeking out Bible-based churches, and not giving up on the journey. Susan's story is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the transformative nature of encountering the Triune God.

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        --

                        Notes

                        ]]>387ba020-5914-41c6-b25d-b255b5dbcf90Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -060047:23falsefull7272Mormon Stories: Growing Up Non-LDS in UtahIn this episode, Bryan and Tracy interview their own young adult children on growing up in Utah as non-LDS!

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        --

                        ]]>In this episode, Bryan and Tracy interview their own young adult children on growing up in Utah as non-LDS!

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

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                        ]]>04a14d55-155c-4580-b1ff-7628d2df7da0Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -060047:10falsefull7171Priests, Prophets, and Apostles ExplainedMormons believe in one Prophet and 12 Apostles, and they think they've got 'em. And the priesthood is their thing to pass along to boys as young as 12 years old! But what does the Bible say?

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        --

                        Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                        LDS:“We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”

                        • AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).
                        
                        

                        LDS:“We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.”

                        • AC: We believe in one true universal church, comprised of all who genuinely acknowledge the message of the gospel of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. This church, we believe, has many valid local expressions and denominations. God through the Holy Spirit equips every believer with spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. Mature believers recognize this and participate in God’s work alongside other followers of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 2:19-22; Phil. 1:1; Acts 2:42; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
                        
                        

                        No need for apostles

                        • Acts 1 (NLT) 21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus—22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”
                        • Judas was replaced not because he died, but because he betrayed Jesus. When James died in chapter 12, the church did not replace him.
                        • Rev 4 (NLT) 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.
                        • Rev 21:(NLT) 12 The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. 13 There were three gates on each side—east, north, south, and west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
                        • (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) Jesus had made clear the continuity between the twelve tribes in the Old Testament and the first *apostles in the New Testament by his initial numbering of those apostles.
                        • Eph 2 (NLT) 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 
                        • (Expositor's Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) In 1Co 3:11 Paul calls Christ himself the foundation. Here, however, the apostles and prophets constitute the foundation as those who were closely associated with Christ in the establishment of the church. They were the witnesses of his resurrection appearances and the preachers of the good news. Filled with and guided by the Spirit, they had a unique role in establishing the church.
                        
                        ]]>Mormons believe in one Prophet and 12 Apostles, and they think they've got 'em. And the priesthood is their thing to pass along to boys as young as 12 years old! But what does the Bible say?

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

                        --

                        Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                        LDS:“We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”

                        • AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).
                        
                        

                        LDS:“We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.”

                        • AC: We believe in one true universal church, comprised of all who genuinely acknowledge the message of the gospel of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. This church, we believe, has many valid local expressions and denominations. God through the Holy Spirit equips every believer with spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. Mature believers recognize this and participate in God’s work alongside other followers of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 2:19-22; Phil. 1:1; Acts 2:42; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
                        
                        

                        No need for apostles

                        • Acts 1 (NLT) 21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus—22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”
                        • Judas was replaced not because he died, but because he betrayed Jesus. When James died in chapter 12, the church did not replace him.
                        • Rev 4 (NLT) 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.
                        • Rev 21:(NLT) 12 The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. 13 There were three gates on each side—east, north, south, and west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
                        • (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) Jesus had made clear the continuity between the twelve tribes in the Old Testament and the first *apostles in the New Testament by his initial numbering of those apostles.
                        • Eph 2 (NLT) 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 
                        • (Expositor's Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) In 1Co 3:11 Paul calls Christ himself the foundation. Here, however, the apostles and prophets constitute the foundation as those who were closely associated with Christ in the establishment of the church. They were the witnesses of his resurrection appearances and the preachers of the good news. Filled with and guided by the Spirit, they had a unique role in establishing the church.
                        
                        ]]>95c9fd62-4c2d-4ee6-b5f7-fda1489fe10dMon, 24 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -060001:00:10falsefull7070The Bad News about LDS OrdinancesIn today's episode, Bryan, Bo and KD talk through the fourth Article of Faith.

                        Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                        LDS:“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

                        • AC: We believe that Scripture affirms two ordinances in the church: water baptism and communion. Mature believers participate in both ordinances. (Matt. 28:19; Acts 8:35-39; Rom. 6:1-5; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
                        
                        

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

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                        Mentioned in this episode:

                        Donate Now

                        ]]>In today's episode, Bryan, Bo and KD talk through the fourth Article of Faith.

                        Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                        LDS:“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

                        • AC: We believe that Scripture affirms two ordinances in the church: water baptism and communion. Mature believers participate in both ordinances. (Matt. 28:19; Acts 8:35-39; Rom. 6:1-5; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
                        
                        

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

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                        Mentioned in this episode:

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                        ]]>534d1e6b-f41b-4127-9630-875f760e850bMon, 17 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -060053:36falsefull6969The LDS Doctrine of Sin and Salvation Compared to Biblical ChristianityIn this episode, Bryan, Bo and KD talk through the second and third Articles of Faith.

                        Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                        What Mormons Believe about Sin:

                        LDS:“We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.”

                        At first glance this seems much more fair than the Christian take. But as we dig deeper we see that this LDS concept creates a pattern of judgment and works based behavior/religion 

                        • AC: We believe God created mankind in His own image. At the beginning of human history, however, man chose to disobey the sovereign God and so brought sin onto the earth. All people everywhere have since been born into this sinful nature and are subject to God’s righteous judgment: death and eternal separation from Himself. (Gen. 1:26; Gen. 3; Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Jer. 17:9; John 3:18; Eph. 2:1-3).
                        
                        

                        What Mormons Believe about Salvation:

                        LDS:“We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”

                        • AC: We believe God’s plan from the beginning of time was to be in relationship with all people. Since sin makes that relationship impossible for everyone, God established a way to credit righteousness. He accepts Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as a payment for the sin of humanity. Those who repent of their sin and believe in God’s work are forgiven and restored to relationship with God. This is salvation, and it is God’s work from beginning to end, so that we are saved purely by grace. (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7; John 3:16-17; Rom. 3:24-26; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 8:1; 1 John 5:11-13; John 1:12).
                        • Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
                        
                        

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

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                        Mentioned in this episode:

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                        ]]>In this episode, Bryan, Bo and KD talk through the second and third Articles of Faith.

                        Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                        What Mormons Believe about Sin:

                        LDS:“We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.”

                        At first glance this seems much more fair than the Christian take. But as we dig deeper we see that this LDS concept creates a pattern of judgment and works based behavior/religion 

                        • AC: We believe God created mankind in His own image. At the beginning of human history, however, man chose to disobey the sovereign God and so brought sin onto the earth. All people everywhere have since been born into this sinful nature and are subject to God’s righteous judgment: death and eternal separation from Himself. (Gen. 1:26; Gen. 3; Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Jer. 17:9; John 3:18; Eph. 2:1-3).
                        
                        

                        What Mormons Believe about Salvation:

                        LDS:“We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”

                        • AC: We believe God’s plan from the beginning of time was to be in relationship with all people. Since sin makes that relationship impossible for everyone, God established a way to credit righteousness. He accepts Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as a payment for the sin of humanity. Those who repent of their sin and believe in God’s work are forgiven and restored to relationship with God. This is salvation, and it is God’s work from beginning to end, so that we are saved purely by grace. (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7; John 3:16-17; Rom. 3:24-26; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 8:1; 1 John 5:11-13; John 1:12).
                        • Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
                        
                        

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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                        Mentioned in this episode:

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                        ]]>58b0ba40-e3cb-4831-ae86-61360106cd18Mon, 10 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -060048:28falsefull6868Mormon Stories: The COVID Mormon Who Found FreedomThis is a story of how God restored the things that Mormonism stole. 
                        • Parenting
                        • Marriage
                        • Community
                        • Relationship with God
                        • Constantly trying to fit into a box of someone else’s making
                        
                        

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

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                        Mentioned in this episode:

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                        ]]>This is a story of how God restored the things that Mormonism stole. 
                        • Parenting
                        • Marriage
                        • Community
                        • Relationship with God
                        • Constantly trying to fit into a box of someone else’s making
                        
                        

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                        Donate Now

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                        Mentioned in this episode:

                        Donate Now

                        ]]>ec87c376-ec5a-4dc8-b32d-a8f278240f96Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -060043:38falsefull6767LDS Doctrine of God Explained by a Former Mormon MissionaryIn 1842 Joseph Smith published 13 articles of faith for his new Mormon church. In this episode we talk about the first article, which is all about God. How does it compare to biblical Christianity?

                        Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                        LDS:“We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”

                        • This sounds trinitarian
                        • LDS:
                        • Father has a body of flesh and bones, D&C 130:22.
                        • I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory, JS—H 1:17.
                        • ordained in … the Council of the Eternal God of all other gods, D&C 121:32.
                        
                        

                        AC: We believe in a sovereign, triune God. By His power He spoke the world into existence. God alone is self-determined, self-governed, and self-sufficient. He is eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each possesses all the attributes of deity. All are equal in power and glory. (Rom. 1:18-20; John 1:18; 1 Cor. 2:16; Deut. 6:4; Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; Isa. 46:10).

                        AC: We believe Jesus Christ was, is, and always will be the Son of God. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed many signs and wonders, died on a cross, and rose from the dead in a glorified body. He ascended to the right hand of God the Father where He continually makes intercession for His people. At the appointed time He will come again to earth to consummate God’s plan in salvation history. (Matt. 1:20-23; John 1:1,2; Rom. 3:24, 25; Rom. 8:34; Phil 2:5-10; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 1:1-3; Heb. 7:25).

                        • LDS:
                        • Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father, Alma 11:38.
                        • called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first, D&C 93:14.
                        
                        

                        AC: We believe in the Holy Spirit’s effective role in God’s plan for His Kingdom. Without the influence of the Holy Spirit no one can participate in Kingdom Life. The Spirit’s first (and necessary) work is in conversion: to enlighten sinners and awaken them to their need for a Savior. At the point of salvation the Holy Spirit immediately indwells believers and begins empowering them to live to please God. The Spirit also gives them a new identity, assuring them of their proper standing with God. (John 14:16,17,26; 16:7-15; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Gal. 5:22-26; Eph. 1:13-14).

                        • LDS: 
                        • my Spirit shall be in your hearts, D&C 84:88.
                        • Holy Ghost … is a personage of Spirit, D&C 130:22.
                        
                        

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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                        Notes

                        Mentioned in this episode:

                        Donate Now

                        ]]>In 1842 Joseph Smith published 13 articles of faith for his new Mormon church. In this episode we talk about the first article, which is all about God. How does it compare to biblical Christianity?

                        Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here. 

                        LDS:“We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”

                        • This sounds trinitarian
                        • LDS:
                        • Father has a body of flesh and bones, D&C 130:22.
                        • I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory, JS—H 1:17.
                        • ordained in … the Council of the Eternal God of all other gods, D&C 121:32.
                        
                        

                        AC: We believe in a sovereign, triune God. By His power He spoke the world into existence. God alone is self-determined, self-governed, and self-sufficient. He is eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each possesses all the attributes of deity. All are equal in power and glory. (Rom. 1:18-20; John 1:18; 1 Cor. 2:16; Deut. 6:4; Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; Isa. 46:10).

                        AC: We believe Jesus Christ was, is, and always will be the Son of God. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed many signs and wonders, died on a cross, and rose from the dead in a glorified body. He ascended to the right hand of God the Father where He continually makes intercession for His people. At the appointed time He will come again to earth to consummate God’s plan in salvation history. (Matt. 1:20-23; John 1:1,2; Rom. 3:24, 25; Rom. 8:34; Phil 2:5-10; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 1:1-3; Heb. 7:25).

                        • LDS:
                        • Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father, Alma 11:38.
                        • called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first, D&C 93:14.
                        
                        

                        AC: We believe in the Holy Spirit’s effective role in God’s plan for His Kingdom. Without the influence of the Holy Spirit no one can participate in Kingdom Life. The Spirit’s first (and necessary) work is in conversion: to enlighten sinners and awaken them to their need for a Savior. At the point of salvation the Holy Spirit immediately indwells believers and begins empowering them to live to please God. The Spirit also gives them a new identity, assuring them of their proper standing with God. (John 14:16,17,26; 16:7-15; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Gal. 5:22-26; Eph. 1:13-14).

                        • LDS: 
                        • my Spirit shall be in your hearts, D&C 84:88.
                        • Holy Ghost … is a personage of Spirit, D&C 130:22.
                        
                        

                        --

                        The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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                        Notes

                        Mentioned in this episode:

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                        ]]>4962234c-6217-40b4-9efa-fd284cc237b5Mon, 27 May 2024 05:00:00 -060050:13falsefull6666Does God favor one nation over another? (Acts 1:6-11) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastToday we continue our study of Acts, covering Acts 1:6-11. Here’s the question we’ll answer as we look at the text: Does God favor one nation over another?

                        --

                        The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                        Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                        Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                        Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                        Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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                        --

                        This is an important question in today’s world:

                        • Issue of immigration
                        • Christian nations vs. Muslim nations, etc.
                        • It was a question on the minds of the disciples in Acts 1
                        • Jesus had just spent 3 yrs with them
                        • Almost exclusively did ministry among Israelites
                        • Matthew 15:21-24 (NLT) 21 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” 23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” 24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”
                        • Note three things:
                        • Jesus was silent!?
                        • Disciples wanted him to send her away
                        • Jesus was sent to help only Israel
                        • Jesus ends up healing the daughter
                        • But it was the exception, not the rule
                        • Seems nationalistic, right?!
                        • The point: disciples thought God favored Israel
                        • Very nationalistic in their ideology
                        • The “Chosen ones”
                        • Deuteronomy 7:6 (NLT) For you are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.
                        • Seems like American Christians today
                        • We are the new chosen ones
                        • We have the only true God
                        • We have a better ideology
                        • We are God’s favorites
                        • But what does the Bible say about this?
                        
                        

                        Let’s warm up with a history lesson on Israel:

                        • Theocracy 
                        • First King - Saul
                        • United Monarchy (c. 1000–930 BCE)
                        • King David (c. 1010–970 BCE) : David united the tribes of Israel and established Jerusalem as the capital.
                        • King Solomon (c. 970–930 BCE) : Solomon, David's son, built the First Temple in Jerusalem. After his death, the kingdom split into two.
                        • Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE for Israel, c. 930–586 BCE for Judah)
                        • Kingdom of Israel (Northern Kingdom) : Fell to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BCE.
                        • Kingdom of Judah (Southern Kingdom) : Continued until it fell to the Babylonian Empire in 586 BCE.
                        • Assyrian Rule (c. 722–605 BCE)- The Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE, leading to the exile of many Israelites.
                        • Babylonian Rule (c. 605–539 BCE)- The Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar II, destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BCE, initiating the Babylonian Captivity.
                        • Persian Rule (c. 539–332 BCE)- Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon in 539 BCE and allowed the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild the Temple (Second Temple period).
                        • Greek Rule (c. 332–167 BCE)- Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire, including Israel, in 332 BCE. After his death, the region was controlled by the Ptolemies and then the Seleucids.
                        • Maccabean/Hasmonean Period (167–63 BCE) : The Maccabees revolted against Seleucid rule (part of the fragmentation of Alexander’s empire), leading to the establishment of an independent Jewish kingdom (the Hasmonean dynasty) in 142 BCE.
                        • The period saw the expansion of Jewish territory, increased influence of Jewish culture, and the emergence of significant religious sects such as the Pharisees and Sadducees. The legacy of the Hasmoneans is still remembered, particularly through the celebration of Hanukkah.
                        • Roman Rule (63 BCE–330 CE)- The Roman general Pompey captured Jerusalem in 63 BCE. 
                        • Herodian Dynasty (37 BCE–4 BCE) : Herod the Great ruled as a Roman client king.
                        • Jesus’ life, death, resurrection
                        • In 70 CE, the Romans destroyed the Second Temple following a Jewish revolt.
                        • Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 CE) : A significant but ultimately unsuccessful Jewish rebellion against Roman rule.
                        • Byzantine Rule (330–636 CE)- The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) controlled the region until the early Islamic conquests.
                        • Islamic Caliphates (636–1099 CE)
                        • Rashidun Caliphate (636–661 CE) 
                        • Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE) 
                        • Abbasid Caliphate (750–969 CE) 
                        • Fatimid Caliphate (969–1099 CE) 
                        • Crusader Period (1099–1291 CE)- Crusaders established the Kingdom of Jerusalem, controlling the area intermittently until 1291 CE.
                        • Mamluk Sultanate (1291–1517 CE)- The Mamluks, based in Egypt, controlled the region following the Crusaders.
                        • Ottoman Empire (1517–1917 CE)- The Ottomans conquered the Mamluks in 1517 and ruled the region until World War I.
                        • British Mandate (1917–1948 CE)- After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine.
                        • State of Israel (1948–Present)- Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948, and has since been a sovereign nation. The region has seen various conflicts and peace processes involving neighboring countries and entities.
                        
                        

                        Acts 1:6

                        Acts 1:6 (NLT) 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

                        • has the time come… free Israel and restore our kingdom
                        • There was a payoff that Israelites historically had in their minds, Israel-centric
                        • Can’t blame them; It was even articulated by an angel to Mary:
                        • Luke 1:31-33 (NLT) 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
                        • And understood by the prophet Anna:
                        • Luke 2:38 (NLT) She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
                        • Disciples were thinking of all of this in nationalistic and political terms
                        • (Expositor's Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) The question the disciples asked reflects the embers of a once blazing hope for a political theocracy in which they would be leaders (cf. Mk 9:33-34; 10:35-41; Lk 22:24). Now the embers are fanned by Jesus' talk of the coming Holy Spirit. In Jewish expectations, the restoration of Israel's fortunes would be marked by the revived activity of God's Spirit, which had been withheld since the last of the prophets.
                        • Longing for the return of the glory days of King David and Solomon
                        
                        

                        (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Through the witness of Jesus' apostles, 'the kingdom' would be restored to Israel, but not in nationalistic or political terms, nor immediately in the full and final sense outlined in biblical prophecy (cf. 3:19-26).

                        Acts 1:7-8

                        Acts 1:7-8 (NLT) 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

                        • not for you to know
                        • The disciples weren’t wrong about the big idea (God’s kingdom would come), they were wrong in many of the details
                        • Next week: there are some things that are not for us to know, at least not yet. Can you handle that? 
                        • End times - so many people want to know! YT is blowing up with videos
                        • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Christians have to live with the tension of knowing that the work of the gospel is central to God's eschatological plan, but never being able to calculate the exact date of the End.
                        • Sickness - why won’t you heal this person?
                        • Marriage - why haven’t you brought me “the one”
                        • Ex: my friend who was obsessed with that, until he realized he needed to “get his house in order” and leave the rest to God
                        • Ex: my daughter who saw her friends dating (and failing) has learned to trust God with those details
                        • Ex: Adam was put to sleep and woke up to Eve!
                        • Sometimes we’re like the kids in the backseat, pestering God with our questions. Sometimes it’s simply not for us to know. We need to trust his plan and his timing.
                        • But you will receive power
                        • Gk “dunamis”, our word for dynamite!
                        • Watch for this in the chapters ahead: power!
                        • Power to do miracles, for sure
                        • But even more importantly, power to speak out…
                        • you will be my witnesses
                        • First, the apostles were eyewitnesses
                        • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) As 'eyewitnesses' (Lk. 1:2; cf. Acts 1:3a), they guarantee the historicity of...]]>Today we continue our study of Acts, covering Acts 1:6-11. Here’s the question we’ll answer as we look at the text: Does God favor one nation over another?

                          --

                          The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          --

                          This is an important question in today’s world:

                          • Issue of immigration
                          • Christian nations vs. Muslim nations, etc.
                          • It was a question on the minds of the disciples in Acts 1
                          • Jesus had just spent 3 yrs with them
                          • Almost exclusively did ministry among Israelites
                          • Matthew 15:21-24 (NLT) 21 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” 23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” 24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”
                          • Note three things:
                          • Jesus was silent!?
                          • Disciples wanted him to send her away
                          • Jesus was sent to help only Israel
                          • Jesus ends up healing the daughter
                          • But it was the exception, not the rule
                          • Seems nationalistic, right?!
                          • The point: disciples thought God favored Israel
                          • Very nationalistic in their ideology
                          • The “Chosen ones”
                          • Deuteronomy 7:6 (NLT) For you are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.
                          • Seems like American Christians today
                          • We are the new chosen ones
                          • We have the only true God
                          • We have a better ideology
                          • We are God’s favorites
                          • But what does the Bible say about this?
                          
                          

                          Let’s warm up with a history lesson on Israel:

                          • Theocracy 
                          • First King - Saul
                          • United Monarchy (c. 1000–930 BCE)
                          • King David (c. 1010–970 BCE) : David united the tribes of Israel and established Jerusalem as the capital.
                          • King Solomon (c. 970–930 BCE) : Solomon, David's son, built the First Temple in Jerusalem. After his death, the kingdom split into two.
                          • Divided Monarchy (c. 930–722 BCE for Israel, c. 930–586 BCE for Judah)
                          • Kingdom of Israel (Northern Kingdom) : Fell to the Assyrian Empire in 722 BCE.
                          • Kingdom of Judah (Southern Kingdom) : Continued until it fell to the Babylonian Empire in 586 BCE.
                          • Assyrian Rule (c. 722–605 BCE)- The Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE, leading to the exile of many Israelites.
                          • Babylonian Rule (c. 605–539 BCE)- The Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar II, destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BCE, initiating the Babylonian Captivity.
                          • Persian Rule (c. 539–332 BCE)- Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon in 539 BCE and allowed the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild the Temple (Second Temple period).
                          • Greek Rule (c. 332–167 BCE)- Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire, including Israel, in 332 BCE. After his death, the region was controlled by the Ptolemies and then the Seleucids.
                          • Maccabean/Hasmonean Period (167–63 BCE) : The Maccabees revolted against Seleucid rule (part of the fragmentation of Alexander’s empire), leading to the establishment of an independent Jewish kingdom (the Hasmonean dynasty) in 142 BCE.
                          • The period saw the expansion of Jewish territory, increased influence of Jewish culture, and the emergence of significant religious sects such as the Pharisees and Sadducees. The legacy of the Hasmoneans is still remembered, particularly through the celebration of Hanukkah.
                          • Roman Rule (63 BCE–330 CE)- The Roman general Pompey captured Jerusalem in 63 BCE. 
                          • Herodian Dynasty (37 BCE–4 BCE) : Herod the Great ruled as a Roman client king.
                          • Jesus’ life, death, resurrection
                          • In 70 CE, the Romans destroyed the Second Temple following a Jewish revolt.
                          • Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 CE) : A significant but ultimately unsuccessful Jewish rebellion against Roman rule.
                          • Byzantine Rule (330–636 CE)- The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) controlled the region until the early Islamic conquests.
                          • Islamic Caliphates (636–1099 CE)
                          • Rashidun Caliphate (636–661 CE) 
                          • Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE) 
                          • Abbasid Caliphate (750–969 CE) 
                          • Fatimid Caliphate (969–1099 CE) 
                          • Crusader Period (1099–1291 CE)- Crusaders established the Kingdom of Jerusalem, controlling the area intermittently until 1291 CE.
                          • Mamluk Sultanate (1291–1517 CE)- The Mamluks, based in Egypt, controlled the region following the Crusaders.
                          • Ottoman Empire (1517–1917 CE)- The Ottomans conquered the Mamluks in 1517 and ruled the region until World War I.
                          • British Mandate (1917–1948 CE)- After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine.
                          • State of Israel (1948–Present)- Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948, and has since been a sovereign nation. The region has seen various conflicts and peace processes involving neighboring countries and entities.
                          
                          

                          Acts 1:6

                          Acts 1:6 (NLT) 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

                          • has the time come… free Israel and restore our kingdom
                          • There was a payoff that Israelites historically had in their minds, Israel-centric
                          • Can’t blame them; It was even articulated by an angel to Mary:
                          • Luke 1:31-33 (NLT) 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
                          • And understood by the prophet Anna:
                          • Luke 2:38 (NLT) She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
                          • Disciples were thinking of all of this in nationalistic and political terms
                          • (Expositor's Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) The question the disciples asked reflects the embers of a once blazing hope for a political theocracy in which they would be leaders (cf. Mk 9:33-34; 10:35-41; Lk 22:24). Now the embers are fanned by Jesus' talk of the coming Holy Spirit. In Jewish expectations, the restoration of Israel's fortunes would be marked by the revived activity of God's Spirit, which had been withheld since the last of the prophets.
                          • Longing for the return of the glory days of King David and Solomon
                          
                          

                          (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Through the witness of Jesus' apostles, 'the kingdom' would be restored to Israel, but not in nationalistic or political terms, nor immediately in the full and final sense outlined in biblical prophecy (cf. 3:19-26).

                          Acts 1:7-8

                          Acts 1:7-8 (NLT) 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

                          • not for you to know
                          • The disciples weren’t wrong about the big idea (God’s kingdom would come), they were wrong in many of the details
                          • Next week: there are some things that are not for us to know, at least not yet. Can you handle that? 
                          • End times - so many people want to know! YT is blowing up with videos
                          • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Christians have to live with the tension of knowing that the work of the gospel is central to God's eschatological plan, but never being able to calculate the exact date of the End.
                          • Sickness - why won’t you heal this person?
                          • Marriage - why haven’t you brought me “the one”
                          • Ex: my friend who was obsessed with that, until he realized he needed to “get his house in order” and leave the rest to God
                          • Ex: my daughter who saw her friends dating (and failing) has learned to trust God with those details
                          • Ex: Adam was put to sleep and woke up to Eve!
                          • Sometimes we’re like the kids in the backseat, pestering God with our questions. Sometimes it’s simply not for us to know. We need to trust his plan and his timing.
                          • But you will receive power
                          • Gk “dunamis”, our word for dynamite!
                          • Watch for this in the chapters ahead: power!
                          • Power to do miracles, for sure
                          • But even more importantly, power to speak out…
                          • you will be my witnesses
                          • First, the apostles were eyewitnesses
                          • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) As 'eyewitnesses' (Lk. 1:2; cf. Acts 1:3a), they guarantee the historicity of the major events in Jesus' life, and as those uniquely instructed by him (Lk. 24:44-8; Acts 1:3b-5), they pass on Jesus' own understanding of his person and work.
                          • This is important, and it’s why we don’t need prophets/apostles in that sense today
                          • See Does God Still Speak Through Prophets
                          • Second, this is a calling on every Christian
                          • And one of the main roles of the HS in our lives 
                          • Being “baptized” = all in for Jesus
                          • I grew up in a charismatic church
                          • Taught that “baptism with the HS” was all about speaking in tongues
                          • We’ll see why later in this series
                          • But many pentecostals miss the main thing:
                          • The Spirit empowers us to be witnesses for the Kingdom of God
                          • It happened at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry
                          • Luke 4:14-15 (NLT) 14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. 15 He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
                          • The disciples already saw Jesus “tell people about him” by the power of the Spirit
                          • Now it was their turn
                          • in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth
                          • This is the outline of the book of Acts
                          • They’re starting in Jerusalem (Acts 1-7)
                          • Then they’ll move to Judea and Samaria (Ch 8-12)
                          • Then to the ends of the earth
                          • Paul’s Journeys (Ch 13-21)
                          • Paul’s Trials on his way to Rome (Ch 22-28)
                          • The book will end on a cliffhanger:
                          • Acts 28:30-31 (NLT) 30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
                          • Notice the reverse symmetry with the gospel of Luke
                          • Jesus started in Galilee of the Gentiles
                          • Moved his way through Samaria and Judea
                          • Ended up in Jerusalem for his trial and death
                          • As we saw last week:
                          • The gospel of Luke was about seeking Jesus and learning the truth about his life, death, and resurrection. 
                          • In Luke’s sequel (Acts) the focus changes to sharing Jesus, specifically the message of his kingdom.
                          
                          

                          But here’s the point, and the answer to our question: Does God favor one nation over another?

                          • Answer: NO! 
                          • The shocker will be (spoiler alert):
                          • The Kingdom of God was not just about Israel; it’s an invitation that must go out “to the ends of the earth”
                          • Not the disciples’ nationalist and political agenda!
                          • Isaiah 43:8-9 (NLT) 8 Bring out the people who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. 9 Gather the nations together! Assemble the peoples of the world!
                          • Isaiah 43:10 (NLT) “But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the LORD. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be.
                          • Isaiah 49:6 (NLT) He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
                          • God did not choose Israel for Israel’s sake
                          • He chose them to be a light to the nations
                          • One more thing: notice “you will be”
                          • Not, “you must be” like a command
                          • It’s more of a statement of inevitability; a prediction; a promise
                          • God’s Word will go out, his Kingdom will be established
                          • The only question: will you be a part of this movement?
                          
                          

                          Acts 1:9-11

                          Acts 1:9-11 (NLT) 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

                          • he was taken up
                          • The Luke account of this was a cliffhanger; in Acts it’s a turning point
                          • Jesus had to leave so they could take the baton
                          • Now it was their turn to bring the message to the world
                          • Transition to the ministry of the Spirit
                          • Jesus wouldn’t visit them “from time to time” to teach them
                          • Now that would be the HS’s job, a continuous presence
                          • “Men of Galilee,”
                          • Interesting that they called them that
                          • A reminder of where Jesus first invited them to follow him: on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (of the Gentiles!?)
                          • Luke 5:10 (NLT) “From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”
                          • Q. But what KIND of people?
                          • History of Galilee
                          • The Assyrians deported many of the native Israelites and brought in people from other parts of their empire, which increased the Gentile presence in Galilee. (2 Kings 15:29, 17:24-27)
                          • Following Alexander the Great's conquests, Hellenistic culture spread throughout the Near East, including Galilee. This influence further contributed to the region's mixed population.
                          • By Jesus’ day it was a crossroads of trade and culture, which allowed the message of Jesus to spread more easily to both Jews and Gentiles.
                          • The point: Galilee was NOT just about Israel
                          • Isaiah 9:1 Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever…. but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
                          • why are you standing here staring into heaven?
                          • Hilarious!
                          • Reminds me of so many modern Christians
                          • Love to worship God, go to conferences, study eschatology
                          • Never go beyond “staring into heaven”
                          • someday he will return
                          • Bookends: Christ’s ascension and his return
                          • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In effect, the introduction lays down 'the eschatological framework within which the Christian story is to unfold'. The church lives between Jesus' exaltation into heaven and his return and its life is determined by these boundary markers.
                          • In between: we need to get to work
                          • He’s on the throne in heaven, resurrected, alive
                          • He’s still overseeing the whole project 
                          • And he’s coming back when time is up
                          
                          

                          Close

                          But this picture gives us our answer to the question we started with: Does God favor one nation over another?

                          • Answer: No
                          • The Kingdom of God is not about national boundaries
                          • Not about earthly kingdoms that come and go
                          • The Kingdom of God is already established in heaven. It's permanent, and Jesus is on the throne. No nation is favored; every nation is invited.
                          
                          

                          Revelation 7:9-10 (NLT) 9 After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

                          In every generation, as Christians, our job is to invite people. Every nation, not just the ones we’re most familiar with. Why are you standing there? 

                          • Where is your Jerusalem? (neighborhood, community)
                          • Where is your Judea/Samaria? (multisite, keep growing)
                          • Where is your “ends of the earth”? (missions)
                          
                          ]]>436fee5f-4573-4270-9444-c5520b872a3aSat, 25 May 2024 05:00:00 -060041:06falsebonusThe Burden of Womanhood in MormonismIn this bonus episode, Bo and KD continue their discussion on Mormonism and women. They explore the cultural aspects of Mormonism as it relates to women, including the recitation of the Young Women's theme, the concept of exaltation, and the pressure on women to find a worthy husband. They also discuss the emphasis on modesty and the challenges of dressing in a way that is garment-appropriate. The conversation highlights the control and judgment that can arise from these cultural expectations.

                          Takeaways:

                          • The pressure to find a worthy husband and the fear of not being able to achieve exaltation can create anxiety and control in Mormon women.
                          • The emphasis on modesty and the requirement to wear garments can lead to judgment and policing of women's clothing choices.
                          • In Mormonism, women are expected to prioritize having children, and infertility can be a source of judgment and unsolicited advice.
                          • Leaving the Mormon church can be particularly difficult for women, as it is seen as breaking up the eternal family.
                          • It is important to prioritize God above all else and recognize that being part of God's family is more important than the Mormon concept of an eternal family.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

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                          ]]>In this bonus episode, Bo and KD continue their discussion on Mormonism and women. They explore the cultural aspects of Mormonism as it relates to women, including the recitation of the Young Women's theme, the concept of exaltation, and the pressure on women to find a worthy husband. They also discuss the emphasis on modesty and the challenges of dressing in a way that is garment-appropriate. The conversation highlights the control and judgment that can arise from these cultural expectations.

                          Takeaways:

                          • The pressure to find a worthy husband and the fear of not being able to achieve exaltation can create anxiety and control in Mormon women.
                          • The emphasis on modesty and the requirement to wear garments can lead to judgment and policing of women's clothing choices.
                          • In Mormonism, women are expected to prioritize having children, and infertility can be a source of judgment and unsolicited advice.
                          • Leaving the Mormon church can be particularly difficult for women, as it is seen as breaking up the eternal family.
                          • It is important to prioritize God above all else and recognize that being part of God's family is more important than the Mormon concept of an eternal family.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

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                          Mentioned in this episode:

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                          ]]>c0433f56-eeb7-40cd-93c9-35a5b473e314Mon, 20 May 2024 05:00:00 -060048:09falsefull6565What Does Mormonism Think About Women?In this episode Bryan, Bo, and KD discuss the Mormon perspective on the fall of Adam and Eve and how it shapes their view of women. They contrast this with the biblical view that emphasizes the equality and value of both men and women as image bearers of God. The conversation also touches on the Mormon belief in becoming gods and the role of women in Mormonism.
                          • Mormonism has a different interpretation of the fall and the role of women compared to biblical Christianity.
                          • The biblical view emphasizes the equality and value of both men and women as image bearers of God.
                          • Toxic masculinity and controlling behavior from husbands and a desire for control and subversion from wives are the result of the curse.
                          • Jesus is the solution to this hostility, as he crushed Satan's head and overcame sin and death.
                          • In biblical Christianity, there is no difference between men and women at the foot of the cross, and all believers have access to God through Jesus.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

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                          Mentioned in this episode:

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                          ]]>In this episode Bryan, Bo, and KD discuss the Mormon perspective on the fall of Adam and Eve and how it shapes their view of women. They contrast this with the biblical view that emphasizes the equality and value of both men and women as image bearers of God. The conversation also touches on the Mormon belief in becoming gods and the role of women in Mormonism.
                          • Mormonism has a different interpretation of the fall and the role of women compared to biblical Christianity.
                          • The biblical view emphasizes the equality and value of both men and women as image bearers of God.
                          • Toxic masculinity and controlling behavior from husbands and a desire for control and subversion from wives are the result of the curse.
                          • Jesus is the solution to this hostility, as he crushed Satan's head and overcame sin and death.
                          • In biblical Christianity, there is no difference between men and women at the foot of the cross, and all believers have access to God through Jesus.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

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                          ]]>8012d1e8-a26f-4f5c-ad69-a87b7199aaa2Mon, 13 May 2024 05:00:00 -060041:29falsefull6464If God Is Good, Why Does Evil Exist?In this episode, Bryan, Bo and KD explore the question that skeptics and scoffers love to use to stump Christians: If God is good, why does evil exist? At first blush this paradox seems impossible to answer. But take a second look at the Bible and you’ll not just make sense of this difficult question, you’ll find an answer that can change your eternity.

                          Takeaways:

                          • Mormonism and Christianity have different understandings of God, Satan, and the nature of evil.
                          • Evil is not just external, but also resides within each person.
                          • Evil exists because people exist. Sin is what broke the world, and God is being patient with people to give them a chance to repent.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

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                          Mentioned in this episode:

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                          ]]>In this episode, Bryan, Bo and KD explore the question that skeptics and scoffers love to use to stump Christians: If God is good, why does evil exist? At first blush this paradox seems impossible to answer. But take a second look at the Bible and you’ll not just make sense of this difficult question, you’ll find an answer that can change your eternity.

                          Takeaways:

                          • Mormonism and Christianity have different understandings of God, Satan, and the nature of evil.
                          • Evil is not just external, but also resides within each person.
                          • Evil exists because people exist. Sin is what broke the world, and God is being patient with people to give them a chance to repent.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

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                          ]]>786e470a-4980-4f7b-b31b-382df535b114Mon, 06 May 2024 05:00:00 -060042:40falsefull6363Does God Still Speak Through Prophets?In this episode, Bryan, Bo and KD talk about how the Mormon church claims to have prophets who speak authoritatively for God. But is that really a thing anymore? If not, how do we hear from God? This podcast explores the answer to that question. They discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments, the concept of worthiness in Mormonism, and the differences between capital P prophets and lowercase p prophets. They emphasize that every believer now has the Holy Spirit and that the Bible is God's authoritative Word. They also talk about the closed canon and the importance of testing everything against God's Word.

                          Takeaways:

                          • There are two different types of prophets: a capital “P” prophet who speaks authoritatively for God, and a lowercase “p” prophet who speaks what God has already spoken.
                          • The canon of Scripture is closed, meaning that God is not going to speak authoritatively through prophets anymore.
                          • The Bible is God's authoritative word and does not need to be supplemented with new revelation from prophets.
                          • The gift of prophecy in the local church is about reminding people of what God has already spoken, not bringing new revelation.
                          • Believers should test everything against God's Word and hold on to what is good.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          Mentioned in this episode:

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                          ]]>In this episode, Bryan, Bo and KD talk about how the Mormon church claims to have prophets who speak authoritatively for God. But is that really a thing anymore? If not, how do we hear from God? This podcast explores the answer to that question. They discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments, the concept of worthiness in Mormonism, and the differences between capital P prophets and lowercase p prophets. They emphasize that every believer now has the Holy Spirit and that the Bible is God's authoritative Word. They also talk about the closed canon and the importance of testing everything against God's Word.

                          Takeaways:

                          • There are two different types of prophets: a capital “P” prophet who speaks authoritatively for God, and a lowercase “p” prophet who speaks what God has already spoken.
                          • The canon of Scripture is closed, meaning that God is not going to speak authoritatively through prophets anymore.
                          • The Bible is God's authoritative word and does not need to be supplemented with new revelation from prophets.
                          • The gift of prophecy in the local church is about reminding people of what God has already spoken, not bringing new revelation.
                          • Believers should test everything against God's Word and hold on to what is good.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          Mentioned in this episode:

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                          ]]>b53f1559-0c9a-4345-b0ce-c92cea1a6803Mon, 29 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -060053:49falsefull6262Does God Still Speak Through Prophets? - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastSome churches claim to have prophets who speak authoritatively for God. But is that really a thing anymore? If not, how do we hear from God?

                          --

                          The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          --

                          Does God Still Speak Through Prophets?

                          Let’s start with a passage that seems to answer the question:

                          Ephesians 4:11 (NLT) Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.

                          1. Seems clear, right? Prophets are still a thing.
                          2. So the churches that claim to have prophets and apostles are the most biblical churches? Not so fast. Let’s look into this…
                          
                          

                          Prophets in the OT

                          Prophets in the OT were not mere fortune-tellers but messengers chosen by God to guide, comfort, and ultimately call people back to God.

                          1. Exodus 3:9-10 (NLT) “Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”
                          2. Ezekiel 2:3-5 (NLT) “Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says!’ And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.
                          3. Hosea 1:2 (NLT) When the LORD first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the LORD and worshiping other gods.”
                          4. Jonah 1:1-2 (NLT) The LORD gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”
                          
                          

                          Prophets in the NT

                          In the NT the Holy Spirit was given to every believer, and this caused prophecy to take on a whole new meaning and purpose.

                          1. Acts 2:17-18 (NLT) ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy.
                          2. (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Whereas the Spirit especially designated and empowered the prophets and other leaders of Israel under the Old Covenant, God promises that all his people will be possessed by the Spirit in the last days.
                          3. (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The expectation from 2:17-18 is that all believers under the New Covenant would 'prophesy' (prophēteusousin), and so share to some extent in the prophetic role (cf. 19:6). However, it is clear that some of the early Christians were especially gifted in prediction (cf. 21:4, 9, 10-11), and others in exhorting and strengthening believers in their discipleship (cf. 15:30-2).
                          4. Acts 21:9-12 (NLT) He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. He came over, took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.’” When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
                          
                          

                          Two Types of Prophet

                          The key to answering this question is to consider the two types of “prophet”. The first is capital “P” prophet = speaks authoritatively for God. It’s what we see here:

                          Ephesians 2:19-20 (NLT) So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.

                          1. This is what I call capital “P” prophets - those who spoke authoritatively and laid the foundation. Paul describes it further in the next chapter:
                          2. Ephesians 3:5 (NLT) God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
                          3. Through Peter, John, Paul, etc. God revealed his plan of salvation: Jew +Gentile. Good news! But not what the people expected.
                          4. This was prophetic revelation. New revelation. This work is done. God does not need to reveal anything new through prophets.
                          
                          

                          Ans: God does NOT speak through these types of prophets anymore.

                          But that’s different than the gift of prophecy in the local church. That’s what Paul is talking about in Ephesians 4, the passage we started with today. Now we’re ready to read it in context:

                          Ephesians 4:11-12 (NLT) Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

                          1. This is what I call lower case “p” prophets - those who speak out to every new generation (and congregation) what God has already spoken.
                          2. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NLT) Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.
                          
                          

                          Close:

                          Why do we no longer need prophets in the capital “P” sense? The ultimate “prophet” is Jesus himself.

                          1. Hebrews 1:1-2 (NLT) Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son….
                          
                          

                          We’ll find all the revelation we need in Jesus. Look to him for your answers.

                          ]]>Some churches claim to have prophets who speak authoritatively for God. But is that really a thing anymore? If not, how do we hear from God?

                          --

                          The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

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                          --

                          Does God Still Speak Through Prophets?

                          Let’s start with a passage that seems to answer the question:

                          Ephesians 4:11 (NLT) Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.

                          1. Seems clear, right? Prophets are still a thing.
                          2. So the churches that claim to have prophets and apostles are the most biblical churches? Not so fast. Let’s look into this…
                          
                          

                          Prophets in the OT

                          Prophets in the OT were not mere fortune-tellers but messengers chosen by God to guide, comfort, and ultimately call people back to God.

                          1. Exodus 3:9-10 (NLT) “Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”
                          2. Ezekiel 2:3-5 (NLT) “Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says!’ And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.
                          3. Hosea 1:2 (NLT) When the LORD first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the LORD and worshiping other gods.”
                          4. Jonah 1:1-2 (NLT) The LORD gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”
                          
                          

                          Prophets in the NT

                          In the NT the Holy Spirit was given to every believer, and this caused prophecy to take on a whole new meaning and purpose.

                          1. Acts 2:17-18 (NLT) ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy.
                          2. (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Whereas the Spirit especially designated and empowered the prophets and other leaders of Israel under the Old Covenant, God promises that all his people will be possessed by the Spirit in the last days.
                          3. (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The expectation from 2:17-18 is that all believers under the New Covenant would 'prophesy' (prophēteusousin), and so share to some extent in the prophetic role (cf. 19:6). However, it is clear that some of the early Christians were especially gifted in prediction (cf. 21:4, 9, 10-11), and others in exhorting and strengthening believers in their discipleship (cf. 15:30-2).
                          4. Acts 21:9-12 (NLT) He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. He came over, took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.’” When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
                          
                          

                          Two Types of Prophet

                          The key to answering this question is to consider the two types of “prophet”. The first is capital “P” prophet = speaks authoritatively for God. It’s what we see here:

                          Ephesians 2:19-20 (NLT) So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.

                          1. This is what I call capital “P” prophets - those who spoke authoritatively and laid the foundation. Paul describes it further in the next chapter:
                          2. Ephesians 3:5 (NLT) God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
                          3. Through Peter, John, Paul, etc. God revealed his plan of salvation: Jew +Gentile. Good news! But not what the people expected.
                          4. This was prophetic revelation. New revelation. This work is done. God does not need to reveal anything new through prophets.
                          
                          

                          Ans: God does NOT speak through these types of prophets anymore.

                          But that’s different than the gift of prophecy in the local church. That’s what Paul is talking about in Ephesians 4, the passage we started with today. Now we’re ready to read it in context:

                          Ephesians 4:11-12 (NLT) Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

                          1. This is what I call lower case “p” prophets - those who speak out to every new generation (and congregation) what God has already spoken.
                          2. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NLT) Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.
                          
                          

                          Close:

                          Why do we no longer need prophets in the capital “P” sense? The ultimate “prophet” is Jesus himself.

                          1. Hebrews 1:1-2 (NLT) Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son….
                          
                          

                          We’ll find all the revelation we need in Jesus. Look to him for your answers.

                          ]]>808b9702-7988-40fa-a0e0-a9d2446aad39Fri, 26 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -060019:57falsebonusIs the Book of Mormon More Reliable than the Bible?In this episode, Bryan, Bo and KD explore the differences between the Bible and the Book of Mormon, focusing on textual and historical evidence. They discuss how the Book of Mormon lacks archaeological evidence and contains anachronisms, while the Bible has extensive evidence supporting its accuracy and reliability. They emphasize that the Bible tells one unified story, written by multiple authors over 1500 years, yet remaining consistent. They also address the reliability of Bible translations, explaining that translations are accurate and reliable, and the Joseph Smith Translation cannot be considered a true translation. They conclude by highlighting the power and inspiration of the Bible as the Word of God.

                          Takeaways:

                          • Mormons believe the Bible is the word of God, but it is not infallible and has errors.
                          • The Bible is ranked below the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price in Mormon canon.
                          • Christians believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Bible, meaning that divine inspiration extends to the very words themselves and all parts of the Bible.
                          • The Book of Mormon lacks archaeological evidence and contains anachronisms, while the Bible has extensive evidence supporting its accuracy and reliability.
                          • The Bible tells one unified story, written by multiple authors over 1500 years, yet remaining consistent.
                          • Translations of the Bible are accurate and reliable, and the Joseph Smith Translation cannot be considered a true translation.
                          • The Bible is the Word of God and can be trusted.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          Mentioned in this episode:

                          Donate Now

                          ]]>In this episode, Bryan, Bo and KD explore the differences between the Bible and the Book of Mormon, focusing on textual and historical evidence. They discuss how the Book of Mormon lacks archaeological evidence and contains anachronisms, while the Bible has extensive evidence supporting its accuracy and reliability. They emphasize that the Bible tells one unified story, written by multiple authors over 1500 years, yet remaining consistent. They also address the reliability of Bible translations, explaining that translations are accurate and reliable, and the Joseph Smith Translation cannot be considered a true translation. They conclude by highlighting the power and inspiration of the Bible as the Word of God.

                          Takeaways:

                          • Mormons believe the Bible is the word of God, but it is not infallible and has errors.
                          • The Bible is ranked below the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price in Mormon canon.
                          • Christians believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Bible, meaning that divine inspiration extends to the very words themselves and all parts of the Bible.
                          • The Book of Mormon lacks archaeological evidence and contains anachronisms, while the Bible has extensive evidence supporting its accuracy and reliability.
                          • The Bible tells one unified story, written by multiple authors over 1500 years, yet remaining consistent.
                          • Translations of the Bible are accurate and reliable, and the Joseph Smith Translation cannot be considered a true translation.
                          • The Bible is the Word of God and can be trusted.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          Mentioned in this episode:

                          Donate Now

                          ]]>b2b51dd4-11cf-4e59-a547-403ac2ff368cMon, 22 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -060058:46falsefull6161Is the Mormon Church the Only True Church?In this conversation, Bryan, Bo and KD discuss the question of whether there is only one true church, specifically focusing on the Mormon Church. They explore the concept of a testimony in Mormonism and how it differs from the Christian understanding of a testimony. They also discuss the idea of the church as an organization, denomination, or building, and explain that the biblical definition of the church is the assembly of called out believers in Jesus. They conclude that while there may not be one true church in the sense of a specific institution or denomination, there is a capital C church that includes all true believers in Jesus throughout history.

                          Takeaways:

                          • Mormons believe that the Mormon Church is the one true church, and this belief is ingrained from a young age.
                          • The biblical definition of the church is the assembly of called out believers in Jesus, and it is not limited to a specific organization, denomination, or building.
                          • A testimony in Mormonism is a memorized statement that focuses on the prophet, the church, and sometimes the family, rather than on Jesus.
                          • While Mormonism as an institution is not part of the one true church, individuals within the Mormon church can still have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
                          • Core doctrines such as belief in the Bible, the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, salvation by faith, and life after death are important in determining if a church is part of the one true church.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          --

                          Notes

                          Mentioned in this episode:

                          Donate Now

                          ]]>In this conversation, Bryan, Bo and KD discuss the question of whether there is only one true church, specifically focusing on the Mormon Church. They explore the concept of a testimony in Mormonism and how it differs from the Christian understanding of a testimony. They also discuss the idea of the church as an organization, denomination, or building, and explain that the biblical definition of the church is the assembly of called out believers in Jesus. They conclude that while there may not be one true church in the sense of a specific institution or denomination, there is a capital C church that includes all true believers in Jesus throughout history.

                          Takeaways:

                          • Mormons believe that the Mormon Church is the one true church, and this belief is ingrained from a young age.
                          • The biblical definition of the church is the assembly of called out believers in Jesus, and it is not limited to a specific organization, denomination, or building.
                          • A testimony in Mormonism is a memorized statement that focuses on the prophet, the church, and sometimes the family, rather than on Jesus.
                          • While Mormonism as an institution is not part of the one true church, individuals within the Mormon church can still have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
                          • Core doctrines such as belief in the Bible, the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, salvation by faith, and life after death are important in determining if a church is part of the one true church.
                          
                          

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          --

                          Notes

                          Mentioned in this episode:

                          Donate Now

                          ]]>c517bb15-a161-4d46-b33b-ead7a0e2c3fcMon, 15 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -060045:25falsefull6060How Good Is Good Enough in Mormonism?Almost every world religion offers a pathway to heaven through good works and personal efforts. Some even include a list of sacraments: Holy rituals by which a person can merit salvation. But Christianity is different. According to the Bible, there’s only one way to know if you’re good enough for God, and it has nothing to do with what you can do.

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          --

                          Before we look at what the Bible says, let’s do a quick survey of a few popular world religions…

                          Hinduism: Hinduism does not have a singular concept of salvation but rather multiple paths (yogas) that lead to spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). These paths include devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma yoga), among others. Salvation is achieved when an individual realizes their true self (atman) as one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). (Liberation depends on YOU.)

                          
                          

                          Buddhism: Salvation in Buddhism is the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth, achieved through the elimination of desire and ignorance. In Buddhism, the goal is to attain enlightenment (nirvana) by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes principles such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. (Nirvana depends on YOU.)

                          
                          

                          Islam: In Islam, the plan of salvation involves belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. Muslims believe in living a righteous life according to the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Muhammad). Salvation is achieved through faith, repentance, and good deeds, with the ultimate reward being entry into paradise. Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds but is ultimately dependent on the mercy and judgment of Allah. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife. (Paradise depends on YOU.)

                          
                          

                          (Note: similarity with Mormonism. “Saved by grace after all we can do.”) - Don’t include this in sermon!

                          
                          

                          TRANS: So what does Christianity teach? To find that answer we need to look at one more world religion: Judaism. Jesus was Jewish. Christianity came out of Judaism. Understanding the link between those two religions, and specifically the key difference between them, will give us the insight we need to answer our question today. Let’s start with the words of Jesus from his famous Sermon on the Mount:

                          
                          

                          Perfection

                          Matthew 5:17 (NLT) “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”

                          
                          

                          When Jesus talks about “the law and the prophets” he’s referring to Judaism. Here’s Judaism in a nutshell:

                          • God chose Abraham and made him some promises (Gen 12)
                          • God gave the 10 commandments to Moses - rules to live by in the land of promise they were about to enter.
                          • The people kept breaking the laws and failing to live right. 
                          • Judges 21:25 (NLT) In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.
                          
                          
                          

                          In Mt 5 Jesus is basically saying: “There’s nothing wrong with the law; there’s something wrong with the people.” That’s why he said this: 

                          
                          

                          Matthew 5:20 (NLT) “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”

                          
                          

                          Jesus goes on in the sermon to list examples in every area of life:

                          • You’ve heard “don’t murder,” but I say anger = murder in your heart
                          • You’ve heard “don’t adulterate,” but I say lust = adultery in your heart
                          • You’ve heard “the punishment must match the crime,” but I say turn the other cheek
                          • You’ve heard “love your neighbor,” but I say “love your enemy”
                          
                          
                          

                          Then Jesus finishes the section with this crazy statement: 

                          Matthew 5:48 (NLT) But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

                          
                          

                          The Pickle

                          This leaves us in a pickle. God requires perfection, but people are far from it. The Apostle Paul explained this clearly in his letter to the Romans:

                          
                          

                          Romans 3:20 (NLT) For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

                          
                          

                          This is crazy: Paul used to be a Pharisee! He was one of those guys from the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus was talking about. He was trying to get to God through his own works. Here’s how Paul himself explained it:

                          
                          

                          Philippians 3:5-6 (NLT) I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

                          
                          

                          This next verse I want to use the NIV, because it helps us to calculate what Paul is trying to say:

                          
                          

                          Philippians 3:7 (NIV) But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

                          • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The shift from plural gains to singular loss indicates that Paul is not giving different values to each of his assets, discounting them at different rates: some are marked down 50%; others down 90%. Because of Christ, Paul has counted up all of his assets and considered them to be one huge liability. After his conversion to Christ, Paul recalculates the value of all of the advantages of his family and his accomplishments, his social class and his moral achievements, and then he enters the new bottom line: they all add up to one overwhelming disadvantage, one huge loss.
                          • Paul was in the red… and then he met Christ
                          • Famous Mormon example of a dad buying bike for his kid? 
                          
                          

                          The Gift

                          Here’s how Paul explained the math to the Ephesians: 

                          
                          

                          Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

                          
                          

                          Think about the word “gift”. How much do you pay for it? Exactly nothing. Once you pay for it, it’s no longer a gift!

                          • Ex: Ross at the summer outreach event. Guy trying to pay for water bottle. 
                          
                          
                          

                          Two things about a gift: 

                          • “None of us can boast about it.” - religious boasting
                          • We don’t have to wonder if we’ve done enough.
                          • Contrast with Islam: “Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds…. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife.”
                          • But they’ll never know for sure!!
                          
                          
                          

                          Back to Romans for two more verses:

                          
                          

                          Romans 3:21-22 (NLT) But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law…. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

                          
                          

                          So the Bible’s answer to the question “How good is good enough for God?” reveals the difference between Christianity and every other religion.

                          • Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam are all “works-based”– It’s about what YOU can do to reach enlightenment, earn nirvanah, become righteous. 
                          • Christianity has a different message: YOU can’t do anything to save yourself. People have tried, and they’ve always failed!
                          • You’ll need the perfection of Jesus. You’ll only get that by faith.
                          
                          ]]>Almost every world religion offers a pathway to heaven through good works and personal efforts. Some even include a list of sacraments: Holy rituals by which a person can merit salvation. But Christianity is different. According to the Bible, there’s only one way to know if you’re good enough for God, and it has nothing to do with what you can do.

                          --

                          The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          --

                          Before we look at what the Bible says, let’s do a quick survey of a few popular world religions…

                          Hinduism: Hinduism does not have a singular concept of salvation but rather multiple paths (yogas) that lead to spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). These paths include devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma yoga), among others. Salvation is achieved when an individual realizes their true self (atman) as one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). (Liberation depends on YOU.)

                          
                          

                          Buddhism: Salvation in Buddhism is the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth, achieved through the elimination of desire and ignorance. In Buddhism, the goal is to attain enlightenment (nirvana) by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes principles such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. (Nirvana depends on YOU.)

                          
                          

                          Islam: In Islam, the plan of salvation involves belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. Muslims believe in living a righteous life according to the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Muhammad). Salvation is achieved through faith, repentance, and good deeds, with the ultimate reward being entry into paradise. Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds but is ultimately dependent on the mercy and judgment of Allah. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife. (Paradise depends on YOU.)

                          
                          

                          (Note: similarity with Mormonism. “Saved by grace after all we can do.”) - Don’t include this in sermon!

                          
                          

                          TRANS: So what does Christianity teach? To find that answer we need to look at one more world religion: Judaism. Jesus was Jewish. Christianity came out of Judaism. Understanding the link between those two religions, and specifically the key difference between them, will give us the insight we need to answer our question today. Let’s start with the words of Jesus from his famous Sermon on the Mount:

                          
                          

                          Perfection

                          Matthew 5:17 (NLT) “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”

                          
                          

                          When Jesus talks about “the law and the prophets” he’s referring to Judaism. Here’s Judaism in a nutshell:

                          • God chose Abraham and made him some promises (Gen 12)
                          • God gave the 10 commandments to Moses - rules to live by in the land of promise they were about to enter.
                          • The people kept breaking the laws and failing to live right. 
                          • Judges 21:25 (NLT) In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.
                          
                          
                          

                          In Mt 5 Jesus is basically saying: “There’s nothing wrong with the law; there’s something wrong with the people.” That’s why he said this: 

                          
                          

                          Matthew 5:20 (NLT) “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”

                          
                          

                          Jesus goes on in the sermon to list examples in every area of life:

                          • You’ve heard “don’t murder,” but I say anger = murder in your heart
                          • You’ve heard “don’t adulterate,” but I say lust = adultery in your heart
                          • You’ve heard “the punishment must match the crime,” but I say turn the other cheek
                          • You’ve heard “love your neighbor,” but I say “love your enemy”
                          
                          
                          

                          Then Jesus finishes the section with this crazy statement: 

                          Matthew 5:48 (NLT) But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

                          
                          

                          The Pickle

                          This leaves us in a pickle. God requires perfection, but people are far from it. The Apostle Paul explained this clearly in his letter to the Romans:

                          
                          

                          Romans 3:20 (NLT) For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

                          
                          

                          This is crazy: Paul used to be a Pharisee! He was one of those guys from the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus was talking about. He was trying to get to God through his own works. Here’s how Paul himself explained it:

                          
                          

                          Philippians 3:5-6 (NLT) I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

                          
                          

                          This next verse I want to use the NIV, because it helps us to calculate what Paul is trying to say:

                          
                          

                          Philippians 3:7 (NIV) But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

                          • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The shift from plural gains to singular loss indicates that Paul is not giving different values to each of his assets, discounting them at different rates: some are marked down 50%; others down 90%. Because of Christ, Paul has counted up all of his assets and considered them to be one huge liability. After his conversion to Christ, Paul recalculates the value of all of the advantages of his family and his accomplishments, his social class and his moral achievements, and then he enters the new bottom line: they all add up to one overwhelming disadvantage, one huge loss.
                          • Paul was in the red… and then he met Christ
                          • Famous Mormon example of a dad buying bike for his kid? 
                          
                          

                          The Gift

                          Here’s how Paul explained the math to the Ephesians: 

                          
                          

                          Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

                          
                          

                          Think about the word “gift”. How much do you pay for it? Exactly nothing. Once you pay for it, it’s no longer a gift!

                          • Ex: Ross at the summer outreach event. Guy trying to pay for water bottle. 
                          
                          
                          

                          Two things about a gift: 

                          • “None of us can boast about it.” - religious boasting
                          • We don’t have to wonder if we’ve done enough.
                          • Contrast with Islam: “Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds…. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife.”
                          • But they’ll never know for sure!!
                          
                          
                          

                          Back to Romans for two more verses:

                          
                          

                          Romans 3:21-22 (NLT) But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law…. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

                          
                          

                          So the Bible’s answer to the question “How good is good enough for God?” reveals the difference between Christianity and every other religion.

                          • Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam are all “works-based”– It’s about what YOU can do to reach enlightenment, earn nirvanah, become righteous. 
                          • Christianity has a different message: YOU can’t do anything to save yourself. People have tried, and they’ve always failed!
                          • You’ll need the perfection of Jesus. You’ll only get that by faith.
                          
                          ]]>cde8fd16-535d-4899-ad40-35b217abab9aMon, 08 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -060054:41falsefull5959How Good Is Good Enough for God? - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastAlmost every world religion offers a pathway to heaven through good works and personal efforts. Some even include a list of sacraments: Holy rituals by which a person can merit salvation. But Christianity is different. According to the Bible, there’s only one way to know if you’re good enough for God, and it has nothing to do with what you can do.

                          --

                          The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                          Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                          Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                          Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                          Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                          Donate Now

                          --

                          Before we look at what the Bible says, let’s do a quick survey of a few popular world religions…

                          Hinduism: Hinduism does not have a singular concept of salvation but rather multiple paths (yogas) that lead to spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). These paths include devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma yoga), among others. Salvation is achieved when an individual realizes their true self (atman) as one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). (Liberation depends on YOU.)

                          Buddhism: Salvation in Buddhism is the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth, achieved through the elimination of desire and ignorance. In Buddhism, the goal is to attain enlightenment (nirvana) by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes principles such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. (Nirvana depends on YOU.)

                          Islam: In Islam, the plan of salvation involves belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. Muslims believe in living a righteous life according to the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Muhammad). Salvation is achieved through faith, repentance, and good deeds, with the ultimate reward being entry into paradise. Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds but is ultimately dependent on the mercy and judgment of Allah. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife. (Paradise depends on YOU.)

                          
                          

                          (Note: similarity with Mormonism. “Saved by grace after all we can do.”) - Don’t include this in sermon!

                          
                          

                          TRANS: So what does Christianity teach? To find that answer we need to look at one more world religion: Judaism. Jesus was Jewish. Christianity came out of Judaism. Understanding the link between those two religions, and specifically the key difference between them, will give us the insight we need to answer our question today. Let’s start with the words of Jesus from his famous Sermon on the Mount:

                          
                          

                          Perfection

                          Matthew 5:17 (NLT) “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”

                          
                          

                          When Jesus talks about “the law and the prophets” he’s referring to Judaism. Here’s Judaism in a nutshell:

                          1. God chose Abraham and made him some promises (Gen 12)
                          2. God gave the 10 commandments to Moses - rules to live by in the land of promise they were about to enter.
                          3. The people kept breaking the laws and failing to live right.
                          4. Judges 21:25 (NLT) In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.
                          
                          
                          

                          In Mt 5 Jesus is basically saying: “There’s nothing wrong with the law; there’s something wrong with the people.” That’s why he said this:

                          
                          

                          Matthew 5:20 (NLT) “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”

                          
                          

                          Jesus goes on in the sermon to list examples in every area of life:

                          1. You’ve heard “don’t murder,” but I say anger = murder in your heart
                          2. You’ve heard “don’t adulterate,” but I say lust = adultery in your heart
                          3. You’ve heard “the punishment must match the crime,” but I say turn the other cheek
                          4. You’ve heard “love your neighbor,” but I say “love your enemy”
                          
                          
                          

                          Then Jesus finishes the section with this crazy statement:

                          Matthew 5:48 (NLT) But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

                          1. So, how good is good enough? Perfection. Anything less won’t work.
                          
                          
                          

                          The Pickle

                          This leaves us in a pickle. God requires perfection, but people are far from it. The Apostle Paul explained this clearly in his letter to the Romans:

                          
                          

                          Romans 3:20 (NLT) For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

                          
                          

                          This is crazy: Paul used to be a Pharisee! He was one of those guys from the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus was talking about. He was trying to get to God through his own works. Here’s how Paul himself explained it:

                          
                          

                          Philippians 3:5-6 (NLT) I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

                          
                          

                          This next verse I want to use the NIV, because it helps us to calculate what Paul is trying to say:

                          
                          

                          Philippians 3:7 (NIV) But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

                          1. (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The shift from plural gains to singular loss indicates that Paul is not giving different values to each of his assets, discounting them at different rates: some are marked down 50%; others down 90%. Because of Christ, Paul has counted up all of his assets and considered them to be one huge liability. After his conversion to Christ, Paul recalculates the value of all of the advantages of his family and his accomplishments, his social class and his moral achievements, and then he enters the new bottom line: they all add up to one overwhelming disadvantage, one huge loss.
                          2. Paul was in the red… and then he met Christ
                          3. Famous Mormon example of a dad buying bike for his kid?
                          
                          

                          The Gift

                          Here’s how Paul explained the math to the Ephesians:

                          
                          

                          Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

                          
                          

                          Think about the word “gift”. How much do you pay for it? Exactly nothing. Once you pay for it, it’s no longer a gift!

                          1. Ex: Ross at the summer outreach event. Guy trying to pay for water bottle.
                          
                          
                          

                          Two things about a gift:

                          1. “None of us can boast about it.” - religious boasting
                          2. We don’t have to wonder if we’ve done enough.
                          3. Contrast with Islam: “Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds…. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife.”
                          4. But they’ll never know for sure!!
                          
                          
                          

                          Back to Romans for two more verses:

                          
                          

                          Romans 3:21-22 (NLT) But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law…. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

                          
                          

                          So the Bible’s answer to the question “How good is good enough for God?” reveals the difference between Christianity and every other religion.

                          1. Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam are all “works-based”– It’s about...]]>Almost every world religion offers a pathway to heaven through good works and personal efforts. Some even include a list of sacraments: Holy rituals by which a person can merit salvation. But Christianity is different. According to the Bible, there’s only one way to know if you’re good enough for God, and it has nothing to do with what you can do.

                             --

                             The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Before we look at what the Bible says, let’s do a quick survey of a few popular world religions…

                             Hinduism: Hinduism does not have a singular concept of salvation but rather multiple paths (yogas) that lead to spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). These paths include devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma yoga), among others. Salvation is achieved when an individual realizes their true self (atman) as one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). (Liberation depends on YOU.)

                             Buddhism: Salvation in Buddhism is the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth, achieved through the elimination of desire and ignorance. In Buddhism, the goal is to attain enlightenment (nirvana) by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes principles such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. (Nirvana depends on YOU.)

                             Islam: In Islam, the plan of salvation involves belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. Muslims believe in living a righteous life according to the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Muhammad). Salvation is achieved through faith, repentance, and good deeds, with the ultimate reward being entry into paradise. Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds but is ultimately dependent on the mercy and judgment of Allah. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife. (Paradise depends on YOU.)

                             
                             

                             (Note: similarity with Mormonism. “Saved by grace after all we can do.”) - Don’t include this in sermon!

                             
                             

                             TRANS: So what does Christianity teach? To find that answer we need to look at one more world religion: Judaism. Jesus was Jewish. Christianity came out of Judaism. Understanding the link between those two religions, and specifically the key difference between them, will give us the insight we need to answer our question today. Let’s start with the words of Jesus from his famous Sermon on the Mount:

                             
                             

                             Perfection

                             Matthew 5:17 (NLT) “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”

                             
                             

                             When Jesus talks about “the law and the prophets” he’s referring to Judaism. Here’s Judaism in a nutshell:

                             1. God chose Abraham and made him some promises (Gen 12)
                             2. God gave the 10 commandments to Moses - rules to live by in the land of promise they were about to enter.
                             3. The people kept breaking the laws and failing to live right.
                             4. Judges 21:25 (NLT) In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.
                             
                             
                             

                             In Mt 5 Jesus is basically saying: “There’s nothing wrong with the law; there’s something wrong with the people.” That’s why he said this:

                             
                             

                             Matthew 5:20 (NLT) “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”

                             
                             

                             Jesus goes on in the sermon to list examples in every area of life:

                             1. You’ve heard “don’t murder,” but I say anger = murder in your heart
                             2. You’ve heard “don’t adulterate,” but I say lust = adultery in your heart
                             3. You’ve heard “the punishment must match the crime,” but I say turn the other cheek
                             4. You’ve heard “love your neighbor,” but I say “love your enemy”
                             
                             
                             

                             Then Jesus finishes the section with this crazy statement:

                             Matthew 5:48 (NLT) But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

                             1. So, how good is good enough? Perfection. Anything less won’t work.
                             
                             
                             

                             The Pickle

                             This leaves us in a pickle. God requires perfection, but people are far from it. The Apostle Paul explained this clearly in his letter to the Romans:

                             
                             

                             Romans 3:20 (NLT) For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

                             
                             

                             This is crazy: Paul used to be a Pharisee! He was one of those guys from the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus was talking about. He was trying to get to God through his own works. Here’s how Paul himself explained it:

                             
                             

                             Philippians 3:5-6 (NLT) I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

                             
                             

                             This next verse I want to use the NIV, because it helps us to calculate what Paul is trying to say:

                             
                             

                             Philippians 3:7 (NIV) But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

                             1. (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The shift from plural gains to singular loss indicates that Paul is not giving different values to each of his assets, discounting them at different rates: some are marked down 50%; others down 90%. Because of Christ, Paul has counted up all of his assets and considered them to be one huge liability. After his conversion to Christ, Paul recalculates the value of all of the advantages of his family and his accomplishments, his social class and his moral achievements, and then he enters the new bottom line: they all add up to one overwhelming disadvantage, one huge loss.
                             2. Paul was in the red… and then he met Christ
                             3. Famous Mormon example of a dad buying bike for his kid?
                             
                             

                             The Gift

                             Here’s how Paul explained the math to the Ephesians:

                             
                             

                             Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

                             
                             

                             Think about the word “gift”. How much do you pay for it? Exactly nothing. Once you pay for it, it’s no longer a gift!

                             1. Ex: Ross at the summer outreach event. Guy trying to pay for water bottle.
                             
                             
                             

                             Two things about a gift:

                             1. “None of us can boast about it.” - religious boasting
                             2. We don’t have to wonder if we’ve done enough.
                             3. Contrast with Islam: “Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds…. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife.”
                             4. But they’ll never know for sure!!
                             
                             
                             

                             Back to Romans for two more verses:

                             
                             

                             Romans 3:21-22 (NLT) But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law…. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

                             
                             

                             So the Bible’s answer to the question “How good is good enough for God?” reveals the difference between Christianity and every other religion.

                             1. Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam are all “works-based”– It’s about what YOU can do to reach enlightenment, earn nirvanah, become righteous.
                             2. Christianity has a different message: YOU can’t do anything to save yourself. People have tried, and they’ve always failed!
                             3. You’ll need the perfection of Jesus. You’ll only get that by faith.
                             
                             ]]>b25f7ce9-3303-4f95-b367-b0582465a713Fri, 05 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -060033:32falsebonusMormon Stories: The Controlling Mormon Wife Who Found JesusKD shares her amazing story of how the God of the Bible got a hold of her heart. She talks about growing up in a Mormon household, the fear of her parents' potential divorce, and her deep desire to have an eternal family. She also discusses the pressure she felt to be a perfect wife and the impact of learning about polygamy in heaven. Her and Bo discuss the challenges of perfectionism and the burden of trying to earn their salvation within the Mormon Church. They discuss the impact of checklist mentality and the struggle to find grace within the confines of their faith. The loss of their daughter becomes a turning point in their spiritual journey, leading them to reevaluate their beliefs and seek a deeper understanding of Jesus.

                             Takeaways

                             • Growing up in a Mormon household can come with unique challenges and pressures, such as the fear of divorce and the emphasis on eternal families.
                             • Learning about polygamy in heaven can be unsettling, especially for those who have witnessed infidelity or unhealthy relationships.
                             • The pressure to be a perfect spouse and maintain a worthy image can lead to controlling behaviors and mental distress.
                             • Discovering the true God of the Bible can bring relief and freedom from the burdens and expectations of Mormonism. The pressure to be perfect and earn salvation can create a heavy burden and lead to feelings of inadequacy.
                             • Navigating the tension between grace and checklist mentality can be challenging, especially within the Mormon faith.
                             • Finding a Christian church and embracing the true meaning of grace can bring relief and a deeper understanding of God's love.
                             
                             

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Mentioned in this episode:

                             Donate Now

                             ]]>KD shares her amazing story of how the God of the Bible got a hold of her heart. She talks about growing up in a Mormon household, the fear of her parents' potential divorce, and her deep desire to have an eternal family. She also discusses the pressure she felt to be a perfect wife and the impact of learning about polygamy in heaven. Her and Bo discuss the challenges of perfectionism and the burden of trying to earn their salvation within the Mormon Church. They discuss the impact of checklist mentality and the struggle to find grace within the confines of their faith. The loss of their daughter becomes a turning point in their spiritual journey, leading them to reevaluate their beliefs and seek a deeper understanding of Jesus.

                             Takeaways

                             • Growing up in a Mormon household can come with unique challenges and pressures, such as the fear of divorce and the emphasis on eternal families.
                             • Learning about polygamy in heaven can be unsettling, especially for those who have witnessed infidelity or unhealthy relationships.
                             • The pressure to be a perfect spouse and maintain a worthy image can lead to controlling behaviors and mental distress.
                             • Discovering the true God of the Bible can bring relief and freedom from the burdens and expectations of Mormonism. The pressure to be perfect and earn salvation can create a heavy burden and lead to feelings of inadequacy.
                             • Navigating the tension between grace and checklist mentality can be challenging, especially within the Mormon faith.
                             • Finding a Christian church and embracing the true meaning of grace can bring relief and a deeper understanding of God's love.
                             
                             

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Mentioned in this episode:

                             Donate Now

                             ]]>c34ae8b1-b544-4173-99e6-fadaaa8cb498Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -060049:27falsefull5858An Easter Message for the Ages (Mark 16:1-8) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastWe’ve been on a long journey through the gospel of Mark.  We started this in January of 2023.  Throughout Mark’s gospel, he has been building a case that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.  He opened his gospel with this declaration and has spent the last 16 chapters stacking up the evidence. Today we're looking at this question: What would it take to convince you that Jesus is the Son of God?

                             --

                             The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             We’ve seen testimonies:

                             • Mark 1:11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
                             • Mark 1:24 (NLT) “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
                             • Mark 8:29 (NLT) Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”
                             
                             

                             We’ve seen teachings: 

                             • Mark 2:17 (NLT) “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
                             • Mark 7:15 (NLT) “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
                             • Mark 10:15 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
                             
                             

                             We’ve seen his miracles: 

                             • Physical miracles
                             • cleansing the leper
                             • giving sight to the blind
                             • Healing the lame
                             • Resuscitating Lazarus
                             • Nature miracles:
                             • Feeding the multitudes… twice! 
                             • Walking on water  
                             • Calming the storm
                             • Even a spiritual miracle:
                             • casting out evil spirits 
                             
                             

                             TRANS: But there’s one miracle that stands out above them all. It’s the final and most important piece of evidence to point us to the true identity of Jesus. Today we’re looking at the incredible resurrection of Jesus.

                             The resurrection is the climax of Mark’s gospel. Without the resurrection, there is no good news. Jesus’s death would simply be the most tragic case of injustice in history, with not an ounce of goodness to it. It was the resurrection that changed the minds of his disciples. It was an encounter with the risen Christ that changed them from cowardly, sniveling men who deserted him and were always arguing about who would be the greatest… to brave, faith-filled men who unashamedly proclaimed Mark 1:1 – that Jesus is the Son of God. 

                             NOTE: As we dig into Mark 16, we’re going to go through verse 8.  If you’re reading in your Bible, you’ll likely have a footnote that says the “earliest manuscripts stop at verse 8.”  I want to talk about that for just a moment. I want to share with you why this strengthens my confidence in the accuracy, historicity, and authority of God’s Word.  I’m going to give you some reasons why we’re choosing to stop at verse 8 today and why many Bibles still include verse 9-20. 

                             • Earliest manuscripts we have don’t contain 9-20
                             • Overwhelming majority of early manuscripts do contain it. 
                             • Early church fathers quoted from verses after verse 8
                             • Elements of verses 9-20 are found in other gospels and nothing in it contradicts scripture. 
                             • (honesty/transparency) - we can trust the Bible
                             
                             

                             Mark 16:1-4 Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside.

                             They purchased burial spices. They had no expectation of an empty tomb. They expected to find a dead body. This anointing was not an attempt to preserve the body. Jews didn’t practice embalming. It was an act of love and devotion. They bought the spices at the first opportunity and made their way to the tomb at the first safe opportunity (as soon as it was daylight).  They didn’t put off showing their devotion to Jesus.  The touching of a dead body would have made them ceremonially unclean, another sacrifice they were willing to make for Jesus.  What are we willing to sacrifice for him? 

                             It’s powerful testimony that all of the gospels record women being the first to hear/see the good news of the resurrection.  If you were making the story up, you’d never have women be the first to confess the resurrection.  Their testimony wasn’t admissible in court. (honesty/transparency)

                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) "This is the general rule: any evidence that a woman is not eligible to bring, [usurers, dice-players, pigeon-flyers, traffickers Sabbath year produce, and slaves] are not eligible to bring" (m. Ros HaSh. 1:8). Further: "Sooner let the words of the Law be burned than delivered to women" (b. Sot. 19a); "Happy is he whose children are male, but alas for him whose children are female" (b. Qid. 82b). Especially indicative is the morning prayer of Jewish men, who blessed God for not making them heathens, slaves, or women!
                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Some two centuries after the Gospels were written, the pagan Celsus could still needle Origen on "the gossip of women about the empty tomb" (Origen, Contra Celsum 2, 55).
                             • 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NLT) Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
                             
                             

                             Who will roll the stone away? We know from Matthew’s gospel that there was an earthquake and the angel is the one who rolled the stone away and then sat on it. We also know from Matthew’s gospel that the Roman guards who had been assigned to guard the tomb shook with fear and passed out at the sight of the angel. 

                             Mark 16:5-7 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, 6 but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth,[b] who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. 7 Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.”

                             He is risen. Resurrection vs. resuscitation.  Jesus is the first to be resurrected.  There were resuscitations in the Bible prior to Jesus - Elijah raised the son of the widow from Zarephath back from the dead, Elisha raised the Shunammite’s son, Jairus’ daughter, Lazareth - but all these would die again.  Jesus didn’t resuscitate, he resurrected.  He came back to life never to die again.  Jesus was the first to do this.  This had never before been seen in history.  

                             Look The angel challenged the women to see for themselves that the body was not there - “Look, this is where they laid his body.”  God is always willing to prove himself to anyone who’s willing to seek. But he won’t force you to go looking. You’re listening today; are you willing to really look into Jesus? 

                             Including Peter. The women are specifically told to communicate the news to Peter.  Had he withdrawn because of his shame at denying Jesus three times?  Had the other disciples ostracized him because he had failed in the moment after being so adamant that he would die with Jesus? He was supposed to be the rock, but had crumbled like a cookie. The last interaction Peter had with Jesus was looking into his eyes after he had denied him three times.  How miserable these past days have been.  He probably no longer considered himself a disciple because of his denial.  He was too ashamed to be counted among his followers.  This is why the personal invitation is so important. Jesus extends that same personal invitation to you today. 

                             You will see him in Galilee. The women are commanded to go and tell the Good News that Jesus is risen. The women went to the tomb looking for closure; they got anything but closure! Now they would be on mission again with Jesus, meeting him in Galilee - the place where he first called his disciples. The place that represented...]]>We’ve been on a long journey through the gospel of Mark.  We started this in January of 2023.  Throughout Mark’s gospel, he has been building a case that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.  He opened his gospel with this declaration and has spent the last 16 chapters stacking up the evidence. Today we're looking at this question: What would it take to convince you that Jesus is the Son of God?

                             --

                             The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             We’ve seen testimonies:

                             • Mark 1:11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”
                             • Mark 1:24 (NLT) “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
                             • Mark 8:29 (NLT) Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”
                             
                             

                             We’ve seen teachings: 

                             • Mark 2:17 (NLT) “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
                             • Mark 7:15 (NLT) “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
                             • Mark 10:15 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
                             
                             

                             We’ve seen his miracles: 

                             • Physical miracles
                             • cleansing the leper
                             • giving sight to the blind
                             • Healing the lame
                             • Resuscitating Lazarus
                             • Nature miracles:
                             • Feeding the multitudes… twice! 
                             • Walking on water  
                             • Calming the storm
                             • Even a spiritual miracle:
                             • casting out evil spirits 
                             
                             

                             TRANS: But there’s one miracle that stands out above them all. It’s the final and most important piece of evidence to point us to the true identity of Jesus. Today we’re looking at the incredible resurrection of Jesus.

                             The resurrection is the climax of Mark’s gospel. Without the resurrection, there is no good news. Jesus’s death would simply be the most tragic case of injustice in history, with not an ounce of goodness to it. It was the resurrection that changed the minds of his disciples. It was an encounter with the risen Christ that changed them from cowardly, sniveling men who deserted him and were always arguing about who would be the greatest… to brave, faith-filled men who unashamedly proclaimed Mark 1:1 – that Jesus is the Son of God. 

                             NOTE: As we dig into Mark 16, we’re going to go through verse 8.  If you’re reading in your Bible, you’ll likely have a footnote that says the “earliest manuscripts stop at verse 8.”  I want to talk about that for just a moment. I want to share with you why this strengthens my confidence in the accuracy, historicity, and authority of God’s Word.  I’m going to give you some reasons why we’re choosing to stop at verse 8 today and why many Bibles still include verse 9-20. 

                             • Earliest manuscripts we have don’t contain 9-20
                             • Overwhelming majority of early manuscripts do contain it. 
                             • Early church fathers quoted from verses after verse 8
                             • Elements of verses 9-20 are found in other gospels and nothing in it contradicts scripture. 
                             • (honesty/transparency) - we can trust the Bible
                             
                             

                             Mark 16:1-4 Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4 But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside.

                             They purchased burial spices. They had no expectation of an empty tomb. They expected to find a dead body. This anointing was not an attempt to preserve the body. Jews didn’t practice embalming. It was an act of love and devotion. They bought the spices at the first opportunity and made their way to the tomb at the first safe opportunity (as soon as it was daylight).  They didn’t put off showing their devotion to Jesus.  The touching of a dead body would have made them ceremonially unclean, another sacrifice they were willing to make for Jesus.  What are we willing to sacrifice for him? 

                             It’s powerful testimony that all of the gospels record women being the first to hear/see the good news of the resurrection.  If you were making the story up, you’d never have women be the first to confess the resurrection.  Their testimony wasn’t admissible in court. (honesty/transparency)

                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) "This is the general rule: any evidence that a woman is not eligible to bring, [usurers, dice-players, pigeon-flyers, traffickers Sabbath year produce, and slaves] are not eligible to bring" (m. Ros HaSh. 1:8). Further: "Sooner let the words of the Law be burned than delivered to women" (b. Sot. 19a); "Happy is he whose children are male, but alas for him whose children are female" (b. Qid. 82b). Especially indicative is the morning prayer of Jewish men, who blessed God for not making them heathens, slaves, or women!
                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Some two centuries after the Gospels were written, the pagan Celsus could still needle Origen on "the gossip of women about the empty tomb" (Origen, Contra Celsum 2, 55).
                             • 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NLT) Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
                             
                             

                             Who will roll the stone away? We know from Matthew’s gospel that there was an earthquake and the angel is the one who rolled the stone away and then sat on it. We also know from Matthew’s gospel that the Roman guards who had been assigned to guard the tomb shook with fear and passed out at the sight of the angel. 

                             Mark 16:5-7 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, 6 but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth,[b] who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. 7 Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.”

                             He is risen. Resurrection vs. resuscitation.  Jesus is the first to be resurrected.  There were resuscitations in the Bible prior to Jesus - Elijah raised the son of the widow from Zarephath back from the dead, Elisha raised the Shunammite’s son, Jairus’ daughter, Lazareth - but all these would die again.  Jesus didn’t resuscitate, he resurrected.  He came back to life never to die again.  Jesus was the first to do this.  This had never before been seen in history.  

                             Look The angel challenged the women to see for themselves that the body was not there - “Look, this is where they laid his body.”  God is always willing to prove himself to anyone who’s willing to seek. But he won’t force you to go looking. You’re listening today; are you willing to really look into Jesus? 

                             Including Peter. The women are specifically told to communicate the news to Peter.  Had he withdrawn because of his shame at denying Jesus three times?  Had the other disciples ostracized him because he had failed in the moment after being so adamant that he would die with Jesus? He was supposed to be the rock, but had crumbled like a cookie. The last interaction Peter had with Jesus was looking into his eyes after he had denied him three times.  How miserable these past days have been.  He probably no longer considered himself a disciple because of his denial.  He was too ashamed to be counted among his followers.  This is why the personal invitation is so important. Jesus extends that same personal invitation to you today. 

                             You will see him in Galilee. The women are commanded to go and tell the Good News that Jesus is risen. The women went to the tomb looking for closure; they got anything but closure! Now they would be on mission again with Jesus, meeting him in Galilee - the place where he first called his disciples. The place that represented the whole world, not just the Jews!

                             Mark 16:8 the women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened.

                             What a way to end Mark’s gospel! Five admissions of the women’s weakness:

                             • Fled
                             • Trembling
                             • Bewildered
                             • Speechless
                             • Frightened 
                             
                             

                             Not surprising. After all, we’ve learned throughout this gospel two simple truths over and over: people are broken; Jesus can fix us.

                             So the women fled, broken but convinced. How could they not be? They just heard that Jesus performed his ultimate miracle: he was raised from the dead. Their lives would never be the same.

                             Back to the question for today: 

                             Q: What would it take to convince you that Jesus is the Son of God? 

                             Mark’s gospel lays out all the proof we need. The testimonies. The teachings. The miracles. And now this: the resurrection.

                             What we think about Jesus and how we respond to that is the most important thing about us.  It is what determines where we spend eternity.

                             ]]>68dfb59f-1a72-4ace-a7c3-816aefbe416eSun, 31 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -060034:33falsebonusIs Mormon Priesthood Biblical? In this episode, Bryan and Bo discuss the concept of priesthood in Mormonism. They explore the Mormon belief in the restoration of the church and the priesthood through Joseph Smith. They discuss the biblical perspective on priesthood, emphasizing Jesus as the ultimate high priest and mediator. They explore the idea of a royal priesthood, and the role of leadership and authority in the church. They highlight the toxicity of priesthood authority in Mormonism and contrast it with the biblical concept of authority. The conversation also dives into the two orders of the priesthood, the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, and the significance of Jesus as the ultimate high priest.

                             Takeaways:

                             • The Mormon belief in the restoration of the priesthood through Joseph Smith is a central aspect of their faith.
                             • The biblical perspective on priesthood emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and humanity.
                             • New Testament Christianity did not have priests or temples, as Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial system and became the final mediator.
                             • Leadership and authority exist in the church, but Mormonism takes the concept of authority to a toxic level, elevating it to a priesthood authority that only certain individuals possess.
                             • The Aaronic priesthood originated with Aaron, the brother of Moses, and the Levites. The Melchizedek priesthood is a more obscure reference in Genesis, but the book of Hebrews explains that Jesus is the ultimate high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
                             • The worthiness aspect of priesthood in Mormonism can lead to guilt, shame, and public humiliation for those who are deemed unworthy. However, the Bible teaches that salvation is not based on good works or priesthood authority, but on God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
                             
                             

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Mentioned in this episode:

                             Donate Now

                             ]]> In this episode, Bryan and Bo discuss the concept of priesthood in Mormonism. They explore the Mormon belief in the restoration of the church and the priesthood through Joseph Smith. They discuss the biblical perspective on priesthood, emphasizing Jesus as the ultimate high priest and mediator. They explore the idea of a royal priesthood, and the role of leadership and authority in the church. They highlight the toxicity of priesthood authority in Mormonism and contrast it with the biblical concept of authority. The conversation also dives into the two orders of the priesthood, the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, and the significance of Jesus as the ultimate high priest.

                             Takeaways:

                             • The Mormon belief in the restoration of the priesthood through Joseph Smith is a central aspect of their faith.
                             • The biblical perspective on priesthood emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and humanity.
                             • New Testament Christianity did not have priests or temples, as Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial system and became the final mediator.
                             • Leadership and authority exist in the church, but Mormonism takes the concept of authority to a toxic level, elevating it to a priesthood authority that only certain individuals possess.
                             • The Aaronic priesthood originated with Aaron, the brother of Moses, and the Levites. The Melchizedek priesthood is a more obscure reference in Genesis, but the book of Hebrews explains that Jesus is the ultimate high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
                             • The worthiness aspect of priesthood in Mormonism can lead to guilt, shame, and public humiliation for those who are deemed unworthy. However, the Bible teaches that salvation is not based on good works or priesthood authority, but on God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
                             
                             

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Mentioned in this episode:

                             Donate Now

                             ]]>dfde1758-2b64-4767-9398-923a48e965c4Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -060044:53falsefull5757Mormon Stories: The Journey of the Born Again MormonTodd shares his personal history with Mormonism and his journey of questioning and seeking to understand Jesus. He discusses the differences between the Mormon Jesus and the biblical Jesus, as well as the challenges he faced in leaving Mormonism. Todd emphasizes the importance of seeking truth and experiencing the transformation that comes from knowing the real Jesus. He offers advice for those still entangled in Mormonism and encourages them to take off their Mormon backpack and embrace the grace and truth found in biblical Christianity.

                             Takeaways:

                             • Questioning and seeking to understand Jesus is a natural part of the spiritual journey.
                             • There is a stark contrast between the Mormon Jesus and the Biblical Jesus.
                             • Leaving Mormonism can be challenging, but seeking truth and experiencing the transformation that comes from knowing the real Jesus is worth it.
                             • It is important to give grace to others and embrace the grace and truth found in biblical Christianity.
                             
                             

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             ]]>Todd shares his personal history with Mormonism and his journey of questioning and seeking to understand Jesus. He discusses the differences between the Mormon Jesus and the biblical Jesus, as well as the challenges he faced in leaving Mormonism. Todd emphasizes the importance of seeking truth and experiencing the transformation that comes from knowing the real Jesus. He offers advice for those still entangled in Mormonism and encourages them to take off their Mormon backpack and embrace the grace and truth found in biblical Christianity.

                             Takeaways:

                             • Questioning and seeking to understand Jesus is a natural part of the spiritual journey.
                             • There is a stark contrast between the Mormon Jesus and the Biblical Jesus.
                             • Leaving Mormonism can be challenging, but seeking truth and experiencing the transformation that comes from knowing the real Jesus is worth it.
                             • It is important to give grace to others and embrace the grace and truth found in biblical Christianity.
                             
                             

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             ]]>b8d0b6da-8977-4778-8a41-f705b6abd8e4Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -060053:03falsefull5656The Identity of Jesus on Trial (Mark 14:53-65) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastJesus is the most controversial figure in human history. Everyone has an opinion about him, for better or worse. Today we look at the sham trial of Jesus, and all of the irony it contains. The trial of Jesus shows us how people in every generation can get Jesus wrong. Both the religious and irreligious can misjudge the Judge of all.

                             --

                             The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Q. How has the world misjudged Jesus?

                             • Famous atheists (irreligious) who did it:
                             • Bertrand Russell (Philosopher and Mathematician): "Historically, it is quite doubtful whether Christ ever existed at all, and if He did, we do not know anything about Him."
                             • Christopher Hitchens (Author and Journalist): "The teachings of Jesus are not the Sermon on the Mount, where he behaves in an exalted and wise manner. It's the idea of the prodigal son, where he says that if you're really, really sorry, if you're genuinely sorry, if you really ask for forgiveness, you can be forgiven. It's a horrible idea."
                             • Richard Dawkins (Biologist and Author): "The alternative to the God hypothesis is not the hypothesis that Jesus was God incarnate. It is the hypothesis that Jesus was a zealot, executed for sedition, whose followers perpetuated his cult by deifying him." 
                             • from Dawkins' book "The God Delusion," in which he argues against the existence of a personal god and criticizes religious beliefs, including those related to Jesus.
                             • The God Hypothesis: the idea that there exists a supernatural creator who is responsible for the universe and everything in it. Dawkins argues that this hypothesis is not supported by evidence and should be rejected.
                             
                             

                             Irony: Jesus is the Judge!

                             • John 5:22-23 (NLT) …the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.
                             
                             

                             Today we’ll see Jesus on trial. Can you imagine it? The Judge of all, the Creator, in court being judged by his creations!? We’ll see that misjudging Jesus is nothing new. But when it happened 2000 years ago for the first time, it was not a group of atheists making such offensive statements. It was the religious elite themselves. Let’s get to the text…

                             
                             

                             Mark 14:53-54 (NLT) They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest’s courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.

                             
                             

                             the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law

                             • This was the Sanhedrin, the “influencers” in Jesus’ day
                             • The Sanhedrin was a Jewish council that existed during the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It was made up of 71 members and served as the highest religious and legal authority among the Jews in ancient Israel. The Sanhedrin was responsible for interpreting Jewish law, settling disputes, and making decisions on religious and legal matters. It played a significant role in the governance of the Jewish people and the preservation of Jewish traditions and customs.
                             
                             
                             

                             Peter followed him at a distance 

                             • The disciples were supposed to be testifying FOR Jesus: Mark 13:9 (NLT) “When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.”
                             • But Peter is following at a distance. (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Peter has forsaken a discipleship of costly following (8:34) for one of safe observation.
                             • Peter had even more reason to hide on the fringe.  He had cut off the servant to the high priest’s ear.  Now, as they came to the home of the high priest, the risk of the servant reporting what Peter had done to him was real. Jesus’ healing of the servant’s ear was not only merciful to the servant, it was merciful to Peter as now there would be no evidence against him. 
                             • As much as we’re disappointed in Peter’s cowardice to deny Jesus, it took courage for him to even be here. We set ourselves up for failure when we follow him at a distance.  We need to be in close, intimate relationship with him to experience his power in our lives.  Are you following Jesus at a distance? Do people know you’re a follower?  Is there evidence in your life?  
                             
                             
                             

                             Mark 14:55-59 (NLT) Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find evidence against Jesus, so they could put him to death. But they couldn’t find any. Many false witnesses spoke against him, but they contradicted each other. Finally, some men stood up and gave this false testimony: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.’” But even then they didn’t get their stories straight!

                             
                             

                             The Trial

                             • The religious leaders had constantly accused Jesus of breaking the law. The irony is that they broke the law in nearly every detail of their sham trial. Mark 14:55-59
                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) According to the Mishnah, 
                             • twenty-three members of the Sanhedrin were necessary to judge capital cases, with reasons for acquittal preceding reasons for conviction. 
                             • In capital cases, a verdict of guilty required a second sitting the following day. 
                             • Both sittings had to take place during daytime, and neither on the eve of Sabbath or a festival (m. Sanh. 4.1). 
                             • Witnesses were to be warned against rumor and hearsay (m. Sanh. 4.5). 
                             • A charge of blasphemy could not be sustained unless the accused cursed God's name itself, in which case the punishment prescribed was death by stoning, with the corpse then hung from a tree (m. Sanh. 7.5).
                             • Compare this to the dirt that is dug up on political leaders running for office.  It’s so easy to find foolish decisions, double talk, and even illegal activity for most, if not all, of our political leaders.
                             
                             
                             

                             False accusation: ‘I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.’”

                             • Jesus had said he would destroy “this temple”.  He didn’t say, ”this temple made with human hands”.  He was talking about his body. 
                             • Morgan on their accusation: “This is the most diabolical form of untruth, because it is an untruth in which there is an element of truth. We remember Tennyson’s words: ‘A lie that is all a lie, may be met and fought outright; But a lie that is partly the truth, is a harder matter to fight.’” 
                             • Have you ever been accused of something that wasn’t true?  Did you have anybody stick by your side and say, “That’s a lie!”  or “That’s inaccurate!” None of the disciples defend Jesus.  They’ve all abandoned him.  We know that Peter and another “unnamed” disciple enter the courtyard of the high priest, but there is no indication that either of them gave testimony to support Jesus, and at least in the case of Peter, completely denied they even knew him.  
                             • Prophecy to David fulfilled: 2 Samuel 7:12-14 (NLT) For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son….
                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) According to 2 Sam 7:12-14, David's son would build a temple to God's name. This son receives God's promise, "'I will be his father, and he will be my son.'" The builder of God's house, in other words, will be God's Son. In a way truer than his accusers could have imagined, Jesus fulfills 2 Sam 7, for he will presently confess himself before the high priest as God's Son, and his resurrected body will replace the earthly temple.
                             
                             
                             

                             But for all of their desire to catch Jesus in sin and find real claims against him…

                             
                             

                             But they couldn’t find any.

                             • The perfection of Jesus is essential to the gospel. Without perfection, his sacrifice isn’t enough. 
                             • The truth about Jesus is simple: he lived a perfect, sinless life.
                             • Hebrews 7:26-28 He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven.
                             
                             
                             
                             

                             Mark...]]>Jesus is the most controversial figure in human history. Everyone has an opinion about him, for better or worse. Today we look at the sham trial of Jesus, and all of the irony it contains. The trial of Jesus shows us how people in every generation can get Jesus wrong. Both the religious and irreligious can misjudge the Judge of all.

                             --

                             The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Q. How has the world misjudged Jesus?

                             • Famous atheists (irreligious) who did it:
                             • Bertrand Russell (Philosopher and Mathematician): "Historically, it is quite doubtful whether Christ ever existed at all, and if He did, we do not know anything about Him."
                             • Christopher Hitchens (Author and Journalist): "The teachings of Jesus are not the Sermon on the Mount, where he behaves in an exalted and wise manner. It's the idea of the prodigal son, where he says that if you're really, really sorry, if you're genuinely sorry, if you really ask for forgiveness, you can be forgiven. It's a horrible idea."
                             • Richard Dawkins (Biologist and Author): "The alternative to the God hypothesis is not the hypothesis that Jesus was God incarnate. It is the hypothesis that Jesus was a zealot, executed for sedition, whose followers perpetuated his cult by deifying him." 
                             • from Dawkins' book "The God Delusion," in which he argues against the existence of a personal god and criticizes religious beliefs, including those related to Jesus.
                             • The God Hypothesis: the idea that there exists a supernatural creator who is responsible for the universe and everything in it. Dawkins argues that this hypothesis is not supported by evidence and should be rejected.
                             
                             

                             Irony: Jesus is the Judge!

                             • John 5:22-23 (NLT) …the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.
                             
                             

                             Today we’ll see Jesus on trial. Can you imagine it? The Judge of all, the Creator, in court being judged by his creations!? We’ll see that misjudging Jesus is nothing new. But when it happened 2000 years ago for the first time, it was not a group of atheists making such offensive statements. It was the religious elite themselves. Let’s get to the text…

                             
                             

                             Mark 14:53-54 (NLT) They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest’s courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.

                             
                             

                             the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law

                             • This was the Sanhedrin, the “influencers” in Jesus’ day
                             • The Sanhedrin was a Jewish council that existed during the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It was made up of 71 members and served as the highest religious and legal authority among the Jews in ancient Israel. The Sanhedrin was responsible for interpreting Jewish law, settling disputes, and making decisions on religious and legal matters. It played a significant role in the governance of the Jewish people and the preservation of Jewish traditions and customs.
                             
                             
                             

                             Peter followed him at a distance 

                             • The disciples were supposed to be testifying FOR Jesus: Mark 13:9 (NLT) “When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.”
                             • But Peter is following at a distance. (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Peter has forsaken a discipleship of costly following (8:34) for one of safe observation.
                             • Peter had even more reason to hide on the fringe.  He had cut off the servant to the high priest’s ear.  Now, as they came to the home of the high priest, the risk of the servant reporting what Peter had done to him was real. Jesus’ healing of the servant’s ear was not only merciful to the servant, it was merciful to Peter as now there would be no evidence against him. 
                             • As much as we’re disappointed in Peter’s cowardice to deny Jesus, it took courage for him to even be here. We set ourselves up for failure when we follow him at a distance.  We need to be in close, intimate relationship with him to experience his power in our lives.  Are you following Jesus at a distance? Do people know you’re a follower?  Is there evidence in your life?  
                             
                             
                             

                             Mark 14:55-59 (NLT) Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find evidence against Jesus, so they could put him to death. But they couldn’t find any. Many false witnesses spoke against him, but they contradicted each other. Finally, some men stood up and gave this false testimony: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.’” But even then they didn’t get their stories straight!

                             
                             

                             The Trial

                             • The religious leaders had constantly accused Jesus of breaking the law. The irony is that they broke the law in nearly every detail of their sham trial. Mark 14:55-59
                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) According to the Mishnah, 
                             • twenty-three members of the Sanhedrin were necessary to judge capital cases, with reasons for acquittal preceding reasons for conviction. 
                             • In capital cases, a verdict of guilty required a second sitting the following day. 
                             • Both sittings had to take place during daytime, and neither on the eve of Sabbath or a festival (m. Sanh. 4.1). 
                             • Witnesses were to be warned against rumor and hearsay (m. Sanh. 4.5). 
                             • A charge of blasphemy could not be sustained unless the accused cursed God's name itself, in which case the punishment prescribed was death by stoning, with the corpse then hung from a tree (m. Sanh. 7.5).
                             • Compare this to the dirt that is dug up on political leaders running for office.  It’s so easy to find foolish decisions, double talk, and even illegal activity for most, if not all, of our political leaders.
                             
                             
                             

                             False accusation: ‘I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.’”

                             • Jesus had said he would destroy “this temple”.  He didn’t say, ”this temple made with human hands”.  He was talking about his body. 
                             • Morgan on their accusation: “This is the most diabolical form of untruth, because it is an untruth in which there is an element of truth. We remember Tennyson’s words: ‘A lie that is all a lie, may be met and fought outright; But a lie that is partly the truth, is a harder matter to fight.’” 
                             • Have you ever been accused of something that wasn’t true?  Did you have anybody stick by your side and say, “That’s a lie!”  or “That’s inaccurate!” None of the disciples defend Jesus.  They’ve all abandoned him.  We know that Peter and another “unnamed” disciple enter the courtyard of the high priest, but there is no indication that either of them gave testimony to support Jesus, and at least in the case of Peter, completely denied they even knew him.  
                             • Prophecy to David fulfilled: 2 Samuel 7:12-14 (NLT) For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son….
                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) According to 2 Sam 7:12-14, David's son would build a temple to God's name. This son receives God's promise, "'I will be his father, and he will be my son.'" The builder of God's house, in other words, will be God's Son. In a way truer than his accusers could have imagined, Jesus fulfills 2 Sam 7, for he will presently confess himself before the high priest as God's Son, and his resurrected body will replace the earthly temple.
                             
                             
                             

                             But for all of their desire to catch Jesus in sin and find real claims against him…

                             
                             

                             But they couldn’t find any.

                             • The perfection of Jesus is essential to the gospel. Without perfection, his sacrifice isn’t enough. 
                             • The truth about Jesus is simple: he lived a perfect, sinless life.
                             • Hebrews 7:26-28 He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven.
                             
                             
                             
                             

                             Mark 14:60-61 (NLT) Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

                             
                             

                             But Jesus was silent and made no reply.

                             • Jesus remaining silent is a fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.
                             • Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
                             • Jesus could have mounted an impressive defense - all of the miracles he had performed, the many people he had healed, lives changed.  Even demons had testified to his deity and he could have forced them to do it again. Jesus knew what needed to happen.  He had settled it in his mind earlier this night in the garden when he prayed, “Not my will, but thy will be done.”  
                             
                             
                             

                             “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In the original Gk. the wording is put in the form of a statement with a question implied ("'You are the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?'"). The "you" is emphatic, and "the Blessed One," a Jewish circumlocution for God's name, means none other than "God's Son." The effect is to put a full Christological confession into the mouth of the high priest! In vv. 56 and 59 Mark noted that false witnesses could not agree against Jesus; now, in the question of the high priest, his arch-prosecutor confesses his name! How ironic that in the Gospel of Mark the two most complete Christological confessions from humans occur in the mouths of those responsible for Jesus' death: the high priest in 14:61, and the centurion at the cross in 15:39!
                             • “It was a tacit confession that Christ had been proved innocent up till then. The high priest would not have needed to draw something out of the accused one if there had been sufficient material against him elsewhere. The trial had been a dead failure up to that point, and he knew it, and was red with rage. Now he attempts to bully the prisoner that he may extract some declaration from him which may save all further trouble of witnesses, and end the matter.” (Spurgeon)
                             
                             
                             

                             Mark 14:62 (NLT) Jesus said, “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

                             
                             

                             Jesus said, “I AM.” (someone finally makes the right judgment!)

                             • Jesus himself finally makes the right judgment about his identity. He’s not just the Messiah, he’s the Son of God.
                             • Pillar: The testimony that the Sanhedrin seeks against Jesus is in the end not provided by the false witnesses but by Jesus himself in the claim to be God's Son. 
                             • One of the common themes in Mark’s gospel up to this point has been Jesus’ attempt to veil that he is the Messiah.  Not only would his claim of being the Messiah escalate the tensions with the religious leaders, as we see it so clearly does here, people had so many misconceptions about what the Messiah was supposed to do.  Would they have listened to his teachings about who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven, forgiving their enemies, etc. if he had proclaimed directly, “I am the Messiah.”?  
                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In order truly to understand the meaning of his person something has been missing. The missing element has been the necessity of his suffering. Only in the light of suffering can Jesus openly divulge his identity as God's Son. At the trial the veil is finally removed.
                             • The High Priest must have thought he hit the jackpot.  Failed accusation after failed accusation hadn’t produced evidence to be able to condemn Jesus.  Now, with one simple straightforward question, the High Priest has all he needs to accuse Jesus of blasphemy.  It wasn’t blasphemy of course, because Jesus is the Messiah.  He is the Son of Man.  
                             • This claim that Jesus would be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand also represented a place of judgment.  The religious leaders thought they were judging Jesus, but this statement speaks of the time when Jesus will be judging them at the right hand of the father. 
                             
                             
                             

                             How the trial ends:

                             Mark 14:63-64 (NLT) Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

                             “Guilty!” they all cried. “He deserves to die!”

                             
                             

                             (Pillar New Testament Commentary) It was the claim to be God's Son (v. 62), not Messiah, that sealed Jesus' fate before the Sanhedrin. The charge of blasphemy is powerful, if indirect, proof of Jesus' claim to be the Son of God.

                             • Above all, it is the high priest, not Jesus, who blasphemes, because Jesus is God's Son. 
                             
                             
                             

                             The section ends with mockery and abuse – both signs of judgment:

                             
                             

                             Mark 14:65 (NLT) Then some of them began to spit at him, and they blindfolded him and beat him with their fists. “Prophesy to us,” they jeered. And the guards slapped him as they took him away.

                             
                             

                             “Prophesy to us,” they jeered.

                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Interestingly, the one specific mockery reported is the taunt for Jesus to "'Prophesy!'" Since the high priestly clan were Sadducees who denied the existence of angels and spirits (Acts 23:6), it is easy to imagine their desire to discredit anyone like Jesus who was believed to possess the spirit of prophecy.
                             
                             
                             

                             And the guards slapped him

                             • We talked about how Jesus bore our shame a couple of weeks ago.  How shameful to be spit upon.  He took the brutal beating - the beating we deserved.  The torture he endured culminated on the cross, but it began before it. 
                             
                             
                             

                             Mockery and abuse – both signs of judgment. Can you imagine it? The Judge of all, the Creator, in court being judged by his creations!?

                             
                             

                             Close:

                             Back to the question we started with:

                             Q. How has the world misjudged Jesus?

                             • There are countless ways to do it, whether you’re coming from a religious lens or an irreligious lens.
                             • Jesus is who he says he is: fully God, perfectly good, and savior of the world. This is what the Bible affirms, and he will judge those who deny it.
                             • John 5:22-23 (NLT) …the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.
                             • Acts 10:42 (NLT) And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead.
                             
                             ]]>6f44acd8-656e-4c26-8551-82eb9a47c431Fri, 15 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -060027:54falsebonusThe Jack Mormon Who Finally Found the AnswerPaul, a former Mormon, shares his journey as a Jack Mormon and his eventual encounter with the Jesus of the Bible. He discusses his struggles with doubts, questions about Mormon teachings, and the challenges of being a non-believer in a devout Mormon family. Paul also explores the concept of sealing and eternal families in Mormonism and how it affected his own family dynamics. Ultimately, he shares how his encounter with Jesus transformed his life and brought him a deeper understanding of grace and love.

                             Takeaways:

                             • Questioning and seeking answers is a natural part of faith journeys.
                             • The concept of sealing and eternal families can be a source of confusion and conflict for Mormons.
                             • Encountering the Jesus of the Bible can bring a deeper understanding of grace and love.
                             • Leaving a religious community can be challenging, but finding a supportive community and focusing on the teachings of Jesus can bring transformation and peace.
                             
                             

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Mentioned in this episode:

                             Donate Now

                             ]]>Paul, a former Mormon, shares his journey as a Jack Mormon and his eventual encounter with the Jesus of the Bible. He discusses his struggles with doubts, questions about Mormon teachings, and the challenges of being a non-believer in a devout Mormon family. Paul also explores the concept of sealing and eternal families in Mormonism and how it affected his own family dynamics. Ultimately, he shares how his encounter with Jesus transformed his life and brought him a deeper understanding of grace and love.

                             Takeaways:

                             • Questioning and seeking answers is a natural part of faith journeys.
                             • The concept of sealing and eternal families can be a source of confusion and conflict for Mormons.
                             • Encountering the Jesus of the Bible can bring a deeper understanding of grace and love.
                             • Leaving a religious community can be challenging, but finding a supportive community and focusing on the teachings of Jesus can bring transformation and peace.
                             
                             

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Mentioned in this episode:

                             Donate Now

                             ]]>d9961cda-42a6-43e1-9d38-9624a7be26adMon, 11 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -060037:15falsefull5555The Mormons Finally Bought the Kirtland Temple!Today's bonus conversation discusses the recent purchase of the Kirtland Temple by the LDS Church and explores the history and significance of the temple. The purpose and design of the Kirtland Temple are examined, along with the departure of the Saints from Kirtland. The conversation also touches on the splintering of Mormonism and the purchase of the temple by the RLDS Church. The episode concludes with final thoughts on the Kirtland Temple and why – for Christians – it's no longer necessary.

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Takeaways:

                             • The Kirtland Temple, the first temple of the LDS Church, was recently purchased by the LDS Church for $190 million.
                             • The Kirtland Temple holds great significance for Mormons as it is a holy building where Joseph Smith received multiple revelations and experienced spiritual manifestations.
                             • The Kirtland Temple was a preparatory temple and differed from modern Mormon temples in terms of its design and rituals.
                             • The RLDS Church, now known as the Community of Christ, purchased the Kirtland Temple in 1880 and held ownership until the recent purchase by the LDS Church.
                             • The purchase of the Kirtland Temple by the LDS Church signifies the restoration of a historic and sacred site for Mormons.
                             
                             ]]>Today's bonus conversation discusses the recent purchase of the Kirtland Temple by the LDS Church and explores the history and significance of the temple. The purpose and design of the Kirtland Temple are examined, along with the departure of the Saints from Kirtland. The conversation also touches on the splintering of Mormonism and the purchase of the temple by the RLDS Church. The episode concludes with final thoughts on the Kirtland Temple and why – for Christians – it's no longer necessary.

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Takeaways:

                             • The Kirtland Temple, the first temple of the LDS Church, was recently purchased by the LDS Church for $190 million.
                             • The Kirtland Temple holds great significance for Mormons as it is a holy building where Joseph Smith received multiple revelations and experienced spiritual manifestations.
                             • The Kirtland Temple was a preparatory temple and differed from modern Mormon temples in terms of its design and rituals.
                             • The RLDS Church, now known as the Community of Christ, purchased the Kirtland Temple in 1880 and held ownership until the recent purchase by the LDS Church.
                             • The purchase of the Kirtland Temple by the LDS Church signifies the restoration of a historic and sacred site for Mormons.
                             
                             ]]>70be6b6d-779c-43d2-afec-d3c1bd46b025Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -060019:55falsebonus5757The Mormon Lawyer and Accountant Who Stopped Checking Their Brains at the DoorJames and Jolene share their personal history with Mormonism and their journey of questioning and doubting their faith. They discuss the challenges they faced as they discovered historical discrepancies and began to explore alternative beliefs. James shares his experience of seeking truth in the Bible and having a mountaintop experience where he surrendered his life to Jesus. Jolene talks about the pain and struggle she went through as her husband chose Jesus over their previous beliefs. Ultimately, both James and Jolene found their faith in Jesus and became Bible-believing Christians. Click on this link to check out Jolene’s book with their whole story:

                             Into God's Arms

                             Takeaways:

                             • Questioning and seeking evidence is essential in the search for truth.
                             • Mormonism and biblical Christianity have significant doctrinal differences.
                             • The Bible is a reliable and trustworthy source of truth.
                             • Transformation and joy can be found in embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
                             
                             

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             • Into God's Arms: A Woman and Her Family Come Out of Mormonism and Find Jesus!
                             
                             

                             --

                             Mentioned in this episode:

                             Donate Now

                             ]]>James and Jolene share their personal history with Mormonism and their journey of questioning and doubting their faith. They discuss the challenges they faced as they discovered historical discrepancies and began to explore alternative beliefs. James shares his experience of seeking truth in the Bible and having a mountaintop experience where he surrendered his life to Jesus. Jolene talks about the pain and struggle she went through as her husband chose Jesus over their previous beliefs. Ultimately, both James and Jolene found their faith in Jesus and became Bible-believing Christians. Click on this link to check out Jolene’s book with their whole story:

                             Into God's Arms

                             Takeaways:

                             • Questioning and seeking evidence is essential in the search for truth.
                             • Mormonism and biblical Christianity have significant doctrinal differences.
                             • The Bible is a reliable and trustworthy source of truth.
                             • Transformation and joy can be found in embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
                             
                             

                             --

                             The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             • Into God's Arms: A Woman and Her Family Come Out of Mormonism and Find Jesus!
                             
                             

                             --

                             Mentioned in this episode:

                             Donate Now

                             ]]>505d8b3d-da2a-4cfe-a56b-714349a0e0faMon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -060046:15falsefull5454How Should You Pray in Your Hour of Need? (Mark 14:32-42) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastToday we’re looking at the famous story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. It’ll give us some insight into our question for the day: How should you pray in your hour of need?

                             --

                             The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                             Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                             Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                             Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                             Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                             Donate Now

                             --

                             Today we’re looking at the famous story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He’s moments away from his betrayal and death, and he knows it. His actions – and by contrast his disciples’ actions – give us some insight into our question for the day:

                             Q. How should you pray in your hour of need?

                             • Maybe this is exactly what some of you need to hear today. You’re in an hour of need…
                             • With your emotions: fighting anxiety, depression
                             • In your marriage
                             • Looking for a spouse
                             • With your finances
                             
                             

                             Personal example:

                             
                             

                             Let’s go to the text…

                             
                             

                             Mark 14:32-34 (NLT) They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

                             
                             

                             “Stay here and keep watch with me”

                             • Jesus brought the three disciples with him for a reason: “Stay here and keep watch with me” in view of his distress and grief. He didn’t want them to pray WITH him (to have a prayer meeting): “Sit here while I go pray.” He wanted them to pray FOR him and be available to him (“keep watch with me”) while he was going through his anguished conversation with the Father.
                             • Jesus just wanted a wing man. Can you relate? 
                             • Personal story: 
                             
                             
                             

                             But here’s the most interesting part:

                             
                             

                             “he became deeply troubled and distressed” and “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death”

                             • “The two verbs translated ‘deeply distressed and troubled’ together ‘describe an extremely acute emotion, a compound of bewilderment, fear, uncertainty and anxiety, nowhere else portrayed in such vivid terms as here.’ (EBC)
                             • Why so much angst? It goes against what we’ve come to expect from Jesus: measured, confident, at peace. 
                             • Personal story: my angst re: panic attack, felt so weak. Jesus experienced this?
                             
                             
                             

                             Here’s what was happening: the picture of Jesus at Gethsemane shows us the human side of Christ. 

                             • “Gethsemane reveals the humanity of Jesus with astonishing fidelity. He is shown to be ‘anything but above temptation. So far from sailing serenely through his trials like some superior being unconcerned with this world, he is almost dead with distress.’” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)
                             • Remember hypostatic union?
                             • The Council of Chalcedon, held in 451 AD, affirmed the doctrine of the hypostatic union, declaring that Jesus Christ is "perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and body." This formulation reconciled the seemingly paradoxical aspects of Jesus being both fully divine and fully human.
                             • The council also condemned several heresies, including Nestorianism, which emphasized the distinction between the divine and human natures of Christ to the point of suggesting they were two separate persons. The Chalcedonian Definition, the statement of faith produced by the council, rejected this view and affirmed the unity of Christ's person.
                             • Hebrews 4:15-16 (NLT) 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
                             
                             
                             

                             And here’s why it was crushing: not because Jesus was afraid to die, but because he would have to absorb the wrath of God for our sake. 

                             • God wouldn’t cancel his wrath against humanity, he would spend it on Jesus.
                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Not his own mortality, but the specter of identifying with sinners so fully as to become the object of God's wrath against sin – it is this that overwhelms Jesus' soul "'to the point of death'" (v. 34).
                             
                             
                             

                             Let’s read on to hear his actual prayer:      

                             
                             

                             Mark 14:35-36 (NLT) He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

                             
                             

                             “If it were possible” – maybe there’s another way, an “out”, a pathway that avoids suffering

                             • Have you ever prayed this way? Are you praying this way now?
                             • With your anxiety, depression
                             • In your marriage
                             • Looking for a spouse
                             • With your finances
                             • Abraham and Isaac - he had the knife raised… and then God provided an “out”
                             • Genesis 22:9-14 (NLT) When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
                             • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) That is a prayer for God not to strike the shepherd (14:27). Is it possible for Jesus to fulfill God's will in all ways but this one, or in some other way? Perhaps like Isaac the sacrifice can be averted even though the arm of Abraham is raised for the dagger's plunge. The plea of Jesus suggests that he is genuinely tempted to forsake the role of the suffering servant.
                             • So is that a promise? Will God provide for me? Will he answer my prayer?
                             • Or consider a second example: 
                             • The famine in Egypt - God used Joseph to deliver the Israelites to Goshen
                             • Genesis 47:2-6 (NLT) Joseph took five of his brothers with him and presented them to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?” They replied, “We, your servants, are shepherds, just like our ancestors. We have come to live here in Egypt for a while, for there is no pasture for our flocks in Canaan. The famine is very severe there. So please, we request permission to live in the region of Goshen.” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have joined you here, choose any place in the entire land of Egypt for them to live. Give them the best land of Egypt. Let them live in the region of Goshen. And if any of them have special skills, put them in charge of my livestock, too.”
                             • Pharaoh granted their request, and they avoided suffering. 
                             • Was there another way God could forgive the sins of human beings? Apparently not. A price had to be paid. God could not simply wipe the slate clean by an act of his choice, because that would violate his justice and holiness. 
                             
                             
                             

                             “Everything is possible for you…Please take this cup of suffering away from me.” 

                             • With one exception: it is not possible for God to act in a way contrary to his nature. It is not possible for God to NOT be holy or just. Thus, in a real sense, it was not possible for God to take the cup of suffering from Jesus, if he was to accomplish redemption.
                             • Sometimes our wants don’t line up with God’s will, and it’s not always a sin thing. 
                             • Not always sin to want something else, but always a sin to consciously reject God’s will.
                             • Jesus never sinned, yet he’s expressing a real desire here that doesn’t line up with the Father’s will. 
                             
                             
                             

                             In the most human moment in Jesus’ life – in the Garden of Gethsemane – he says the thing that’s hardest for a human to say: “not my will, but yours be done.” 

                             • This is the essence of godly prayer. Express your heart to a personal God. Then submit to his will no matter what. 
                             • That’s a dirty word these days: “submission”. 
                             • “The cup is the same one Jesus referred to in 10:38-39 - the cup of the wrath of God. In the OT it is regularly used as a metaphor of punishment and judgment. Here it obviously refers to Jesus’ death. Jesus’ desire was for the removal of the cup. But he willingly placed his will in...]]>Today we’re looking at the famous story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. It’ll give us some insight into our question for the day: How should you pray in your hour of need?

                               --

                               The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                               Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                               Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                               Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                               Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                               Donate Now

                               --

                               Today we’re looking at the famous story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He’s moments away from his betrayal and death, and he knows it. His actions – and by contrast his disciples’ actions – give us some insight into our question for the day:

                               Q. How should you pray in your hour of need?

                               • Maybe this is exactly what some of you need to hear today. You’re in an hour of need…
                               • With your emotions: fighting anxiety, depression
                               • In your marriage
                               • Looking for a spouse
                               • With your finances
                               
                               

                               Personal example:

                               
                               

                               Let’s go to the text…

                               
                               

                               Mark 14:32-34 (NLT) They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

                               
                               

                               “Stay here and keep watch with me”

                               • Jesus brought the three disciples with him for a reason: “Stay here and keep watch with me” in view of his distress and grief. He didn’t want them to pray WITH him (to have a prayer meeting): “Sit here while I go pray.” He wanted them to pray FOR him and be available to him (“keep watch with me”) while he was going through his anguished conversation with the Father.
                               • Jesus just wanted a wing man. Can you relate? 
                               • Personal story: 
                               
                               
                               

                               But here’s the most interesting part:

                               
                               

                               “he became deeply troubled and distressed” and “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death”

                               • “The two verbs translated ‘deeply distressed and troubled’ together ‘describe an extremely acute emotion, a compound of bewilderment, fear, uncertainty and anxiety, nowhere else portrayed in such vivid terms as here.’ (EBC)
                               • Why so much angst? It goes against what we’ve come to expect from Jesus: measured, confident, at peace. 
                               • Personal story: my angst re: panic attack, felt so weak. Jesus experienced this?
                               
                               
                               

                               Here’s what was happening: the picture of Jesus at Gethsemane shows us the human side of Christ. 

                               • “Gethsemane reveals the humanity of Jesus with astonishing fidelity. He is shown to be ‘anything but above temptation. So far from sailing serenely through his trials like some superior being unconcerned with this world, he is almost dead with distress.’” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)
                               • Remember hypostatic union?
                               • The Council of Chalcedon, held in 451 AD, affirmed the doctrine of the hypostatic union, declaring that Jesus Christ is "perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and body." This formulation reconciled the seemingly paradoxical aspects of Jesus being both fully divine and fully human.
                               • The council also condemned several heresies, including Nestorianism, which emphasized the distinction between the divine and human natures of Christ to the point of suggesting they were two separate persons. The Chalcedonian Definition, the statement of faith produced by the council, rejected this view and affirmed the unity of Christ's person.
                               • Hebrews 4:15-16 (NLT) 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
                               
                               
                               

                               And here’s why it was crushing: not because Jesus was afraid to die, but because he would have to absorb the wrath of God for our sake. 

                               • God wouldn’t cancel his wrath against humanity, he would spend it on Jesus.
                               • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Not his own mortality, but the specter of identifying with sinners so fully as to become the object of God's wrath against sin – it is this that overwhelms Jesus' soul "'to the point of death'" (v. 34).
                               
                               
                               

                               Let’s read on to hear his actual prayer:      

                               
                               

                               Mark 14:35-36 (NLT) He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

                               
                               

                               “If it were possible” – maybe there’s another way, an “out”, a pathway that avoids suffering

                               • Have you ever prayed this way? Are you praying this way now?
                               • With your anxiety, depression
                               • In your marriage
                               • Looking for a spouse
                               • With your finances
                               • Abraham and Isaac - he had the knife raised… and then God provided an “out”
                               • Genesis 22:9-14 (NLT) When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.” Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
                               • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) That is a prayer for God not to strike the shepherd (14:27). Is it possible for Jesus to fulfill God's will in all ways but this one, or in some other way? Perhaps like Isaac the sacrifice can be averted even though the arm of Abraham is raised for the dagger's plunge. The plea of Jesus suggests that he is genuinely tempted to forsake the role of the suffering servant.
                               • So is that a promise? Will God provide for me? Will he answer my prayer?
                               • Or consider a second example: 
                               • The famine in Egypt - God used Joseph to deliver the Israelites to Goshen
                               • Genesis 47:2-6 (NLT) Joseph took five of his brothers with him and presented them to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?” They replied, “We, your servants, are shepherds, just like our ancestors. We have come to live here in Egypt for a while, for there is no pasture for our flocks in Canaan. The famine is very severe there. So please, we request permission to live in the region of Goshen.” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have joined you here, choose any place in the entire land of Egypt for them to live. Give them the best land of Egypt. Let them live in the region of Goshen. And if any of them have special skills, put them in charge of my livestock, too.”
                               • Pharaoh granted their request, and they avoided suffering. 
                               • Was there another way God could forgive the sins of human beings? Apparently not. A price had to be paid. God could not simply wipe the slate clean by an act of his choice, because that would violate his justice and holiness. 
                               
                               
                               

                               “Everything is possible for you…Please take this cup of suffering away from me.” 

                               • With one exception: it is not possible for God to act in a way contrary to his nature. It is not possible for God to NOT be holy or just. Thus, in a real sense, it was not possible for God to take the cup of suffering from Jesus, if he was to accomplish redemption.
                               • Sometimes our wants don’t line up with God’s will, and it’s not always a sin thing. 
                               • Not always sin to want something else, but always a sin to consciously reject God’s will.
                               • Jesus never sinned, yet he’s expressing a real desire here that doesn’t line up with the Father’s will. 
                               
                               
                               

                               In the most human moment in Jesus’ life – in the Garden of Gethsemane – he says the thing that’s hardest for a human to say: “not my will, but yours be done.” 

                               • This is the essence of godly prayer. Express your heart to a personal God. Then submit to his will no matter what. 
                               • That’s a dirty word these days: “submission”. 
                               • “The cup is the same one Jesus referred to in 10:38-39 - the cup of the wrath of God. In the OT it is regularly used as a metaphor of punishment and judgment. Here it obviously refers to Jesus’ death. Jesus’ desire was for the removal of the cup. But he willingly placed his will in submission to his Father’s will.” (EBC)
                               • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Gethsemane… presents us with a uniquely human interplay between the heart of the Son and the will of the Father. Jesus' prayer is not the result of calm absorption into an all-encompassing divine presence, but an intense struggle with the frightful reality of God's will and what it means fully to submit to it.
                               
                               
                               

                               “Abba, Father” - look at the personal language. “Daddy”

                               • Do you pray this way? Informal, pleading
                               • Story: Kenzie’s first stitches, looking at me with pleading eyes: “Daddy, how could you let this happen?”
                               • Romans 8:15 (NLT) So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”
                               • We can be raw with God! Honest
                               • Consider the Psalms…
                               • But watch how Paul finishes the thought:
                               • Romans 8:17 (NLT) And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
                               • “Everything is possible” for God, but that doesn’t mean he’ll always lead us down a pathway that avoids suffering.
                               
                               
                               

                               But look at how hard that is for us: 

                               
                               

                               Mark 14:37-38 (NLT) Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

                               
                               

                               Observations: This all occurs at a very late hour. Sleep is understandable given the hour, the stress of the day, etc. Yet they had an assignment, which they could have fulfilled.

                               • “The verbs ‘watch’ and ‘pray’ are both imperatives…. The conquest of temptation can only come through these two actions. The spirit (a reference to the human spirit) might be willing to do what is right, but the human body is weak.” (EBC)
                               
                               
                               

                               Mark 14:39-40 (NLT) Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before. When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t know what to say.

                               
                               

                               Interesting: the same prayer as before. Let’s spell it out: ““Everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

                               
                               

                               Mark 14:41-42 (NLT) When he returned to them the third time, he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

                               
                               

                               NIV: “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come.”

                               • The words “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest.” are either ironic (Sleep then, if that’s what is so important to you) or a question (Are you still sleeping and resting?). The latter seems better in view of the situation. (EBC)
                               • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The third time Jesus finds the disciples sleeping he retorts, "'Enough!'" (v. 41). This translation is simply a guess at the meaning of the original apechei, which seems to be an utterance of exasperation, perhaps "'What's the use?'"
                               
                               
                               

                               Look at the incredible contrast: Jesus is in anguish; his disciples are snoring! And then the climax: “The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.”

                               
                               

                               “Up, let’s be going”

                               • This is the resolve that flows out of godly prayer - let’s do this. God, I’m submitted to you no matter what happens. Your will, not mine. 
                               • “‘Let’s be going’ cannot be intended to suggest flight, for the Lord had always reserved himself for this ‘hour’ and had now finally embraced the Divine Will concerning it. Jesus did not go to flee from Judas but to meet him.” (EBC)
                               
                               
                               

                               Close:

                               Q. How should you pray in your hour of need?

                               • Be honest, vulnerable - share you heart w a personal God
                               • Be willing to submit to his will, even if it means suffering
                               • Then move forward, trusting his will to be done.
                               
                               ]]>d76bd16b-066c-4e13-8997-d21f2d470cb3Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -060031:48falsebonusThree More Passages Mormons Get WrongIn this conversation, Bryan, Ross, Bo and KD discuss the misinterpretation of Mormon doctrine into the Bible. They explore passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:39-42, 1 Peter 3:19, and James 2:17-18, which Mormons use to justify their beliefs. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the language, context, and author's intent when interpreting biblical passages. They debunk the Mormon interpretations and emphasize the biblical teachings of salvation by grace through faith, while exploring the role of works in Mormonism and comparing it to the Christian perspective. The episode dives into the interpretation of James 2:14-26 and the relationship between faith and works. It concludes with a personal testimony of experiencing newness in Christ.

                               Takeaways:

                               • Misreading Mormon doctrine into the Bible can lead to a distorted understanding of biblical passages.
                               • Understanding the language, context, and author's intent is crucial for accurate interpretation of the Bible.
                               • Mormon interpretations of passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:39-42, 1 Peter 3:19, and James 2:17-18 are not supported by the larger context of the New Testament.
                               • The biblical teachings emphasize salvation by grace through faith, not by works or ordinances. Mormonism places a strong emphasis on works as evidence of faith and as a means of salvation.
                               • In contrast, Christianity teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and good works are the result of genuine faith.
                               • James 2:14-26 is often misunderstood, but it emphasizes that true faith will produce good works as evidence of its genuineness.
                               • Accepting Jesus and experiencing newness in Him brings a transformation in motivation and a reliance on the Holy Spirit.
                               
                               

                               --

                               The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                               Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                               Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                               Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                               Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                               Donate Now

                               --

                               Mentioned in this episode:

                               Donate Now

                               ]]>In this conversation, Bryan, Ross, Bo and KD discuss the misinterpretation of Mormon doctrine into the Bible. They explore passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:39-42, 1 Peter 3:19, and James 2:17-18, which Mormons use to justify their beliefs. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the language, context, and author's intent when interpreting biblical passages. They debunk the Mormon interpretations and emphasize the biblical teachings of salvation by grace through faith, while exploring the role of works in Mormonism and comparing it to the Christian perspective. The episode dives into the interpretation of James 2:14-26 and the relationship between faith and works. It concludes with a personal testimony of experiencing newness in Christ.

                               Takeaways:

                               • Misreading Mormon doctrine into the Bible can lead to a distorted understanding of biblical passages.
                               • Understanding the language, context, and author's intent is crucial for accurate interpretation of the Bible.
                               • Mormon interpretations of passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:39-42, 1 Peter 3:19, and James 2:17-18 are not supported by the larger context of the New Testament.
                               • The biblical teachings emphasize salvation by grace through faith, not by works or ordinances. Mormonism places a strong emphasis on works as evidence of faith and as a means of salvation.
                               • In contrast, Christianity teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and good works are the result of genuine faith.
                               • James 2:14-26 is often misunderstood, but it emphasizes that true faith will produce good works as evidence of its genuineness.
                               • Accepting Jesus and experiencing newness in Him brings a transformation in motivation and a reliance on the Holy Spirit.
                               
                               

                               --

                               The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                               Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                               Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                               Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                               Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                               Donate Now

                               --

                               Mentioned in this episode:

                               Donate Now

                               ]]>61e4b758-8ef3-4e39-b358-3a9b84fa3f5eMon, 26 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -060058:26falsefull5656Three Passages Mormons Get WrongIn this conversation, Bryan, Bo, KD, and Ross discuss the misinterpretation of certain Bible passages by Mormons. They focus on three specific passages: Ezekiel 37, Isaiah 29, and John 10. The hosts explain how Mormons often read their own beliefs into these passages, claiming that they prophesy the coming of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel. However, they demonstrate that these interpretations fail to consider the language, context, and author's intent of the original texts. By examining these passages more closely, they debunk the Mormon misinterpretations and provide a more accurate understanding of the biblical message.

                               Takeaways:

                               • Mormons often misinterpret certain Bible passages to support their beliefs, particularly regarding the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel.
                               • These misinterpretations fail to consider the language, context, and author's intent of the original texts.
                               • By examining the passages more closely, it becomes clear that they do not prophesy the coming of the Book of Mormon or the restoration of the gospel.
                               • It is important to read the Bible in context and be aware of proof texting, which can lead to misinterpretations. Focus on the broader story and Jesus when studying the Bible.
                               • Beware of proof texting and misreading Mormonism into the Bible.
                               • Mormon cultural folklore can perpetuate misinterpretations.
                               • Understanding language, context, and author intent is crucial for Bible study.
                               
                               

                               --

                               The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                               Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                               Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                               Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                               Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                               Donate Now

                               --

                               ]]>In this conversation, Bryan, Bo, KD, and Ross discuss the misinterpretation of certain Bible passages by Mormons. They focus on three specific passages: Ezekiel 37, Isaiah 29, and John 10. The hosts explain how Mormons often read their own beliefs into these passages, claiming that they prophesy the coming of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel. However, they demonstrate that these interpretations fail to consider the language, context, and author's intent of the original texts. By examining these passages more closely, they debunk the Mormon misinterpretations and provide a more accurate understanding of the biblical message.

                               Takeaways:

                               • Mormons often misinterpret certain Bible passages to support their beliefs, particularly regarding the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel.
                               • These misinterpretations fail to consider the language, context, and author's intent of the original texts.
                               • By examining the passages more closely, it becomes clear that they do not prophesy the coming of the Book of Mormon or the restoration of the gospel.
                               • It is important to read the Bible in context and be aware of proof texting, which can lead to misinterpretations. Focus on the broader story and Jesus when studying the Bible.
                               • Beware of proof texting and misreading Mormonism into the Bible.
                               • Mormon cultural folklore can perpetuate misinterpretations.
                               • Understanding language, context, and author intent is crucial for Bible study.
                               
                               

                               --

                               The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                               Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                               Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                               Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                               Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                               Donate Now

                               --

                               ]]>8026d0ec-f0e7-4779-84cd-3500d63cbc3cMon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -060048:16falsefull5656What Is the Story of the New Testament? - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastThe New Testament tells us the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the spread of Christianity. This overview of its message will help you understand the New Testament.

                               --

                               The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                               Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                               Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                               Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                               Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                               Donate Now

                               --

                               The New Testament tells us the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It then describes the spread of Christianity. It ends looking forward to Jesus’ return and his future reign. In order to help you understand the New Testament, we've put together this overview of its message, and how the message relates to the books of the New Testament.

                               Jesus came to earth to fulfill God’s promises.

                               As we learned in the last episode, in the Old Testament, God had made a promise to a man named Abraham: the promise that God would save the entire world from sin and its bitter effects. Sin alienates people from God and calls for his just condemnation. Sin brings death and trouble into the world. Yet when the Old Testament ended, God had not finished this part of the promise. He hadn’t yet rescued and redeemed the world. That’s what Jesus’ coming was all about. He came as the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham, as well as many other promises in the Old Testament. 

                               The very first verse in the New Testament is rooted in the fact that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise.

                               • Matthew 1:1 (NLT) This is the record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham. 
                               
                               

                               The coming of Jesus fulfills the story of the Old Testament. That’s why, as Christians, it is so important to read the Old Testament, because it tells us everything God was doing until the coming of Jesus. It also provides a context to understand the death of Jesus and his resurrection. 

                               Jesus died and rose again to save people from their sins.

                               Jesus came to this earth to die on the cross for our sins. He did a lot of other important things, but Jesus’ most important action was to die in our place, on the cross, for our sins, so that we could be rescued. 

                               This is the emphasis of the Gospels, the four books that appear first in the New Testament. The Gospels are accounts of Jesus’ life. The first, Matthew, was written to tell Jewish people how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. Matthew presents Jesus as an authoritative teacher, including five large blocks of Jesus’ messages. The second, Mark, provides a vivid, dramatic overview of Jesus’ life. He emphasizes what Jesus did more than what he said, pointing to his identity as the suffering Son of God who offers himself as a sacrifice for sins. Luke traveled with the apostle Paul. His gospel stresses that Jesus is the Savior for all people, including the lowly and marginalized. Jesus brings the promise of rescue to all ethnic groups.  Like Matthew, John was an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry. His is the most theological of the four Gospels. He points to Jesus as the eternal Son of God, the self-revelation of God the Father in human flesh. While each of the gospels reveals aspects of who Jesus is, they all reach a climax by giving extended attention to his death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead. 

                               This focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection is maintained throughout the New Testament. It contains many letters written by apostles like James, John, Peter and Paul to individuals and churches, in part to explain how Jesus is our Savior, and reinforcing his death and resurrection.

                               Paul wrote many of these books with this same message. For example, the book of Romans gives us perhaps the most basic explanation of Jesus’ role in God’s plan of salvation, including an understanding of sin, justification, and new life. For example:

                               • Romans 5:1 (NLT) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
                               
                               

                               This verse explains how Jesus’ death on a cross connects to our lives.  When we believe (put our faith in) him, we receive forgiveness for our sins. The connection with God that humanity lost in the Garden of Eden was restored through Jesus Christ. We’re forgiven of  our sins and we receive eternal life. That’s a really important theme, not just in the New Testament, but through the whole Bible. 

                               For example, Paul also wrote Galatians, in response to threats by false teachers, stressing that we are made right with God by faith in Jesus alone, not by obedience to religious laws or by religious rituals. His letter to the Ephesians covers many topics, but centers on God’s eternal purpose and grace. He explains how Christ has reconciled all creation with God, and how Christ has united people from all ethnic groups with himself and into his church. In 1 Corinthians, Paul strongly reprimands the church for problems in their conduct, and includes a strong section about the resurrection of Jesus and what it means to believers.

                               No one knows who wrote the book of Hebrews, but it helps to make the connection very clear between the Old Testament and the saving work of Jesus. Jesus is the substance of all Old Testament laws and rituals, so he is the one who fully reveals and mediates God’s grace.

                               Jesus commissioned his followers to make disciples. 

                               Before Jesus returned to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father (where he is right now) he gave us an important command. After he saved us and rescued us, he then commissioned us and sent us out. These words apply to us as much as the first hearers. 

                               • Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
                               
                               

                               The rest of the New Testament explains how Christians did this, how they went out into the world and told their friends - and strangers even - about the good news of Jesus Christ and his salvation for them. 

                               Much of this is recorded in the Book of Acts. It was written by the same Luke who wrote one of the Gospels. Acts captures the story of how Jesus worked in his church through the Holy Spirit, leading his people to fulfill his commission. It describes how the church grew numerically and expanded across the Roman world. The first half focuses on Peter’s role, while the second half follows the work of Paul. Acts helps us understand how you and I can go out into the world and tell people about Jesus.

                               Earlier, we saw how the letters of the apostles reinforce the saving work of Jesus on the cross and his wonderful resurrection. They also help those who become his disciples to live as followers of Jesus in ways that honor God.

                               Paul wrote many New Testament letters, which are called the “Pauline Epistles.” He wrote several to churches. 2 Corinthians is his second letter to the Christians in Corinth. He recounts the troubles he has faced in his ministry and expresses his joy in their response to his first letter. He then defends his authority as an apostle of Jesus and confirms the disciples in their faith. Paul wrote Philippians to thank the church for a gift they had sent him. He urges them to stand firm in the face of persecution, to rejoice in every situation, and to live as citizens of the heavenly kingdom. Paul wrote to the Colossians to refute false teachings about Jesus. Jesus, he says, is the very fullness of God, the Creator, and the head of the church. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in him. Paul also wants them to know who they are in Christ, and how they should accordingly live.

                               Paul wrote four individual letters, including two to his long-time coworker Timothy. 1 Timothy gives him instructions about how to lead the church with sound teaching and godly example. In 2 Timothy, Paul again offers guidance in ministry, knowing that his life will soon be over. He focuses on Timothy’s own life and character, and encourages him to be steadfast and to prepare others for ministry. Paul wrote Titus to another coworker. He had left Titus on Crete to help the new believers there, so he sent him advice for how to organize the churches and help the believers pursue godliness. He wrote Philemon to a friend, about one of his slaves who had run away. This slave met Paul in Rome and came to faith in Jesus. Paul interceded for him with...]]>The New Testament tells us the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the spread of Christianity. This overview of its message will help you understand the New Testament.

                               --

                               The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                               Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                               Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                               Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                               Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                               Donate Now

                               --

                               The New Testament tells us the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It then describes the spread of Christianity. It ends looking forward to Jesus’ return and his future reign. In order to help you understand the New Testament, we've put together this overview of its message, and how the message relates to the books of the New Testament.

                               Jesus came to earth to fulfill God’s promises.

                               As we learned in the last episode, in the Old Testament, God had made a promise to a man named Abraham: the promise that God would save the entire world from sin and its bitter effects. Sin alienates people from God and calls for his just condemnation. Sin brings death and trouble into the world. Yet when the Old Testament ended, God had not finished this part of the promise. He hadn’t yet rescued and redeemed the world. That’s what Jesus’ coming was all about. He came as the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham, as well as many other promises in the Old Testament. 

                               The very first verse in the New Testament is rooted in the fact that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise.

                               • Matthew 1:1 (NLT) This is the record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham. 
                               
                               

                               The coming of Jesus fulfills the story of the Old Testament. That’s why, as Christians, it is so important to read the Old Testament, because it tells us everything God was doing until the coming of Jesus. It also provides a context to understand the death of Jesus and his resurrection. 

                               Jesus died and rose again to save people from their sins.

                               Jesus came to this earth to die on the cross for our sins. He did a lot of other important things, but Jesus’ most important action was to die in our place, on the cross, for our sins, so that we could be rescued. 

                               This is the emphasis of the Gospels, the four books that appear first in the New Testament. The Gospels are accounts of Jesus’ life. The first, Matthew, was written to tell Jewish people how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. Matthew presents Jesus as an authoritative teacher, including five large blocks of Jesus’ messages. The second, Mark, provides a vivid, dramatic overview of Jesus’ life. He emphasizes what Jesus did more than what he said, pointing to his identity as the suffering Son of God who offers himself as a sacrifice for sins. Luke traveled with the apostle Paul. His gospel stresses that Jesus is the Savior for all people, including the lowly and marginalized. Jesus brings the promise of rescue to all ethnic groups.  Like Matthew, John was an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry. His is the most theological of the four Gospels. He points to Jesus as the eternal Son of God, the self-revelation of God the Father in human flesh. While each of the gospels reveals aspects of who Jesus is, they all reach a climax by giving extended attention to his death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead. 

                               This focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection is maintained throughout the New Testament. It contains many letters written by apostles like James, John, Peter and Paul to individuals and churches, in part to explain how Jesus is our Savior, and reinforcing his death and resurrection.

                               Paul wrote many of these books with this same message. For example, the book of Romans gives us perhaps the most basic explanation of Jesus’ role in God’s plan of salvation, including an understanding of sin, justification, and new life. For example:

                               • Romans 5:1 (NLT) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
                               
                               

                               This verse explains how Jesus’ death on a cross connects to our lives.  When we believe (put our faith in) him, we receive forgiveness for our sins. The connection with God that humanity lost in the Garden of Eden was restored through Jesus Christ. We’re forgiven of  our sins and we receive eternal life. That’s a really important theme, not just in the New Testament, but through the whole Bible. 

                               For example, Paul also wrote Galatians, in response to threats by false teachers, stressing that we are made right with God by faith in Jesus alone, not by obedience to religious laws or by religious rituals. His letter to the Ephesians covers many topics, but centers on God’s eternal purpose and grace. He explains how Christ has reconciled all creation with God, and how Christ has united people from all ethnic groups with himself and into his church. In 1 Corinthians, Paul strongly reprimands the church for problems in their conduct, and includes a strong section about the resurrection of Jesus and what it means to believers.

                               No one knows who wrote the book of Hebrews, but it helps to make the connection very clear between the Old Testament and the saving work of Jesus. Jesus is the substance of all Old Testament laws and rituals, so he is the one who fully reveals and mediates God’s grace.

                               Jesus commissioned his followers to make disciples. 

                               Before Jesus returned to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father (where he is right now) he gave us an important command. After he saved us and rescued us, he then commissioned us and sent us out. These words apply to us as much as the first hearers. 

                               • Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
                               
                               

                               The rest of the New Testament explains how Christians did this, how they went out into the world and told their friends - and strangers even - about the good news of Jesus Christ and his salvation for them. 

                               Much of this is recorded in the Book of Acts. It was written by the same Luke who wrote one of the Gospels. Acts captures the story of how Jesus worked in his church through the Holy Spirit, leading his people to fulfill his commission. It describes how the church grew numerically and expanded across the Roman world. The first half focuses on Peter’s role, while the second half follows the work of Paul. Acts helps us understand how you and I can go out into the world and tell people about Jesus.

                               Earlier, we saw how the letters of the apostles reinforce the saving work of Jesus on the cross and his wonderful resurrection. They also help those who become his disciples to live as followers of Jesus in ways that honor God.

                               Paul wrote many New Testament letters, which are called the “Pauline Epistles.” He wrote several to churches. 2 Corinthians is his second letter to the Christians in Corinth. He recounts the troubles he has faced in his ministry and expresses his joy in their response to his first letter. He then defends his authority as an apostle of Jesus and confirms the disciples in their faith. Paul wrote Philippians to thank the church for a gift they had sent him. He urges them to stand firm in the face of persecution, to rejoice in every situation, and to live as citizens of the heavenly kingdom. Paul wrote to the Colossians to refute false teachings about Jesus. Jesus, he says, is the very fullness of God, the Creator, and the head of the church. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in him. Paul also wants them to know who they are in Christ, and how they should accordingly live.

                               Paul wrote four individual letters, including two to his long-time coworker Timothy. 1 Timothy gives him instructions about how to lead the church with sound teaching and godly example. In 2 Timothy, Paul again offers guidance in ministry, knowing that his life will soon be over. He focuses on Timothy’s own life and character, and encourages him to be steadfast and to prepare others for ministry. Paul wrote Titus to another coworker. He had left Titus on Crete to help the new believers there, so he sent him advice for how to organize the churches and help the believers pursue godliness. He wrote Philemon to a friend, about one of his slaves who had run away. This slave met Paul in Rome and came to faith in Jesus. Paul interceded for him with his master.

                               The central theme of following Jesus as a disciple is also central in the “General Epistles” - those written by other apostles apart from Paul. 

                               The letter of James, written by the brother of Jesus, tells Christians that genuine faith will result in a life of good works, including faithfulness in trials, listening to God’s word, and avoiding favoritism and prejudice. 

                               The apostle Peter wrote two New Testament letters. In 1 Peter, he seeks to encourage believers who are persecuted or suffering, instructing them to look to Jesus for hope, and to remain faithful and to live a God-honoring life. In 2 Peter, he warns about trouble that will arise within the church, such as false teachers.

                               The apostle John wrote three letters. 1 John is the longest. It addresses a false teaching that claimed God would never become flesh, because flesh is bad. John offers us assurance of salvation based on Jesus’ work. It also warns how Christians who stray from the truth can also easily stray from their obedience to God. 2 John and 3 John are very short letters dealing with specific people and issues that John was familiar with. 

                               The last General Epistle is Jude, the brother of Jesus. He writes to encourage believers to stand up for the faith, and to warn them about false teachers who sought to undermine their obedience.

                               In these New Testament books, we see that through the empowering of the Holy Spirit, as God’s people, we can be changed. We can be mature disciples of Jesus. And we learn that together with God’s people, we can change the world. We can make disciples for Jesus. The New Testament shows us that God’s church is not perfect. Christians are not perfect by any means. But under the lordship of Jesus Christ, fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can transform the world and bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ. 

                               Now let’s look at the final part of the story of the New Testament…

                               The end of history is already written, and God wins. 

                               After explaining what happened with Christians in the first century, and giving us a lot of ideas about how to live lives of faith, of honoring God and helping others, the Bible looks to the future. It tells us how Jesus will return one day. And when he returns, God will deal with sin and death forever, to eternally restore his relationship with his people. This theme appears frequently in the New Testament. For example, in 1 Thessalonians, Paul expands on the future coming of Jesus. In 2 Thessalonians, he exhorts believers to stand firm in their faith until Jesus comes back.

                               But God’s future for his creation is most vividly expressed in the Book of Revelation. This book is mainly a record of the apostle John’s visions of events that are to happen in the future, surrounding the return of Jesus. Using “apocalyptic” language, full of symbols and images, it warns of the final showdown between God and Satan, which is ultimately won by Jesus when he comes. His appearance will usher in an eternity of blessedness. Revelation explains that God and Jesus are on the throne, and it describes what God’s future plans for his people look like.

                               • Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT) “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
                               
                               

                               God’s future for us is depicted as paradise. For those who believe in Jesus, it says that we will be connected to God - and to God’s people - for all eternity. We will live lives of deep meaning and purpose as we worship God. This future God is calling us toward is the hope-filled end of the New Testament. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, it’s not just some fairy-tale future. It is your assurance.  

                               The Takeaway

                               I hope you will read the New Testament. As you read it, I hope that you will get to know Jesus Christ, and get to know God’s great plan for you, for the whole universe, and for his church.

                               ]]>6aa879fc-68c6-4fa3-b44a-b43591f4a65cTue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -060052:28falsebonusWhat Is the Story of the Old Testament? - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastThe Old Testament tells us the story of the creation of the earth, the history of God's people, and God's plan to rescue the world.

                               --

                               The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                               Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                               Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                               Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                               Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                               Donate Now

                               --

                               God Created the Universe Out of Nothing

                               God is eternal, but everything else is created. So at some point, God decided to create. We read about this in the very first verse of the Bible.

                               • Genesis 1:1 (NLT) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
                               
                               

                               At one moment, there was nothing. Then immediately, something existed. God began to shape and form creation, as we find in the rest of Genesis 1. The universe wasn’t an accident. God put it here, and he created it for a purpose. Creation teaches us about the glory of God and the majesty of God. It also tells us that we’re not here by accident. That’s the next point in the story of the Old Testament.

                               God’s Plan for Relationship with Humanity Was Ruined by Sin

                               God made us to be connected to him and connected to each other. This is a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human. The Bible also says that humans are created in the image of God - something that is unique to humanity.

                               • Genesis 1:27-28 (NLT) So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
                               
                               

                               God put us on this earth to take care of his creation and reflect his image. 

                               But sadly, sin ruined everything. It didn’t take very long before the first humans - Adam and Eve - sinned. They went their own way. They didn’t listen to God. The result was a terrible problem for humanity, and in fact, for all of creation. In fact, the connection we experience with God, and even with other people, was wrecked because of sin. 

                               But thankfully, God wasn’t done with the human race! God had a plan to rescue the world, a plan he had decided upon before the creation of the world. That plan began to reveal itself in the Old Testament through a man named Abraham.

                               All of this is introduced in the Book of Genesis, which opens the Old Testament. Genesis describes the beginning of everything. It describes not only the creation of the world and of human beings; but also the fall of humanity into sin and the effects of sin in human experience. Genesis leads up to and includes the story of Abraham, his family and his descendants.

                               The Book of Job also comes from this timeframe. It is not about Israel or Abraham, but reflects on the power and compassion of God. 

                               God Gave Abraham Three Important Promises

                               In Genesis 12, we find one of the most important passages in the entire Bible. This passage, in fact, sets up everything that comes after it in the rest of the Bible. In these verses, God begins to explain how he is going to rescue the world from sin. Around 2000 BC, he tells Abraham (then known as Abram), about his great rescue plan.

                               • Genesis 12:1-2 (NLT) “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation…. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” 
                               
                               

                               God was going to save the world through a descendant of Abraham. As the Old Testament unfolds, we see how God fulfills his promises. He does give Abraham a lot of descendants, and from this lineage, God does create a great nation, called Israel.  God does give Abraham’s descendants, the Israelites, their own homeland. Finally, God fulfilled the promise that from Abraham’s lineage, all of humanity would be blessed.  

                               The last chapters of Genesis show how Abraham’s descendants arrived in Egypt.

                               The Book of Exodus tells how that one family became a populous nation, and how they were enslaved by the Egyptians. It describes how, many years later, God raised up Moses (around 1500 BC) to free them from slavery and to take them to the homeland God had promised them. In fact, God identified himself to Moses as the “God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob”. Exodus also describes how God entered into a special covenant with Israel and gave them his law to govern the nature of that relationship.

                               The Book of Numbers describes how God led the people toward the promised homeland. 

                               Leviticus tells us about the system of sacrifices that God instituted to cover the people’s sins.

                               Deuteronomy records the words Moses told the Israelites just before they entered into the land, recapping the terms of their covenant with God and the blessings they would experience if they were faithful to him.

                               The Book of Joshua tells how the people entered and conquered the land God had given them.

                               Unfortunately, not everything was great from that time on in the Old Testament. God’s people made a lot of bad choices.

                               Israel Began a Long Pattern of Sinful Choices

                               Sadly, Israel did not follow God’s law and honor him. Instead, Israel went into spiritual decline. They were stuck in a cycle of sin that was repeated generation after generation. So you read different summaries about the spiritual life of God’s people in the Old Testament. 

                               • Judges 2:12 (NLT) They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord. 
                               
                               

                               It was pretty clear that Israel, even as Abraham’s lineage, wasn’t going to be able to save the world. Sin is too big of a problem in the human heart. What we really need is to be rescued, not just from the evil in the world, but from the evil within ourselves. 

                               The Book of Judges gives plenty of examples of how, instead of obeying God, everyone in Israel did what was right in their own eyes. This was in spite of courageous leaders called “judges” who repeatedly rescued Israel from invaders.

                               The Books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel describe the transition of Israel to a monarchy, and the reign of King David (around 1000 BC). Like the people, David sinned against God, but he also sought to obey and worship God. 

                               David and others wrote the Book of Psalms, which reflects his trust and worship toward God.

                               1 Kings begins with the reign of David’s son, King Solomon. Along with 2 Kings, it tells the long story of Israel’s decline from God, punctuated by an occasional righteous king who led Israel to repent and return to God from their typical idolatry.

                               Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs, which expresses the wisdom God gave him, and the Book of Ecclesiastes, which is a reflection on the meaninglessness of an approach to life that leaves God out. His book Song of Songs is a celebration of marital love.

                               During this period of Israel’s spiritual decline. God sent prophets to warn them of his judgment for their unfaithfulness. The prophets also promised that after judgment, God would restore them to a better future. The major prophets writing in this period were Isaiah and Jeremiah. Jeremiah also wrote the Book of Lamentations to grieve the devastation that fell on the nation because of their idolatry.

                               Several smaller books by prophets also came from this period. All of them call Israel to turn back to their covenant relationship with God. After King Solomon, the ten northern tribes of Israel split from the two southern tribes to create a second kingdom. The prophets Joel, Amos and Hosea wrote mainly for the northern kingdom (called Israel), while Micah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk wrote for the southern kingdom (called Judah).

                               Three prophetic books show God dealing with other nations surrounding Israel. Obadiah announced God’s judgment on the nation of Edom. Jonah tells the story of his mission to Assyria. Later, Nahum spoke God’s warning to Assyria as well. 

                               The long pattern of Israel’s sinful choices underscores their (and our) needs for a Savior. Thankfully, that was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. As we continue to read the Old Testament, we learn more about God’s plan to rescue us from our sins.

                               God Promised to Send His Eternal King and Savior

                               Unfortunately, Israel continued to sin and walk away from God. As a result, God allowed other...]]>The Old Testament tells us the story of the creation of the earth, the history of God's people, and God's plan to rescue the world.

                               --

                               The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                               Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                               Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                               Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                               Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                               Donate Now

                               --

                               God Created the Universe Out of Nothing

                               God is eternal, but everything else is created. So at some point, God decided to create. We read about this in the very first verse of the Bible.

                               • Genesis 1:1 (NLT) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
                               
                               

                               At one moment, there was nothing. Then immediately, something existed. God began to shape and form creation, as we find in the rest of Genesis 1. The universe wasn’t an accident. God put it here, and he created it for a purpose. Creation teaches us about the glory of God and the majesty of God. It also tells us that we’re not here by accident. That’s the next point in the story of the Old Testament.

                               God’s Plan for Relationship with Humanity Was Ruined by Sin

                               God made us to be connected to him and connected to each other. This is a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human. The Bible also says that humans are created in the image of God - something that is unique to humanity.

                               • Genesis 1:27-28 (NLT) So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
                               
                               

                               God put us on this earth to take care of his creation and reflect his image. 

                               But sadly, sin ruined everything. It didn’t take very long before the first humans - Adam and Eve - sinned. They went their own way. They didn’t listen to God. The result was a terrible problem for humanity, and in fact, for all of creation. In fact, the connection we experience with God, and even with other people, was wrecked because of sin. 

                               But thankfully, God wasn’t done with the human race! God had a plan to rescue the world, a plan he had decided upon before the creation of the world. That plan began to reveal itself in the Old Testament through a man named Abraham.

                               All of this is introduced in the Book of Genesis, which opens the Old Testament. Genesis describes the beginning of everything. It describes not only the creation of the world and of human beings; but also the fall of humanity into sin and the effects of sin in human experience. Genesis leads up to and includes the story of Abraham, his family and his descendants.

                               The Book of Job also comes from this timeframe. It is not about Israel or Abraham, but reflects on the power and compassion of God. 

                               God Gave Abraham Three Important Promises

                               In Genesis 12, we find one of the most important passages in the entire Bible. This passage, in fact, sets up everything that comes after it in the rest of the Bible. In these verses, God begins to explain how he is going to rescue the world from sin. Around 2000 BC, he tells Abraham (then known as Abram), about his great rescue plan.

                               • Genesis 12:1-2 (NLT) “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation…. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” 
                               
                               

                               God was going to save the world through a descendant of Abraham. As the Old Testament unfolds, we see how God fulfills his promises. He does give Abraham a lot of descendants, and from this lineage, God does create a great nation, called Israel.  God does give Abraham’s descendants, the Israelites, their own homeland. Finally, God fulfilled the promise that from Abraham’s lineage, all of humanity would be blessed.  

                               The last chapters of Genesis show how Abraham’s descendants arrived in Egypt.

                               The Book of Exodus tells how that one family became a populous nation, and how they were enslaved by the Egyptians. It describes how, many years later, God raised up Moses (around 1500 BC) to free them from slavery and to take them to the homeland God had promised them. In fact, God identified himself to Moses as the “God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob”. Exodus also describes how God entered into a special covenant with Israel and gave them his law to govern the nature of that relationship.

                               The Book of Numbers describes how God led the people toward the promised homeland. 

                               Leviticus tells us about the system of sacrifices that God instituted to cover the people’s sins.

                               Deuteronomy records the words Moses told the Israelites just before they entered into the land, recapping the terms of their covenant with God and the blessings they would experience if they were faithful to him.

                               The Book of Joshua tells how the people entered and conquered the land God had given them.

                               Unfortunately, not everything was great from that time on in the Old Testament. God’s people made a lot of bad choices.

                               Israel Began a Long Pattern of Sinful Choices

                               Sadly, Israel did not follow God’s law and honor him. Instead, Israel went into spiritual decline. They were stuck in a cycle of sin that was repeated generation after generation. So you read different summaries about the spiritual life of God’s people in the Old Testament. 

                               • Judges 2:12 (NLT) They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord. 
                               
                               

                               It was pretty clear that Israel, even as Abraham’s lineage, wasn’t going to be able to save the world. Sin is too big of a problem in the human heart. What we really need is to be rescued, not just from the evil in the world, but from the evil within ourselves. 

                               The Book of Judges gives plenty of examples of how, instead of obeying God, everyone in Israel did what was right in their own eyes. This was in spite of courageous leaders called “judges” who repeatedly rescued Israel from invaders.

                               The Books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel describe the transition of Israel to a monarchy, and the reign of King David (around 1000 BC). Like the people, David sinned against God, but he also sought to obey and worship God. 

                               David and others wrote the Book of Psalms, which reflects his trust and worship toward God.

                               1 Kings begins with the reign of David’s son, King Solomon. Along with 2 Kings, it tells the long story of Israel’s decline from God, punctuated by an occasional righteous king who led Israel to repent and return to God from their typical idolatry.

                               Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs, which expresses the wisdom God gave him, and the Book of Ecclesiastes, which is a reflection on the meaninglessness of an approach to life that leaves God out. His book Song of Songs is a celebration of marital love.

                               During this period of Israel’s spiritual decline. God sent prophets to warn them of his judgment for their unfaithfulness. The prophets also promised that after judgment, God would restore them to a better future. The major prophets writing in this period were Isaiah and Jeremiah. Jeremiah also wrote the Book of Lamentations to grieve the devastation that fell on the nation because of their idolatry.

                               Several smaller books by prophets also came from this period. All of them call Israel to turn back to their covenant relationship with God. After King Solomon, the ten northern tribes of Israel split from the two southern tribes to create a second kingdom. The prophets Joel, Amos and Hosea wrote mainly for the northern kingdom (called Israel), while Micah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk wrote for the southern kingdom (called Judah).

                               Three prophetic books show God dealing with other nations surrounding Israel. Obadiah announced God’s judgment on the nation of Edom. Jonah tells the story of his mission to Assyria. Later, Nahum spoke God’s warning to Assyria as well. 

                               The long pattern of Israel’s sinful choices underscores their (and our) needs for a Savior. Thankfully, that was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. As we continue to read the Old Testament, we learn more about God’s plan to rescue us from our sins.

                               God Promised to Send His Eternal King and Savior

                               Unfortunately, Israel continued to sin and walk away from God. As a result, God allowed other nations to come in and take over the land, and to take the Israelites, the Jewish people, out of their homeland. The northern kingdom fell to the Assyrian empire in 722 BC. The southern king fell to the Babylonian empire in 587 BC. Some years later, the people of Judah returned to their home. And when they did, God reminded them that they didn’t need to be worried that God had forgotten them or abandoned them. 

                               1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles (like 1-2 Kings) recount the failure of Israel to follow God, but from the perspective of the people returning from exile.

                               The Book of Ezra describes how God brought his people back to their homeland from their time of captivity. 

                               The Book of Nehemiah talks about how Israel fared back in the land, and how they rebuilt the walls of its capital city, Jerusalem.

                               Prophets who wrote during the exile and the post-exile periods include Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

                               All along the way, God told his people that he would send his Messiah (his King, his Chosen One), to rescue Israel. This Savior would be a descendant of Abraham, and would fulfill God’s promise to Abraham to bless the entire world. This is because he came to rescue not just Israel, but all humanity. Anybody who would believe in him would be saved. That was God’s promise to Israel.

                               That promise of a coming Savior pervades the whole Old Testament, but it particularly takes shape in certain books.

                               2 Samuel reveals that King David is a prototype of the future King, who will be a descendant of David. The books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings include other rulers in David’s lineage who embody aspects that point toward the Messiah. The Book of Ruth tells the story of God’s faithfulness to King David’s great-grandparents, The Book of Isaiah says a great deal about the identity and mission of Israel’s future Savior and King. Other glimpses of the Messiah are found in Micah and Zechariah.

                               The Takeaway

                               The Old Testament can be confusing if you don’t grasp the overall story. But don’t hesitate to read it. Though it reveals the sad reality that people are really messed up, it also points to God’s plan to send his Savior and King. Even though that didn’t happen during Old Testament times, the Old Testament ends looking forward to the assurance that the great, powerful, glorious God we serve would stop at nothing to save us. He would send his Savior, his Messiah, to make things right.

                               ]]>c7b63b8d-4e0a-499a-b202-4e152dd85f45Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -060043:00falsebonusWhat's the Best Way to Study the Bible? - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastIn this conversation, Bryan and Ross discuss how to read the Bible effectively. They emphasize the importance of having a plan and choosing a starting point that is accessible for new believers. They introduce the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) and the CHARA method (Context, History, Author, Research, Apply) as helpful tools for Bible study. They also discuss the use of Bible commentaries and caution against pitfalls such as innovation, relying solely on information, and anachronism. Overall, they encourage listeners to approach Bible reading with a disciplined and open heart, seeking to understand and apply God's Word in their lives.

                               Takeaways:

                               • Having a plan and structure for Bible reading is important for consistency and understanding.
                               • The SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) and the CARA method (Context, History, Author, Research, Apply) are helpful tools for Bible study.
                               • Bible commentaries can provide valuable insights and context for understanding Scripture.
                               • Avoid pitfalls such as innovation, relying solely on information, and anachronism when studying the Bible.
                               • Approach Bible reading with a disciplined and open heart, seeking to understand and apply God's Word in your life. Be aware of anachronisms in historical texts and consider their reliability.
                               • Understand the genre of biblical passages and interpret them accordingly.
                               • Avoid isolating verses and proof-texting to prevent misinterpretation.
                               • Recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the meaning of Scripture.
                               
                               

                               Chapters:

                               00:00 Introduction: How to Read the Bible

                               03:00 The Importance of Having a Plan

                               08:11 Choosing a Starting Point

                               14:21 Using the SOAP Method

                               19:08 Understanding Context and History

                               25:17 Using Bible Commentaries

                               30:18 The CARA Method of Interpretation

                               39:55 Pitfall #1: Innovation

                               41:56 Pitfall #2: Information Alone

                               43:24 Pitfall #3: Anachronism

                               46:00 Anachronisms in Historical Texts

                               46:55 Ignoring the Genre

                               50:01 Isolating Verses

                               53:57 The Role of the Holy Spirit

                               --

                               The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                               Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                               Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                               Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                               Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                               Donate Now

                               --

                               Full Outline:

                               • Joshua 1:8 (NLT) Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
                               
                               

                               When you read the Bible, the starting point is to approach it thoughtfully and prayerfully - regardless of what methods or tools you use. Meditate on it. Saturate yourself with it, as Joshua says: “day and night.” Then put what you read into practice to “obey everything written in it.” With that attitude in place, let’s look at four pieces of advice to get started reading your Bible.

                               Have a Plan.

                               A lot of Christians struggle with reading the Bible because they don’t have a plan. They open it up and randomly pick a passage to read. Then they do that again another day. So whatever they read is always out of context. They’re not really sure what they’re reading. Of course, God can work through that, but most readers will find that approach frustrating over time. 

                               A better plan is to pick a book of the Bible to read. If you haven’t read the Bible ever, or in a long time, a good place to start is the book of John, in the New Testament. This is one of the gospels. It tells us about the life of Jesus. You will see his teaching and his miracles, and you will understand his mission. That makes John a great place to start. If you’ve read John recently, you could go to one of the epistles, which are written for Christians. Or in the Old Testament, you could begin with Genesis. 

                               You don’t have to read the Bible from beginning to end. That’s not the most important approach. In fact, it can be a struggle for many people to read the Bible from cover to cover. So try picking one book, reading it, then picking another book, to eventually work your way through the Bible.

                               Part of your plan will be to decide how much you intend to read in a day, or in a week. One chapter a day, ten chapters a week, whatever you decide. Whatever you choose to do, hold onto your plan loosely. As you experience reading the Bible, you might need to adjust your plan to read more or to read less every day. It’s not a failure to scale back a plan that is too much for you. The point is just to keep reading at whatever level you can. But if you don’t have a plan, you probably won’t ever get around to really reading the Bible.

                               Many great Bible reading plans can be found on the YouVersion app (Bible.com), which you can read along with others. But when you use a reading plan, don’t just read to check off a box or complete the assignment. Don’t rush through so that you get nothing out of it. Don’t feel guilty or ashamed if you fall behind. Having a plan should be an encouragement and guide. The goal is to grow in your relationship with God, not to complete some specific plan.

                               Go Slowly

                               You’re not trying to speed through the Bible, like a novel, to find out how things work out in the end. It’s not like reading a newspaper or magazine just to catch up on the facts. Instead, the point in reading is to listen to God and follow what he has to say, and to interact with the Holy Spirit as he speaks to you in your reading. So go slowly. Take your time. If you don’t finish the chapter in the time allotted, that’s okay. Just pick up next time where you left off. Because you want to be thoughtful and prayerful. Remember Joshua 1:8. It said to meditate on God’s words. But it’s hard to meditate if you're in too much of a hurry, trying to count how many pages you read. It’s better to reflect on what you’re reading.

                               This relates to another aspect of making a plan. Pick a time and place that will help you listen, meditate, and not get distracted or be in a hurry. What time in your day is most likely to allow you to slow down? What space can you go to that will allow you to think and pray?

                               If you don’t understand something you read, stop, go back, and read it again. Spend time thinking about what you’re reading, and asking God for help. It’s okay to use Bible study tools to help you figure out what you’re reading, and to answer some of those questions. But reading about the Bible is never a substitute for reading the Bible itself. Go to other sources when you need to, but most of your time should be spent in the text of the Bible itself, because that’s where God speaks.

                               Be Interactive

                               Many Christians struggle with reading the Bible because they’re not sure how to apply it to their lives. It doesn’t jump off the page to them. This is why, when you read the Bible, ask questions about what you’re reading. You probably won’t understand everything you’re reading. You will have questions: “Why did God say that? Why did God allow this to happen to his people? What was God’s point in these verses?” Write those questions down. You’ll probably find many of the answers emerge as you read more of the Bible.

                               One way to be interactive with the Bible is to take notes while you read. If you have insights or comments, write them down. If you don’t write those insights down, you will likely forget them. That will be frustrating! You might have prayer requests that come to mind as you read the Bible. That’s great! Again, write them down.

                               Then, when you get to the end of the chapter or complete your reading for the day, ask yourself this: “How do I apply this to my life?” We don’t want you to have just a lot of trivia in your head. Just learning some Bible facts is not enough. What brings transformation is to apply God’s word to your life. Along those lines, ask: “Is there a command here I need to obey? Is there a promise here that I need to grab hold of? Is there something I need to grapple with that will change my thinking or my behavior?” The point is: apply the Bible to your life. As you do that, you’re going to see the Bible come alive. 

                               Many Christians have come up with methods that help you ask questions, write down insights, and apply what you read. Some use a form that they fill out every day. Others use a format that guides them through the process. One simple example is the pattern S-O-A-P. This is very popular because it provides a plan for how to read the section you have decided to read for that day.

                               • Scripture. This is simple. Just read the passage you’ve chosen. 
                               • Observation. Ask questions about what the passage is saying. What do you actually observe in the text? List...]]>In this conversation, Bryan and Ross discuss how to read the Bible effectively. They emphasize the importance of having a plan and choosing a starting point that is accessible for new believers. They introduce the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) and the CHARA method (Context, History, Author, Research, Apply) as helpful tools for Bible study. They also discuss the use of Bible commentaries and caution against pitfalls such as innovation, relying solely on information, and anachronism. Overall, they encourage listeners to approach Bible reading with a disciplined and open heart, seeking to understand and apply God's Word in their lives.

                                 Takeaways:

                                 • Having a plan and structure for Bible reading is important for consistency and understanding.
                                 • The SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) and the CARA method (Context, History, Author, Research, Apply) are helpful tools for Bible study.
                                 • Bible commentaries can provide valuable insights and context for understanding Scripture.
                                 • Avoid pitfalls such as innovation, relying solely on information, and anachronism when studying the Bible.
                                 • Approach Bible reading with a disciplined and open heart, seeking to understand and apply God's Word in your life. Be aware of anachronisms in historical texts and consider their reliability.
                                 • Understand the genre of biblical passages and interpret them accordingly.
                                 • Avoid isolating verses and proof-texting to prevent misinterpretation.
                                 • Recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the meaning of Scripture.
                                 
                                 

                                 Chapters:

                                 00:00 Introduction: How to Read the Bible

                                 03:00 The Importance of Having a Plan

                                 08:11 Choosing a Starting Point

                                 14:21 Using the SOAP Method

                                 19:08 Understanding Context and History

                                 25:17 Using Bible Commentaries

                                 30:18 The CARA Method of Interpretation

                                 39:55 Pitfall #1: Innovation

                                 41:56 Pitfall #2: Information Alone

                                 43:24 Pitfall #3: Anachronism

                                 46:00 Anachronisms in Historical Texts

                                 46:55 Ignoring the Genre

                                 50:01 Isolating Verses

                                 53:57 The Role of the Holy Spirit

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Full Outline:

                                 • Joshua 1:8 (NLT) Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
                                 
                                 

                                 When you read the Bible, the starting point is to approach it thoughtfully and prayerfully - regardless of what methods or tools you use. Meditate on it. Saturate yourself with it, as Joshua says: “day and night.” Then put what you read into practice to “obey everything written in it.” With that attitude in place, let’s look at four pieces of advice to get started reading your Bible.

                                 Have a Plan.

                                 A lot of Christians struggle with reading the Bible because they don’t have a plan. They open it up and randomly pick a passage to read. Then they do that again another day. So whatever they read is always out of context. They’re not really sure what they’re reading. Of course, God can work through that, but most readers will find that approach frustrating over time. 

                                 A better plan is to pick a book of the Bible to read. If you haven’t read the Bible ever, or in a long time, a good place to start is the book of John, in the New Testament. This is one of the gospels. It tells us about the life of Jesus. You will see his teaching and his miracles, and you will understand his mission. That makes John a great place to start. If you’ve read John recently, you could go to one of the epistles, which are written for Christians. Or in the Old Testament, you could begin with Genesis. 

                                 You don’t have to read the Bible from beginning to end. That’s not the most important approach. In fact, it can be a struggle for many people to read the Bible from cover to cover. So try picking one book, reading it, then picking another book, to eventually work your way through the Bible.

                                 Part of your plan will be to decide how much you intend to read in a day, or in a week. One chapter a day, ten chapters a week, whatever you decide. Whatever you choose to do, hold onto your plan loosely. As you experience reading the Bible, you might need to adjust your plan to read more or to read less every day. It’s not a failure to scale back a plan that is too much for you. The point is just to keep reading at whatever level you can. But if you don’t have a plan, you probably won’t ever get around to really reading the Bible.

                                 Many great Bible reading plans can be found on the YouVersion app (Bible.com), which you can read along with others. But when you use a reading plan, don’t just read to check off a box or complete the assignment. Don’t rush through so that you get nothing out of it. Don’t feel guilty or ashamed if you fall behind. Having a plan should be an encouragement and guide. The goal is to grow in your relationship with God, not to complete some specific plan.

                                 Go Slowly

                                 You’re not trying to speed through the Bible, like a novel, to find out how things work out in the end. It’s not like reading a newspaper or magazine just to catch up on the facts. Instead, the point in reading is to listen to God and follow what he has to say, and to interact with the Holy Spirit as he speaks to you in your reading. So go slowly. Take your time. If you don’t finish the chapter in the time allotted, that’s okay. Just pick up next time where you left off. Because you want to be thoughtful and prayerful. Remember Joshua 1:8. It said to meditate on God’s words. But it’s hard to meditate if you're in too much of a hurry, trying to count how many pages you read. It’s better to reflect on what you’re reading.

                                 This relates to another aspect of making a plan. Pick a time and place that will help you listen, meditate, and not get distracted or be in a hurry. What time in your day is most likely to allow you to slow down? What space can you go to that will allow you to think and pray?

                                 If you don’t understand something you read, stop, go back, and read it again. Spend time thinking about what you’re reading, and asking God for help. It’s okay to use Bible study tools to help you figure out what you’re reading, and to answer some of those questions. But reading about the Bible is never a substitute for reading the Bible itself. Go to other sources when you need to, but most of your time should be spent in the text of the Bible itself, because that’s where God speaks.

                                 Be Interactive

                                 Many Christians struggle with reading the Bible because they’re not sure how to apply it to their lives. It doesn’t jump off the page to them. This is why, when you read the Bible, ask questions about what you’re reading. You probably won’t understand everything you’re reading. You will have questions: “Why did God say that? Why did God allow this to happen to his people? What was God’s point in these verses?” Write those questions down. You’ll probably find many of the answers emerge as you read more of the Bible.

                                 One way to be interactive with the Bible is to take notes while you read. If you have insights or comments, write them down. If you don’t write those insights down, you will likely forget them. That will be frustrating! You might have prayer requests that come to mind as you read the Bible. That’s great! Again, write them down.

                                 Then, when you get to the end of the chapter or complete your reading for the day, ask yourself this: “How do I apply this to my life?” We don’t want you to have just a lot of trivia in your head. Just learning some Bible facts is not enough. What brings transformation is to apply God’s word to your life. Along those lines, ask: “Is there a command here I need to obey? Is there a promise here that I need to grab hold of? Is there something I need to grapple with that will change my thinking or my behavior?” The point is: apply the Bible to your life. As you do that, you’re going to see the Bible come alive. 

                                 Many Christians have come up with methods that help you ask questions, write down insights, and apply what you read. Some use a form that they fill out every day. Others use a format that guides them through the process. One simple example is the pattern S-O-A-P. This is very popular because it provides a plan for how to read the section you have decided to read for that day.

                                 • Scripture. This is simple. Just read the passage you’ve chosen. 
                                 • Observation. Ask questions about what the passage is saying. What do you actually observe in the text? List your observations. This step helps you draw out the meaning of the passage, and avoid fanciful conclusions.
                                 • Application. Make it personal and put it into practice. How does this apply to my life today?
                                 • Prayer. Talk to God about what you’ve been reading and observing.
                                 
                                 

                                 Dig A Little Deeper

                                 As you develop some experience in Bible reading, you might want to learn how to go a bit deeper into understanding what the Bible is saying. Start with the steps above. But at some point, try your hand at a more serious process of interpretation. Here is a pattern of study suggested by the Chara Project:

                                 • Context: How does what I’m reading fit with the rest of the Bible, starting with the larger chapter, the whole book, the totality of what this particular author has written, and finally, with the entire Bible?
                                 • History: What was the message to the original audience? How would they have heard it? What is the particular setting (both local conditions and larger historical events) that would help you determine that? 
                                 • Author: Who wrote the book? What do you know about him? What is the author’s overall purpose in this book, and how does this verse or passage fit in that?
                                 • Research: What trustworthy study notes or commentaries can I turn to in order to dig into the original meaning? Do they bring a bias into their work that you should recognize? Only consult others after you have done the first three steps to the best of your ability. 
                                 • Apply: As I now understand what the Bible means, how can I put its principles into practice? This is where every Bible reading session should end, whether you are simply reading or are studying in greater depth.
                                 
                                 

                                 Five Pitfalls to Avoid

                                 As you seek to interpret what the Bible is saying, here are some ways Bible study can go wrong. A few pitfalls to avoid…

                                 • Innovation. The goal of sound Bible study is not to come up with ideas no one has ever thought of before. This is how cults get started. You want to discover the eternal truths of the Bible, then ask how they uniquely apply to your life.
                                 • Information Alone. The reason we read the Bible is not just to know more facts. You can study the Bible, and master the most obscure ideas in it, but never put anything into practice in your life. 
                                 • Anachronism. This happens when we read modern ideas into the ancient text. For example, you can read modern legal concepts into biblical laws, or find contemporary political ideals long before anyone ever thought of them.
                                 • Romans 16:16 (NLT) Greet each other with a sacred kiss.
                                 • It would be a mistake to read the modern meaning of kissing back into the first century, where the sacred kiss reflects the warmth and welcome of the faith community.
                                 • Ignoring Genre. Many people misinterpret the Bible because they don’t recognize how a given genre is meant to be read. For example, Proverbs give general principles of life, but are not universally true in every situation. Jesus used parables to explore his kingdom, but the details of parables should not determine our doctrine.
                                 • Isolating Verses. It’s easy to cherry-pick isolated verses, and make conclusions about what you read, while disregarding the surrounding passages or the overall message of the book. 
                                 • Philippians 4:13 (NLT) I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 
                                 • Paul is talking about contentment in a variety of life situations, when he has plenty and when he doesn’t have much. Isolated, this verse might be misused to justify any personal desire or goal.
                                 
                                 

                                 The Takeaway

                                 Your Bible reading doesn’t have to be dry. It can be life-changing. So go get started! The most important step you can take is not listening to us talk about this topic. What matters is to read God’s word for yourself. Do it with a friend, with your spouse, with your children, with a mentor or a small group. But make a plan and put it into practice. Adjust the plan as you get more experienced. Add more elements as you get more comfortable. But always be sure to apply what you are discovering to your life! Then see what God will do in and through you.

                                 ]]>0076645e-3c4c-46d2-9a61-80ac4187bfa3Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -060053:28falsebonusHow to Come Back from the Burden of Shame - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastToday we’ll talk about how to overcome your shameful past to experience the freedom we can have in Christ. We’ll look at David’s example in the story of Bathsheba and Uriah. 2 Samuel 11:1-4

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Intro: We’re talking about resilience:

                                 • Resilience is harnessing difficult emotions to build your faith.
                                 • Today’s difficult emotion: Shame (guilt, condemnation)
                                 
                                 

                                 Defining Shame

                                 • I know what you’re thinking: shame is always bad, never good  
                                 • But not so fast! Think of shamelessness: “The world delights in bold sinners who flout God's Word and expect no punishment whatsoever. Our culture celebrates the skillful cold-blooded assassin, bold thief, self-righteous vigilante, foul-mouthed recording artist, creative rebel, blasphemous stand-up comedian, naked actress, fornicating "glamour couple," self-worshiping athlete, occultic mystic, and the like. Perhaps the clearest example in our day has been the movement of homosexuality from something almost universally seen as shameful to something that ought to be delighted in. The gay rights movement is seeking not merely tolerance of what God calls sinful, but society-wide celebration.” - Ligonier “Our Shameless World”
                                 • Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT ”It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.“ ‭‭‬‬
                                 • Romans 1:24 (NLT) So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies.
                                 • Romans 1:27 (NLT) And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.
                                 • Romans 1:32 (NLT) They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.
                                 • So we see the progression: sinning with a sense of shame → sinning without a sense of shame → encouraging others to do it
                                 • Does this not describe today’s culture!?
                                 • Shame (Oxford): a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.
                                 • Can you see how this can be bad… or good?
                                 • Bad: Shamelessness, one end of the spectrum
                                 • This is where the enemy wants you; what sin?
                                 • Google doesn’t even know the word! (dictating sermons)
                                 • Also bad: Shamefulness is on the other end, stuck in it
                                 • This is just as helpful for the enemy
                                 • Self-loathing, depression, anxiety, etc.
                                 • Can’t handle the guilt, so eventually you stop pursuing
                                 • This is NOT resilient
                                 • For many, eventually leads to shamelessness
                                 • Or you try to deal with the burden on our own:
                                 • So you try to “work off” your shame by being a better person. You try to take by force what you can only obtain by grace. 
                                 • Or you medicate your shame
                                 • Wow! How could shame ever be GOOD? Answer: When shame leads us to Christ (the answer is not on the shame spectrum; it’s a whole new level, dimension)
                                 • Romans 7:24-25 (NLT) Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
                                 • Romans 8:1 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
                                 • Difference between conviction and condemnation
                                 • We’ll get to this at the end, but first an example
                                 
                                 

                                 How David handled shame

                                 
                                 

                                 2 Samuel 11:1 (NLT) In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.

                                 • Tell the rest of the story:
                                 • He sends for her, finds out she is Uriah’s wife, sleeps with her
                                 • She gets pregnant
                                 • How shameful: he was supposed to be at war with his men!
                                 • Now he gets one of their wives pregnant
                                 • But it gets worse:
                                 • He sends for Uriah, tries to get him to sleep with her
                                 • He’s trying to cover up his sin; never works
                                 • Uriah is too honorable, won’t enjoy his wife while his homies are fighting it out on the battlefield (ouch)
                                 • So David gets even deeper into shame: sends Uriah to his death on the frontlines
                                 • STOP: Is there any hope for this guy?
                                 • Goes from bad to worse
                                 • Some of you might be thinking that; Paul was there: “what a miserable person I am”
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 But God sent a gift in the form of a truth-teller. This is so powerful, it’s worth reading the whole text:

                                 
                                 

                                 2 Samuel 12:1-7 (NLT) So the LORD sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: “There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man’s own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter. One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man’s lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest.”

                                 David was furious. “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.”

                                 Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man!

                                 • STOP: How would YOU handle this?
                                 • This might be you right now, feeling conviction for your sin
                                 • Condemnation is different, would give you no chance
                                 • But God wants to give second chances
                                 • The key is how you respond to a truth-teller
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 2 Samuel 12:13-14 (NLT) Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD by doing this, your child will die.”

                                 • Can’t always escape consequences of sin
                                 • Can escape lifelong feelings of shamefulness. David’s example:
                                 • He fasts and prays all week
                                 • The baby dies, and he lets it go
                                 • 2 Samuel 12:20 (NLT) Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the LORD. After that, he returned to the palace and was served food and ate.
                                 • God blesses him with another son, Solomon
                                 • Name means “God is his peace”
                                 • This is the lesson David learned in the Tabernacle
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                 • Shameless
                                 • Psalms 51:1-4 (NLT) 1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.
                                 • Psalms 51:9-10 (NLT) Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
                                 • 
                                   
                                 • Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.
                                 • Jesus was shamed at the cross, though he did nothing wrong
                                 • Romans 10:11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
                                 • Romans 8:1 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
                                 • Difference between conviction and condemnation
                                 • Condemnation: Satan leverages your shame to push you away from God
                                 • Conviction: Holy Spirit harnesses your shame to point you to the cross
                                 
                                 ]]>Today we’ll talk about how to overcome your shameful past to experience the freedom we can have in Christ. We’ll look at David’s example in the story of Bathsheba and Uriah. 2 Samuel 11:1-4

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Intro: We’re talking about resilience:

                                 • Resilience is harnessing difficult emotions to build your faith.
                                 • Today’s difficult emotion: Shame (guilt, condemnation)
                                 
                                 

                                 Defining Shame

                                 • I know what you’re thinking: shame is always bad, never good  
                                 • But not so fast! Think of shamelessness: “The world delights in bold sinners who flout God's Word and expect no punishment whatsoever. Our culture celebrates the skillful cold-blooded assassin, bold thief, self-righteous vigilante, foul-mouthed recording artist, creative rebel, blasphemous stand-up comedian, naked actress, fornicating "glamour couple," self-worshiping athlete, occultic mystic, and the like. Perhaps the clearest example in our day has been the movement of homosexuality from something almost universally seen as shameful to something that ought to be delighted in. The gay rights movement is seeking not merely tolerance of what God calls sinful, but society-wide celebration.” - Ligonier “Our Shameless World”
                                 • Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT ”It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.“ ‭‭‬‬
                                 • Romans 1:24 (NLT) So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies.
                                 • Romans 1:27 (NLT) And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.
                                 • Romans 1:32 (NLT) They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.
                                 • So we see the progression: sinning with a sense of shame → sinning without a sense of shame → encouraging others to do it
                                 • Does this not describe today’s culture!?
                                 • Shame (Oxford): a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.
                                 • Can you see how this can be bad… or good?
                                 • Bad: Shamelessness, one end of the spectrum
                                 • This is where the enemy wants you; what sin?
                                 • Google doesn’t even know the word! (dictating sermons)
                                 • Also bad: Shamefulness is on the other end, stuck in it
                                 • This is just as helpful for the enemy
                                 • Self-loathing, depression, anxiety, etc.
                                 • Can’t handle the guilt, so eventually you stop pursuing
                                 • This is NOT resilient
                                 • For many, eventually leads to shamelessness
                                 • Or you try to deal with the burden on our own:
                                 • So you try to “work off” your shame by being a better person. You try to take by force what you can only obtain by grace. 
                                 • Or you medicate your shame
                                 • Wow! How could shame ever be GOOD? Answer: When shame leads us to Christ (the answer is not on the shame spectrum; it’s a whole new level, dimension)
                                 • Romans 7:24-25 (NLT) Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
                                 • Romans 8:1 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
                                 • Difference between conviction and condemnation
                                 • We’ll get to this at the end, but first an example
                                 
                                 

                                 How David handled shame

                                 
                                 

                                 2 Samuel 11:1 (NLT) In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.

                                 • Tell the rest of the story:
                                 • He sends for her, finds out she is Uriah’s wife, sleeps with her
                                 • She gets pregnant
                                 • How shameful: he was supposed to be at war with his men!
                                 • Now he gets one of their wives pregnant
                                 • But it gets worse:
                                 • He sends for Uriah, tries to get him to sleep with her
                                 • He’s trying to cover up his sin; never works
                                 • Uriah is too honorable, won’t enjoy his wife while his homies are fighting it out on the battlefield (ouch)
                                 • So David gets even deeper into shame: sends Uriah to his death on the frontlines
                                 • STOP: Is there any hope for this guy?
                                 • Goes from bad to worse
                                 • Some of you might be thinking that; Paul was there: “what a miserable person I am”
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 But God sent a gift in the form of a truth-teller. This is so powerful, it’s worth reading the whole text:

                                 
                                 

                                 2 Samuel 12:1-7 (NLT) So the LORD sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: “There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man’s own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter. One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man’s lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest.”

                                 David was furious. “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.”

                                 Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man!

                                 • STOP: How would YOU handle this?
                                 • This might be you right now, feeling conviction for your sin
                                 • Condemnation is different, would give you no chance
                                 • But God wants to give second chances
                                 • The key is how you respond to a truth-teller
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 2 Samuel 12:13-14 (NLT) Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD by doing this, your child will die.”

                                 • Can’t always escape consequences of sin
                                 • Can escape lifelong feelings of shamefulness. David’s example:
                                 • He fasts and prays all week
                                 • The baby dies, and he lets it go
                                 • 2 Samuel 12:20 (NLT) Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the LORD. After that, he returned to the palace and was served food and ate.
                                 • God blesses him with another son, Solomon
                                 • Name means “God is his peace”
                                 • This is the lesson David learned in the Tabernacle
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                 • Shameless
                                 • Psalms 51:1-4 (NLT) 1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.
                                 • Psalms 51:9-10 (NLT) Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
                                 • 
                                   
                                 • Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.
                                 • Jesus was shamed at the cross, though he did nothing wrong
                                 • Romans 10:11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
                                 • Romans 8:1 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
                                 • Difference between conviction and condemnation
                                 • Condemnation: Satan leverages your shame to push you away from God
                                 • Conviction: Holy Spirit harnesses your shame to point you to the cross
                                 
                                 ]]>d108bed0-67dd-4fc8-9e0b-7bbd9a4ab2adFri, 26 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -060035:05falsebonusWhat Is the Structure of the Bible? - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastThe Bible is composed of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. It's not organized by date, but rather by genre - like a library.

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 How is the Bible laid out? What’s in the table of contents? This one book has a lot of smaller books in it, so it can seem confusing - until you understand the structure of the Bible.

                                 The Bible Is Divided into the Old Testament and New Testament.

                                 The Old Testament is called “old” not because it is obsolete, but because it came first, over the span of around 1,000 years. Another way to refer to it is the Hebrew Bible. It’s what the Jews had. This is the Bible that Jesus and his first followers used. There’s much we can learn from the Old Testament. We hope you will make that part of the Bible a part of your regular reading. 

                                 We also have the New Testament. The New Testament was written over the span of about a generation. It started being written shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s a collection of books written to churches and to individual Christians. Over time these writings began to be collected together by the churches, to create what we call the New Testament. By the 300’s, the New Testament was affirmed by the Christian church as a whole. A large majority of the Bible’s books were recognized far before that. These two parts of the Bible come together to tell us God’s story for today.

                                 Think about the relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament. 

                                 • The New Testament builds on and elaborates the themes of the Old Testament.
                                 
                                 

                                 The New Testament builds on Old Testament themes like creation, sin, salvation, the Day of the Lord. It gives further insight on these matters, but doesn’t negate the Old Testament meaning.

                                 • The New Testament authors are familiar with and well-versed in Old Testament text.
                                 
                                 

                                 For example, Matthew’s gospel makes many references to Old Testament practices and quotes many Old Testament prophecies. Paul, in Romans 4, assumes that his readers understand the story of Abraham and his relationship with God. He uses this story to underscore that a right relationship with God is based on faith, not on performance.

                                 • The Old Testament does not stand alone, because the themes it introduces are fulfilled in the person of Jesus.
                                 
                                 

                                 The New Testament connects the dots between the Old Testament and the person of Jesus. For example, Hebrews explains how Jesus fulfills the Old Covenant and its sacrificial system.

                                 • Matthew 5:17-19 (NLT) “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
                                 
                                 

                                 What about other writings that don’t fit into the Old Testament and New Testament, like the Apocrypha? Or the so-called “lost gospels”? The question of which books belong in the Bible is the question of “canonicity”. The word “canon” means a rule or standard. Which books meet the standard to be included as Scripture? Several criteria were developed in the early church.

                                 • Apostleship. Books written by the apostles were quickly recognized as authoritative. But Luke and Mark were not apostles. Those authors who were not apostles were eventually recognized as authoritative because they were part of the apostolic circle. Luke was a traveling companion of Paul. Mark was a protege of Peter.
                                 • Universality. The writings in question reflect the unified view of the whole body of Christians, not just some fringe groups.
                                 • Orthodoxy. The doctrines and values expressed are consistent with the rest of Scripture.
                                 • Antiquity. The book originates in biblical times, and was not composed long afterward.
                                 • Divine effect. The message of the book has life-changing power in people’s experience.
                                 
                                 

                                 The so-called “lost gospels” fail to meet the tests of canonical authority, mainly the test of apostolic authorship. But they also fail the tests of antiquity, universality and orthodoxy. 

                                 The test of “divine effect” can be subjective. Latter-day Saints would argue that the Book of Mormon has life-changing power in people’s experience. But it fails all of the other tests of canonicity.

                                 We bring this up to underscore that Scripture is composed of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

                                 The Bible Is Organized by Genre

                                 “Genre” refers to the type of literature that is contained in each book of the Bible. The idea of genre is not limited to the Bible, but relates to literature in every language. English language genres include fiction, biography, essay, poetry, drama, and many more sub-genres. The point is that you don’t read an essay the same way you read a poem - or a personal letter, or an anime story.

                                 As you open the table of contents of your Bible, you can see how it is organized by genre. For example, consider the Old Testament first: 

                                 • Law: Genesis – Deuteronomy. These five books reflect the genre we call the Law. These aren’t only books of law. But they contained the way God wanted his people to live: the commands he gave them, how they were to worship, how they were to live their lives, how they were to interact with the surrounding nations. (Any given book of the Bible may reflect more than one genre, but usually one particular genre is prominent.)
                                 • History: Joshua – Esther. Twelve books that tell us the history of Israel. How they entered into the Promised Land, set up their kingdom, how that kingdom became divided, how the people were taken off into exile, and eventually brought back to their homeland. This isn’t just dry history, but history interpreted through the eyes of God. Shows God’s activity in human affairs, so it is history applicable to us today.
                                 • Poetry: Job – Song of Solomon (Song of Songs). Five books that are poems, by and large. Hebrew poetry is different from our English language poetry. Characterized, not by rhyming, but by parallelism. As poetry, they need to be read differently than history or law. Use smaller amounts of words to convey deep meaning and powerful ideas. 
                                 • Major Prophets: Isaiah – Daniel. Five books. Major prophets these books tend to be longer. These prophets were alive during the times described in the books of history. They were telling the people what God was doing in their day, and what God was going to do in the future. 
                                 • Minor Prophets: Hosea – Malachi. Twelve books. Called “minor” not because they are unimportant, but because they are smaller. With the same purpose and intent of the major prophets. Tell God’s people how to understand the events of the day, and what God was going to do in the future.
                                 
                                 

                                 Moving to the New Testament, we have some different genres.

                                 • Gospels: Matthew – John. Four books. Four different accounts about the life of Jesus. Followers of Jesus, or people close to the apostles, who did a lot of research, talked to eyewitnesses, to describe Jesus’ words and actions.
                                 • History of the Church: Acts. Sort of a book of history, but very focused. Deals with the spread of the Christian church, starting with just a few Christians in Jerusalem, but tracking the spread of Christianity throughout the entire Roman Empire. 
                                 • Epistles: Romans – Jude. Eight books. An “epistle” is a letter. These are letters written to Christians or to churches, usually from the apostles. They talk about the struggles Christians face. There are commands for today. A lot of material for us to think about and apply to our lives, in these books.
                                 • Apocalypse: Revelation. Revelation has its own genre (apocalyptic literature). It’s a mix of prophecy and eschatology, full of symbols. Talking about the return of Jesus, the end of the world, and how God wants us to live until that time comes. A powerful picture of God’s vision for the end of the world and for the beginning of the rest of eternity. 
                                 
                                 

                                 Those are the genres of the Bible. It’s important to understand something about these genres. You don’t have to be an expert. But it does help to have a basic sense of what genres are about.

                                 A Book’s Genre Guides the Way You Read It.

                                 It’s helpful to know a book’s genre as you read it, in order to make sense of what you read. We will apply any book of the Bible differently based on its genre. 

                                 For example, you should understand...]]>The Bible is composed of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. It's not organized by date, but rather by genre - like a library.

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 How is the Bible laid out? What’s in the table of contents? This one book has a lot of smaller books in it, so it can seem confusing - until you understand the structure of the Bible.

                                 The Bible Is Divided into the Old Testament and New Testament.

                                 The Old Testament is called “old” not because it is obsolete, but because it came first, over the span of around 1,000 years. Another way to refer to it is the Hebrew Bible. It’s what the Jews had. This is the Bible that Jesus and his first followers used. There’s much we can learn from the Old Testament. We hope you will make that part of the Bible a part of your regular reading. 

                                 We also have the New Testament. The New Testament was written over the span of about a generation. It started being written shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s a collection of books written to churches and to individual Christians. Over time these writings began to be collected together by the churches, to create what we call the New Testament. By the 300’s, the New Testament was affirmed by the Christian church as a whole. A large majority of the Bible’s books were recognized far before that. These two parts of the Bible come together to tell us God’s story for today.

                                 Think about the relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament. 

                                 • The New Testament builds on and elaborates the themes of the Old Testament.
                                 
                                 

                                 The New Testament builds on Old Testament themes like creation, sin, salvation, the Day of the Lord. It gives further insight on these matters, but doesn’t negate the Old Testament meaning.

                                 • The New Testament authors are familiar with and well-versed in Old Testament text.
                                 
                                 

                                 For example, Matthew’s gospel makes many references to Old Testament practices and quotes many Old Testament prophecies. Paul, in Romans 4, assumes that his readers understand the story of Abraham and his relationship with God. He uses this story to underscore that a right relationship with God is based on faith, not on performance.

                                 • The Old Testament does not stand alone, because the themes it introduces are fulfilled in the person of Jesus.
                                 
                                 

                                 The New Testament connects the dots between the Old Testament and the person of Jesus. For example, Hebrews explains how Jesus fulfills the Old Covenant and its sacrificial system.

                                 • Matthew 5:17-19 (NLT) “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
                                 
                                 

                                 What about other writings that don’t fit into the Old Testament and New Testament, like the Apocrypha? Or the so-called “lost gospels”? The question of which books belong in the Bible is the question of “canonicity”. The word “canon” means a rule or standard. Which books meet the standard to be included as Scripture? Several criteria were developed in the early church.

                                 • Apostleship. Books written by the apostles were quickly recognized as authoritative. But Luke and Mark were not apostles. Those authors who were not apostles were eventually recognized as authoritative because they were part of the apostolic circle. Luke was a traveling companion of Paul. Mark was a protege of Peter.
                                 • Universality. The writings in question reflect the unified view of the whole body of Christians, not just some fringe groups.
                                 • Orthodoxy. The doctrines and values expressed are consistent with the rest of Scripture.
                                 • Antiquity. The book originates in biblical times, and was not composed long afterward.
                                 • Divine effect. The message of the book has life-changing power in people’s experience.
                                 
                                 

                                 The so-called “lost gospels” fail to meet the tests of canonical authority, mainly the test of apostolic authorship. But they also fail the tests of antiquity, universality and orthodoxy. 

                                 The test of “divine effect” can be subjective. Latter-day Saints would argue that the Book of Mormon has life-changing power in people’s experience. But it fails all of the other tests of canonicity.

                                 We bring this up to underscore that Scripture is composed of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

                                 The Bible Is Organized by Genre

                                 “Genre” refers to the type of literature that is contained in each book of the Bible. The idea of genre is not limited to the Bible, but relates to literature in every language. English language genres include fiction, biography, essay, poetry, drama, and many more sub-genres. The point is that you don’t read an essay the same way you read a poem - or a personal letter, or an anime story.

                                 As you open the table of contents of your Bible, you can see how it is organized by genre. For example, consider the Old Testament first: 

                                 • Law: Genesis – Deuteronomy. These five books reflect the genre we call the Law. These aren’t only books of law. But they contained the way God wanted his people to live: the commands he gave them, how they were to worship, how they were to live their lives, how they were to interact with the surrounding nations. (Any given book of the Bible may reflect more than one genre, but usually one particular genre is prominent.)
                                 • History: Joshua – Esther. Twelve books that tell us the history of Israel. How they entered into the Promised Land, set up their kingdom, how that kingdom became divided, how the people were taken off into exile, and eventually brought back to their homeland. This isn’t just dry history, but history interpreted through the eyes of God. Shows God’s activity in human affairs, so it is history applicable to us today.
                                 • Poetry: Job – Song of Solomon (Song of Songs). Five books that are poems, by and large. Hebrew poetry is different from our English language poetry. Characterized, not by rhyming, but by parallelism. As poetry, they need to be read differently than history or law. Use smaller amounts of words to convey deep meaning and powerful ideas. 
                                 • Major Prophets: Isaiah – Daniel. Five books. Major prophets these books tend to be longer. These prophets were alive during the times described in the books of history. They were telling the people what God was doing in their day, and what God was going to do in the future. 
                                 • Minor Prophets: Hosea – Malachi. Twelve books. Called “minor” not because they are unimportant, but because they are smaller. With the same purpose and intent of the major prophets. Tell God’s people how to understand the events of the day, and what God was going to do in the future.
                                 
                                 

                                 Moving to the New Testament, we have some different genres.

                                 • Gospels: Matthew – John. Four books. Four different accounts about the life of Jesus. Followers of Jesus, or people close to the apostles, who did a lot of research, talked to eyewitnesses, to describe Jesus’ words and actions.
                                 • History of the Church: Acts. Sort of a book of history, but very focused. Deals with the spread of the Christian church, starting with just a few Christians in Jerusalem, but tracking the spread of Christianity throughout the entire Roman Empire. 
                                 • Epistles: Romans – Jude. Eight books. An “epistle” is a letter. These are letters written to Christians or to churches, usually from the apostles. They talk about the struggles Christians face. There are commands for today. A lot of material for us to think about and apply to our lives, in these books.
                                 • Apocalypse: Revelation. Revelation has its own genre (apocalyptic literature). It’s a mix of prophecy and eschatology, full of symbols. Talking about the return of Jesus, the end of the world, and how God wants us to live until that time comes. A powerful picture of God’s vision for the end of the world and for the beginning of the rest of eternity. 
                                 
                                 

                                 Those are the genres of the Bible. It’s important to understand something about these genres. You don’t have to be an expert. But it does help to have a basic sense of what genres are about.

                                 A Book’s Genre Guides the Way You Read It.

                                 It’s helpful to know a book’s genre as you read it, in order to make sense of what you read. We will apply any book of the Bible differently based on its genre. 

                                 For example, you should understand something about the poetry of Psalms before you can apply it to your life. Think through: what are the images and metaphors? What are they trying to teach me?

                                 • Psalm 1:3 – [Speaking of the righteous]: They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
                                 
                                 

                                 As poetry, Psalm 1 talks about what a life pursuing God is like. Yet it doesn’t talk about specific aspects of that life, but uses a rich, familiar image to paint that picture.

                                 When you read the book of Proverbs, genre helps you understand that Proverbs are simple sayings or aphorisms that are generally true, but they aren’t universal or guaranteed promises from God.

                                 • Proverbs 12:21 – No harm comes to the godly. But the wicked have their fill of trouble.
                                 
                                 

                                 Godly people don’t live a trouble-free life. We all know Christians who have lost loved ones, been laid off, and more. But generally, it is true that people who don’t follow God create trouble for themselves by their life choices. So this contrast between the godly and wicked plays out more often than not.

                                 Yet when you read the epistles, you’ll discover that these are written to Christians much like us. Many of the commands written in those books apply directly to us and need very little alteration. 

                                 • Romans 12:10-11 – Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
                                 
                                 

                                 These instructions are true for all Christ-followers, whether living in the 1st or 21st century, whether living in Rome or the United States.

                                 The Takeaway

                                 So it’s helpful to read the books of the Bible by understanding their genre. There is plenty more to learn about this. But we want to give you an overview of the structure and genres of the Bible, so that as you read God’s word, you can have a better sense of what you’re reading, as you apply it to your life.

                                 You don’t have to be an expert in genre or literature. As you read your Bible with this topic in mind, you will quickly discern how the genres you encounter are different, and you will develop a greater level of understanding. The point is: get reading!

                                 ]]>9f4af9ef-17aa-4bdf-a4a0-5e1392f90a99Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -060052:54falsebonusWhere Did We Get the Bible? - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastThe Bible has been around for thousands of years, carefully translated and maintained for the benefit of people today. But where did we get it, and how do we know it's trustworthy?

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 The Bible doesn’t have to be intimidating. We encourage you to read the Bible for yourself and put it into practice. That’s why we’re doing this series. The first question that arises is: where did the Bible come from?

                                 The Bible Is Inspired by the Holy Spirit

                                 The Bible is not just a book some religious or philosophical-type humans put together. It comes from God himself.

                                 • 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
                                 
                                 

                                 “Inspired by God” means “God-breathed.” So when you read the Bible, you are reading the Word of God. God is there with you when you read. You will encounter God in the Bible. For example, 2 Timothy tells us some of the ways God speaks to us in the Bible: he teaches us what is true; he opens our eyes to what is wrong in our lives; he corrects us when we are wrong; and he teaches us to not simply know the truth, but to do what is right. 

                                 Jesus himself attested that the Bible is inspired by God. 

                                 • Mark 12:36 (NLT) “For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said…”
                                 
                                 

                                 Jesus then quoted Psalm 110. He believed that when David wrote that Psalm, he spoke under the Spirit’s inspiration. Note what Jesus told Satan:

                                 • Matthew 4:4 (NLT) “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” 
                                 
                                 

                                 His actions explain what he meant, because that very statement was a quote from Deuteronomy 8:3, and he quoted the Bible two more times to resist Satan’s temptations.

                                 These passages lead us to hold a view called “verbal plenary inspiration”, which means that divine inspiration extends to the very words themselves, and to all parts of the Bible and all subject matters on which the Bible speaks. Thus the Bible (when interpreted according to the intended sense of the author) speaks truly and reliably in all that it affirms. It never leads us astray.

                                 Not only did the Holy Spirit inspire the Bible, the Holy Spirit also illuminates the Bible. He enlightens our hearts and minds as we read it. 

                                 The Bible Was Written by Numerous Human Authors

                                 While it is the Word of God, it is also the words of human authors. The two are not mutually exclusive. God spoke through human authors, through their unique personalities, experiences, language, culture and time.

                                 The Bible is a product of divine authorship AND human authorship. Inspiration does not equal some kind of dictation. Authors were not like copyists or transcribers, writing down the words of someone dictating a letter. The Bible authors spoke in their own language and style, using their own words and thoughts, in response to specific situations they were dealing with. Inspiration means that the Holy Spirit superintended the process so that the very words written were exactly what the Spirit intended. They are both the words of the human author AND the words of God himself.

                                 • 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NLT)  Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
                                 
                                 

                                 This is why we can trust the Bible. It is not just the thoughts of humans, but God speaking to us, through the human authors.

                                 • 1 Corinthians 2:13 (NLT) When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.
                                 
                                 

                                 Consider that the Bible was written by over 40 authors, over a period of 2000 years. They lived in different cultures, in different time periods, and spoke different languages. Yet in spite of this diversity, the Bible tells one unified story: about God, humanity, God’s people, our sin, redemption. How did they write with so much unity over so long a time? Because the Bible comes from God himself. That’s why we can trust it. It’s not just thoughts of humans, but God speaking to us.

                                 The Bible Is Translated into Our Language

                                 The Bible comes to us through translation. It was not originally written in English, but in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Bible has been translated into many languages throughout the world, and continues to be. Many translations are available today that are clear, readable, understandable, and true to the original. 

                                 We don’t believe that translations are inspired by God. Only the originals are without error, as spoken by God himself through the human author. But even though the original manuscripts are no longer available, God has preserved the biblical text to a remarkable level. We can trust the Bibles we read today. 

                                 Since we don’t have the original writings of any Bible author, are our Bibles today reliable? It’s important to understand that the transmission of the Bible to us is trustworthy. Scribes who copied the Bible were scrupulous to follow careful disciplines. We have thousands of copies of the New Testament to compare. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 1940’s showed that over hundreds of years, coping of the Bible was remarkably reliable.

                                 So this large collection of existing manuscripts shows us what the original must have been. When translators draw on the witness of these existing manuscripts, it creates confidence that the Bible translations we have, have not been tampered with.

                                 English language translations follow two approaches: formal equivalence (word for word) and dynamic equivalence (thought for thought). Word for word translations often fail to capture the meaning of idioms. If you translate an idiom word for word it completely loses its meaning. For example, Matthew 9:15 (NLT) says, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom?” The phrase “wedding guests” is literally: “sons of the wedding hall”. If this was translated word for word, the meaning of the original text would be obscured. Yet thought for thought translations can introduce more of the translator’s interpretation into the text. Interpretation is always a factor in the process of translation from one language to another, no matter which approach is preferred, because no two languages have exact correspondence of vocabulary or grammar. But the translator’s goal is to minimize the interpretations added in the process.  

                                 The Takeaway

                                 God has gone to a great effort to get the Bible in your hands. Copyists and translators worked hard to attain accuracy. People have even given up their lives to give us our Bibles today. The Bible you have came at a heavy price. God thought that price was worth it, because the words of the Bible are so powerful. So where did the Bible come from? Came from God. When you read the Bible, you are encountering God himself.

                                 ]]>The Bible has been around for thousands of years, carefully translated and maintained for the benefit of people today. But where did we get it, and how do we know it's trustworthy?

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 The Bible doesn’t have to be intimidating. We encourage you to read the Bible for yourself and put it into practice. That’s why we’re doing this series. The first question that arises is: where did the Bible come from?

                                 The Bible Is Inspired by the Holy Spirit

                                 The Bible is not just a book some religious or philosophical-type humans put together. It comes from God himself.

                                 • 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
                                 
                                 

                                 “Inspired by God” means “God-breathed.” So when you read the Bible, you are reading the Word of God. God is there with you when you read. You will encounter God in the Bible. For example, 2 Timothy tells us some of the ways God speaks to us in the Bible: he teaches us what is true; he opens our eyes to what is wrong in our lives; he corrects us when we are wrong; and he teaches us to not simply know the truth, but to do what is right. 

                                 Jesus himself attested that the Bible is inspired by God. 

                                 • Mark 12:36 (NLT) “For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said…”
                                 
                                 

                                 Jesus then quoted Psalm 110. He believed that when David wrote that Psalm, he spoke under the Spirit’s inspiration. Note what Jesus told Satan:

                                 • Matthew 4:4 (NLT) “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” 
                                 
                                 

                                 His actions explain what he meant, because that very statement was a quote from Deuteronomy 8:3, and he quoted the Bible two more times to resist Satan’s temptations.

                                 These passages lead us to hold a view called “verbal plenary inspiration”, which means that divine inspiration extends to the very words themselves, and to all parts of the Bible and all subject matters on which the Bible speaks. Thus the Bible (when interpreted according to the intended sense of the author) speaks truly and reliably in all that it affirms. It never leads us astray.

                                 Not only did the Holy Spirit inspire the Bible, the Holy Spirit also illuminates the Bible. He enlightens our hearts and minds as we read it. 

                                 The Bible Was Written by Numerous Human Authors

                                 While it is the Word of God, it is also the words of human authors. The two are not mutually exclusive. God spoke through human authors, through their unique personalities, experiences, language, culture and time.

                                 The Bible is a product of divine authorship AND human authorship. Inspiration does not equal some kind of dictation. Authors were not like copyists or transcribers, writing down the words of someone dictating a letter. The Bible authors spoke in their own language and style, using their own words and thoughts, in response to specific situations they were dealing with. Inspiration means that the Holy Spirit superintended the process so that the very words written were exactly what the Spirit intended. They are both the words of the human author AND the words of God himself.

                                 • 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NLT)  Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
                                 
                                 

                                 This is why we can trust the Bible. It is not just the thoughts of humans, but God speaking to us, through the human authors.

                                 • 1 Corinthians 2:13 (NLT) When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.
                                 
                                 

                                 Consider that the Bible was written by over 40 authors, over a period of 2000 years. They lived in different cultures, in different time periods, and spoke different languages. Yet in spite of this diversity, the Bible tells one unified story: about God, humanity, God’s people, our sin, redemption. How did they write with so much unity over so long a time? Because the Bible comes from God himself. That’s why we can trust it. It’s not just thoughts of humans, but God speaking to us.

                                 The Bible Is Translated into Our Language

                                 The Bible comes to us through translation. It was not originally written in English, but in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Bible has been translated into many languages throughout the world, and continues to be. Many translations are available today that are clear, readable, understandable, and true to the original. 

                                 We don’t believe that translations are inspired by God. Only the originals are without error, as spoken by God himself through the human author. But even though the original manuscripts are no longer available, God has preserved the biblical text to a remarkable level. We can trust the Bibles we read today. 

                                 Since we don’t have the original writings of any Bible author, are our Bibles today reliable? It’s important to understand that the transmission of the Bible to us is trustworthy. Scribes who copied the Bible were scrupulous to follow careful disciplines. We have thousands of copies of the New Testament to compare. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 1940’s showed that over hundreds of years, coping of the Bible was remarkably reliable.

                                 So this large collection of existing manuscripts shows us what the original must have been. When translators draw on the witness of these existing manuscripts, it creates confidence that the Bible translations we have, have not been tampered with.

                                 English language translations follow two approaches: formal equivalence (word for word) and dynamic equivalence (thought for thought). Word for word translations often fail to capture the meaning of idioms. If you translate an idiom word for word it completely loses its meaning. For example, Matthew 9:15 (NLT) says, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom?” The phrase “wedding guests” is literally: “sons of the wedding hall”. If this was translated word for word, the meaning of the original text would be obscured. Yet thought for thought translations can introduce more of the translator’s interpretation into the text. Interpretation is always a factor in the process of translation from one language to another, no matter which approach is preferred, because no two languages have exact correspondence of vocabulary or grammar. But the translator’s goal is to minimize the interpretations added in the process.  

                                 The Takeaway

                                 God has gone to a great effort to get the Bible in your hands. Copyists and translators worked hard to attain accuracy. People have even given up their lives to give us our Bibles today. The Bible you have came at a heavy price. God thought that price was worth it, because the words of the Bible are so powerful. So where did the Bible come from? Came from God. When you read the Bible, you are encountering God himself.

                                 ]]>8f2dc281-cf36-4059-82c0-745941a94720Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -060051:32falsebonusBible Basics for LDS InvestigatorsToday’s episode introduces the series, Bible Basics for LDS Investigators. Learn about how Mormons view the Bible, the difference between an open and closed canon, and the importance of studying the Bible. Bo and KD share their personal experiences of transitioning from Mormonism to biblical Christianity and the challenges they faced in understanding the Bible. The episode concludes with a preview of the topics that will be covered in the upcoming episodes, including the structure of the Bible and common misinterpretations of scripture in Mormonism.
                                 
                                 

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 
                                 

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Today’s episode introduces the series, Bible Basics for LDS Investigators. Learn about how Mormons view the Bible, the difference between an open and closed canon, and the importance of studying the Bible. Bo and KD share their personal experiences of transitioning from Mormonism to biblical Christianity and the challenges they faced in understanding the Bible. The episode concludes with a preview of the topics that will be covered in the upcoming episodes, including the structure of the Bible and common misinterpretations of scripture in Mormonism.
                                 
                                 

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 
                                 

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>c3789be5-d8a5-4d9c-953f-43db77682a85Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -060039:23falsefull5353The Israel-Hamas Conflict: Dispensational or Covenant? - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastIn this episode, Bryan and John discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict from a theological perspective. They explore the concepts of dispensationalism and covenant theology and how they shape the understanding of the conflict. They dive into the promises made to Israel in Genesis 12 and the conditions attached to those promises. They emphasize the importance of praying for both Israel and the Palestinians, and the need for all people, including Jews, to accept Jesus as their Savior. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the conflict's history and current situation in the next episode.

                                 Takeaways:

                                 • Understanding the Israel-Hamas conflict requires a theological perspective.
                                 • Dispensationalism emphasizes a unique plan for Israel and sees the promises made to Israel in the Bible as literal and still applicable.
                                 • Covenant theology views God's relationship with humanity through covenants and emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
                                 • Believing in Jesus is essential for salvation, and Christians should pray for the salvation of all people involved in the conflict.
                                 • Praying for peace and the spread of the gospel in the region is crucial for Christians.
                                 
                                 

                                 Chapters:

                                 00:00 Introduction and Purpose

                                 01:01 Understanding the Israel-Hamas Conflict Theologically

                                 04:24 Dispensationalism: A Unique Plan for Israel

                                 06:23 Genesis 12: The Promised Land and Dispensationalism

                                 19:53 Covenant Theology: God's Relationship with Humanity

                                 27:37 The Importance of Believing in Jesus for Salvation

                                 29:44 Praying for Israel and the Palestinians

                                 41:23 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 The dispensational view is a theological framework that divides history into distinct periods, or "dispensations," during which God interacts with humanity in different ways. In the context of Israel, dispensationalism often emphasizes a unique plan for the nation of Israel separate from the Church. It suggests that God has distinct purposes for Israel and the Church and that these purposes unfold in different dispensations.

                                 According to dispensationalism, God made specific promises to Israel in the Old Testament, such as land promises, which are yet to be fulfilled. Proponents believe in a future period (often associated with a literal interpretation of certain biblical prophecies) where God will fulfill these promises to Israel. This perspective contrasts with covenant theology, which sees a more unified and spiritual continuity between Israel and the Church.

                                 Dispensationalists often highlight key biblical passages to support their views. Some foundational elements include:

                                 
                                 

                                 1. **Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3):** Dispensationalists emphasize God's promises to Abraham, particularly the land promise, suggesting a future fulfillment for Israel.

                                 
                                 

                                 2. **Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16):** The covenant with David is seen as a promise of an eternal kingdom, often interpreted as a future millennial reign of Christ on Earth.

                                 
                                 

                                 3. **New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34):** While associated with the Church in most theological perspectives, dispensationalists may distinguish between the New Covenant's application to Israel and the Church, emphasizing a distinct future role for Israel.

                                 
                                 

                                 4. **Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25):** Jesus' teachings on the end times, including signs and events, are frequently referenced to support dispensational views about a future tribulation period and Christ's return.

                                 
                                 

                                 5. **Revelation (especially chapters 4-22):** Dispensationalists often interpret the events described in the book of Revelation, including the tribulation and millennial kingdom, as literal future events.

                                 
                                 

                                 These scriptures, among others, are central to the dispensationalist understanding of God's plan for Israel and the Church, with a focus on a future restoration and fulfillment of God's promises to the nation of Israel. It's important to note that interpretations can vary, and not all Christians agree on the specifics of dispensationalism.

                                 
                                 

                                 Key Figures in Dispensationalism

                                 The dispensational view has its roots in the teachings of John Nelson Darby (1800–1882), an Irish Anglican clergyman who later became a prominent figure among the Plymouth Brethren, a Christian movement emphasizing the authority of the Bible and the imminent return of Christ. Darby developed and popularized dispensationalism during the 19th century.

                                 
                                 

                                 Key features of Darby's dispensationalism include the division of history into distinct dispensations, each characterized by specific divine principles and responsibilities. Darby's ideas gained momentum in the United States through the influence of the Scofield Reference Bible, first published in 1909 by Cyrus I. Scofield. The Scofield Bible included notes and commentary aligning with dispensationalist theology, making these ideas accessible to a broader audience.

                                 
                                 

                                 Another influential figure in the development of dispensationalism was Lewis Sperry Chafer (1871–1952), who founded Dallas Theological Seminary in 1924. The seminary became a major hub for dispensational teaching and contributed to the spread of this theological framework.

                                 
                                 

                                 J. Dwight Pentecost (1915–2014) and Charles C. Ryrie (1925–2016) were notable dispensationalist scholars who also taught at Dallas Theological Seminary and furthered the development of dispensational theology through their writings and teachings.

                                 
                                 

                                 Dispensationalism gained significant popularity in certain evangelical circles in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it became associated with certain strains of fundamentalism. However, it's essential to note that dispensationalism has evolved, and there are variations within this theological framework.

                                 
                                 

                                 While Darby and Scofield were pivotal in shaping dispensationalism, its ideas have continued to develop and be refined by various scholars over the years. Today, there are different forms of dispensationalism, ranging from classical dispensationalism to progressive dispensationalism, each with its nuanced perspectives on the end times and the role of Israel in God's plan.

                                 
                                 

                                 Covenant Theology

                                 Covenant theology is a theological framework that views God's relationship with humanity through covenants, emphasizing continuity between the Old and New Testaments. Unlike dispensationalism, covenant theology sees a unified plan of redemption for both Israel and the Church. Here are key points and associated scripture references:

                                 
                                 

                                 1. **Covenant of Works:** Covenant theologians often point to the idea of a covenant made with Adam in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15-17). This covenant represents God's expectations for obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

                                 
                                 

                                 2. **Covenant of Grace:** This central covenant, according to covenant theology, is established after the fall, promising salvation through faith in Christ. Key passages include Genesis 3:15 (the promise of a seed), Jeremiah 31:31-34 (the promise of a new covenant), and Galatians 3:16 (linking the covenant to Christ).

                                 
                                 

                                 3. **Abrahamic Covenant:** While dispensationalists focus on the land promise, covenant theologians emphasize the spiritual aspects of the Abrahamic Covenant. Galatians 3:7-9 and Romans 4:13 highlight the idea that Abraham is the father of all who have faith.

                                 
                                 

                                 4. **Davidic Covenant:** Covenant theologians view the Davidic Covenant as finding its fulfillment in Christ, the ultimate King of David's lineage. This is referenced in passages like Acts 2:29-36 and Revelation 22:16.

                                 
                                 

                                 5. **New Covenant:** Unlike the dispensationalist view, covenant theologians see the New Covenant as applying to both Jews and Gentiles within the unified body of Christ, the Church. Key passages include Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:6-13.

                                 
                                 

                                 In covenant theology, the emphasis is on the overarching theme of God's redemptive plan woven throughout history, with Christ as the focal point. The covenants are seen as different administrations of the one covenant of grace, leading to the salvation of God's people.

                                 
                                 

                                 Key contributors to covenant theology

                                 Covenant theology has been shaped by the insights and contributions of various theologians throughout history. Here are some key contributors:

                                 
                                 

                                 1. **John Calvin (1509–1564):** Theologians often credit Calvin with laying the groundwork for covenant theology. While he did not develop a comprehensive covenant theology system, his theological ideas, especially those related to the covenant of grace, influenced later covenant theologians.

                                 
                                 

                                 2. **Herman Witsius (1636–1708):** A Dutch Reformed theologian, Witsius made significant contributions to the development of covenant theology. His work "The Economy of the...]]>In this episode, Bryan and John discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict from a theological perspective. They explore the concepts of dispensationalism and covenant theology and how they shape the understanding of the conflict. They dive into the promises made to Israel in Genesis 12 and the conditions attached to those promises. They emphasize the importance of praying for both Israel and the Palestinians, and the need for all people, including Jews, to accept Jesus as their Savior. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the conflict's history and current situation in the next episode.

                                 Takeaways:

                                 • Understanding the Israel-Hamas conflict requires a theological perspective.
                                 • Dispensationalism emphasizes a unique plan for Israel and sees the promises made to Israel in the Bible as literal and still applicable.
                                 • Covenant theology views God's relationship with humanity through covenants and emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
                                 • Believing in Jesus is essential for salvation, and Christians should pray for the salvation of all people involved in the conflict.
                                 • Praying for peace and the spread of the gospel in the region is crucial for Christians.
                                 
                                 

                                 Chapters:

                                 00:00 Introduction and Purpose

                                 01:01 Understanding the Israel-Hamas Conflict Theologically

                                 04:24 Dispensationalism: A Unique Plan for Israel

                                 06:23 Genesis 12: The Promised Land and Dispensationalism

                                 19:53 Covenant Theology: God's Relationship with Humanity

                                 27:37 The Importance of Believing in Jesus for Salvation

                                 29:44 Praying for Israel and the Palestinians

                                 41:23 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 The dispensational view is a theological framework that divides history into distinct periods, or "dispensations," during which God interacts with humanity in different ways. In the context of Israel, dispensationalism often emphasizes a unique plan for the nation of Israel separate from the Church. It suggests that God has distinct purposes for Israel and the Church and that these purposes unfold in different dispensations.

                                 According to dispensationalism, God made specific promises to Israel in the Old Testament, such as land promises, which are yet to be fulfilled. Proponents believe in a future period (often associated with a literal interpretation of certain biblical prophecies) where God will fulfill these promises to Israel. This perspective contrasts with covenant theology, which sees a more unified and spiritual continuity between Israel and the Church.

                                 Dispensationalists often highlight key biblical passages to support their views. Some foundational elements include:

                                 
                                 

                                 1. **Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3):** Dispensationalists emphasize God's promises to Abraham, particularly the land promise, suggesting a future fulfillment for Israel.

                                 
                                 

                                 2. **Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16):** The covenant with David is seen as a promise of an eternal kingdom, often interpreted as a future millennial reign of Christ on Earth.

                                 
                                 

                                 3. **New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34):** While associated with the Church in most theological perspectives, dispensationalists may distinguish between the New Covenant's application to Israel and the Church, emphasizing a distinct future role for Israel.

                                 
                                 

                                 4. **Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25):** Jesus' teachings on the end times, including signs and events, are frequently referenced to support dispensational views about a future tribulation period and Christ's return.

                                 
                                 

                                 5. **Revelation (especially chapters 4-22):** Dispensationalists often interpret the events described in the book of Revelation, including the tribulation and millennial kingdom, as literal future events.

                                 
                                 

                                 These scriptures, among others, are central to the dispensationalist understanding of God's plan for Israel and the Church, with a focus on a future restoration and fulfillment of God's promises to the nation of Israel. It's important to note that interpretations can vary, and not all Christians agree on the specifics of dispensationalism.

                                 
                                 

                                 Key Figures in Dispensationalism

                                 The dispensational view has its roots in the teachings of John Nelson Darby (1800–1882), an Irish Anglican clergyman who later became a prominent figure among the Plymouth Brethren, a Christian movement emphasizing the authority of the Bible and the imminent return of Christ. Darby developed and popularized dispensationalism during the 19th century.

                                 
                                 

                                 Key features of Darby's dispensationalism include the division of history into distinct dispensations, each characterized by specific divine principles and responsibilities. Darby's ideas gained momentum in the United States through the influence of the Scofield Reference Bible, first published in 1909 by Cyrus I. Scofield. The Scofield Bible included notes and commentary aligning with dispensationalist theology, making these ideas accessible to a broader audience.

                                 
                                 

                                 Another influential figure in the development of dispensationalism was Lewis Sperry Chafer (1871–1952), who founded Dallas Theological Seminary in 1924. The seminary became a major hub for dispensational teaching and contributed to the spread of this theological framework.

                                 
                                 

                                 J. Dwight Pentecost (1915–2014) and Charles C. Ryrie (1925–2016) were notable dispensationalist scholars who also taught at Dallas Theological Seminary and furthered the development of dispensational theology through their writings and teachings.

                                 
                                 

                                 Dispensationalism gained significant popularity in certain evangelical circles in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it became associated with certain strains of fundamentalism. However, it's essential to note that dispensationalism has evolved, and there are variations within this theological framework.

                                 
                                 

                                 While Darby and Scofield were pivotal in shaping dispensationalism, its ideas have continued to develop and be refined by various scholars over the years. Today, there are different forms of dispensationalism, ranging from classical dispensationalism to progressive dispensationalism, each with its nuanced perspectives on the end times and the role of Israel in God's plan.

                                 
                                 

                                 Covenant Theology

                                 Covenant theology is a theological framework that views God's relationship with humanity through covenants, emphasizing continuity between the Old and New Testaments. Unlike dispensationalism, covenant theology sees a unified plan of redemption for both Israel and the Church. Here are key points and associated scripture references:

                                 
                                 

                                 1. **Covenant of Works:** Covenant theologians often point to the idea of a covenant made with Adam in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15-17). This covenant represents God's expectations for obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

                                 
                                 

                                 2. **Covenant of Grace:** This central covenant, according to covenant theology, is established after the fall, promising salvation through faith in Christ. Key passages include Genesis 3:15 (the promise of a seed), Jeremiah 31:31-34 (the promise of a new covenant), and Galatians 3:16 (linking the covenant to Christ).

                                 
                                 

                                 3. **Abrahamic Covenant:** While dispensationalists focus on the land promise, covenant theologians emphasize the spiritual aspects of the Abrahamic Covenant. Galatians 3:7-9 and Romans 4:13 highlight the idea that Abraham is the father of all who have faith.

                                 
                                 

                                 4. **Davidic Covenant:** Covenant theologians view the Davidic Covenant as finding its fulfillment in Christ, the ultimate King of David's lineage. This is referenced in passages like Acts 2:29-36 and Revelation 22:16.

                                 
                                 

                                 5. **New Covenant:** Unlike the dispensationalist view, covenant theologians see the New Covenant as applying to both Jews and Gentiles within the unified body of Christ, the Church. Key passages include Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:6-13.

                                 
                                 

                                 In covenant theology, the emphasis is on the overarching theme of God's redemptive plan woven throughout history, with Christ as the focal point. The covenants are seen as different administrations of the one covenant of grace, leading to the salvation of God's people.

                                 
                                 

                                 Key contributors to covenant theology

                                 Covenant theology has been shaped by the insights and contributions of various theologians throughout history. Here are some key contributors:

                                 
                                 

                                 1. **John Calvin (1509–1564):** Theologians often credit Calvin with laying the groundwork for covenant theology. While he did not develop a comprehensive covenant theology system, his theological ideas, especially those related to the covenant of grace, influenced later covenant theologians.

                                 
                                 

                                 2. **Herman Witsius (1636–1708):** A Dutch Reformed theologian, Witsius made significant contributions to the development of covenant theology. His work "The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man" is a notable systematic treatment of covenant theology.

                                 
                                 

                                 3. **Johannes Cocceius (1603–1669):** Cocceius, a Dutch theologian, played a crucial role in advancing covenant theology. He emphasized a historical-redemptive understanding of the Bible, viewing Scripture as presenting a series of covenants that progressively unfold God's plan of redemption.

                                 
                                 

                                 4. **Francis Turretin (1623–1687):** A Swiss-Italian Reformed theologian, Turretin contributed to the articulation of covenant theology in his systematic theology work "Institutes of Elenctic Theology." He explored various aspects of covenantal relationships between God and humanity.

                                 
                                 

                                 5. **Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758):** Edwards, an American theologian and preacher, integrated covenant theology into his writings and sermons. His emphasis on God's covenantal faithfulness and the centrality of Christ in the covenant aligns with covenant theology principles.

                                 
                                 

                                 6. **Geerhardus Vos (1862–1949):** A Dutch Reformed theologian who later became a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, Vos contributed significantly to biblical theology and covenant theology. His writings, including "Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments," explored the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through covenants.

                                 
                                 

                                 7. **Meredith G. Kline (1922–2007):** An influential Reformed theologian and Old Testament scholar, Kline made notable contributions to covenant theology. His work, particularly on the structure and significance of biblical covenants, has had a lasting impact on covenant theology discussions.

                                 
                                 

                                 These theologians, among others, have played crucial roles in shaping and advancing covenant theology, providing insights into the biblical understanding of God's covenants and their significance in the overall redemptive plan.

                                 
                                 

                                 What’s the difference?

                                 Theological views that often stand in contrast to dispensationalism include various forms of covenant theology. Covenant theology provides an alternative framework for understanding the relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing a unified plan of redemption throughout history. While there are variations within covenant theology, it generally differs from dispensationalism in the following ways:

                                 
                                 

                                 1. **Unified Covenant of Grace:** Covenant theology typically emphasizes a single, overarching covenant of grace that unfolds throughout both the Old and New Testaments. This perspective sees the various biblical covenants as different administrations of the same covenant rather than as separate dispensations.

                                 
                                 

                                 2. **Continuity between Israel and the Church:** Covenant theology often emphasizes the spiritual continuity between Israel and the Church. It sees the Church as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel rather than positing a future fulfillment for national Israel distinct from the Church.

                                 
                                 

                                 3. **Less Emphasis on Future Events:** While both dispensationalism and covenant theology are concerned with eschatology (the study of end times), covenant theology may place less emphasis on a specific future period such as a seven-year tribulation or a literal millennial kingdom.

                                 
                                 

                                 4. **Different Interpretation of Prophecy:** Covenant theology tends to interpret Old Testament prophecies, especially those concerning Israel, more spiritually or allegorically. It may see the fulfillment of these prophecies in the Church rather than in a future, distinct period for national Israel.

                                 
                                 

                                 5. **Christ as the Center:** Covenant theology often places a strong emphasis on Christ as the central figure in God's plan of redemption. The covenants are seen as finding their fulfillment in Christ, the mediator of the covenant of grace.

                                 
                                 

                                 It's important to note that within covenant theology, there are various perspectives and nuances. Additionally, some theological traditions, such as New Covenant Theology, offer alternative perspectives that share common ground with aspects of both dispensationalism and covenant theology. The diversity of views reflects the richness and complexity of theological discussions within Christianity.

                                 
                                 

                                 Is this the same thing as reformed theology?

                                 No, while there are connections between them, Reformed theology and covenant theology are not identical, and one does not necessarily imply the other. Let's clarify their relationship:

                                 
                                 

                                 1. **Reformed Theology:**

                                    - **Overview:** Reformed theology is a broader theological tradition rooted in the principles of the Protestant Reformation, particularly associated with the teachings of John Calvin. It encompasses a comprehensive system of Christian doctrine that extends beyond specific views on covenants.

                                    - **Doctrinal Emphases:** Reformed theology emphasizes doctrines such as the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, the depravity of humanity, salvation by grace through faith, and the glory of God in all things.

                                 
                                 

                                 2. **Covenant Theology:**

                                    - **Overview:** Covenant theology, on the other hand, is a specific theological framework for understanding the biblical narrative. It emphasizes the idea of covenants as central to God's relationship with humanity.

                                    - **Doctrinal Emphases:** Covenant theology sees a unified plan of redemption through covenants, often highlighting a covenant of works with Adam, a covenant of grace throughout history, and specific biblical covenants as administrations of this overarching covenant.

                                 
                                 

                                 While many Reformed theologians adhere to covenant theology, not all Reformed Christians necessarily embrace it. Reformed theology is a broader umbrella that encompasses a diversity of perspectives on various theological issues, including different views on covenants. Some Reformed theologians may align more closely with a dispensational understanding of covenants or other theological frameworks.

                                 
                                 

                                 In summary, covenant theology is a specific approach to understanding God's relationship with humanity, and it has connections to Reformed theology, but the two terms are not synonymous. Reformed theology encompasses a broader set of doctrinal emphases beyond the specific framework of covenant theology.

                                 ]]>43a5aa0a-3646-4ba1-9cad-d91064b91698Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -060037:15falsebonusA Sneak Peak at 2024Today is our last episode for 2023, and we’ll take a look at some of the topics coming up in 2024. Got a question you’d like us to cover in a future podcast? Want to share your story in 2024? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. 

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Today is our last episode for 2023, and we’ll take a look at some of the topics coming up in 2024. Got a question you’d like us to cover in a future podcast? Want to share your story in 2024? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. 

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>d99a3914-06f1-43c4-9d1d-348986af20a8Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -060011:31falsebonus5353More LDS Commandments and Mormon Missionary Lesson 5In this episode we discuss Lesson Five of Preach My Gospel, which focuses on laws and ordinances in Mormonism. We explore the concept of salvation in Mormonism and how it differs from the Christian understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We also discuss the role of priesthood in Mormonism and the expectations and duties placed on priesthood holders. Finally, we touch on the significance of temples and family history in Mormonism. The conversation covers various topics related to Lesson 5 of the missionary manual.

                                 Takeaways:

                                 Mormonism teaches that salvation is earned through obedience to laws and ordinances, whereas Christianity teaches that salvation is a free gift received through faith in Jesus Christ.

                                 The concept of priesthood in Mormonism includes specific roles and responsibilities for men and women, with an emphasis on worthiness and service.

                                 Missionary work is a central focus in Mormonism, with the goal of sharing the Mormon faith and inviting others to join the Church.

                                 Eternal marriage is a key doctrine in Mormonism, with the belief that marriages performed in Mormon temples can last beyond death and into the eternities.

                                 Temples and family history play a significant role in Mormonism, with the belief that performing ordinances for deceased ancestors can bring blessings and ensure eternal family connections. The introduction of computers and the internet has made church records more accurate.

                                 Service and callings are important aspects of Mormonism, with callings being seen as coming directly from God.

                                 Enduring to the end in Mormonism involves staying on the covenant path and keeping commitments and covenants.

                                 As a Christian, the focus is on Jesus and His work, rather than personal works.

                                 Chapters

                                 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment

                                 00:36 Lesson Five: Laws and Ordinances

                                 06:39 Understanding Salvation in Mormonism

                                 12:56 The Concept of Priesthood in Mormonism

                                 19:09 Worthiness and Duties of Priesthood Holders

                                 23:12 Missionary Work in Mormonism

                                 28:03 Eternal Marriage in Mormonism

                                 40:21 Temples and Family History

                                 44:01 Accuracy of Church Records

                                 45:00 Updating Church Databases

                                 46:41 Service and Callings

                                 49:01 Enduring to the End

                                 53:29 Closing the Lesson

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>In this episode we discuss Lesson Five of Preach My Gospel, which focuses on laws and ordinances in Mormonism. We explore the concept of salvation in Mormonism and how it differs from the Christian understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We also discuss the role of priesthood in Mormonism and the expectations and duties placed on priesthood holders. Finally, we touch on the significance of temples and family history in Mormonism. The conversation covers various topics related to Lesson 5 of the missionary manual.

                                 Takeaways:

                                 Mormonism teaches that salvation is earned through obedience to laws and ordinances, whereas Christianity teaches that salvation is a free gift received through faith in Jesus Christ.

                                 The concept of priesthood in Mormonism includes specific roles and responsibilities for men and women, with an emphasis on worthiness and service.

                                 Missionary work is a central focus in Mormonism, with the goal of sharing the Mormon faith and inviting others to join the Church.

                                 Eternal marriage is a key doctrine in Mormonism, with the belief that marriages performed in Mormon temples can last beyond death and into the eternities.

                                 Temples and family history play a significant role in Mormonism, with the belief that performing ordinances for deceased ancestors can bring blessings and ensure eternal family connections. The introduction of computers and the internet has made church records more accurate.

                                 Service and callings are important aspects of Mormonism, with callings being seen as coming directly from God.

                                 Enduring to the end in Mormonism involves staying on the covenant path and keeping commitments and covenants.

                                 As a Christian, the focus is on Jesus and His work, rather than personal works.

                                 Chapters

                                 00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment

                                 00:36 Lesson Five: Laws and Ordinances

                                 06:39 Understanding Salvation in Mormonism

                                 12:56 The Concept of Priesthood in Mormonism

                                 19:09 Worthiness and Duties of Priesthood Holders

                                 23:12 Missionary Work in Mormonism

                                 28:03 Eternal Marriage in Mormonism

                                 40:21 Temples and Family History

                                 44:01 Accuracy of Church Records

                                 45:00 Updating Church Databases

                                 46:41 Service and Callings

                                 49:01 Enduring to the End

                                 53:29 Closing the Lesson

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>add11f4e-21ee-4265-8aa1-70a7ed7f0c89Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -060053:59falsefull5252Three Levels of Shalom: Advent Candle 2 - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastChristmas brings to mind the theme of peace, but ironically it’s one of the most stressful times of year! In today’s lesson we’ll explore the concept of peace (“Shalom” in Hebrew) and where it comes from in the Bible.

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Christmas brings to mind the theme of peace, but ironically it’s one of the most stressful times of year! 

                                 • We’re supposed to have peace at Christmas time… but then we have to hang out with the inlaws?!
                                 • Early days of marriage, flying home for christmas, kids, presents, families, etc
                                 
                                 

                                 In today’s lesson we’ll explore the concept of peace (“Shalom” in Hebrew) and where it comes from in the Bible. 

                                 • We ended last time with Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT) For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
                                 • the first of Isaiah’s 25 references to peace!
                                 
                                 

                                 Context for Judah in Isaiah’s day

                                 • O.T. Peace was always about war ceasing and enemies being defeated.
                                 • Enemies attacking from North
                                 • King Ahaz wanted to form an alliance with pagan nations; God said to trust him, he would give a sign
                                 • Original meaning of Shalom - is much bigger than absence of conflict, wars ceasing. 
                                 • It means to make things whole, complete. To restore, heal what’s broken.
                                 • Life is complex and stressful; shalom is God’s antidote to that. 
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 Peace is not just the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of wholeness.

                                 
                                 

                                 Trans: Today I want to talk about three types of “Shalom”

                                 
                                 

                                 Peace with God

                                 Peace with God is the starting point for wholeness in every other area of our lives. This kind of “shalom” happens in the spiritual realm: God makes peace with us through the person and work of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

                                 • Our natural state is NOT shalom
                                 • We are enemies with God
                                 • We are children of wrath
                                 • We are broken, incomplete
                                 • Back to Isaiah. We already looked at 9:6. Look at the next verse:
                                 • Isaiah 9:7 (NLT) His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
                                 • (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) This will all be accomplished by the zeal of the Lord Almighty. The coming of the millennial kingdom depends on God, not Israel. The Messiah will rule because God promised it and will zealously see that the kingdom comes. Without His sovereign intervention there would be no kingdom for Israel.
                                 • (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) Apparently Isaiah assumed that the messianic Child, Jesus Christ, would establish His reign in one Advent, that when the Child grew up He would rule in triumph. Like the other prophets, Isaiah was not aware of the great time gap between Messiah’s two Advents (cf. 1 Peter 1:10-12; and see comments on Isa. 61:1-2).
                                 • The prophets knew God was up to something, but they didn’t know the details. 
                                 • Isaiah 53:2 (NLT) My servant grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.
                                 • Isaiah 53:5 (NLT) But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
                                 • 1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT) This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
                                 • 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
                                 • THAT is shalom.
                                 • Gospel in terms of reconciliation
                                 • Marriage example
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 Trans: Peace with God opens the door to the second level of shalom

                                 
                                 

                                 Peace inside YOU

                                 When God forgives you, you’d be foolish not to forgive yourself. 

                                 It starts with what Christ already did (peace w God)

                                 • 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
                                 • Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 But what’s our part now? Back to Isaiah

                                 Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

                                 • In Hebrew, “perfect peace” = shalom shalom (wholeness)
                                 • We’re all more familiar with imperfect peace
                                 • (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) The prophet wrote a song that will be sung by the redeemed when the Messiah will establish the millennial kingdom. Isaiah was picturing himself standing in the redeemed land with the remnant listening to the people express their thanks to and confidence in God.
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                 • What are your thoughts fixed on?
                                 • For me: mind running, ruminating all the time, hard time sleeping, quieting mind
                                 • For many: guilt, shame
                                 • Inner peace comes from fixing your thoughts on what God says instead of what guilt says.
                                 • Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 When God forgives you, you’d be foolish not to forgive yourself. 

                                 
                                 

                                 TRANS: When you get that right, you can move on to the third level of shalom:

                                 
                                 

                                 Peace with others

                                 Life is complex and stressful; “shalom” is the antidote that God offers through his people. 

                                 • Why is it that Christians today are often seen as troublemakers?
                                 • Proverbs 16:7 (NLT) When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.
                                 • 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NLT) For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
                                 
                                 ]]>Christmas brings to mind the theme of peace, but ironically it’s one of the most stressful times of year! In today’s lesson we’ll explore the concept of peace (“Shalom” in Hebrew) and where it comes from in the Bible.

                                 --

                                 The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Christmas brings to mind the theme of peace, but ironically it’s one of the most stressful times of year! 

                                 • We’re supposed to have peace at Christmas time… but then we have to hang out with the inlaws?!
                                 • Early days of marriage, flying home for christmas, kids, presents, families, etc
                                 
                                 

                                 In today’s lesson we’ll explore the concept of peace (“Shalom” in Hebrew) and where it comes from in the Bible. 

                                 • We ended last time with Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT) For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
                                 • the first of Isaiah’s 25 references to peace!
                                 
                                 

                                 Context for Judah in Isaiah’s day

                                 • O.T. Peace was always about war ceasing and enemies being defeated.
                                 • Enemies attacking from North
                                 • King Ahaz wanted to form an alliance with pagan nations; God said to trust him, he would give a sign
                                 • Original meaning of Shalom - is much bigger than absence of conflict, wars ceasing. 
                                 • It means to make things whole, complete. To restore, heal what’s broken.
                                 • Life is complex and stressful; shalom is God’s antidote to that. 
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 Peace is not just the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of wholeness.

                                 
                                 

                                 Trans: Today I want to talk about three types of “Shalom”

                                 
                                 

                                 Peace with God

                                 Peace with God is the starting point for wholeness in every other area of our lives. This kind of “shalom” happens in the spiritual realm: God makes peace with us through the person and work of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

                                 • Our natural state is NOT shalom
                                 • We are enemies with God
                                 • We are children of wrath
                                 • We are broken, incomplete
                                 • Back to Isaiah. We already looked at 9:6. Look at the next verse:
                                 • Isaiah 9:7 (NLT) His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
                                 • (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) This will all be accomplished by the zeal of the Lord Almighty. The coming of the millennial kingdom depends on God, not Israel. The Messiah will rule because God promised it and will zealously see that the kingdom comes. Without His sovereign intervention there would be no kingdom for Israel.
                                 • (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) Apparently Isaiah assumed that the messianic Child, Jesus Christ, would establish His reign in one Advent, that when the Child grew up He would rule in triumph. Like the other prophets, Isaiah was not aware of the great time gap between Messiah’s two Advents (cf. 1 Peter 1:10-12; and see comments on Isa. 61:1-2).
                                 • The prophets knew God was up to something, but they didn’t know the details. 
                                 • Isaiah 53:2 (NLT) My servant grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.
                                 • Isaiah 53:5 (NLT) But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
                                 • 1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT) This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
                                 • 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
                                 • THAT is shalom.
                                 • Gospel in terms of reconciliation
                                 • Marriage example
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 Trans: Peace with God opens the door to the second level of shalom

                                 
                                 

                                 Peace inside YOU

                                 When God forgives you, you’d be foolish not to forgive yourself. 

                                 It starts with what Christ already did (peace w God)

                                 • 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
                                 • Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 But what’s our part now? Back to Isaiah

                                 Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

                                 • In Hebrew, “perfect peace” = shalom shalom (wholeness)
                                 • We’re all more familiar with imperfect peace
                                 • (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) The prophet wrote a song that will be sung by the redeemed when the Messiah will establish the millennial kingdom. Isaiah was picturing himself standing in the redeemed land with the remnant listening to the people express their thanks to and confidence in God.
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                 • What are your thoughts fixed on?
                                 • For me: mind running, ruminating all the time, hard time sleeping, quieting mind
                                 • For many: guilt, shame
                                 • Inner peace comes from fixing your thoughts on what God says instead of what guilt says.
                                 • Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
                                 
                                 
                                 

                                 When God forgives you, you’d be foolish not to forgive yourself. 

                                 
                                 

                                 TRANS: When you get that right, you can move on to the third level of shalom:

                                 
                                 

                                 Peace with others

                                 Life is complex and stressful; “shalom” is the antidote that God offers through his people. 

                                 • Why is it that Christians today are often seen as troublemakers?
                                 • Proverbs 16:7 (NLT) When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.
                                 • 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NLT) For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
                                 
                                 ]]>b1012326-8f67-4455-abdb-1e385def09f3Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -060034:20falsebonusThe LDS Commandments and Mormon Missionary Lesson 4Today we cover Lesson 4 in the LDS Missionary Lessons based on “Preach My Gospel”. This is the lesson where they talk about the commandments, many of which will sound familiar to Christians. The main difference? For Mormons the commandments are part of their system of works-righteousness.

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 ]]>Today we cover Lesson 4 in the LDS Missionary Lessons based on “Preach My Gospel”. This is the lesson where they talk about the commandments, many of which will sound familiar to Christians. The main difference? For Mormons the commandments are part of their system of works-righteousness.

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 ]]>477f0412-3dd0-42e1-88f0-2e5ec7e51d49Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -060054:52falsefull5151Cassie’s Story: Hungry Enough to Need GodWelcome back to the Unveiling Mormonism podacst! Today, we hear from Cassie as she shares her incredible story of growing up in the LDS Church, facing judgment, and questioning her beliefs.

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Notes

                                 ]]>Welcome back to the Unveiling Mormonism podacst! Today, we hear from Cassie as she shares her incredible story of growing up in the LDS Church, facing judgment, and questioning her beliefs.

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Notes

                                 ]]>8df1df0b-f145-439b-8dc8-53fd7ccbdbbfMon, 27 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -060039:29falsefull5050The LDS Gospel and Mormon Missionary Lesson 3Today we cover Lesson 3 in the LDS Missionary Lessons based on “Preach My Gospel”. When Mormon missionaries come to your door, they’re going to talk a lot about “the gospel”. But what it means to them is vastly different from what it means in the Bible. That’s what we’ll discuss in today’s episode.

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Today we cover Lesson 3 in the LDS Missionary Lessons based on “Preach My Gospel”. When Mormon missionaries come to your door, they’re going to talk a lot about “the gospel”. But what it means to them is vastly different from what it means in the Bible. That’s what we’ll discuss in today’s episode.

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 --

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>5eb0b493-4378-4fd7-97a7-af84e97d7868Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -060048:45falsefull4949The Plan of Exaltation and Mormon Missionary Lesson 2Today we cover Lesson 2 in the LDS Missionary Lessons based on “Preach My Gospel”. This one is about what Mormons call "The Plan of Salvation" - but it's really about a concept foreign to biblical teaching called "exaltation". It's where Mormon missionaries introduce the concepts of eternal progression and "Kingdoms of Glory". Spoiler alert: it's not biblical!

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 • Preach My Gospel: A [Mormon] Guide to Missionary Service
                                 
                                 

                                 --

                                 The Plan of Salvation

                                 • Premortal Life: God’s Purpose and Plan for Us
                                 • God is our Heavenly Father, and we are His children (see Acts 17:16–34; Hebrews 12:9).
                                 • God has a plan for our happiness. Jesus Christ is central to that plan.
                                 • God’s plan of happiness makes it possible to return to His presence (see Moses 1:39).
                                 • Our eternal progression depends on how we use our agency (see 2 Nephi 2:27–29).
                                 • The Creation
                                 • Under the Father’s direction, Jesus Christ created the earth (see Hebrews 1:1–3).
                                 • Agency and the Fall of Adam and Eve
                                 • Adam and Eve were created in God’s image (see Genesis 1:26–27).
                                 • In the Garden of Eden they were innocent and lived in God’s presence.
                                 • Because they partook of the forbidden fruit, they were cast out of the garden (see Moses 4:19–31). This is called the Fall.
                                 • They became mortal, were able to have children, and were also subject to sin and death (see 2 Nephi 2:22–25; Moses 5:11).
                                 • Our Life on Earth
                                 • Our purpose in life is to find lasting peace, joy, and happiness as families and to prepare to return to live with God.
                                 • We came to the earth to be tested (see Abraham 3:24–25).
                                 • We gain a body of flesh and bones, but we are subject to physical death.
                                 • God gives commandments. If we obey, we are blessed. If we disobey, we sin and receive the consequences.
                                 • All sin must be paid for, either by ourselves or by Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20).
                                 • We make choices, and we all commit sin (see Romans 3:23).
                                 • We have experiences that bring us happiness and also sorrow.
                                 • We cannot overcome either physical or spiritual death without Christ.
                                 • The Atonement of Jesus Christ
                                 • Because Jesus Christ overcame physical death, we will all be resurrected (see Alma 11:41–43).
                                 • Through Christ’s Atonement we can become clean from sin so that we can return to live in God’s presence (see 2 Nephi 9:8–9).
                                 • Christ will forgive our sins as we have faith in Him, repent, receive baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.
                                 • The Spirit World
                                 • All people must die.
                                 • At death our spirits go to the spirit world.
                                 • We live in either a state of misery or a state of peace and rest, depending on how we lived in this life.
                                 • The Resurrection, Salvation, and Exaltation
                                 • Our spirits and bodies will be reunited in the Resurrection (see Alma 11:42–45; 40:23).
                                 • Eternal life and exaltation are gifts of God given to those who fully obey the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; 132:17).
                                 • Judgment and Kingdoms of Glory (see Doctrine and Covenants 76; 137; 1 Corinthians 15:40–42)
                                 • We will return to God’s presence to be judged according to our works and desires.
                                 • If we have repented, we will receive mercy.
                                 • We receive a kingdom of glory according to our works and desires (see Doctrine and Covenants 137:9).
                                 • Those who receive the gospel and live it valiantly throughout their lives will receive the celestial kingdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70).
                                 • Honorable people who are “blinded by the craftiness of men” and who are “not valiant in the testimony of Jesus [Christ]” receive the terrestrial kingdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:75, 79).
                                 • Those who sin and do not repent will receive the telestial glory after they suffer for their sins.
                                 
                                 ]]>Today we cover Lesson 2 in the LDS Missionary Lessons based on “Preach My Gospel”. This one is about what Mormons call "The Plan of Salvation" - but it's really about a concept foreign to biblical teaching called "exaltation". It's where Mormon missionaries introduce the concepts of eternal progression and "Kingdoms of Glory". Spoiler alert: it's not biblical!

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 • Preach My Gospel: A [Mormon] Guide to Missionary Service
                                 
                                 

                                 --

                                 The Plan of Salvation

                                 • Premortal Life: God’s Purpose and Plan for Us
                                 • God is our Heavenly Father, and we are His children (see Acts 17:16–34; Hebrews 12:9).
                                 • God has a plan for our happiness. Jesus Christ is central to that plan.
                                 • God’s plan of happiness makes it possible to return to His presence (see Moses 1:39).
                                 • Our eternal progression depends on how we use our agency (see 2 Nephi 2:27–29).
                                 • The Creation
                                 • Under the Father’s direction, Jesus Christ created the earth (see Hebrews 1:1–3).
                                 • Agency and the Fall of Adam and Eve
                                 • Adam and Eve were created in God’s image (see Genesis 1:26–27).
                                 • In the Garden of Eden they were innocent and lived in God’s presence.
                                 • Because they partook of the forbidden fruit, they were cast out of the garden (see Moses 4:19–31). This is called the Fall.
                                 • They became mortal, were able to have children, and were also subject to sin and death (see 2 Nephi 2:22–25; Moses 5:11).
                                 • Our Life on Earth
                                 • Our purpose in life is to find lasting peace, joy, and happiness as families and to prepare to return to live with God.
                                 • We came to the earth to be tested (see Abraham 3:24–25).
                                 • We gain a body of flesh and bones, but we are subject to physical death.
                                 • God gives commandments. If we obey, we are blessed. If we disobey, we sin and receive the consequences.
                                 • All sin must be paid for, either by ourselves or by Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20).
                                 • We make choices, and we all commit sin (see Romans 3:23).
                                 • We have experiences that bring us happiness and also sorrow.
                                 • We cannot overcome either physical or spiritual death without Christ.
                                 • The Atonement of Jesus Christ
                                 • Because Jesus Christ overcame physical death, we will all be resurrected (see Alma 11:41–43).
                                 • Through Christ’s Atonement we can become clean from sin so that we can return to live in God’s presence (see 2 Nephi 9:8–9).
                                 • Christ will forgive our sins as we have faith in Him, repent, receive baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.
                                 • The Spirit World
                                 • All people must die.
                                 • At death our spirits go to the spirit world.
                                 • We live in either a state of misery or a state of peace and rest, depending on how we lived in this life.
                                 • The Resurrection, Salvation, and Exaltation
                                 • Our spirits and bodies will be reunited in the Resurrection (see Alma 11:42–45; 40:23).
                                 • Eternal life and exaltation are gifts of God given to those who fully obey the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; 132:17).
                                 • Judgment and Kingdoms of Glory (see Doctrine and Covenants 76; 137; 1 Corinthians 15:40–42)
                                 • We will return to God’s presence to be judged according to our works and desires.
                                 • If we have repented, we will receive mercy.
                                 • We receive a kingdom of glory according to our works and desires (see Doctrine and Covenants 137:9).
                                 • Those who receive the gospel and live it valiantly throughout their lives will receive the celestial kingdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70).
                                 • Honorable people who are “blinded by the craftiness of men” and who are “not valiant in the testimony of Jesus [Christ]” receive the terrestrial kingdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:75, 79).
                                 • Those who sin and do not repent will receive the telestial glory after they suffer for their sins.
                                 
                                 ]]>77abf0a4-b6fc-4a7c-bbed-e308acc7ba5dMon, 13 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -060046:20falsefull4848The Great Apostasy and Mormon Missionary Lesson 1Today we cover Lesson 1 in the LDS Missionary Lessons based on “Preach My Gospel”. Bo shares his personal insights from when he was a Mormon Missionary – and how he now understands the deception in which he unwittingly participated.

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Today we cover Lesson 1 in the LDS Missionary Lessons based on “Preach My Gospel”. Bo shares his personal insights from when he was a Mormon Missionary – and how he now understands the deception in which he unwittingly participated.

                                 --

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>e03263fd-9b13-4092-960c-75554a2506ceMon, 06 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -060053:38falsefull4747How to Spot a Spiritual Fraud (Mark 12:38-44) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastIn Mark 12:38-44 Jesus raises negative and positive examples that illustrate the nature of genuine, life-transforming faith. It helps us answer a perennial question: how do you spot a fraud?

                                 See also: Fraud in the LDS Church

                                 --

                                 About this episode:

                                 This is part of our Gospel of Mark series at pursueGOD.org. Find resources to talk about it with your family, small group, or mentor at www.pursueGOD.org/mark.

                                 --

                                 Additional notes:

                                 ]]>In Mark 12:38-44 Jesus raises negative and positive examples that illustrate the nature of genuine, life-transforming faith. It helps us answer a perennial question: how do you spot a fraud?

                                 See also: Fraud in the LDS Church

                                 --

                                 About this episode:

                                 This is part of our Gospel of Mark series at pursueGOD.org. Find resources to talk about it with your family, small group, or mentor at www.pursueGOD.org/mark.

                                 --

                                 Additional notes:

                                 ]]>7a4fa7b0-2a48-4607-8b87-98d58ee630f2Fri, 03 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -060036:02falsebonusHow Big Is Your Mormon Box of Doubts?Every Mormon has his doubts. Scripture translations. Joseph's sketchy history. The Book of Abraham. The Masonic roots of the Temple. But as soon as you doubt, you put it away in your box, never to be trifled with again. In this episode Bo and KD share about what happened after a decade of doubts, and how their decision has changed their lives.
                                 ]]>Every Mormon has his doubts. Scripture translations. Joseph's sketchy history. The Book of Abraham. The Masonic roots of the Temple. But as soon as you doubt, you put it away in your box, never to be trifled with again. In this episode Bo and KD share about what happened after a decade of doubts, and how their decision has changed their lives.
                                 ]]>89fe902e-0e2a-4de4-b843-054fd34a5222Mon, 30 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -060052:08falsefull4646Are You Getting Jesus Right? (Mark 12:35-37) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastOver the last three weeks, we’ve seen Jesus answer questions from three different groups of religious leaders. The religious leaders weren’t seeking to discover truth with these questions.

                                 They were questions meant to trap him, alienate him from his supporters, or get him in trouble with the Roman government.

                                 Pharisees’ tax question

                                 Sadducees’ resurrection question

                                 Scribe’s law question

                                 He has answered each of them with such skill and wisdom that the text says no one else dared to ask him any questions. The debate is over. Jesus stands victorious. (Battle royale analogy)

                                 But these antagonistic questions were not enough to reveal who Jesus really is. It’s now his turn to ask the questions, and he begins with a question about the Messiah. Unlike the religious leaders, whose questions were meant to trap, Jesus wants to reveal himself. Essentially, he’s asking, “Do you know who I am?”

                                 This is one of the great attributes of God - he seeks to reveal himself to us. It’s hard to imagine when you really think about it. The God of the universe longs to reveal himself in a personal way - to me? King David wrestled with this idea in Psalm 8.

                                 Psalm 8:3-4 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place—4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?

                                 General Revelation - creation

                                 Special Revelation - Bible

                                 Personal Revelation - Jesus

                                 Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s revelation to humanity. He is God in the flesh and at the heart of his question to the Pharisees he is asking - do you know who I am?

                                 
                                 

                                 That’s the question I want to use as a framework for today’s message: Do you know who Jesus is?

                                 
                                 

                                 Jesus is going to use Psalm 110 as the means to reveal himself

                                 
                                 

                                 Read Psalm 110 as intro?

                                 The LORD said to my Lord,

                                 “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

                                 until I humble your enemies,

                                 making them a footstool under your feet.”

                                 The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem;

                                 you will rule over your enemies.

                                 When you go to war,

                                 your people will serve you willingly.

                                 You are arrayed in holy garments,

                                 and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.

                                 The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow:

                                 “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

                                 The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you.

                                 He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts.

                                 He will punish the nations

                                 and fill their lands with corpses;

                                 he will shatter heads over the whole earth.

                                 But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way.

                                 He will be victorious.

                                 
                                 

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Ps 110 is quoted or alluded to thirty-three times in the NT, and an additional seven times in early Christian authors. See D. M. Hay, Glory at the Right Hand. Psalm 110 in Early Christianity (Nashville/New York: Abingdon Press, 1973), 15, 45-47.

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The preceding story ended with the note that "from then on no one dared ask [Jesus] any more questions" (12:34). The wording of v. 34 (particularly in Gk.) is strong and unequivocal, signifying that Jesus has prevailed over challenges from the Sanhedrin (11:27-33) and its various constituencies – the Pharisees (12:13-17), Sadducees (12:18-27), and scribes (12:28-34). Jesus has bested the field and debate is closed. Jesus does not quit the field, however, but he takes it. The meaning of his person and the kingdom he proclaims cannot be understood by mere responses to human interrogation – especially when the interrogation is antagonistic. The questions and categories of the Sanhedrin, the supreme authority in Judaism, are not sufficient to reveal and encompass Jesus. And if theirs are not sufficient, no human agenda is sufficient to reveal or obscure, to prove or disprove, the meaning of Jesus.

                                 
                                 

                                 What They Got

                                 The religious leaders thought they knew the Messiah, but they had only a partial understanding of his identity. Their idea of “Son of David” was missing the mark. Mark 12:35

                                 Mark 12:35 (NLT) Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David?”

                                 Explain Jewish picture of Messiah

                                 Connect to military language in Ps 110?

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Although Jesus and the early church did not accept the military-political connotations normally associated with Messiah, early Christianity certainly affirmed that the Messiah would come from the "house" (Luke 1:69) or "throne" (Luke 1:32) or "seed" (Rom. 1:3; 2 Tim 2:8) of David.

                                 References to Son of David in Matthew: 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 21:9; and 21:15 - Matthew’s gospel is directed more to a Jewish audience so he uses this title more than the other gospels.

                                 2 Samuel 7:12-16 Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 12 For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. 13 He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. 15 But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. 16 Your house and your kingdom will continue before me[b] for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”

                                 Isaiah 11:1-2 Out of the stump of David’s family[a] will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

                                 Jeremiah 23:5-6 “For the time is coming,” says the Lord,“when I will raise up a righteous descendant[a]from King David’s line.He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.6 And this will be his name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’[b] In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety.

                                 It wasn’t that the religious leaders were wrong about the Messiah being from the line of David. They were right about that. But the Messiah was more than that.

                                 References to Son of David in Matthew: 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 21:9; and 21:15 - Matthew’s gospel is directed more to a Jewish audience so he uses this title more than the other gospels.

                                 Jesus was called “Son of David” by the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, in Mark 10. The crowds shouted “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father, David” in the triumphal entry in Mark 11.

                                 No doubt many of the religious leaders knew that people were calling Jesus the Son of David.

                                 What They Missed

                                 They took the bulk of Ps 110 - the military part that got them excited. But they missed the first verse - the part that held the key to the Messiah’s identity. Mark 12:36-37

                                 Mark 12:36 (NLT) For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said,

                                 ‘The LORD said to my Lord,

                                 Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

                                 until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’

                                 First, note: In explaining the Psalm, Jesus affirms the Holy Spirit’s role in the writing of scripture. It’s another example of a prophecy that had partial fulfillment and then complete fulfillment in Christ.

                                 They took the bulk of Ps 110 - the military part that got them excited. But they missed the first verse - the part that held the key to the Messiah’s identity!

                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 Mark 12:37 (NLT) Since David himself called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with great delight.

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The quotation in v. 36 is from Ps 110, the most frequently quoted OT text in the NT. The point, which hinges on a twist in wording, may escape us without further explanation. The crux is the first line, "'The Lord said to my Lord. . . .'" Psalm 110 was originally a coronation hymn that would have been sung, chanted, or recited at the inauguration of the kings of Judah and Israel. The opening line in Heb. reads "'The Lord (Yahweh) declared to my lord (adonai).'" The first Lord refers to God and the second to the king, i.e., at his coronation the king of Israel was inducted as God's vicegerent and seated symbolically at God's right hand. The right hand signified honor and closeness to God, and legitimacy to rule with dominion and justice. The Psalm thus originally referred to God and the king of Israel. With the destruction of the monarchy in 586 B.C., Ps 110 was reappropriated, with the rights of the king frequently being transferred to the Messiah, whose kingdom would not fail as had the Davidic monarchy. It was this subsequent interpretation that is reflected in Jesus' quotation of Ps 110:1 and question in v. 36, where the first Lord refers to God and the second to the Messiah. A comparison of the two interpretations of the Psalm may arouse suspicion or skepticism in us today that the interpretation assumed by Jesus is less valid than its original sense, or even bogus. It surely cannot have seemed so to Jesus. It is more probable that in his day the true and ultimate meaning of Ps 110 was understood with reference to God and the Messiah, of whom the earthly Israelite monarchy had been a shadow or preparation. Thus, to return to the implication of the Psalm in Jesus' question, if David, who was believed to be the author of the Psalm, said, "'The Lord (= God) said to my Lord (= Messiah): Sit at my right...]]>Over the last three weeks, we’ve seen Jesus answer questions from three different groups of religious leaders. The religious leaders weren’t seeking to discover truth with these questions.

                                 They were questions meant to trap him, alienate him from his supporters, or get him in trouble with the Roman government.

                                 Pharisees’ tax question

                                 Sadducees’ resurrection question

                                 Scribe’s law question

                                 He has answered each of them with such skill and wisdom that the text says no one else dared to ask him any questions. The debate is over. Jesus stands victorious. (Battle royale analogy)

                                 But these antagonistic questions were not enough to reveal who Jesus really is. It’s now his turn to ask the questions, and he begins with a question about the Messiah. Unlike the religious leaders, whose questions were meant to trap, Jesus wants to reveal himself. Essentially, he’s asking, “Do you know who I am?”

                                 This is one of the great attributes of God - he seeks to reveal himself to us. It’s hard to imagine when you really think about it. The God of the universe longs to reveal himself in a personal way - to me? King David wrestled with this idea in Psalm 8.

                                 Psalm 8:3-4 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place—4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?

                                 General Revelation - creation

                                 Special Revelation - Bible

                                 Personal Revelation - Jesus

                                 Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s revelation to humanity. He is God in the flesh and at the heart of his question to the Pharisees he is asking - do you know who I am?

                                 
                                 

                                 That’s the question I want to use as a framework for today’s message: Do you know who Jesus is?

                                 
                                 

                                 Jesus is going to use Psalm 110 as the means to reveal himself

                                 
                                 

                                 Read Psalm 110 as intro?

                                 The LORD said to my Lord,

                                 “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

                                 until I humble your enemies,

                                 making them a footstool under your feet.”

                                 The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem;

                                 you will rule over your enemies.

                                 When you go to war,

                                 your people will serve you willingly.

                                 You are arrayed in holy garments,

                                 and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.

                                 The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow:

                                 “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

                                 The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you.

                                 He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts.

                                 He will punish the nations

                                 and fill their lands with corpses;

                                 he will shatter heads over the whole earth.

                                 But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way.

                                 He will be victorious.

                                 
                                 

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Ps 110 is quoted or alluded to thirty-three times in the NT, and an additional seven times in early Christian authors. See D. M. Hay, Glory at the Right Hand. Psalm 110 in Early Christianity (Nashville/New York: Abingdon Press, 1973), 15, 45-47.

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The preceding story ended with the note that "from then on no one dared ask [Jesus] any more questions" (12:34). The wording of v. 34 (particularly in Gk.) is strong and unequivocal, signifying that Jesus has prevailed over challenges from the Sanhedrin (11:27-33) and its various constituencies – the Pharisees (12:13-17), Sadducees (12:18-27), and scribes (12:28-34). Jesus has bested the field and debate is closed. Jesus does not quit the field, however, but he takes it. The meaning of his person and the kingdom he proclaims cannot be understood by mere responses to human interrogation – especially when the interrogation is antagonistic. The questions and categories of the Sanhedrin, the supreme authority in Judaism, are not sufficient to reveal and encompass Jesus. And if theirs are not sufficient, no human agenda is sufficient to reveal or obscure, to prove or disprove, the meaning of Jesus.

                                 
                                 

                                 What They Got

                                 The religious leaders thought they knew the Messiah, but they had only a partial understanding of his identity. Their idea of “Son of David” was missing the mark. Mark 12:35

                                 Mark 12:35 (NLT) Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David?”

                                 Explain Jewish picture of Messiah

                                 Connect to military language in Ps 110?

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Although Jesus and the early church did not accept the military-political connotations normally associated with Messiah, early Christianity certainly affirmed that the Messiah would come from the "house" (Luke 1:69) or "throne" (Luke 1:32) or "seed" (Rom. 1:3; 2 Tim 2:8) of David.

                                 References to Son of David in Matthew: 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 21:9; and 21:15 - Matthew’s gospel is directed more to a Jewish audience so he uses this title more than the other gospels.

                                 2 Samuel 7:12-16 Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 12 For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. 13 He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. 15 But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. 16 Your house and your kingdom will continue before me[b] for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”

                                 Isaiah 11:1-2 Out of the stump of David’s family[a] will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

                                 Jeremiah 23:5-6 “For the time is coming,” says the Lord,“when I will raise up a righteous descendant[a]from King David’s line.He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.6 And this will be his name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’[b] In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety.

                                 It wasn’t that the religious leaders were wrong about the Messiah being from the line of David. They were right about that. But the Messiah was more than that.

                                 References to Son of David in Matthew: 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 21:9; and 21:15 - Matthew’s gospel is directed more to a Jewish audience so he uses this title more than the other gospels.

                                 Jesus was called “Son of David” by the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, in Mark 10. The crowds shouted “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father, David” in the triumphal entry in Mark 11.

                                 No doubt many of the religious leaders knew that people were calling Jesus the Son of David.

                                 What They Missed

                                 They took the bulk of Ps 110 - the military part that got them excited. But they missed the first verse - the part that held the key to the Messiah’s identity. Mark 12:36-37

                                 Mark 12:36 (NLT) For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said,

                                 ‘The LORD said to my Lord,

                                 Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

                                 until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’

                                 First, note: In explaining the Psalm, Jesus affirms the Holy Spirit’s role in the writing of scripture. It’s another example of a prophecy that had partial fulfillment and then complete fulfillment in Christ.

                                 They took the bulk of Ps 110 - the military part that got them excited. But they missed the first verse - the part that held the key to the Messiah’s identity!

                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 Mark 12:37 (NLT) Since David himself called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with great delight.

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The quotation in v. 36 is from Ps 110, the most frequently quoted OT text in the NT. The point, which hinges on a twist in wording, may escape us without further explanation. The crux is the first line, "'The Lord said to my Lord. . . .'" Psalm 110 was originally a coronation hymn that would have been sung, chanted, or recited at the inauguration of the kings of Judah and Israel. The opening line in Heb. reads "'The Lord (Yahweh) declared to my lord (adonai).'" The first Lord refers to God and the second to the king, i.e., at his coronation the king of Israel was inducted as God's vicegerent and seated symbolically at God's right hand. The right hand signified honor and closeness to God, and legitimacy to rule with dominion and justice. The Psalm thus originally referred to God and the king of Israel. With the destruction of the monarchy in 586 B.C., Ps 110 was reappropriated, with the rights of the king frequently being transferred to the Messiah, whose kingdom would not fail as had the Davidic monarchy. It was this subsequent interpretation that is reflected in Jesus' quotation of Ps 110:1 and question in v. 36, where the first Lord refers to God and the second to the Messiah. A comparison of the two interpretations of the Psalm may arouse suspicion or skepticism in us today that the interpretation assumed by Jesus is less valid than its original sense, or even bogus. It surely cannot have seemed so to Jesus. It is more probable that in his day the true and ultimate meaning of Ps 110 was understood with reference to God and the Messiah, of whom the earthly Israelite monarchy had been a shadow or preparation. Thus, to return to the implication of the Psalm in Jesus' question, if David, who was believed to be the author of the Psalm, said, "'The Lord (= God) said to my Lord (= Messiah): Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet,'" then the Messiah is obviously a superior to David, and not merely a descendent, as Judaism popularly held.

                                 As outlined in the commentary, this was originally a psalm of coronation. The LORD is Yahweh, the Lord is Adonai - the king. As we saw in the 2 Samuel passage, there would be consequences for the Davidic kingdom because of disobedience.. It would be split. Its earthly rule would come to an end. This Psalm points to something greater. It points to the Messiah. The LORD is Yahweh, the Lord is the Messiah.

                                 David was the king and yet he calls him Lord - Adonai, Master. This is clearly someone greater than David. This is God the Son.

                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In Jesus' preceding argument with the Sadducees (12:18-27) he argued that the resurrection is not simply an extension of earthly existence; here in the question about David's son he argues that the Messiah is not simply an extension of his Davidic precursor. The Messiah will indeed be a recognized descendent of David, but he will surpass David's lineage. "Son of David" may assert certain truths about the Messiah, but it falls short in essential ways of capturing his identity. The quotation from Ps 110 is used here, as it was later used throughout Christian writings, ultimately not as a description of Jesus' purpose and work, but as a description of his transcendent status, sitting at God's honored and authoritative right. That is signaled in Jesus' final cinching question, "'How then can [Messiah] be [David's] son?'" It is the same question Mark poses to his readers. The answer, of course, is that Messiah is not simply David's son; he is God's Son.

                                 Revelation 22:16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the Bright Morning Star.

                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 Two Natures

                                 Jesus is a single person with two natures: divine and human. These two natures are united in his person without confusion, change, or loss.

                                 From Sys Theo Lesson 04:

                                 The Two Natures of Christ - Hypostatic Union as affirmed by the Communicato Idiomatom.

                                 Jesus is a single person with two natures: the divine nature that he shares equally and eternally with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and the human nature he took on in his incarnation. These two natures are united in his person without confusion, change or loss. Jesus is not part God and part human, but both are fully integrated in him.

                                 
                                 

                                 His Divinity:

                                 Jesus identified himself with the God who appeared to Moses in Exodus 3:14 (John 8:58).

                                 Revelation 1:8 calls God the Father “Alpha and Omega,” a title Jesus applies to himself later in Revelation 22:13.

                                 The Bible attributes to Jesus works that only God can do.

                                 He is the agent of creation (John 1:1-8) and exhibits power over what he made (Matthew 14:22-36).

                                 He forgives sins (Mark 2:5-7) and judges the world for sins (John 5:22-30).

                                 He receives prayer (Acts 7:59-60) and is worthy of worship (Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3-6).

                                 
                                 

                                 His Humanity:

                                 The Bible attests that Jesus was fully human in body, soul, mind and will (Hebrews 2:17).

                                 He had a real human body, subject to weariness (John 4:6), hunger (Matthew 4:2) and thirst (John 4:7).

                                 He was capable of experiencing every human emotion (Matthew 26:37; John 2:15).

                                 He was tempted as we are (Matthew 4:1-11), yet Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).

                                 Close

                                 God and man have been reunited in the person of Jesus. When we get the identity of Jesus right, we can respond to him in faith.

                                 Come back to Ps 110 in close?

                                 Psalms 110:4 (NLT) The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

                                 Very beginning of Mark’s gospel - This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

                                 The relationship between God and man is reconciled through the person and work of Jesus. It required Jesus’ divine nature to be able to live a sinless life.

                                 ]]>3317b83a-1187-4b62-9647-bb879d290021Fri, 27 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -060035:17falsebonusExplaining Bible Translations to MormonsMormons teach that the Bible is not reliable because it hasn't been translated correctly. But what does that even mean, and have Mormons even researched the history of English translations? That's what we'll do in today's lesson.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Mormons teach that the Bible is not reliable because it hasn't been translated correctly. But what does that even mean, and have Mormons even researched the history of English translations? That's what we'll do in today's lesson.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>4deea467-999d-4be2-b175-10f5c95cbde0Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -060052:23falsefull4545The Rebranding of the Mormon ChurchThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a marketing machine. From its beginning in 1830 to its many facelifts over the years, the Mormon church has spent millions to shape the public perception. In 2010 they launched the "I'm a Mormon" campaign, only to completely reverse the decision just 8 years later. And now they're embracing the cross - a symbol that has always been anathema to faithful LDS followers. So what's happening?

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a marketing machine. From its beginning in 1830 to its many facelifts over the years, the Mormon church has spent millions to shape the public perception. In 2010 they launched the "I'm a Mormon" campaign, only to completely reverse the decision just 8 years later. And now they're embracing the cross - a symbol that has always been anathema to faithful LDS followers. So what's happening?

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>445329a5-bfce-4af5-b937-06b09845826dMon, 16 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -060042:24falsefull4444Disciplemaker Essentials for Non-Mormons (Pursuit 12)Today we wrap up our Pursuit series with five essentials to remember when you're trying to help a Mormon-background investigator to discover the biblical Jesus. Bo and KD share their personal insights, along with some bonus suggestions for helping kids come to know Jesus.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Today we wrap up our Pursuit series with five essentials to remember when you're trying to help a Mormon-background investigator to discover the biblical Jesus. Bo and KD share their personal insights, along with some bonus suggestions for helping kids come to know Jesus.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>378480c0-cb5e-4717-be58-b4d86c2c943bMon, 09 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -060051:22falsefull4343How to Gently Help Your LDS Friends Leave Mormonism (Pursuit 11)If you've found your way out of Mormonism to the biblical Jesus, the journey is not over! Now it's time to help others just like you to leave well, and in this episode Bo and KD share a bit about how they've done that over the last several months. Here are some tools that can help:
                                 • Leaving Well (series)
                                 • The Pursuit (series)
                                 • The Trinity (series)
                                 • pursueGOD.org/mormonism
                                 
                                 

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 ]]>If you've found your way out of Mormonism to the biblical Jesus, the journey is not over! Now it's time to help others just like you to leave well, and in this episode Bo and KD share a bit about how they've done that over the last several months. Here are some tools that can help:
                                 • Leaving Well (series)
                                 • The Pursuit (series)
                                 • The Trinity (series)
                                 • pursueGOD.org/mormonism
                                 
                                 

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 ]]>938c860f-861a-4bd7-a34f-667e34988d65Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -060059:57falsefull4242Is Spiritual Authority a Thing Anymore? (Mark 11:27-12:12) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastIn Mark 11:27-12:12 the authority of Jesus is questioned by the Jewish religious leaders. The encounter uncovers the answer to a timeless question: Is spiritual authority a thing anymore?

                                 Q: Is Spiritual Authority a Thing Anymore?

                                 • Today, we’re going to talk about authority. I’ll bet some of you bristled just at the mention of the word. We don’t like authority. We want to push back against it, and sometimes, rightfully so. We live in a broken world filled with fallen people and if someone is asking you to do something contrary to God’s Word, you should push back. But this is much deeper than that. There’s something in our fallen nature that pushes back on any authority, good or bad. “You can’t tell me what to do! You’re not my boss! Who said you were in charge?” - Go to any playground or any backyard where you have a group of kids hanging out and playing together and the odds are pretty good you’re going to hear one of those phrases before too long. 
                                 • We think there is joy in being free from authority. There is joy in being submitted to righteous authority. 
                                 • Psalm 119:1-8 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.3 They do not compromise with evil,  and they walk only in his paths.4You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. 7 as I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!8.I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
                                 
                                 

                                 What Authority

                                 Jesus answers the question with a question of his own, and within it is a clue to the answer they’re seeking. Jesus’ authority comes from himself, but this authority was affirmed by God the Father and the Holy Spirit at his baptism. Mark 11:27-33

                                 Mark 11:27-28 (NLT) Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”

                                 • Jesus and the disciples are again entering Jerusalem. We see this pattern of spending the day in Jerusalem and then going back to Bethany at night. Jesus has loyal supporters in Bethany. This is where he raised Lazarus from the dead. It’s like having a safe house. There would be plenty of warning from the community if the religious leaders tried to arrest Jesus in Bethany. 
                                 • Jesus isn’t looking to start an argument with the religious leaders. He’s more interested in teaching the people, but the religious leaders seek him out. As he is walking through the temple area, they come to him. You can bet they’ve been waiting for him to show up. They ask, “Who gave you the authority to do these things?” Mark doesn’t say specifically what “things” they’re referring to. Certainly, the clearing of the money changers and the sacrificial animal sellers from the temple had to at least be part of that. It could also include his healings on the Sabbath and other ways he has violated the oral traditions. 
                                 • These three groups mentioned - priests, teachers of the law, and elders - were the three groups that comprised the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin had been allowed by the Romans to exercise authority over the Jewish nation in religious matters and some authority in political matters. The religious leaders have been accustomed to having the authority. They viewed this authority as God-given. Even the Roman authorities gave the Jewish leaders much freedom in how they administered religious ceremonies in the temple and the rules and regulations of the temple. 
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) What the Sanhedrin means by "these things" is not entirely obvious, although it ostensibly points to the preceding clearing of the temple (11:15-19).
                                 • The religious leaders had exercised authority over worship and the temple for generations. Jesus has threatened that, even pushed against it, and they wanted to know what gave him the right to do so. 
                                 • Worldly authority
                                 • In the Temple, most authoritative place
                                 • Among Jewish authorities
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The "chief priests, scribes, and elders" were the three groups that comprised the Sanhedrin, although in this instance they represent a delegation from the Sanhedrin rather than the entire council. The Sanhedrin, a buffer organization between Rome and the Jewish nation, was composed of seventy-one members who held near complete freedom in religious matters and restricted power in political matters.
                                 
                                 

                                 Mark 11:29-30 (NLT) “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

                                 • Jesus answers the question with a question of his own, and within it, is a clue to the answer they’re seeking.. Jesus’ authority comes from himself, but this authority was affirmed by God the Father and the Holy Spirit at his baptism. 
                                 • This isn’t the only time in scripture we see Jesus answer a question with a question. We saw Jesus do it in Mark chapter 10 with the rich young ruler. “Why do you call me good?” In his conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, Nicodemus asks, “How can this be?” Jesus responds, “ You are Israel’s teacher and you do not understand these things? I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” 
                                 • Jesus isn’t simply dodging the question. Jesus is trying to get them to recognize the truth in his question. If they say John’s authority came from heaven then they would also have to accept John’s claims about Jesus. John knew Jesus was the Son of God. They can’t say publicly that John’s authority was from heaven or they would have to admit that Jesus’ authority was divine. They couldn’t say that John’s authority was merely human because they were afraid the people would riot. They’re stuck and can’t answer the question either way, so they refuse to answer it. 
                                 • We’ve seen the authority of Jesus on display throughout Mark’s gospel
                                 • Jesus’ divine authority:
                                 • forgives sins (2:10)
                                 • claims supremacy over Torah and Sabbath (2:23—3:6)
                                 • binds Satan, "the strong man" (3:27)
                                 • Countless miracles
                                 
                                 

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Ironically, the counter-question contains the seeds of the truth the Sanhedrin hopes to learn, for it was at the baptism by John that the heavens were parted, the Spirit of power descended into Jesus (Gk., eis auton, 1:10), and the voice from heaven declared him God's Son. The baptism of Jesus, in other words, was the event that inaugurated his exousia, his conscious oneness with the Father, and his sovereign freedom and empowerment for ministry.

                                 Mark 11:31-33 (NLT) They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. So they finally replied, “We don’t know.” And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

                                 • They weren’t really seeking truth. The question was a loaded question, not one presented because they really wanted to know. They were hoping to use it to trap Jesus or have a reason to accuse him in front of the crowds. 
                                 • Right truth at the right time - sometimes we need to discern if someone asking questions is really seeking truth or just wanting to debate. Asking them questions can be a great way to determine their motives in the conversation. 
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) To those unwilling to commit themselves, Jesus refuses to commit himself. "'Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.'" Those who cannot be honest with themselves cannot be honest about Jesus.
                                 
                                 

                                 Wicked Farmers

                                 Jesus uses a parable that is an indictment on the rebelliousness of Israel’s leaders and also foreshadows his death. It is a warning that we should not mistake God’s patience for lack of power or authority. Mark 12:1-8

                                 Mark 12:1 (NLT) Then Jesus began teaching them with stories: “A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.

                                 • Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience. They were aware that the vineyard was used in the Old Testament as a picture of Israel. The tenant farmers represented the religious leaders and the vineyard was the nation of Israel as a whole. 
                                 • This was a common practice in Jesus’ day, especially in Galilee. Archaeologists have discovered records of this same sort of dispute between landowners and tenant farmers. 
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The parable describes "the kind of thing that went on in Galilee during the half century preceding the general revolt of A.D. 66." Secular records of the day as well as rabbinic literature depict a widespread system of absentee landowners who employed middle-men to supervise tenant farmers.
                                 
                                 

                                 Mark 12:2-6 (NLT) At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed. The owner then sent another servant, but they insulted him and beat him over the head. The next servant...]]>In Mark 11:27-12:12 the authority of Jesus is questioned by the Jewish religious leaders. The encounter uncovers the answer to a timeless question: Is spiritual authority a thing anymore?

                                 Q: Is Spiritual Authority a Thing Anymore?

                                 • Today, we’re going to talk about authority. I’ll bet some of you bristled just at the mention of the word. We don’t like authority. We want to push back against it, and sometimes, rightfully so. We live in a broken world filled with fallen people and if someone is asking you to do something contrary to God’s Word, you should push back. But this is much deeper than that. There’s something in our fallen nature that pushes back on any authority, good or bad. “You can’t tell me what to do! You’re not my boss! Who said you were in charge?” - Go to any playground or any backyard where you have a group of kids hanging out and playing together and the odds are pretty good you’re going to hear one of those phrases before too long. 
                                 • We think there is joy in being free from authority. There is joy in being submitted to righteous authority. 
                                 • Psalm 119:1-8 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.3 They do not compromise with evil,  and they walk only in his paths.4You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. 7 as I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!8.I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
                                 
                                 

                                 What Authority

                                 Jesus answers the question with a question of his own, and within it is a clue to the answer they’re seeking. Jesus’ authority comes from himself, but this authority was affirmed by God the Father and the Holy Spirit at his baptism. Mark 11:27-33

                                 Mark 11:27-28 (NLT) Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”

                                 • Jesus and the disciples are again entering Jerusalem. We see this pattern of spending the day in Jerusalem and then going back to Bethany at night. Jesus has loyal supporters in Bethany. This is where he raised Lazarus from the dead. It’s like having a safe house. There would be plenty of warning from the community if the religious leaders tried to arrest Jesus in Bethany. 
                                 • Jesus isn’t looking to start an argument with the religious leaders. He’s more interested in teaching the people, but the religious leaders seek him out. As he is walking through the temple area, they come to him. You can bet they’ve been waiting for him to show up. They ask, “Who gave you the authority to do these things?” Mark doesn’t say specifically what “things” they’re referring to. Certainly, the clearing of the money changers and the sacrificial animal sellers from the temple had to at least be part of that. It could also include his healings on the Sabbath and other ways he has violated the oral traditions. 
                                 • These three groups mentioned - priests, teachers of the law, and elders - were the three groups that comprised the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin had been allowed by the Romans to exercise authority over the Jewish nation in religious matters and some authority in political matters. The religious leaders have been accustomed to having the authority. They viewed this authority as God-given. Even the Roman authorities gave the Jewish leaders much freedom in how they administered religious ceremonies in the temple and the rules and regulations of the temple. 
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) What the Sanhedrin means by "these things" is not entirely obvious, although it ostensibly points to the preceding clearing of the temple (11:15-19).
                                 • The religious leaders had exercised authority over worship and the temple for generations. Jesus has threatened that, even pushed against it, and they wanted to know what gave him the right to do so. 
                                 • Worldly authority
                                 • In the Temple, most authoritative place
                                 • Among Jewish authorities
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The "chief priests, scribes, and elders" were the three groups that comprised the Sanhedrin, although in this instance they represent a delegation from the Sanhedrin rather than the entire council. The Sanhedrin, a buffer organization between Rome and the Jewish nation, was composed of seventy-one members who held near complete freedom in religious matters and restricted power in political matters.
                                 
                                 

                                 Mark 11:29-30 (NLT) “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

                                 • Jesus answers the question with a question of his own, and within it, is a clue to the answer they’re seeking.. Jesus’ authority comes from himself, but this authority was affirmed by God the Father and the Holy Spirit at his baptism. 
                                 • This isn’t the only time in scripture we see Jesus answer a question with a question. We saw Jesus do it in Mark chapter 10 with the rich young ruler. “Why do you call me good?” In his conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, Nicodemus asks, “How can this be?” Jesus responds, “ You are Israel’s teacher and you do not understand these things? I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” 
                                 • Jesus isn’t simply dodging the question. Jesus is trying to get them to recognize the truth in his question. If they say John’s authority came from heaven then they would also have to accept John’s claims about Jesus. John knew Jesus was the Son of God. They can’t say publicly that John’s authority was from heaven or they would have to admit that Jesus’ authority was divine. They couldn’t say that John’s authority was merely human because they were afraid the people would riot. They’re stuck and can’t answer the question either way, so they refuse to answer it. 
                                 • We’ve seen the authority of Jesus on display throughout Mark’s gospel
                                 • Jesus’ divine authority:
                                 • forgives sins (2:10)
                                 • claims supremacy over Torah and Sabbath (2:23—3:6)
                                 • binds Satan, "the strong man" (3:27)
                                 • Countless miracles
                                 
                                 

                                 (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Ironically, the counter-question contains the seeds of the truth the Sanhedrin hopes to learn, for it was at the baptism by John that the heavens were parted, the Spirit of power descended into Jesus (Gk., eis auton, 1:10), and the voice from heaven declared him God's Son. The baptism of Jesus, in other words, was the event that inaugurated his exousia, his conscious oneness with the Father, and his sovereign freedom and empowerment for ministry.

                                 Mark 11:31-33 (NLT) They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. So they finally replied, “We don’t know.” And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

                                 • They weren’t really seeking truth. The question was a loaded question, not one presented because they really wanted to know. They were hoping to use it to trap Jesus or have a reason to accuse him in front of the crowds. 
                                 • Right truth at the right time - sometimes we need to discern if someone asking questions is really seeking truth or just wanting to debate. Asking them questions can be a great way to determine their motives in the conversation. 
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) To those unwilling to commit themselves, Jesus refuses to commit himself. "'Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.'" Those who cannot be honest with themselves cannot be honest about Jesus.
                                 
                                 

                                 Wicked Farmers

                                 Jesus uses a parable that is an indictment on the rebelliousness of Israel’s leaders and also foreshadows his death. It is a warning that we should not mistake God’s patience for lack of power or authority. Mark 12:1-8

                                 Mark 12:1 (NLT) Then Jesus began teaching them with stories: “A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.

                                 • Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience. They were aware that the vineyard was used in the Old Testament as a picture of Israel. The tenant farmers represented the religious leaders and the vineyard was the nation of Israel as a whole. 
                                 • This was a common practice in Jesus’ day, especially in Galilee. Archaeologists have discovered records of this same sort of dispute between landowners and tenant farmers. 
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The parable describes "the kind of thing that went on in Galilee during the half century preceding the general revolt of A.D. 66." Secular records of the day as well as rabbinic literature depict a widespread system of absentee landowners who employed middle-men to supervise tenant farmers.
                                 
                                 

                                 Mark 12:2-6 (NLT) At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed. The owner then sent another servant, but they insulted him and beat him over the head. The next servant he sent was killed. Others he sent were either beaten or killed, until there was only one left—his son whom he loved dearly. The owner finally sent him, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’

                                 • This is representative of the many prophets sent by God to warn the nation of Israel. So many of them were mistreated as in the parable. 
                                 • 1 Kings 19:2 Jezebel’s threat to Elijah
                                 • Jeremiah 38:4 threat made against Jeremiah’s life 
                                 • Acts 7:52 - which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the righteous one. 
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The son represents not only the father's legal claim, however, but also his compassion…. In the story of the sending of the son Jesus is speaking of his own unprecedented role in the history of Israel.
                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 Mark 12:7-8 (NLT) “But the tenant farmers said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they grabbed him and murdered him and threw his body out of the vineyard.

                                 • I read this and I think, ‘how did the land owner not see that coming? Did he really think they would show his son mercy?’. But that’s the point. God sent his Son knowing exactly what would happen. It was his plan all along to redeem us from sin. God knows every sinful act you’ve committed. He even knows the ones you’ve thought about but didn’t carry out. And he still sent Jesus to die for you. 
                                 • Jesus knew the religious leaders were going to kill him. We know from their response they understood he was talking about them. I wonder what that stirred in them. Did it frighten them? Did it make them even more angry? Jesus is sitting there telling them “You’re going to kill me.” But he’s not running. He’s not fearful - because they can only do it because he is voluntarily going to the cross. They’re not doing anything to him that he doesn’t want them to do. 
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) If the farmers kill the heir, they reason, then they will become the heirs. If humanity can dispense with God, or even kill God, then humanity can become God.
                                 
                                 

                                 Owner’s Response

                                 God is long suffering, but He is also just. He will bring judgment on sin. We can’t thwart the plans of God. In his sovereignty, He is always going to accomplish his purposes. God was going to use the rejection of the Messiah by the Jewish leaders to usher in salvation for all who would believe - Jew and Gentile. 

                                 Mark 12:9-11 (NLT) “What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do?” Jesus asked. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others. Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’”

                                 • It is the Lord’s doing - another testament to the sovereignty of God. God will use the evil intentions of wicked men to accomplish his purposes. How can the conviction of an innocent man be wonderful to see? How can the brutal torture and crucifixion of the perfect Lamb of God be beautiful to see? Because it is God’s doing! It is his plan to conquer sin and death for all who would believe. It is the place in history where God’s mercy and God’s just collide and it is wondrous to see! 
                                 • This passage that Jesus quotes from the Old Testament is from Psalm 118. This is called the Hosannah Psalm. Those worshiping Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem earlier in the week were quoting from this same Psalm. 
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Two points are worthy of note so far. First, the landowner takes vengeance not on the vineyard but on the tenants of the vineyard…. Second, the heroic party is not the tenant farmers but the landowner who justly settles accounts.
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Only Mark (and the parallel in Matt 21:42), however, includes the subsequent verse: "the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes" (v. 11 = Ps 118:23). This additional verse rings with a strong providential note, that the human rejection of God's "cornerstone" was not only foreseen but used by God for his glory.
                                 • Enduring Word commentary on Psalm 118:This psalm is the last of the six Egyptian Hallel Psalms, sung in Jesus’ day as part of the Passover ritual. When Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26 tell us that Jesus sang a hymn with His disciples at the last supper, it refers to these Hallel Psalms. As Jesus sang the words for His mercy endures forever, He did it with complete knowledge that the endurance of God’s mercy would be tested to the utmost in the work to come the next day at the cross.
                                 • Enduring Word commentary - This is a strong and important statement in the New Testament understanding of the person and work of Jesus. Jesus quoted this of Himself in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10-11, and Luke 20:17. Peter quoted it in reference to Jesus in Acts 4:11. Paul alluded to this verse in Ephesians 2:20, and Peter also referred to it in 1 Peter 2:7-8. No text in the Old Testament is quoted more in the New Testament. 
                                 • “Now he is the bond of the building, holding Jew and Gentile in firm unity. This precious cornerstone binds God and man together in wondrous amity, for he is both in one. He joins earth and heaven together, for he participates in each. He joins time and eternity together, for he was a man of few years, and yet he is the Ancient of Days. Wondrous cornerstone!” (Spurgeon)
                                 • Jesus holds it all together. He is at the very foundation of it all. 
                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 Mark 12:12 (NLT) The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.

                                 • The religious leaders are convicted that they are the evil tenants who will kill the Son. Instead of receiving, they reject Jesus. When we come face to face with our own brokenness, we have to make the same decision: Do we receive him or reject him? 
                                 • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The parable's testimony to the sure purposes of God conveyed a profound sense of hope to Mark's beleaguered church in Rome, so ravished by Nero's insane persecutions, as it can also in our day, when the church (at least in the West) is often caught in compromise and confusion and decline. The existence of the vineyard is assured not by the self-aggrandizement of the tenants, but by the self-sacrifice of the Son.
                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 Close

                                 Jesus has ultimate authority in our lives. Spiritual leadership in the church flows from his authority, and obedience to godly leaders benefits the soul. Hebrews 13:17

                                 • Back to the opening question: Is Spiritual Authority a Thing Anymore?
                                 • The answer is yes. Jesus has ultimate authority. Godly spiritual leaders are those who understand that and speak truth in love.
                                 • Hebrews 13:17 (NLT) Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
                                 • This question about authority is a question we should ask ourselves. Who is calling the shots in our life? Are we submitting to the authority of Jesus as we follow him or are we trying to claim our own authority? How do you respond when God’s Word says something that goes against what you want to do or how you feel about something? Do you submit? Do you rebel? 
                                 
                                 ]]>0ee2ea51-e9be-4a96-8f03-b737077b18d6Fri, 29 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -060046:54falsebonusMormons Aren't the Only Ones Who Send Missionaries (Pursuit 10)Mormons are famous for sending out missionaries two-by-two. But the Great Commission is for biblical Christians, too! Going "full circle" as a Christian is what Jesus envisions for all of his followers. Here are three reasons every believer should make disciples.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 ]]>Mormons are famous for sending out missionaries two-by-two. But the Great Commission is for biblical Christians, too! Going "full circle" as a Christian is what Jesus envisions for all of his followers. Here are three reasons every believer should make disciples.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 ]]>b2593995-30fa-43c3-8c9f-c009e6efda5fMon, 25 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -060001:00:10falsefull4141Why Don't Christians Worship in Temples? (Mark 11:12-25) - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastIn Mark 11:12-25 Jesus relates a fruitless fig tree to the greatest symbol of religion in the Jewish faith. In the process he redefines the role of the temple in the Christian faith.

                                 --

                                 About this episode:

                                 This is part of our Gospel of Mark series at pursueGOD.org. Find resources to talk about it with your family, small group, or mentor at www.pursueGOD.org/mark.

                                 --

                                 Additional notes:

                                 ]]>In Mark 11:12-25 Jesus relates a fruitless fig tree to the greatest symbol of religion in the Jewish faith. In the process he redefines the role of the temple in the Christian faith.

                                 --

                                 About this episode:

                                 This is part of our Gospel of Mark series at pursueGOD.org. Find resources to talk about it with your family, small group, or mentor at www.pursueGOD.org/mark.

                                 --

                                 Additional notes:

                                 ]]>b0e33966-0224-4f02-af50-d477f391119bFri, 22 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -060045:01falsebonusFive Habits that Actually Matter to God (Pursuit 09)Today we're discussing part 9 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan, Bo, and KD. Paul says “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

                                 In this lesson we’ll highlight five spiritual disciplines that will help you in your pursuit of God.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 ]]>Today we're discussing part 9 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan, Bo, and KD. Paul says “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

                                 In this lesson we’ll highlight five spiritual disciplines that will help you in your pursuit of God.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 ]]>25d21800-f18f-4aaa-a2fa-3d82c0921bd8Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -060052:45falsefull4040Here's Why Grace Is NOT a License to Sin (Pursuit 08)Many Mormons accuse Christians of using grace as a license to sin. Sadly, many Christians do just that. But it's not biblical. In this episode we explain what it means that God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. God cares about how we live our lives, and we should too.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Many Mormons accuse Christians of using grace as a license to sin. Sadly, many Christians do just that. But it's not biblical. In this episode we explain what it means that God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. God cares about how we live our lives, and we should too.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>001b8bc7-2099-4b09-b80d-c520599cd1dbMon, 11 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -060047:55falsefull3939Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message - The PursueGOD Truth PodcastAround 70,000 Mormon missionaries are trying to convert people to the LDS Church. Their main target is people from a Christian background. Church-going people need to be aware of what the missionaries are saying, because their claims are framed in biblical-sounding language. More than that, Christians don’t have to avoid Mormon missionaries. We can share good news with them that can change their lives one day. That’s the point of the book Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message, co-authored by Pursue God contributor Ross Anderson, written by former Mormons, including several former Mormon missionaries who now follow Jesus. 

                                 As a response to the Mormon missionary curriculum called Preach My Gospel, this book gives an insider’s view of what the missionaries teach. Each chapter also includes practical tips about interacting with missionaries, as well as the former missionaries’ personal stories of how they became missionaries, what the missionary experience was like, and how they later came to faith in Jesus. This creates great empathy for the missionaries who come to our door, and hope for our conversations with them.

                                 Starting Points to Good Conversations

                                 Chapters 1 and 2 of the book talk about important issues that frame our discussions with Latter-day Saints. For example, the culture of Mormonism influences how they hear our message. We all have a culture. Most of us are unaware of our own. Culture gives answers to questions like: how do I know what is true or not true? What voices do I consider credible? How do I make spiritual decisions? If we understand the culture of people we’re sharing the gospel with, we can avoid stepping in a lot of land mines.

                                 Part of this is how, in Mormon culture, personal experience is the final authority for spiritual matters. Mormons elevate three sources of authority: their prophets, their scriptures, and their experiences. A spiritual experience is seen as confirmation from God directly to my own spirit, leading to the Mormon “testimony”. A testimony is an assurance, expressed publicly, that the LDS Church is true, the Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and more. In practice, the testimony is a refuge for Mormons when they can’t answer or refute what Christians might say. Keep in mind that testimony is a valid form of knowledge, and experience has an important role to play in the historic Christian faith. The difference is that for Christians, our experiences are secondary to the Bible. If they go against what the Bible says, they are not valid. For Mormons, experience trumps every other source of truth.

                                 Because Christians have our own testimony of God’s reality and work in our lives, we can bear our testimony to Mormons. 

                                 • 1 John 5:9-13 (ESV) If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
                                 
                                 

                                 We can use these verses before sharing our own testimony of faith. They point out that our testimony lines up with God’s testimony, which is the ultimate testimony of truth. This testimony states that God has given us life. Whoever has the Son, has that life. We can share how we have come to know and experience that ourselves.

                                 Then we can ask the missionaries, as we bear our testimony, “Do you have this life? Do you have the life that God says he promises here?” They won’t have this confidence, because their eternal life is based on measuring up to God's commandments. So this helps to differentiate the nature of the gospel that they represent versus the biblical gospel that we represent. 

                                 The Mormon Missionary Experience

                                 Chapter 3 talks about the life of a Mormon missionary. It’s a demanding life! We want readers who are talking to missionaries to understand what their life is like. This will create empathy to encourage us to not be intimidated by these young people and to treat them with kindness.

                                 Apostasy and Restoration

                                 The final five chapters of the book interact directly with the five lessons of Preach My Gospel. The first lesson begins with the LDS claims that Jesus’ church was lost and has now been restored, and how those claims are questionable. The missionaries assert that the true church Jesus’ founded died with the apostles. Divine authority was lost from the earth. The Bible was corrupted. But Jesus’ original church was restored through Joseph Smith in the 1800s. 

                                 The chapter points out that this claim of apostasy is not based on Scripture and is not sound historically. The science of textual criticism establishes the reliability of the Bible. Mormonism “restored” many things that were never part of the New Testament church. It encourages readers to be careful about a selective narration of “facts” which might sound plausible, but is not verifiable. The claim of apostasy presumes a low view of God’s power, since he was not able to sustain the church he created. 

                                 The Mormon Plan of Salvation

                                 The Mormon plan of salvation maps out the eternal journey of human beings through premortal life, mortal life, death, resurrection, and our life in the eternities. It  tells the LDS story of human origin and destiny, including how we can return to God’s presence and be like him, focusing on the Atonement of Jesus to make it all possible. This chapter covers many topics, and uses language that Christians will understand differently than Mormons - terms like atonement, salvation, heaven, and more.

                                 This author points out that the Bible does not support most of the LDS claims. For example, the Mormon view of Adam and Eve’s role in the fall of humanity is radically different from the Bible. Their fall was not a step forward, but a great spiritual tragedy. The LDS story makes no place for any kind of hell, while the Bible is very clear about the consequences of rejecting God’s plan.

                                 The Mormon Gospel

                                 The next chapter outlines all the laws and ordinances people must achieve in order to live with Heavenly Father one day. This translates into many commandments and rituals required for ultimate salvation. The first principles and ordinances of the LDS gospel are faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. We must then endure to the end.

                                 The book’s chapter highlights the hopeless weight on a Mormon of trying to be worthy of these commandments and ordinances. It’s only possible through repentance, but Mormon repentance is an impossible ladder to climb.

                                 The final two chapters respond to Preach My Gospel’s last two lessons, on keeping commandments and fulfilling laws and ordinances. They explain how Mormons can live lives worthy of God’s blessings, by obedience, temple work, eternal marriage, serving, and ultimately, enduring to the end. This, of course, is a misrepresentation of the role of obedience to God in the Christian life. It is not the requirement for salvation, but the result and outward fruit of salvation.

                                 The book closes with an emphasis on the supremacy of Jesus, who fulfills every aspect of what Mormonism is trying to achieve.

                                 The Takeaway

                                 God can use Christians to share the hope of Jesus with any committed Mormons, including missionaries. If a Mormon missionary comes knocking, open the door, and be ready to share the reason for the hope that you have. Be ready to point them to Jesus. Don't expect them to come to Jesus with you in your living room. But your goal should be to love them, to show the love of Jesus to them, to begin to plant some seeds, so that when they return home, they might start investigating something new. The book Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message can help. So can the wealth of resources at the podcast Unveiling Mormonism. 

                                 ]]>Around 70,000 Mormon missionaries are trying to convert people to the LDS Church. Their main target is people from a Christian background. Church-going people need to be aware of what the missionaries are saying, because their claims are framed in biblical-sounding language. More than that, Christians don’t have to avoid Mormon missionaries. We can share good news with them that can change their lives one day. That’s the point of the book Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message, co-authored by Pursue God contributor Ross Anderson, written by former Mormons, including several former Mormon missionaries who now follow Jesus. 

                                 As a response to the Mormon missionary curriculum called Preach My Gospel, this book gives an insider’s view of what the missionaries teach. Each chapter also includes practical tips about interacting with missionaries, as well as the former missionaries’ personal stories of how they became missionaries, what the missionary experience was like, and how they later came to faith in Jesus. This creates great empathy for the missionaries who come to our door, and hope for our conversations with them.

                                 Starting Points to Good Conversations

                                 Chapters 1 and 2 of the book talk about important issues that frame our discussions with Latter-day Saints. For example, the culture of Mormonism influences how they hear our message. We all have a culture. Most of us are unaware of our own. Culture gives answers to questions like: how do I know what is true or not true? What voices do I consider credible? How do I make spiritual decisions? If we understand the culture of people we’re sharing the gospel with, we can avoid stepping in a lot of land mines.

                                 Part of this is how, in Mormon culture, personal experience is the final authority for spiritual matters. Mormons elevate three sources of authority: their prophets, their scriptures, and their experiences. A spiritual experience is seen as confirmation from God directly to my own spirit, leading to the Mormon “testimony”. A testimony is an assurance, expressed publicly, that the LDS Church is true, the Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and more. In practice, the testimony is a refuge for Mormons when they can’t answer or refute what Christians might say. Keep in mind that testimony is a valid form of knowledge, and experience has an important role to play in the historic Christian faith. The difference is that for Christians, our experiences are secondary to the Bible. If they go against what the Bible says, they are not valid. For Mormons, experience trumps every other source of truth.

                                 Because Christians have our own testimony of God’s reality and work in our lives, we can bear our testimony to Mormons. 

                                 • 1 John 5:9-13 (ESV) If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
                                 
                                 

                                 We can use these verses before sharing our own testimony of faith. They point out that our testimony lines up with God’s testimony, which is the ultimate testimony of truth. This testimony states that God has given us life. Whoever has the Son, has that life. We can share how we have come to know and experience that ourselves.

                                 Then we can ask the missionaries, as we bear our testimony, “Do you have this life? Do you have the life that God says he promises here?” They won’t have this confidence, because their eternal life is based on measuring up to God's commandments. So this helps to differentiate the nature of the gospel that they represent versus the biblical gospel that we represent. 

                                 The Mormon Missionary Experience

                                 Chapter 3 talks about the life of a Mormon missionary. It’s a demanding life! We want readers who are talking to missionaries to understand what their life is like. This will create empathy to encourage us to not be intimidated by these young people and to treat them with kindness.

                                 Apostasy and Restoration

                                 The final five chapters of the book interact directly with the five lessons of Preach My Gospel. The first lesson begins with the LDS claims that Jesus’ church was lost and has now been restored, and how those claims are questionable. The missionaries assert that the true church Jesus’ founded died with the apostles. Divine authority was lost from the earth. The Bible was corrupted. But Jesus’ original church was restored through Joseph Smith in the 1800s. 

                                 The chapter points out that this claim of apostasy is not based on Scripture and is not sound historically. The science of textual criticism establishes the reliability of the Bible. Mormonism “restored” many things that were never part of the New Testament church. It encourages readers to be careful about a selective narration of “facts” which might sound plausible, but is not verifiable. The claim of apostasy presumes a low view of God’s power, since he was not able to sustain the church he created. 

                                 The Mormon Plan of Salvation

                                 The Mormon plan of salvation maps out the eternal journey of human beings through premortal life, mortal life, death, resurrection, and our life in the eternities. It  tells the LDS story of human origin and destiny, including how we can return to God’s presence and be like him, focusing on the Atonement of Jesus to make it all possible. This chapter covers many topics, and uses language that Christians will understand differently than Mormons - terms like atonement, salvation, heaven, and more.

                                 This author points out that the Bible does not support most of the LDS claims. For example, the Mormon view of Adam and Eve’s role in the fall of humanity is radically different from the Bible. Their fall was not a step forward, but a great spiritual tragedy. The LDS story makes no place for any kind of hell, while the Bible is very clear about the consequences of rejecting God’s plan.

                                 The Mormon Gospel

                                 The next chapter outlines all the laws and ordinances people must achieve in order to live with Heavenly Father one day. This translates into many commandments and rituals required for ultimate salvation. The first principles and ordinances of the LDS gospel are faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. We must then endure to the end.

                                 The book’s chapter highlights the hopeless weight on a Mormon of trying to be worthy of these commandments and ordinances. It’s only possible through repentance, but Mormon repentance is an impossible ladder to climb.

                                 The final two chapters respond to Preach My Gospel’s last two lessons, on keeping commandments and fulfilling laws and ordinances. They explain how Mormons can live lives worthy of God’s blessings, by obedience, temple work, eternal marriage, serving, and ultimately, enduring to the end. This, of course, is a misrepresentation of the role of obedience to God in the Christian life. It is not the requirement for salvation, but the result and outward fruit of salvation.

                                 The book closes with an emphasis on the supremacy of Jesus, who fulfills every aspect of what Mormonism is trying to achieve.

                                 The Takeaway

                                 God can use Christians to share the hope of Jesus with any committed Mormons, including missionaries. If a Mormon missionary comes knocking, open the door, and be ready to share the reason for the hope that you have. Be ready to point them to Jesus. Don't expect them to come to Jesus with you in your living room. But your goal should be to love them, to show the love of Jesus to them, to begin to plant some seeds, so that when they return home, they might start investigating something new. The book Responding to the Mormon Missionary Message can help. So can the wealth of resources at the podcast Unveiling Mormonism. 

                                 ]]>2e011434-e428-4ad9-98d7-70145beebb5cTue, 05 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -060053:17falsebonusWhat Every Mormon Needs to Know about Baptism (Pursuit 07)Bo and KD got baptized today in the Christian church! In this episode, they share just how different that experience was for them coming out of Mormonism. For Christians, baptism is not a saving ordinance, but rather an outward expression of an inward reality.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Bo and KD got baptized today in the Christian church! In this episode, they share just how different that experience was for them coming out of Mormonism. For Christians, baptism is not a saving ordinance, but rather an outward expression of an inward reality.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>7e4498f7-bafe-43c7-88bd-cc03df4d183bMon, 28 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -060043:55falsefull3838One Moment Can Change Everything (Pursuit 06)The Bible teaches that we cannot be saved by following rules or keeping covenants. It may sound too good to be true, but it's right there in the Bible: we are made right with God by faith. Nothing more, nothing less.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>The Bible teaches that we cannot be saved by following rules or keeping covenants. It may sound too good to be true, but it's right there in the Bible: we are made right with God by faith. Nothing more, nothing less.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>c218110f-1a05-4162-a8f1-ce21fc66508bMon, 21 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -060046:30falsefull3737What Mormons Get Wrong about Jesus (Pursuit 05)Mormons are Christians, right? In today's episode we explore that question by answering the most telling question: what do they believe about Jesus? And buckle in, because their answer is worlds apart from biblical Christianity.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 ]]>Mormons are Christians, right? In today's episode we explore that question by answering the most telling question: what do they believe about Jesus? And buckle in, because their answer is worlds apart from biblical Christianity.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 ]]>3a5e6c31-33e8-452e-9c02-f1e29be942fbMon, 14 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -060053:27falsefull3636What Mormons Get Wrong about Sin (Pursuit 04)Mormons talk about sin just about as much as Christians do. But what does it really mean to them? What's the difference in doctrine compared to biblical Christianity? And are we just splitting hairs? Bo and KD explain.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Mormons talk about sin just about as much as Christians do. But what does it really mean to them? What's the difference in doctrine compared to biblical Christianity? And are we just splitting hairs? Bo and KD explain.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>411dc9e6-7bb2-4722-9a24-5a559840c43aMon, 07 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -060045:54falsefull3535What Imago Dei Really Means (Pursuit 03)If you put a Mormon and a Christian in a room and asked, "Do you believe we were created in the image of God?" (That's what Imago Dei means.) Both the Mormon and the Christian would say, "Yes, we agree with that statement." But the meaning behind those words would be worlds apart for each one of those people.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>If you put a Mormon and a Christian in a room and asked, "Do you believe we were created in the image of God?" (That's what Imago Dei means.) Both the Mormon and the Christian would say, "Yes, we agree with that statement." But the meaning behind those words would be worlds apart for each one of those people.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>c59e5f90-959e-4eaf-afcb-98fd6217057aMon, 31 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -060040:17falsefull3434Oh My Heck It's Pioneer Day!July 24th is just another day for most Americans, but for Mormons in Utah it's a state holiday. That's when Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers first descended into the Salt Lake valley. And that's what we're talking about today.

                                 See the map: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/landing/trek/the-trek-west?lang=eng

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>July 24th is just another day for most Americans, but for Mormons in Utah it's a state holiday. That's when Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers first descended into the Salt Lake valley. And that's what we're talking about today.

                                 See the map: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/landing/trek/the-trek-west?lang=eng

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>de3b6f25-62f2-4268-a6a2-3e83126870c5Mon, 24 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -060021:13falsebonus3434Why You Can Stop Doubting the Bible (Pursuit 02)Mormons are taught that the Bible is true *as far as it's translated correctly. That's a big asterisk that causes most LDS folks to doubt it reliability or usefulness in life. But here are three reasons to believe the Bible is reliable.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Mormons are taught that the Bible is true *as far as it's translated correctly. That's a big asterisk that causes most LDS folks to doubt it reliability or usefulness in life. But here are three reasons to believe the Bible is reliable.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>86d84162-3ed5-49f8-bdda-f611f4ac8193Mon, 17 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -060042:55falsefull3333God Loves Even Jack Mormons (Pursuit 01)Today we start a 12-week series on what it means to follow Jesus. The biblical answer is very different than the Mormon answer, as you'll see in today's conversation with Bo and KD. God promises that those who make a genuine commitment to pursue him will find him (Jeremiah 29:13). Do you believe that? Do you think it could be true for you? 

                                 Find the full series at www.pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Email questions to podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Today we start a 12-week series on what it means to follow Jesus. The biblical answer is very different than the Mormon answer, as you'll see in today's conversation with Bo and KD. God promises that those who make a genuine commitment to pursue him will find him (Jeremiah 29:13). Do you believe that? Do you think it could be true for you? 

                                 Find the full series at www.pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Email questions to podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>e77e8d83-935a-4701-9ff1-9c29a43403a4Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -060045:22falsefull3232Mormon Stories: The Flirt to Convert TacticKorbyn didn't grow up Mormon, but in Utah he was surrounded by the LDS faithful his whole life. In high school he met a girl who gave him a chance... but only if he would join the Mormon church. Here's his story.

                                 Learn more about Mormonism vs. biblical Christianity at pursueGod.org/mormonism.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Korbyn didn't grow up Mormon, but in Utah he was surrounded by the LDS faithful his whole life. In high school he met a girl who gave him a chance... but only if he would join the Mormon church. Here's his story.

                                 Learn more about Mormonism vs. biblical Christianity at pursueGod.org/mormonism.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>b0410022-57d0-474b-88e2-67793f07839dMon, 03 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -060042:38falsefull3131The Masonic Roots of Mormonism (LDS Gospel Topics)The LDS church released a gospel topics essay on Masonry... and the eerily suspicious overlap of Masonic rituals and symbols with the Mormon temple. Then they removed it from their Gospel Topics section. Let's talk about that.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>The LDS church released a gospel topics essay on Masonry... and the eerily suspicious overlap of Masonic rituals and symbols with the Mormon temple. Then they removed it from their Gospel Topics section. Let's talk about that.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>c11b6303-fc56-4a1d-a534-03e9694d0c5bMon, 26 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -060040:33falsefull3030Coming Clean about Polygamy (LDS Gospel Topics)In 2013 the Mormon church released a series of four essays on polygamy (they call it "plural marriage") to try to explain away some of the more difficult episodes in their brief history. For many LDS members, the strategy backfired. Bryan and Bo talk about it.

                                 Find the official gospel topics essays here.

                                 Learn more about Mormonism vs. biblical Christianity at pursueGod.org/mormonism.

                                 ]]>In 2013 the Mormon church released a series of four essays on polygamy (they call it "plural marriage") to try to explain away some of the more difficult episodes in their brief history. For many LDS members, the strategy backfired. Bryan and Bo talk about it.

                                 Find the official gospel topics essays here.

                                 Learn more about Mormonism vs. biblical Christianity at pursueGod.org/mormonism.

                                 ]]>9f77fec6-25c3-45fe-bbe6-8a6df961bba1Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -060044:50falsefull2929Mormon Stories: The Return Missionary Who Became a Youth PastorToday Jason and Lacie Doman share their story. At 19, Jason went to London to tell people about Mormonism. After he came home, he struggled to maintain his LDS faith. Until one day he attended a Christian church and heard a life-changing truth: Jesus is God. Suddenly everything made sense, and he went all-in for biblical Christianity. Now he's the youth pastor of one of the largest churches in Utah.
                                 ]]>Today Jason and Lacie Doman share their story. At 19, Jason went to London to tell people about Mormonism. After he came home, he struggled to maintain his LDS faith. Until one day he attended a Christian church and heard a life-changing truth: Jesus is God. Suddenly everything made sense, and he went all-in for biblical Christianity. Now he's the youth pastor of one of the largest churches in Utah.
                                 ]]>fb1f6e8f-0b0b-45e1-8a08-47da96f81f4fMon, 12 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -060045:12falsefull2828Becoming Like God (LDS Gospel Topics)Mormons believe in the doctrine of "exaltation"- that worthy Mormons can become gods of their own planets some day. They believe God was once like us, and we can someday become like him. Let's unpack that heresy.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Mormons believe in the doctrine of "exaltation"- that worthy Mormons can become gods of their own planets some day. They believe God was once like us, and we can someday become like him. Let's unpack that heresy.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>ed8ab9ac-6dba-4e14-99aa-82a79a6e124cMon, 05 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -060041:40falsefull2727Translating the Book of Mormon and Book of Abraham (LDS Gospel Topics)The LDS Gospel Topics Essays claim that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham "by the gift and power of God". But upon further review, it seems something sketchy might have been afoot.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>The LDS Gospel Topics Essays claim that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham "by the gift and power of God". But upon further review, it seems something sketchy might have been afoot.

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>7d482914-078b-4775-a4d1-fab5b4e80b1cMon, 29 May 2023 07:00:00 -060043:27falsefull2626Are Mormons Christians? (LDS Gospel Topics)Today we start a new series on the LDS Church's "Gospel Topics Essays" released in 2013. These essays were written by Mormon experts in an attempt to explain away some of the difficult questions coming against the Church. In this first episode we explore the essay titled "Are Mormons Christians?"

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>Today we start a new series on the LDS Church's "Gospel Topics Essays" released in 2013. These essays were written by Mormon experts in an attempt to explain away some of the difficult questions coming against the Church. In this first episode we explore the essay titled "Are Mormons Christians?"

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>ce5ff249-0019-4b3c-837f-5dff4ab282e5Mon, 22 May 2023 07:00:00 -060041:54falsefull2525Leaving Mormonism - Give Church a Second ChanceSo you're leaving Mormonism and you're feeling burned by the institutional church. It's tempting to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Don't do it! Here's how to find a good Christian church.

                                 Next steps:

                                 1. Find a Christ-centered, Bible-based evangelical church.
                                 2. Connect to a mentor or small group.
                                 3. Go through The Pursuit together.
                                 
                                 

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>So you're leaving Mormonism and you're feeling burned by the institutional church. It's tempting to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Don't do it! Here's how to find a good Christian church.

                                 Next steps:

                                 1. Find a Christ-centered, Bible-based evangelical church.
                                 2. Connect to a mentor or small group.
                                 3. Go through The Pursuit together.
                                 
                                 

                                 Mentioned in this episode:

                                 Donate Now

                                 ]]>d56f98b1-3f9b-4aa4-b8d7-87207dcdbf46Mon, 08 May 2023 07:00:00 -060045:13falsefull2424Leaving Mormonism - Talking with Your Family about Your ExitYour leaving Mormonism and you've dealt with the emotions and your questions. Now you've gotta tell your family. How do you do that without burning bridges? Bo and KD share their insights.
                                 1. Why leave in the first place? 
                                 2. The Mormon Church has a great community, positive upbringing (for the most part), and a belief in eternal families… so why leave? 
                                 3. We talked the past two weeks about the emotions and questions that come up when you realize what you’ve believed in or were raised in turned out to be false… 
                                 4. To find and gain a relationship with Jesus, the biblical Jesus.
                                 5. Luke 14:26
                                 6. Love Jesus above all else… even family 
                                 7. How to approach the conversation
                                 8. Explaining your perspective
                                 9. Explaining why you’re leaving
                                 10. It’s important to call out what you no longer believe, but even more important to point out what you do believe in moving forward
                                 11. Most family members will still want to respect your beliefs and support you 
                                 12. Some won’t… simple as that. 
                                 13. Emotions will run high, so try to remain level
                                 14. Leave room for your family’s emotions as well as your own
                                 15. Keep it simple and straightforward
                                 16. 
                                     
                                 17. How to handle the aftermath
                                 18. You’ll likely be faced with plenty of questions / rebuttals 
                                 19. Mormons are Christians too, why leave to find Jesus? 
                                 20. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater…
                                 21. Covenants
                                 22. Man can make mistakes (ie. Joseph Smith) 
                                 23. Book of Mormon
                                 24. Mormon Gospel
                                 25. What about Eternal Families? 
                                 26. What about the spiritual experiences you’ve had? 
                                 27. What next? 
                                 28. You’ve left the Mormon Church… NOW WHAT? 
                                 29. Isaiah 41:10
                                 30. “Don’t be afraid for I am with you”
                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 ]]>Your leaving Mormonism and you've dealt with the emotions and your questions. Now you've gotta tell your family. How do you do that without burning bridges? Bo and KD share their insights.
                                 1. Why leave in the first place? 
                                 2. The Mormon Church has a great community, positive upbringing (for the most part), and a belief in eternal families… so why leave? 
                                 3. We talked the past two weeks about the emotions and questions that come up when you realize what you’ve believed in or were raised in turned out to be false… 
                                 4. To find and gain a relationship with Jesus, the biblical Jesus.
                                 5. Luke 14:26
                                 6. Love Jesus above all else… even family 
                                 7. How to approach the conversation
                                 8. Explaining your perspective
                                 9. Explaining why you’re leaving
                                 10. It’s important to call out what you no longer believe, but even more important to point out what you do believe in moving forward
                                 11. Most family members will still want to respect your beliefs and support you 
                                 12. Some won’t… simple as that. 
                                 13. Emotions will run high, so try to remain level
                                 14. Leave room for your family’s emotions as well as your own
                                 15. Keep it simple and straightforward
                                 16. 
                                     
                                 17. How to handle the aftermath
                                 18. You’ll likely be faced with plenty of questions / rebuttals 
                                 19. Mormons are Christians too, why leave to find Jesus? 
                                 20. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater…
                                 21. Covenants
                                 22. Man can make mistakes (ie. Joseph Smith) 
                                 23. Book of Mormon
                                 24. Mormon Gospel
                                 25. What about Eternal Families? 
                                 26. What about the spiritual experiences you’ve had? 
                                 27. What next? 
                                 28. You’ve left the Mormon Church… NOW WHAT? 
                                 29. Isaiah 41:10
                                 30. “Don’t be afraid for I am with you”
                                 
                                 

                                 
                                 

                                 ]]>bb2d99a9-e675-468c-bad7-1648223a3969Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 -060040:52falsefull2323Leaving Mormonism - Dealing with the QuestionsToday we talk again with Bo and KD, two former Mormons who are leaving the LDS church and trying to do it right. We go over their insights around some of the major doctrinal differences between the Mormon church and biblical Christianity.

                                 Shownotes:

                                 • Bible
                                 • “As far as it is translated correctly…”
                                 • Mormons lack trust in the Bible
                                 • Joseph claimed that plain and precious truths were corrupted over time by translators (1 Nephi 13:26-29)
                                 • “Precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God.” 
                                 • “Because of these things which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceedingly great many do stumble”
                                 • Mormons attempt to contrast the Biblical translation process with the Book of Mormon translation process… 
                                 • 5,800+ Greek Manuscripts compiled to translate the Bible
                                 • 300 fulfilled prophecies in Jesus
                                 • 25,000 archeological digs that prove biblical history
                                 • BoM has 0 evidence 
                                 • 
                                   
                                 • Jesus
                                 • Jesus of the Mormon Church
                                 • Mormons believe we were all spirit children of Heavenly parents (Father and Mother) and that Jesus is their Elder brother. 
                                 • Jesus is the Son of God
                                 • Jesus is our Savior 
                                 • This is where Mormons get the idea that they are Christians
                                 • It can be pretty offensive to Mormons for others to assert that they aren’t Christian. 
                                 • Biblical Jesus
                                 • Jesus is God and has been from the beginning (John 1:1)
                                 • Point out the JST that changes this verse substantially 
                                 • Jesus created all things in Heaven and in Earth (Col 1:16) 
                                 • The Fullness of the Father dwells in Jesus - Triune Nature of God (Col 1:19)
                                 • Trinity vs Godhead?
                                 • Atoned for our Sins on the Cross (Col 1:20)
                                 • Hebrews 9:11-15
                                 • Jesus’ death was the ultimate sacrifice and marked the end of Levitical sacrifices in the Temple. No more Temples or sacrifices needed.  We have a new covenant with Jesus through His blood.  When we accept Him in Faith we are saved. 
                                 • Ephesians 2:11-17
                                 • Grace
                                 • Ephesians 2:8-9 vs. 2 Nephi 25:23
                                 • Saved by Grace when we believed vs. saved by Grace after all the works we can do 
                                 • How is one saved in Mormonism? 
                                 • 3rd Article of Faith “by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel”
                                 • How does God explain salvation in the Bible? 
                                 • Galatians 2:16, 20-21
                                 • Families
                                 • Mormons believe the purpose of eternal families is to become Gods (D&C 132:19-21) 
                                 • If you are married in the Temple and obey the commandments the rest of your life and do not commit murder, then you will become gods. 
                                 • The Bible teaches (Ephesians 2:19-21)
                                 • We are part of God’s family when we believe in Jesus
                                 • We become God’s temple where His Spirit dwells
                                 • Romans 8:1-17
                                 • We received The Spirit of God when we believed in Jesus and we were adopted as children of God. 
                                 • Romans 8:18-30
                                 
                                 ]]>Today we talk again with Bo and KD, two former Mormons who are leaving the LDS church and trying to do it right. We go over their insights around some of the major doctrinal differences between the Mormon church and biblical Christianity.

                                 Shownotes:

                                 • Bible
                                 • “As far as it is translated correctly…”
                                 • Mormons lack trust in the Bible
                                 • Joseph claimed that plain and precious truths were corrupted over time by translators (1 Nephi 13:26-29)
                                 • “Precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God.” 
                                 • “Because of these things which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceedingly great many do stumble”
                                 • Mormons attempt to contrast the Biblical translation process with the Book of Mormon translation process… 
                                 • 5,800+ Greek Manuscripts compiled to translate the Bible
                                 • 300 fulfilled prophecies in Jesus
                                 • 25,000 archeological digs that prove biblical history
                                 • BoM has 0 evidence 
                                 • 
                                   
                                 • Jesus
                                 • Jesus of the Mormon Church
                                 • Mormons believe we were all spirit children of Heavenly parents (Father and Mother) and that Jesus is their Elder brother. 
                                 • Jesus is the Son of God
                                 • Jesus is our Savior 
                                 • This is where Mormons get the idea that they are Christians
                                 • It can be pretty offensive to Mormons for others to assert that they aren’t Christian. 
                                 • Biblical Jesus
                                 • Jesus is God and has been from the beginning (John 1:1)
                                 • Point out the JST that changes this verse substantially 
                                 • Jesus created all things in Heaven and in Earth (Col 1:16) 
                                 • The Fullness of the Father dwells in Jesus - Triune Nature of God (Col 1:19)
                                 • Trinity vs Godhead?
                                 • Atoned for our Sins on the Cross (Col 1:20)
                                 • Hebrews 9:11-15
                                 • Jesus’ death was the ultimate sacrifice and marked the end of Levitical sacrifices in the Temple. No more Temples or sacrifices needed.  We have a new covenant with Jesus through His blood.  When we accept Him in Faith we are saved. 
                                 • Ephesians 2:11-17
                                 • Grace
                                 • Ephesians 2:8-9 vs. 2 Nephi 25:23
                                 • Saved by Grace when we believed vs. saved by Grace after all the works we can do 
                                 • How is one saved in Mormonism? 
                                 • 3rd Article of Faith “by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel”
                                 • How does God explain salvation in the Bible? 
                                 • Galatians 2:16, 20-21
                                 • Families
                                 • Mormons believe the purpose of eternal families is to become Gods (D&C 132:19-21) 
                                 • If you are married in the Temple and obey the commandments the rest of your life and do not commit murder, then you will become gods. 
                                 • The Bible teaches (Ephesians 2:19-21)
                                 • We are part of God’s family when we believe in Jesus
                                 • We become God’s temple where His Spirit dwells
                                 • Romans 8:1-17
                                 • We received The Spirit of God when we believed in Jesus and we were adopted as children of God. 
                                 • Romans 8:18-30
                                 
                                 ]]>22c470f2-ca7f-4fee-b9a0-a55316fe0d45Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -060043:00falsefull2222Leaving Mormonism - Dealing with the EmotionsFear, depression, anger, guilt, confusion. These are just a few of the emotions you'll feel when you leave Mormonism. But it's still worth it.
                                 ]]>Fear, depression, anger, guilt, confusion. These are just a few of the emotions you'll feel when you leave Mormonism. But it's still worth it.
                                 ]]>93ecc38e-03bf-48ee-aaba-245a56aeca8bMon, 17 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -060039:38falsefull2121The LDS Church's Billion Dollar InvestmentsThe news hit early this week about a hefty fine levied by the US Securities and Exchange Commission against the LDS Church. The LDS Church has a huge investment portfolio and has violated some reporting requirements. This points to the vast wealth of LDS Church. Just how wealthy are they? How was this wealth obtained? How is it used? These massive investments have created some problems inside and outside of the church.

                                 Best source on this: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2023/02/21/lds-church-investment-firm-agree/

                                 Tithing in Mormonism 

                                 • Active Mormons are expected to pay one-tenth of their income to the LDS Church
                                 • Access to temples depends on paying a full tithe
                                 • Members meet with local church leaders annually to verify their tithe-paying status
                                 • This generates a large amount of income for the Church
                                 • Again → impossible to verify
                                 • One study (2012) based on countries that require more disclosure than the US
                                 • Estimated tithing income of $7 billion / year
                                 • Used to build and maintain meetinghouses
                                 • To build and maintain temples
                                 • To support the global missionary program
                                 • To help needy people around the world 
                                 • 2.3 billion since 1985
                                 • May seem like a lot → until we see later how much $$ the Church has
                                 • To educate Church members - seminary, institute, universities
                                 • To carry out the general administration of the Church
                                 • Many LDS will offer tithe-paying testimonies
                                 • When paying a full tithe was a sacrifice, God provided
                                 • Others offer testimonies of abuse
                                 • Counseled to take out a 2nd mortgage in order to tithe / or other drastic measures
                                 • Understanding the tithing culture & expectations is a key part of making sense of the news that came out this week about LDS investments
                                 
                                 

                                 Creation of a “Rainy Day” Fund

                                 • LDS Church was not always wealthy
                                 • In 1960’s = started settling aside $$ from contributions for future contingencies
                                 • In late 1970’s → investments estimated at around $1 billion
                                 • Ensign Peak Investors established in 1997 as agent / arm of the LDS Church to manage investments
                                 • Employs around 70 people
                                 • BTW: you have to be an active member in good standing to work there
                                 • The rainy-day fund has grown beyond what anyone imagined
                                 • In 2012, LDS investments estimated at about $40 billion
                                 • Much more today
                                 
                                 

                                 LDS Financial Wealth Exposed

                                 • For decades, financial analysts have speculated about just how wealthy the LDS Church is
                                 • But those are only outside estimates → without full data
                                 • Bc the Church is very secretive about its financial dealings
                                 • 2019 - a whistleblower report filed with IRS
                                 • Former Ensign Peak employee = David Nielsen (a senior portfolio manager)
                                 • Filed along with brother Lars Nielsen
                                 • Lars went farther → gave the info to the Washington Post
                                 • Revealed in this filing = Church’s investment fund worth as much as $100 billion
                                 • $40 billion in US stock
                                 • Over $1 billion in Apple, $1B in Microsoft, $B in Alphabet
                                 • Also: Chevron, Visa, JPMorgan Chase, Home Depot, etc.
                                 • Timberland in Florida panhandle
                                 • Investments in prominent hedge funds
                                 • For all we know, the Church has other assets not managed by EP
                                 • Unknown how much foreign investment it might have
                                 • That may not be required to report by SEC rules
                                 
                                 

                                 Problems with the U.S. Government

                                 • Earlier this week, SEC fined LDS Church and Ensign Peak $5M in penalties
                                 • Failure to properly disclose past stock holdings
                                 • Going to great lengths to deliberately obscure their investment portfolio
                                 • Quote from SEC:
                                 • “The church was concerned that disclosure of its portfolio, which by 2018 grew to approximately $32 billion, would lead to negative consequences. To obscure the amount of the church’s portfolio, and with the church’s knowledge and approval, Ensign Peak created 13 shell LLCs, ostensibly with locations throughout the U.S., and filed forms 13F in the names of those LLCs rather than in Ensign Peak’s name.”
                                 • Breaking down what Ensign Peak did
                                 • Required to file form annually to disclose the Church’s equity investments: Form 13F
                                 • Instead, EP created a number of shell corporations
                                 • Could not be traced back to the Church
                                 • Completely owned / controlled by EP
                                 • Created for sole purpose of preventing public disclosure of the amount and nature of the Church’s assets
                                 • Each one filed the required form
                                 • Nowhere could anyone see the actual total
                                 • This secrecy was out of fear of discouraging members from paying tithing (WSJ 2020)
                                 • Practiced this approach to reporting for about 20 years prior to 2019
                                 • After whistleblower → been filing correctly
                                 • The latest SEC filing = $44B → reports only those investments that must be disclosed by law
                                 • Does not reflect the portfolio’s total holdings
                                 • The Church’s finances are now also under scrutiny in Canada & Australia
                                 
                                 

                                 What Members Think

                                 • Many don’t see the problem
                                 • The church didn’t really do anything wrong; it’s a minor issue like a traffic ticket
                                 • The church relied on lawyers; it’s their fault
                                 • Believe the church was secretive bc as a big player in markets, it didn’t want to cause market swings
                                 • Others: the church didn’t want individual investors to mimic the church’s investment strategy (thinking it inspired?), bc it would not apply to individual investors
                                 • Others have raised questions / critiques
                                 • Critique #1 = What the $$ could be used for
                                 • In spite of overall wealth → yet still heavy-handed tithing techniques
                                 • Still ask members to do more and more
                                 • Spend very little (proportionally) on caring for needy
                                 • Avg $60M / yr
                                 • Compared to annual tithing of 7B
                                 • Compared to annual investment growth of 7% of 100B
                                 • Critique #2 = What the money is actually used for
                                 • $1.4 billion for City Creek Mall in SLC
                                 • $600K to bail out Beneficial Life Insurance
                                 • Two church-owned commercial enterprises
                                 • Critique #3 = the LDS Church should pay taxes, or lose its tax-exempt status for using contributions for commercial purposes
                                 • A lot of $$ not being spent on its stated charitable purposes
                                 • Critique #4 = Hiding the actual amount
                                 • Church claims that use of $$ is guided by prayer
                                 • Temple recommend question: are you honest in all your dealings?
                                 • Undermines credibility of apostles & prophets
                                 • Deliberately trying to evade an applicable law → to shield reputation
                                 • Mistakes? 
                                 • The Church’s statement on the matter expresses regret for mistakes made
                                 • But this wasn’t a mistake → a deliberate strategy to circumvent reporting requirements put in place for the public good
                                 • Sam Brunson, a Mormon who teaches tax law at Loyola U Chicago
                                 • “The apparent hypocrisy is potentially harmful in its relationship with its members.”
                                 
                                 ]]>The news hit early this week about a hefty fine levied by the US Securities and Exchange Commission against the LDS Church. The LDS Church has a huge investment portfolio and has violated some reporting requirements. This points to the vast wealth of LDS Church. Just how wealthy are they? How was this wealth obtained? How is it used? These massive investments have created some problems inside and outside of the church.

                                 Best source on this: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2023/02/21/lds-church-investment-firm-agree/

                                 Tithing in Mormonism 

                                 • Active Mormons are expected to pay one-tenth of their income to the LDS Church
                                 • Access to temples depends on paying a full tithe
                                 • Members meet with local church leaders annually to verify their tithe-paying status
                                 • This generates a large amount of income for the Church
                                 • Again → impossible to verify
                                 • One study (2012) based on countries that require more disclosure than the US
                                 • Estimated tithing income of $7 billion / year
                                 • Used to build and maintain meetinghouses
                                 • To build and maintain temples
                                 • To support the global missionary program
                                 • To help needy people around the world 
                                 • 2.3 billion since 1985
                                 • May seem like a lot → until we see later how much $$ the Church has
                                 • To educate Church members - seminary, institute, universities
                                 • To carry out the general administration of the Church
                                 • Many LDS will offer tithe-paying testimonies
                                 • When paying a full tithe was a sacrifice, God provided
                                 • Others offer testimonies of abuse
                                 • Counseled to take out a 2nd mortgage in order to tithe / or other drastic measures
                                 • Understanding the tithing culture & expectations is a key part of making sense of the news that came out this week about LDS investments
                                 
                                 

                                 Creation of a “Rainy Day” Fund

                                 • LDS Church was not always wealthy
                                 • In 1960’s = started settling aside $$ from contributions for future contingencies
                                 • In late 1970’s → investments estimated at around $1 billion
                                 • Ensign Peak Investors established in 1997 as agent / arm of the LDS Church to manage investments
                                 • Employs around 70 people
                                 • BTW: you have to be an active member in good standing to work there
                                 • The rainy-day fund has grown beyond what anyone imagined
                                 • In 2012, LDS investments estimated at about $40 billion
                                 • Much more today
                                 
                                 

                                 LDS Financial Wealth Exposed

                                 • For decades, financial analysts have speculated about just how wealthy the LDS Church is
                                 • But those are only outside estimates → without full data
                                 • Bc the Church is very secretive about its financial dealings
                                 • 2019 - a whistleblower report filed with IRS
                                 • Former Ensign Peak employee = David Nielsen (a senior portfolio manager)
                                 • Filed along with brother Lars Nielsen
                                 • Lars went farther → gave the info to the Washington Post
                                 • Revealed in this filing = Church’s investment fund worth as much as $100 billion
                                 • $40 billion in US stock
                                 • Over $1 billion in Apple, $1B in Microsoft, $B in Alphabet
                                 • Also: Chevron, Visa, JPMorgan Chase, Home Depot, etc.
                                 • Timberland in Florida panhandle
                                 • Investments in prominent hedge funds
                                 • For all we know, the Church has other assets not managed by EP
                                 • Unknown how much foreign investment it might have
                                 • That may not be required to report by SEC rules
                                 
                                 

                                 Problems with the U.S. Government

                                 • Earlier this week, SEC fined LDS Church and Ensign Peak $5M in penalties
                                 • Failure to properly disclose past stock holdings
                                 • Going to great lengths to deliberately obscure their investment portfolio
                                 • Quote from SEC:
                                 • “The church was concerned that disclosure of its portfolio, which by 2018 grew to approximately $32 billion, would lead to negative consequences. To obscure the amount of the church’s portfolio, and with the church’s knowledge and approval, Ensign Peak created 13 shell LLCs, ostensibly with locations throughout the U.S., and filed forms 13F in the names of those LLCs rather than in Ensign Peak’s name.”
                                 • Breaking down what Ensign Peak did
                                 • Required to file form annually to disclose the Church’s equity investments: Form 13F
                                 • Instead, EP created a number of shell corporations
                                 • Could not be traced back to the Church
                                 • Completely owned / controlled by EP
                                 • Created for sole purpose of preventing public disclosure of the amount and nature of the Church’s assets
                                 • Each one filed the required form
                                 • Nowhere could anyone see the actual total
                                 • This secrecy was out of fear of discouraging members from paying tithing (WSJ 2020)
                                 • Practiced this approach to reporting for about 20 years prior to 2019
                                 • After whistleblower → been filing correctly
                                 • The latest SEC filing = $44B → reports only those investments that must be disclosed by law
                                 • Does not reflect the portfolio’s total holdings
                                 • The Church’s finances are now also under scrutiny in Canada & Australia
                                 
                                 

                                 What Members Think

                                 • Many don’t see the problem
                                 • The church didn’t really do anything wrong; it’s a minor issue like a traffic ticket
                                 • The church relied on lawyers; it’s their fault
                                 • Believe the church was secretive bc as a big player in markets, it didn’t want to cause market swings
                                 • Others: the church didn’t want individual investors to mimic the church’s investment strategy (thinking it inspired?), bc it would not apply to individual investors
                                 • Others have raised questions / critiques
                                 • Critique #1 = What the $$ could be used for
                                 • In spite of overall wealth → yet still heavy-handed tithing techniques
                                 • Still ask members to do more and more
                                 • Spend very little (proportionally) on caring for needy
                                 • Avg $60M / yr
                                 • Compared to annual tithing of 7B
                                 • Compared to annual investment growth of 7% of 100B
                                 • Critique #2 = What the money is actually used for
                                 • $1.4 billion for City Creek Mall in SLC
                                 • $600K to bail out Beneficial Life Insurance
                                 • Two church-owned commercial enterprises
                                 • Critique #3 = the LDS Church should pay taxes, or lose its tax-exempt status for using contributions for commercial purposes
                                 • A lot of $$ not being spent on its stated charitable purposes
                                 • Critique #4 = Hiding the actual amount
                                 • Church claims that use of $$ is guided by prayer
                                 • Temple recommend question: are you honest in all your dealings?
                                 • Undermines credibility of apostles & prophets
                                 • Deliberately trying to evade an applicable law → to shield reputation
                                 • Mistakes? 
                                 • The Church’s statement on the matter expresses regret for mistakes made
                                 • But this wasn’t a mistake → a deliberate strategy to circumvent reporting requirements put in place for the public good
                                 • Sam Brunson, a Mormon who teaches tax law at Loyola U Chicago
                                 • “The apparent hypocrisy is potentially harmful in its relationship with its members.”
                                 
                                 ]]>41cfc6a6-8b50-4fe4-8818-cf10a94753ecMon, 27 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -060040:52falsefull1414Mormon Stories - The Seminary Teacher Who Left the LDS ChurchBo grew up in a strong Mormon family, followed the principles and even served on his LDS mission. He worked for the church as a seminary teacher and married KD in the temple. Then he read the LDS gospel topics and began to seriously question his faith. After almost a decade of searching for answers, Bo and KD finally left the Mormon church. Here's their story.
                                 ]]>Bo grew up in a strong Mormon family, followed the principles and even served on his LDS mission. He worked for the church as a seminary teacher and married KD in the temple. Then he read the LDS gospel topics and began to seriously question his faith. After almost a decade of searching for answers, Bo and KD finally left the Mormon church. Here's their story.
                                 ]]>7094eedb-5220-437a-921a-fe4c074d85adMon, 20 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -060045:06falsefull1313A Brief History of Mormon PolygamyWhen many people hear about Mormonism, their first thought is polygamy. The mainstream LDS church continues to try to downplay their polygamist roots. But polygamy in LDS offshoots keeps cropping up in the news. How did polygamy get started? Why did they do it? When did it end? Are Mormons polygamists today?

                                 Joseph Smith and the Origins of Polygamy 

                                 • Some of early LDS scripture is in response to questions asked JS
                                 • One such question: why many OT leaders had more than one wife (as early as 1831)
                                 • Smith was interested in restoring ancient biblical religion
                                 • But without context or hermeneutical discernment
                                 • How many wives? 40 - 49.
                                 • Some dispute bc documents do not always exist
                                 • Fanny Alger (1833) - 16 yr old housemaid living with Smiths
                                 • People closest to Smith (Emma, Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris) believed it was simply adultery
                                 • Apparently there was a marriage ceremony; although this may be dubious - based on very late accounts
                                 • Plural marriage in Nauvoo (1841-1844)
                                 • Practiced entirely in secrecy
                                 • Smith’s wives
                                 • Two under 14
                                 • Eight were already married to other men
                                 • Some pairs of sisters / in some cases, mother and daughter
                                 • Many of these were consummated
                                 • Key leaders initiated into the practice → loyalty test / initiation into higher level
                                 • About 100 people initiated into it before Smith’s death
                                 • Smith’s denials of polygamy - 1835 even became part of LDS scripture for a time
                                 • Smith’s justification for plural marriage
                                 • Claims that David’s multiple wive and concubines were given to him by God
                                 • Lots of problems with this claim (see below)
                                 • But → biblical prophets / kings did not take multiple wives then lie about it
                                 • Backlash reaction - Nauvoo Expositor
                                 • Leaders in Nauvoo began to hear rumors / opposed Smith for this reason
                                 • William Law started an opposition newspaper devoted to “exposing” plural marriage
                                 • Only one edition → Smith had it destroyed = the reason for his arrest, which led to his death
                                 
                                 

                                 See the LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay on Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo

                                 Brigham Young and Utah Polygamy

                                 • BY was already initiated in plural marriage when took over
                                 • J Smith dies - 1844
                                 • B Young leads exodus to Utah - 1846-47
                                 • Public announcement of polygamy - 1852
                                 • Published the written revelation → Section 132 of D&C
                                 • Brigham Young’s polygamy practice
                                 • 51-56 wives / 56 children
                                 • Some lived with him as wives; others were sealed only for eternity; others were married to him as “welfare” cases (older widows)
                                 • Other prominent practitioners → basically every top leader; Young’s successors
                                 • Plural marriage as a Utah institution
                                 • Those in leadership positions were encouraged / expected to take multiple wives
                                 • Never a majority practice: St George: 1870 - 30%; 1880 - 40% 
                                 • South Weber 1880 - 5%
                                 • Most polygamists had 2 wives
                                 
                                 

                                 See the LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay on Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah

                                 The End of Polygamy in the LDS Church

                                 • Popular opposition in the US
                                 • 1856 (just after public revelation) = Republican party platform opposed polygamy
                                 • Pressure from the US government
                                 • Series of US laws from 1862-1874 seeking to undermine / prohibit polygamy
                                 • 1882: Edmunds Act - disenfranchised convicted polygamists
                                 • 1887: Edmunds-Tucker Act - threatened to shut the church down financially
                                 • Polygamy goes underground
                                 • Church leaders / members went into hiding to avoid arrest
                                 • The Manifesto - 1890
                                 • New LDS President Wilford Woodruff - changed church’s policy
                                 • Advised LDS to “refrain from contracting any marriages forbidden by the law of the land.”
                                 • Merely created ambiguity
                                 • Continued practice of plural marriages - including all polygamous general authorities
                                 • Many polygamists moved to Canada and Mexico to continuing in plural marriages
                                 • Second Manifesto - 1904
                                 • The LDS Church finally actually stopped authorizing new plural marriages
                                 • Began excommunicating those who did not comply
                                 • Even then, most LDS men with plural wives continued in those relationships
                                 • The 1st LDS President who was not a polygamist: George Albert Smith (1945)
                                 
                                 

                                 See the LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay on The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage

                                 The Survival of Polygamy in the Fundamentalist Movement

                                 • Many believed the LDS Church discontinued polygamy only due to government pressure
                                 • Continued the practice in secret or in isolation
                                 • Excommunicated by LDS church
                                 • The John Taylor conspiracy
                                 • 3rd LDS prophet: died while in hiding from polygamy prosecution
                                 • Modern fundamentals claim he set apart some men to continue with polygamy, sensing that the church would cave
                                 • In 1930s, 7 leading polygamists formed a loose confederation to keep polygamy going
                                 • Included various groups led over time by a changing cast of “prophets”
                                 • Many internal splits / splinter groups
                                 • Current status of polygamy
                                 • Main groups: Kingstons, FLDS, United Apostolic Brethren
                                 • Many smaller groups, independents
                                 • How many? No one knows. 40,000 throughout the West?
                                 • Mainstream LDS Church and polygamy
                                 • Didn’t really end it, only suspended it → still authorized in D&C 132 as a “everlasting covenant” 
                                 • No divine revelation ending the practice
                                 • Still acknowledged as an eternal principle → multiple sealings
                                 • As marriage practices & laws change in US, could it be reinstated?
                                 • Not as long as the public views it as weird / marginal
                                 • LDS Church is most interested in its image
                                 
                                 

                                 Biblical Response to Polygamy

                                 • Never commanded by God
                                 • Contrary to order of creation in Gen 2
                                 • One man, one woman → united / joined
                                 • Note how this becomes the basis for NT teaching on marriage
                                 • Every instance leads to tragic results
                                 • Abraham - conflict between wives
                                 • Solomon - “his wives turned his heart away” (1 Kings 11:3)
                                 • Strictly forbidden for Israel’s kings - Deut 17:17
                                 • Contrary to the biblical image of God’s relationship w/Israel
                                 • God as Israel’s spouse (Hosea) → one chosen nation only, not many
                                 • NT: Christ has one bride; cf Eph 5
                                 
                                 ]]>When many people hear about Mormonism, their first thought is polygamy. The mainstream LDS church continues to try to downplay their polygamist roots. But polygamy in LDS offshoots keeps cropping up in the news. How did polygamy get started? Why did they do it? When did it end? Are Mormons polygamists today?

                                 Joseph Smith and the Origins of Polygamy 

                                 • Some of early LDS scripture is in response to questions asked JS
                                 • One such question: why many OT leaders had more than one wife (as early as 1831)
                                 • Smith was interested in restoring ancient biblical religion
                                 • But without context or hermeneutical discernment
                                 • How many wives? 40 - 49.
                                 • Some dispute bc documents do not always exist
                                 • Fanny Alger (1833) - 16 yr old housemaid living with Smiths
                                 • People closest to Smith (Emma, Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris) believed it was simply adultery
                                 • Apparently there was a marriage ceremony; although this may be dubious - based on very late accounts
                                 • Plural marriage in Nauvoo (1841-1844)
                                 • Practiced entirely in secrecy
                                 • Smith’s wives
                                 • Two under 14
                                 • Eight were already married to other men
                                 • Some pairs of sisters / in some cases, mother and daughter
                                 • Many of these were consummated
                                 • Key leaders initiated into the practice → loyalty test / initiation into higher level
                                 • About 100 people initiated into it before Smith’s death
                                 • Smith’s denials of polygamy - 1835 even became part of LDS scripture for a time
                                 • Smith’s justification for plural marriage
                                 • Claims that David’s multiple wive and concubines were given to him by God
                                 • Lots of problems with this claim (see below)
                                 • But → biblical prophets / kings did not take multiple wives then lie about it
                                 • Backlash reaction - Nauvoo Expositor
                                 • Leaders in Nauvoo began to hear rumors / opposed Smith for this reason
                                 • William Law started an opposition newspaper devoted to “exposing” plural marriage
                                 • Only one edition → Smith had it destroyed = the reason for his arrest, which led to his death
                                 
                                 

                                 See the LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay on Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo

                                 Brigham Young and Utah Polygamy

                                 • BY was already initiated in plural marriage when took over
                                 • J Smith dies - 1844
                                 • B Young leads exodus to Utah - 1846-47
                                 • Public announcement of polygamy - 1852
                                 • Published the written revelation → Section 132 of D&C
                                 • Brigham Young’s polygamy practice
                                 • 51-56 wives / 56 children
                                 • Some lived with him as wives; others were sealed only for eternity; others were married to him as “welfare” cases (older widows)
                                 • Other prominent practitioners → basically every top leader; Young’s successors
                                 • Plural marriage as a Utah institution
                                 • Those in leadership positions were encouraged / expected to take multiple wives
                                 • Never a majority practice: St George: 1870 - 30%; 1880 - 40% 
                                 • South Weber 1880 - 5%
                                 • Most polygamists had 2 wives
                                 
                                 

                                 See the LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay on Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah

                                 The End of Polygamy in the LDS Church

                                 • Popular opposition in the US
                                 • 1856 (just after public revelation) = Republican party platform opposed polygamy
                                 • Pressure from the US government
                                 • Series of US laws from 1862-1874 seeking to undermine / prohibit polygamy
                                 • 1882: Edmunds Act - disenfranchised convicted polygamists
                                 • 1887: Edmunds-Tucker Act - threatened to shut the church down financially
                                 • Polygamy goes underground
                                 • Church leaders / members went into hiding to avoid arrest
                                 • The Manifesto - 1890
                                 • New LDS President Wilford Woodruff - changed church’s policy
                                 • Advised LDS to “refrain from contracting any marriages forbidden by the law of the land.”
                                 • Merely created ambiguity
                                 • Continued practice of plural marriages - including all polygamous general authorities
                                 • Many polygamists moved to Canada and Mexico to continuing in plural marriages
                                 • Second Manifesto - 1904
                                 • The LDS Church finally actually stopped authorizing new plural marriages
                                 • Began excommunicating those who did not comply
                                 • Even then, most LDS men with plural wives continued in those relationships
                                 • The 1st LDS President who was not a polygamist: George Albert Smith (1945)
                                 
                                 

                                 See the LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay on The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage

                                 The Survival of Polygamy in the Fundamentalist Movement

                                 • Many believed the LDS Church discontinued polygamy only due to government pressure
                                 • Continued the practice in secret or in isolation
                                 • Excommunicated by LDS church
                                 • The John Taylor conspiracy
                                 • 3rd LDS prophet: died while in hiding from polygamy prosecution
                                 • Modern fundamentals claim he set apart some men to continue with polygamy, sensing that the church would cave
                                 • In 1930s, 7 leading polygamists formed a loose confederation to keep polygamy going
                                 • Included various groups led over time by a changing cast of “prophets”
                                 • Many internal splits / splinter groups
                                 • Current status of polygamy
                                 • Main groups: Kingstons, FLDS, United Apostolic Brethren
                                 • Many smaller groups, independents
                                 • How many? No one knows. 40,000 throughout the West?
                                 • Mainstream LDS Church and polygamy
                                 • Didn’t really end it, only suspended it → still authorized in D&C 132 as a “everlasting covenant” 
                                 • No divine revelation ending the practice
                                 • Still acknowledged as an eternal principle → multiple sealings
                                 • As marriage practices & laws change in US, could it be reinstated?
                                 • Not as long as the public views it as weird / marginal
                                 • LDS Church is most interested in its image
                                 
                                 

                                 Biblical Response to Polygamy

                                 • Never commanded by God
                                 • Contrary to order of creation in Gen 2
                                 • One man, one woman → united / joined
                                 • Note how this becomes the basis for NT teaching on marriage
                                 • Every instance leads to tragic results
                                 • Abraham - conflict between wives
                                 • Solomon - “his wives turned his heart away” (1 Kings 11:3)
                                 • Strictly forbidden for Israel’s kings - Deut 17:17
                                 • Contrary to the biblical image of God’s relationship w/Israel
                                 • God as Israel’s spouse (Hosea) → one chosen nation only, not many
                                 • NT: Christ has one bride; cf Eph 5
                                 
                                 ]]>724ccc8f-4a95-4460-827d-584851ddccd4Mon, 13 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -060049:18falsefull1212The Mormon Temple and OrdinancesLDS Church is building temples rapidly all around the world. 300 existing or planned temples worldwide. 168 currently operating, compared to 50 thirty years ago and just 19 fifty years ago. The Bible talks a lot about the temple. Are LDS temples the same? What are they all about?

                                 How Mormons View Their Temples 

                                 • LDS consider temples to be “The House of the Lord”
                                 • Faithful members participate in Mormonism’s highest rites
                                 • See their temples as the most sacred buildings on earth
                                 • LDS President RM Nelson: “every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house”
                                 • Thus temple is very different from a meeting-house
                                 • Temple is sacred → a seriously holy place
                                 • Not spoken of
                                 • Sacred, not secret
                                 • Potential to be really offensive to LDS if take this lightly / mock / make fun
                                 • Requires level of worthiness to enter
                                 • Interview required / “temple recommend card” issued
                                 • Temple recommend questions
                                 • Because “holy”, general public can enter only prior to temple’s consecration
                                 
                                 

                                 The Purpose of LDS Temples

                                 • Training - learn how to return to heavenly Father
                                 • Ordinances - perform necessary ordinances to return to Father
                                 • The training takes place in context of those ordinances
                                 • Make covenants (vows / commitments) in temple that you are held accountable to
                                 • This is what makes LDS temple more important than any other element of Mormonism
                                 • Absolutely necessary for the LDS plan of salvation to take place
                                 • Without temples → no way for people to be exalted in eternity
                                 • Reflection
                                 • Temple creates a sort of church within a church → 2 tiers of Mormonism
                                 • Those temple worthy, those who are not → very different experiences of Mormonism
                                 
                                 

                                 A Look at Temple Ordinances

                                 • The Endowment ceremony
                                 • Seen as one of the most sacred events in a person’s life
                                 • Normally received before serving a mission / before a temple marriage
                                 • Also available to other members if local leaders approve
                                 • Must be at least 18, out of high school
                                 • Be faithful (interview) and prepare themselves
                                 • First part: initiatory ordinances
                                 • Includes rituals of washing & anointing
                                 • Make certain covenants with God → to obey / sacrifice
                                 • Taught secret signs needed to allow entrance into God’s presence
                                 • Second part: group instruction / plan of salvation presented
                                 • After initiatory ordinances → receive and begin to wear temple garment
                                 • Members encouraged to return to temple often
                                 • Do the endowment ceremony for ancestors
                                 • Temple sealings
                                 • Eternal marriage & family is a significant part of Mormonism
                                 • Highest salvation / exaltation is achieved through families
                                 • This kind marriage is only possible through a temple sealing
                                 • Children born or adopted into such marriages are automatically sealed
                                 • Children not “born in the covenant” can be sealed to parents later
                                 • Proxy ordinances for the dead - including the 2 above but also baptism / confirmation
                                 • A stated purpose of the LDS Church = “redeem the dead”
                                 • Salvation requires baptism by someone with priesthood authority
                                 • For the living, these are not performed in temples, but local meeting houses
                                 • For the dead, living people must be baptized by proxy for them if they have any hope of being saved
                                 • They have opportunity to accept or reject this in the spirit world, post-death
                                 • Proxy ordinances must be done in temple
                                 • Reflections
                                 • Biblically: eternal marriage is not a real thing
                                 • There is no marriage in the resurrection
                                 • Matthew 22:29-30 (NLT) Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.
                                 • Bigger picture: no ordinance is required for salvation, whether baptism, endowment, or otherwise
                                 • Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)  God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
                                 • Redeeming the dead is impossible
                                 • Hebrews 9:27 (NLT) …each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment
                                 • So no second chance after death
                                 
                                 

                                 Temples in the Bible vs. Mormonism

                                 • Purpose of OT Temple: a place where sinful people could draw near to a holy God
                                 • Hence necessity of continual sacrifices made there to cover sin
                                 • Other sacrifices made there to express relationship with God: gratitude, consecration
                                 • How that’s different from purpose and function of LDS temples
                                 • LDS: numerous temples worldwide
                                 • Bible: only one temple (at most) approved
                                 • Deuteronomy 12:5-7 (NLT) Rather, you must seek the Lord your God at the place of worship he himself will choose from among all the tribes—the place where his name will be honored. There you will bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, your sacred offerings, your offerings to fulfill a vow, your voluntary offerings, and your offerings of the firstborn animals of your herds and flocks. There you and your families will feast in the presence of the Lord your God, and you will rejoice in all you have accomplished because the Lord your God has blessed you.
                                 • One authorized place
                                 • Also: tells us what happened in the Temple. None of these things happen in LDS temples. They’re not the same thing at all.
                                 • LDS: temples are necessary in our age to come to God
                                 • Bible: temple part of the old covenant; outmoded when Jesus came
                                 • LDS: temple ordinances necessary to receive eternal life with God the Father
                                 • Bible: genuine faith in Christ alone is the only requirement; NT expresses no concern that Christians far from Jerusalem had no access to temple, nor commands them to come to Jerusalem to use the temple.
                                 • LDS: temples today serve the same purpose as in biblical times
                                 • Bible: biblical temple included none of the distinctive rites of LDS temple
                                 • LDS temples include none of the distinctive rites of biblical temple
                                 • How NT makes physical temples obsolete → the temple is the people of Christ
                                 • Temple destroyed as part of the passing of the Old Covenant
                                 • NT treats temple worship as outmoded at best; under God’s judgment at worst
                                 • The sacrifices practiced there to cover sin are no longer needed after the cross
                                 • Hebrews 10:11-12 (NLT) Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
                                 • John 4:21-24 - Jesus tells Samaritan woman that a time is coming when people will not worship at Mt Gerizim OR in Jerusalem temple; but “in spirit and in truth”
                                 • The people of God are now the new temple of God. Believers together are the dwelling place of the Spirit
                                 • Ephesians 2:20-22 (NLT) Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
                                 • 1 Peter 2:5 (NLT) And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests.
                                 • 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NLT)  Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
                                 
                                 ]]>LDS Church is building temples rapidly all around the world. 300 existing or planned temples worldwide. 168 currently operating, compared to 50 thirty years ago and just 19 fifty years ago. The Bible talks a lot about the temple. Are LDS temples the same? What are they all about?

                                 How Mormons View Their Temples 

                                 • LDS consider temples to be “The House of the Lord”
                                 • Faithful members participate in Mormonism’s highest rites
                                 • See their temples as the most sacred buildings on earth
                                 • LDS President RM Nelson: “every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house”
                                 • Thus temple is very different from a meeting-house
                                 • Temple is sacred → a seriously holy place
                                 • Not spoken of
                                 • Sacred, not secret
                                 • Potential to be really offensive to LDS if take this lightly / mock / make fun
                                 • Requires level of worthiness to enter
                                 • Interview required / “temple recommend card” issued
                                 • Temple recommend questions
                                 • Because “holy”, general public can enter only prior to temple’s consecration
                                 
                                 

                                 The Purpose of LDS Temples

                                 • Training - learn how to return to heavenly Father
                                 • Ordinances - perform necessary ordinances to return to Father
                                 • The training takes place in context of those ordinances
                                 • Make covenants (vows / commitments) in temple that you are held accountable to
                                 • This is what makes LDS temple more important than any other element of Mormonism
                                 • Absolutely necessary for the LDS plan of salvation to take place
                                 • Without temples → no way for people to be exalted in eternity
                                 • Reflection
                                 • Temple creates a sort of church within a church → 2 tiers of Mormonism
                                 • Those temple worthy, those who are not → very different experiences of Mormonism
                                 
                                 

                                 A Look at Temple Ordinances

                                 • The Endowment ceremony
                                 • Seen as one of the most sacred events in a person’s life
                                 • Normally received before serving a mission / before a temple marriage
                                 • Also available to other members if local leaders approve
                                 • Must be at least 18, out of high school
                                 • Be faithful (interview) and prepare themselves
                                 • First part: initiatory ordinances
                                 • Includes rituals of washing & anointing
                                 • Make certain covenants with God → to obey / sacrifice
                                 • Taught secret signs needed to allow entrance into God’s presence
                                 • Second part: group instruction / plan of salvation presented
                                 • After initiatory ordinances → receive and begin to wear temple garment
                                 • Members encouraged to return to temple often
                                 • Do the endowment ceremony for ancestors
                                 • Temple sealings
                                 • Eternal marriage & family is a significant part of Mormonism
                                 • Highest salvation / exaltation is achieved through families
                                 • This kind marriage is only possible through a temple sealing
                                 • Children born or adopted into such marriages are automatically sealed
                                 • Children not “born in the covenant” can be sealed to parents later
                                 • Proxy ordinances for the dead - including the 2 above but also baptism / confirmation
                                 • A stated purpose of the LDS Church = “redeem the dead”
                                 • Salvation requires baptism by someone with priesthood authority
                                 • For the living, these are not performed in temples, but local meeting houses
                                 • For the dead, living people must be baptized by proxy for them if they have any hope of being saved
                                 • They have opportunity to accept or reject this in the spirit world, post-death
                                 • Proxy ordinances must be done in temple
                                 • Reflections
                                 • Biblically: eternal marriage is not a real thing
                                 • There is no marriage in the resurrection
                                 • Matthew 22:29-30 (NLT) Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.
                                 • Bigger picture: no ordinance is required for salvation, whether baptism, endowment, or otherwise
                                 • Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)  God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
                                 • Redeeming the dead is impossible
                                 • Hebrews 9:27 (NLT) …each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment
                                 • So no second chance after death
                                 
                                 

                                 Temples in the Bible vs. Mormonism

                                 • Purpose of OT Temple: a place where sinful people could draw near to a holy God
                                 • Hence necessity of continual sacrifices made there to cover sin
                                 • Other sacrifices made there to express relationship with God: gratitude, consecration
                                 • How that’s different from purpose and function of LDS temples
                                 • LDS: numerous temples worldwide
                                 • Bible: only one temple (at most) approved
                                 • Deuteronomy 12:5-7 (NLT) Rather, you must seek the Lord your God at the place of worship he himself will choose from among all the tribes—the place where his name will be honored. There you will bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, your sacred offerings, your offerings to fulfill a vow, your voluntary offerings, and your offerings of the firstborn animals of your herds and flocks. There you and your families will feast in the presence of the Lord your God, and you will rejoice in all you have accomplished because the Lord your God has blessed you.
                                 • One authorized place
                                 • Also: tells us what happened in the Temple. None of these things happen in LDS temples. They’re not the same thing at all.
                                 • LDS: temples are necessary in our age to come to God
                                 • Bible: temple part of the old covenant; outmoded when Jesus came
                                 • LDS: temple ordinances necessary to receive eternal life with God the Father
                                 • Bible: genuine faith in Christ alone is the only requirement; NT expresses no concern that Christians far from Jerusalem had no access to temple, nor commands them to come to Jerusalem to use the temple.
                                 • LDS: temples today serve the same purpose as in biblical times
                                 • Bible: biblical temple included none of the distinctive rites of LDS temple
                                 • LDS temples include none of the distinctive rites of biblical temple
                                 • How NT makes physical temples obsolete → the temple is the people of Christ
                                 • Temple destroyed as part of the passing of the Old Covenant
                                 • NT treats temple worship as outmoded at best; under God’s judgment at worst
                                 • The sacrifices practiced there to cover sin are no longer needed after the cross
                                 • Hebrews 10:11-12 (NLT) Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
                                 • John 4:21-24 - Jesus tells Samaritan woman that a time is coming when people will not worship at Mt Gerizim OR in Jerusalem temple; but “in spirit and in truth”
                                 • The people of God are now the new temple of God. Believers together are the dwelling place of the Spirit
                                 • Ephesians 2:20-22 (NLT) Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
                                 • 1 Peter 2:5 (NLT) And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests.
                                 • 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NLT)  Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
                                 
                                 ]]>4abe4f73-23de-427b-94be-cd4ab63349fdMon, 06 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -060048:11falsefull1111Why Mormons Don't Drink Coffee (and Other Disctinctive LDS Practices)People have a lot of questions about distinctive Mormon practices.

                                 Do a Google search: Do Mormons ______? Results: Do Mormons wash their hair? Can Mormons wear make-up? Can Mormons have french fries? Because LDS do have a number of distinctive practices, this can be confusing. Let’s explore three of them…

                                 The “Word of Wisdom” 

                                 • See https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng 
                                 • Found in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants (1833)
                                 • What it prohibits
                                 • Alcoholic beverages
                                 • Tobacco
                                 • Tea and coffee. The text says “hot drinks” but LDS prophets have taught that this means tea and coffee.
                                 • This applies even if you drink them cold
                                 • Common reasoning: it must be because of caffeine, so no caffeinated soda sold at BYU (for example)
                                 • But this interpretation is now largely rejected → caffeinated soda is OK
                                 • What it encourages
                                 • Fruits and wholesome herbs, including vegetables, are good
                                 • Grains are good
                                 • Meat is good if used sparingly (specifies: in winter, cold, famine)
                                 • This is largely ignored and not enforced. Every town in Utah has at least one burger joint.
                                 • Once it was seen as sound advice, but not really enforced as today
                                 • J. Smith drank wine
                                 • B. Young used snuff and drank tea
                                 • In Brigham Young’s day: alcohol was permitted, but not to excess
                                 • Over time it became a requirement for full activity in church, for example, for worthiness to enter LDS temple
                                 • This applies to the part about alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks, but not meat
                                 • Recent survey: only 45% of Mormons strictly conform / 61% of “very active”
                                 • ⅓ of current Mormons reported consuming coffee
                                 • ¼ reported consuming alcohol; ⅙ reported using tobacco
                                 • Word of Wisdom observance is changing
                                 • Alcohol: Boomers 14%; Millennials 29%
                                 • Marijuana: Boomers 4%; Millennials 17%
                                 • Even more dramatic changes in attitude than in practice
                                 • Abstaining from alcohol is essential to being considered a good Mormon: Boomers 75%; Millennials 46%
                                 • Reflections: it is wise to eat healthy
                                 • Irony: Utah leads nation in several unhealthy dietary practices, like consumption of  ice cream / soft drinks / cookies → more unhealthy than moderate coffee or tea usage
                                 • Bible moves away from strict regulations about food
                                 • These can even be a negative for a Xian
                                 • Colossians 2:16 (NLT) So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink.
                                 • Colossians 2:20-21 (NLT) You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep following the rules of the world, such as “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate when we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
                                 • Bible points us to broad principles: will it master me? Will it benefit me?
                                 • 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT) You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.
                                 • 1 Corinthians 10:23-26 (NLT) You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. For “the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.”
                                 
                                 

                                 Special Undergarments

                                 • See https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/tools/what-is-the-temple-garment?lang=eng 
                                 • Worthy Mormons go to temple to participate in sacred rituals essential for salvation 
                                 • (More next week)
                                 • Once initiated → start wearing “temple garment”
                                 • Seen as a sign of the covenants a person makes in temple → constant reminder
                                 • It is a special form of underwear
                                 • Two parts: top and bottom
                                 • Warning: discussing this is a sensitive subject on two counts
                                 • It’s about the temple, which is considered sacred
                                 • It’s about intimate apparel
                                 • Can only be purchased from the church’s outlets, by those with temple access card
                                 • Many LDS view garment as providing spiritual and even physical protection
                                 • Many stories in LDS folklore about how sacred undergarments protected from serious accident, fire, etc.
                                 • Many religious traditions involve some sort of ritual clothing
                                 • Nuns: habit; Judaism: yarmulke; Islam: headscarves; Sikhs: turban; etc.
                                 • For active Mormons: the undergarment
                                 • Changes in practices - always recommended to wear it 24/7, unless impossible
                                 • More recently, emphasis on a lifetime commitment to wear it
                                 • Different perspectives / customs about when it’s acceptable to remove
                                 • Exercising? Doctor check-up? Yardwork? Hot or humid day?
                                 • Millennial LDS have a more relaxed view of when it’s okay to remove garment
                                 • Reflections:
                                 • Bible doesn’t require any kind of special clothing to reflect our commitment to Jesus
                                 
                                 

                                 Food Storage

                                 • Growing up: 2 years’ supply → today: 1 year
                                 • Why food storage? To prepare for times of adversity, to care for self and neighbor
                                 • History of opposition from outsiders
                                 • Culture of self-reliance from pioneer experience
                                 • A belief that things will get bad worldwide before Jesus returns
                                 • LDS website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/food-storage?lang=eng 
                                 • Food supply (3-month and long-term)
                                 • Long-term defined as 1-year supply “of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans”
                                 • Drinking water
                                 • Financial reserve
                                 • Reflections
                                 • It’s wise to plan ahead. Bible: consider the ant.
                                 • Proverbs 30:24-25 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.
                                 • But ultimately, we’re called to rely on God’s care and provision.
                                 • Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT) “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
                                 • No matter how much money you have in the bank or how much food stored, it could all disappear quickly → need to ultimately trust in God, who promises to provide for his people.
                                 
                                 ]]>People have a lot of questions about distinctive Mormon practices.

                                 Do a Google search: Do Mormons ______? Results: Do Mormons wash their hair? Can Mormons wear make-up? Can Mormons have french fries? Because LDS do have a number of distinctive practices, this can be confusing. Let’s explore three of them…

                                 The “Word of Wisdom” 

                                 • See https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng 
                                 • Found in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants (1833)
                                 • What it prohibits
                                 • Alcoholic beverages
                                 • Tobacco
                                 • Tea and coffee. The text says “hot drinks” but LDS prophets have taught that this means tea and coffee.
                                 • This applies even if you drink them cold
                                 • Common reasoning: it must be because of caffeine, so no caffeinated soda sold at BYU (for example)
                                 • But this interpretation is now largely rejected → caffeinated soda is OK
                                 • What it encourages
                                 • Fruits and wholesome herbs, including vegetables, are good
                                 • Grains are good
                                 • Meat is good if used sparingly (specifies: in winter, cold, famine)
                                 • This is largely ignored and not enforced. Every town in Utah has at least one burger joint.
                                 • Once it was seen as sound advice, but not really enforced as today
                                 • J. Smith drank wine
                                 • B. Young used snuff and drank tea
                                 • In Brigham Young’s day: alcohol was permitted, but not to excess
                                 • Over time it became a requirement for full activity in church, for example, for worthiness to enter LDS temple
                                 • This applies to the part about alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks, but not meat
                                 • Recent survey: only 45% of Mormons strictly conform / 61% of “very active”
                                 • ⅓ of current Mormons reported consuming coffee
                                 • ¼ reported consuming alcohol; ⅙ reported using tobacco
                                 • Word of Wisdom observance is changing
                                 • Alcohol: Boomers 14%; Millennials 29%
                                 • Marijuana: Boomers 4%; Millennials 17%
                                 • Even more dramatic changes in attitude than in practice
                                 • Abstaining from alcohol is essential to being considered a good Mormon: Boomers 75%; Millennials 46%
                                 • Reflections: it is wise to eat healthy
                                 • Irony: Utah leads nation in several unhealthy dietary practices, like consumption of  ice cream / soft drinks / cookies → more unhealthy than moderate coffee or tea usage
                                 • Bible moves away from strict regulations about food
                                 • These can even be a negative for a Xian
                                 • Colossians 2:16 (NLT) So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink.
                                 • Colossians 2:20-21 (NLT) You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep following the rules of the world, such as “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate when we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
                                 • Bible points us to broad principles: will it master me? Will it benefit me?
                                 • 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT) You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.
                                 • 1 Corinthians 10:23-26 (NLT) You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. For “the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.”
                                 
                                 

                                 Special Undergarments

                                 • See https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/tools/what-is-the-temple-garment?lang=eng 
                                 • Worthy Mormons go to temple to participate in sacred rituals essential for salvation 
                                 • (More next week)
                                 • Once initiated → start wearing “temple garment”
                                 • Seen as a sign of the covenants a person makes in temple → constant reminder
                                 • It is a special form of underwear
                                 • Two parts: top and bottom
                                 • Warning: discussing this is a sensitive subject on two counts
                                 • It’s about the temple, which is considered sacred
                                 • It’s about intimate apparel
                                 • Can only be purchased from the church’s outlets, by those with temple access card
                                 • Many LDS view garment as providing spiritual and even physical protection
                                 • Many stories in LDS folklore about how sacred undergarments protected from serious accident, fire, etc.
                                 • Many religious traditions involve some sort of ritual clothing
                                 • Nuns: habit; Judaism: yarmulke; Islam: headscarves; Sikhs: turban; etc.
                                 • For active Mormons: the undergarment
                                 • Changes in practices - always recommended to wear it 24/7, unless impossible
                                 • More recently, emphasis on a lifetime commitment to wear it
                                 • Different perspectives / customs about when it’s acceptable to remove
                                 • Exercising? Doctor check-up? Yardwork? Hot or humid day?
                                 • Millennial LDS have a more relaxed view of when it’s okay to remove garment
                                 • Reflections:
                                 • Bible doesn’t require any kind of special clothing to reflect our commitment to Jesus
                                 
                                 

                                 Food Storage

                                 • Growing up: 2 years’ supply → today: 1 year
                                 • Why food storage? To prepare for times of adversity, to care for self and neighbor
                                 • History of opposition from outsiders
                                 • Culture of self-reliance from pioneer experience
                                 • A belief that things will get bad worldwide before Jesus returns
                                 • LDS website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/food-storage?lang=eng 
                                 • Food supply (3-month and long-term)
                                 • Long-term defined as 1-year supply “of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans”
                                 • Drinking water
                                 • Financial reserve
                                 • Reflections
                                 • It’s wise to plan ahead. Bible: consider the ant.
                                 • Proverbs 30:24-25 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.
                                 • But ultimately, we’re called to rely on God’s care and provision.
                                 • Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT) “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
                                 • No matter how much money you have in the bank or how much food stored, it could all disappear quickly → need to ultimately trust in God, who promises to provide for his people.
                                 
                                 ]]>c463bf17-b701-4c1d-af9a-f49032c8dc08Mon, 30 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -060043:18falsefull1010More Bullet-Proof Evidence Against the Book of MormonNote: Much of the content in this podcast can be found in show participant Ross Anderson’s book Understanding the Book of Mormon

                                 The Book of Mormon claims to be an ancient scripture that tells the story of God’s people in the American continent. It was engraved on gold plates and translated by Joseph Smith through the “gift and power of God.” 

                                 In fact, Smith claimed that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). 

                                 LDS missionaries seek converts by urging them to read BoM and pray about its divine authenticity.

                                 Anachronism 

                                 • Anachronism = events or objects that appear out of the proper time period in which one would expect them
                                 • Synagogues
                                 • Alma 16:13 = Nephite evangelists preached repentance in synagogues, “which were built after the manner of the Jews”
                                 • Nephites were descended from Jews → were Jewish (according to story)
                                 • But synagogues were not developed in Judaism until 400 years after Nephites left Jerusalem
                                 • How could the writer have know HOW the Jews built their synagogues?
                                 • Plants / Animals
                                 • Mosiah 9:9 “And we began to till the ground, yea, even with all manner of seeds: with seeds of corn and of wheat and of barley.”
                                 • Wheat and barley were brought to America by Europeans
                                 • Sheep / goats / cattle / swine → introduced to America by Europeans
                                 • Economy → use of money (coinage) vs. barter
                                 
                                 

                                 18th Century Ideas

                                 • Since its publication, observers have noted that BoM contains many parallels to 19th c. American life
                                 • Alexander Campbell: JS wrote into the BoM “every error and almost every truth discussed in New York for the last ten years”
                                 • BoM decides all the great theological / social controversies of the age
                                 • Reflects 19th c. theological & political themes
                                 • Offers guidance on democracy, socialism, capitalism, various Protestant controversies like infant baptism, Calvinism, miracles, the fall of humankind, call to ministry, Unitarianism, etc
                                 • Sermons by Nephite prophets echo closely the form & language of 19th c. evangelists
                                 • Conversion experiences described in BoM are similar to spiritual awakenings commonly reported in American revival movement of early 1800s
                                 • Why are the contents of an ancient work so closely tied to the concerns of one American generation?
                                 
                                 

                                 Literary Sources

                                 • A View of the Hebrews (1823) by Ethan Smith (Read it here)
                                 • Argued that Native Americans descended from lost 10 tribes of Israel
                                 • This was a pretty common view in early 1800s
                                 • BoM shares several thematic elements
                                 • Extensive quotations from Isaiah
                                 • The New World peopled from the Old World by long sea voyage
                                 • A religious motive for that migration
                                 • Migrants divided into civilized and uncivilized groups with long wars between them
                                 • Eventual destruction of the civilized by the uncivilized
                                 • Assumption that Native Americans are descended from these Israelite people
                                 • Record a change of government from monarchy to republic
                                 • Suggest the gospel was preached in ancient America
                                 • It is unknown whether JS had access to a copy of View of the Hebrews
                                 • But even if BoM was not directly inspired by it, the ideas expressed in it were common and popular in 19th century America; reflected in dozens of books
                                 • History of the American Indians (1775) by James Adair
                                 • Specific words and phrases describing Indian fortifications - same in both
                                 • Many other parallels
                                 • The Wonders of Nature (1825) by Josiah Priest
                                 • Similarity in several passages → a pure coincidence?
                                 • The Golden Pot (1827 eng trans), by ETA Hoffman
                                 • Several alleged similarities in this story compared to the story of how the BoM / gold plates came forth
                                 
                                 

                                 Bible Anachronisms

                                 • Aspects of how the BoM interacts with the Bible → don’t reflect JS’s times
                                 • KJV language = KJV translated in 1611, 210+ years before BoM
                                 • English had changed quite a bit → compare reading American lit from that time
                                 • Last of the Mohicans / The Scarlet Letter / Legend of Sleepy Hollow
                                 • But BoM is written in full-on KJV style
                                 • KJV the predominant translation → extremely wide circulation
                                 • It was how Scripture sounded
                                 • Why would BoM not reflect the common language of JS’s time?
                                 • If not a conscious attempt to make it sound like Scripture
                                 • BoM contains verbal parallels to the 1611 preface to KJV
                                 • Words / phrases in the preface, but not in the KJV text of Bible
                                 • Which, of course, ancient writers would not have had access to
                                 • BoM has a timeline → approx dates when events took place
                                 • Alma 12-13 (dates) draws heavily on the book of Hebrews
                                 • A variety of BoM’s theological statements draw from / depend on interpretations already present in the NT
                                 • Prophecies from 1-2 Nephi (600-5454 BC) about coming of Jesus Christ use language recorded in NT
                                 • Reads more like a Xian doc vs a Jewish doc
                                 • In a sense, these BoM prophecies know too much detail about Messiah - far more than OT prophets
                                 • Suggests an author familiar with the fulfillment of the prophecies after the fact
                                 • BoM version of Sermon on Mount
                                 • Some changes are made: no ref to Pharisees
                                 • But many issues in BoM version that presuppose 1st-century Jewish cultural / religious context
                                 • Going 2 miles when forced to go 1
                                 • The “jot and tittle” of Scripture
                                 • “Dogs” as a metaphor for Gentiles
                                 • Etc.
                                 • Does the Bible have the same issues?
                                 • The evidence of the Dead Sea Scrolls gives strong evidence of the reliability of the Bible
                                 
                                 

                                 See: “What Are the Dead Seas Scrolls?”

                                 ]]>Note: Much of the content in this podcast can be found in show participant Ross Anderson’s book Understanding the Book of Mormon

                                 The Book of Mormon claims to be an ancient scripture that tells the story of God’s people in the American continent. It was engraved on gold plates and translated by Joseph Smith through the “gift and power of God.” 

                                 In fact, Smith claimed that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). 

                                 LDS missionaries seek converts by urging them to read BoM and pray about its divine authenticity.

                                 Anachronism 

                                 • Anachronism = events or objects that appear out of the proper time period in which one would expect them
                                 • Synagogues
                                 • Alma 16:13 = Nephite evangelists preached repentance in synagogues, “which were built after the manner of the Jews”
                                 • Nephites were descended from Jews → were Jewish (according to story)
                                 • But synagogues were not developed in Judaism until 400 years after Nephites left Jerusalem
                                 • How could the writer have know HOW the Jews built their synagogues?
                                 • Plants / Animals
                                 • Mosiah 9:9 “And we began to till the ground, yea, even with all manner of seeds: with seeds of corn and of wheat and of barley.”
                                 • Wheat and barley were brought to America by Europeans
                                 • Sheep / goats / cattle / swine → introduced to America by Europeans
                                 • Economy → use of money (coinage) vs. barter
                                 
                                 

                                 18th Century Ideas

                                 • Since its publication, observers have noted that BoM contains many parallels to 19th c. American life
                                 • Alexander Campbell: JS wrote into the BoM “every error and almost every truth discussed in New York for the last ten years”
                                 • BoM decides all the great theological / social controversies of the age
                                 • Reflects 19th c. theological & political themes
                                 • Offers guidance on democracy, socialism, capitalism, various Protestant controversies like infant baptism, Calvinism, miracles, the fall of humankind, call to ministry, Unitarianism, etc
                                 • Sermons by Nephite prophets echo closely the form & language of 19th c. evangelists
                                 • Conversion experiences described in BoM are similar to spiritual awakenings commonly reported in American revival movement of early 1800s
                                 • Why are the contents of an ancient work so closely tied to the concerns of one American generation?
                                 
                                 

                                 Literary Sources

                                 • A View of the Hebrews (1823) by Ethan Smith (Read it here)
                                 • Argued that Native Americans descended from lost 10 tribes of Israel
                                 • This was a pretty common view in early 1800s
                                 • BoM shares several thematic elements
                                 • Extensive quotations from Isaiah
                                 • The New World peopled from the Old World by long sea voyage
                                 • A religious motive for that migration
                                 • Migrants divided into civilized and uncivilized groups with long wars between them
                                 • Eventual destruction of the civilized by the uncivilized
                                 • Assumption that Native Americans are descended from these Israelite people
                                 • Record a change of government from monarchy to republic
                                 • Suggest the gospel was preached in ancient America
                                 • It is unknown whether JS had access to a copy of View of the Hebrews
                                 • But even if BoM was not directly inspired by it, the ideas expressed in it were common and popular in 19th century America; reflected in dozens of books
                                 • History of the American Indians (1775) by James Adair
                                 • Specific words and phrases describing Indian fortifications - same in both
                                 • Many other parallels
                                 • The Wonders of Nature (1825) by Josiah Priest
                                 • Similarity in several passages → a pure coincidence?
                                 • The Golden Pot (1827 eng trans), by ETA Hoffman
                                 • Several alleged similarities in this story compared to the story of how the BoM / gold plates came forth
                                 
                                 

                                 Bible Anachronisms

                                 • Aspects of how the BoM interacts with the Bible → don’t reflect JS’s times
                                 • KJV language = KJV translated in 1611, 210+ years before BoM
                                 • English had changed quite a bit → compare reading American lit from that time
                                 • Last of the Mohicans / The Scarlet Letter / Legend of Sleepy Hollow
                                 • But BoM is written in full-on KJV style
                                 • KJV the predominant translation → extremely wide circulation
                                 • It was how Scripture sounded
                                 • Why would BoM not reflect the common language of JS’s time?
                                 • If not a conscious attempt to make it sound like Scripture
                                 • BoM contains verbal parallels to the 1611 preface to KJV
                                 • Words / phrases in the preface, but not in the KJV text of Bible
                                 • Which, of course, ancient writers would not have had access to
                                 • BoM has a timeline → approx dates when events took place
                                 • Alma 12-13 (dates) draws heavily on the book of Hebrews
                                 • A variety of BoM’s theological statements draw from / depend on interpretations already present in the NT
                                 • Prophecies from 1-2 Nephi (600-5454 BC) about coming of Jesus Christ use language recorded in NT
                                 • Reads more like a Xian doc vs a Jewish doc
                                 • In a sense, these BoM prophecies know too much detail about Messiah - far more than OT prophets
                                 • Suggests an author familiar with the fulfillment of the prophecies after the fact
                                 • BoM version of Sermon on Mount
                                 • Some changes are made: no ref to Pharisees
                                 • But many issues in BoM version that presuppose 1st-century Jewish cultural / religious context
                                 • Going 2 miles when forced to go 1
                                 • The “jot and tittle” of Scripture
                                 • “Dogs” as a metaphor for Gentiles
                                 • Etc.
                                 • Does the Bible have the same issues?
                                 • The evidence of the Dead Sea Scrolls gives strong evidence of the reliability of the Bible
                                 
                                 

                                 See: “What Are the Dead Seas Scrolls?”

                                 ]]>05994657-ffe4-4147-9cb7-8a141ce16997Mon, 23 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -060042:19falsefull99Bullet-Proof Evidence Against the Book of MormonNote: Much of the content in this podcast can be found in show participant Ross Anderson’s book Understanding the Book of Mormon

                                 The Book of Mormon claims to be an ancient scripture that tells the story of God’s people in the American continent.

                                 LDS challenge: “Either the Book of Mormon is what the Prophet Joseph said it is, or this Church and its founder are false, a deception from the first instance onward…Joseph must be accepted either as a prophet of God or else as a charlatan of the first order…” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Christ and the New Covenant,” quoted in Ensign, September 2002, 14)

                                 To accept BoM is to accept JS as a prophet, and everything that he stands for.

                                 The Book of Mormon claims can be / should be tested. 1 Thess 5:21 “Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.”

                                 Archaeology 

                                 • BoM claims to be an ancient record of American continent
                                 • Featuring great cities, people at war
                                 • Archaeology has failed to unearth any concrete evidence for BoM
                                 • Inscriptional evidence → names carved into stone monuments
                                 • Example: Sennacherib / Assyrians = names of Israel’s kings
                                 • No BoM name every found
                                 • Material remains → walls / foundations of ancient cities
                                 • Plenty of ancient cities in America, but none that can be linked to BoM
                                 • Example: BoM describes its people using gold, silver, iron, brass, copper
                                 • The mining, smelting, and casting of metal ores requires special tools / complex processes which leave traces in the archaeological record
                                 • Scholars generally agree: metallurgy not introduced into America until several centuries after the BoM story ends
                                 • Animals → BoM mentions many different kinds of animals: cattle, sheep, goats, horses
                                 • None have been found in any archaeological setting dating to BoM times
                                 • Unlike deer, jaguar, peccary, tapir, other native species
                                 • The horse have never been found depicted in any of 1000s of sample of art
                                 • New world archaeology is still a young science
                                 • Perhaps some day some artifact or inscription will be found to validate the BoM
                                 • But so far, best LDS apologists can do = create aura of plausibility based on vague similarities
                                 • By contrast, archaeology has repeatedly demonstrated the reliability of Bible: historically / geographically
                                 • Use of metals as describe in Bible can be verified at many sites
                                 • A person can visit the actual cities where Bible describes Jesus or Paul travelling
                                 • British Museum (London)
                                 • Massive stone panels from ancient Ninevah → cities in Bible are recorded there
                                 
                                 

                                 Evidence for the reliability of the Bible: “Three Reasons to Trust the Bible” 

                                 DNA

                                 • Traditional LDS understanding - based on BoM story → native Americans are descended from ancient Jews who left Jerusalem for America around 600 BC
                                 • This is what JS taught → the most straightforward way to read the BoM text
                                 • Mainstream science → all native Americans are of Asian origin
                                 • Supported by extensive DNA sampling of American Indian populations
                                 • Many current LDS scholars claim that most NA’s are of Asian descent
                                 • While a small subset are of Semitic origin, descended from Lehi
                                 • Idea is = Nephite & Lamanite civilizations described in BoM made up a very small % of total population of New World during BoM times
                                 • LDS Church has acknowledged the challenges
                                 • 1981 BoM: identifies Lamanites as “the principle ancestors of the American Indians”
                                 • 2006 BoM: Lamanites “are among the ancestors of the American Indians”
                                 • If BoM peoples were not alone in the Americas, it’s very surprising that BoM never mentions these large populations of other people
                                 • In fact, no references to other peoples or nations, no accounts of Nephites evangelizing pagans, no polemics vs polytheism, idolatry, etc.
                                 
                                 

                                 LDS Church Gospel Topics Essay: Book of Mormon and DNA Studies

                                 Bible Plagiarism

                                 • BoM contains extensive material in common with the Bible
                                 • First type of shared content = simple repetition or direct quotation
                                 • Including frequent phrases such as “it came to pass” and “verily, verily I say unto you”
                                 • Second type = interpretive changes to a biblical text
                                 • 2 Nephi 2:18 expands on the biblical account of Eve’s temptation (Gen 3:4-5)
                                 • Third type = structural parallels to the Bible
                                 • Includes literary forms, common motifs, character types, etc
                                 • Conversion of Alma (Mos 27) has many features in common with Paul’s conversion (Acts 9)
                                 • Point: in many cases, Nephite writers mimic wording from the NT
                                 • A doc to which they would have had no access.
                                 • All of this shared content raises the Q: does common material come from independent sources?
                                 • Or did JS simply copy from the Bible?
                                 • Case 1 = the Sermon on the Mount
                                 • Jesus appears in BoM - apparently in 40 days after resurrection prior to ascension
                                 • His public address in 3 Nephi 12-14 contains much in common with Matt 5-7
                                 • Case 2 = BoM contains more than 19 complete chapters in common w/Isaiah
                                 • Lehi’s people carried a copy of OT scriptures with them → source of quoted material
                                 • Several lines of evidence suggest JS derived the Isaiah passages directly from KJV rather than an ancient source
                                 • Example: biblical scholarship has advanced since KJV translation
                                 • Many passages that were obscure in KJV in JS time are now more clear
                                 • But some of the misunderstandings found in the KJV are also found in BoM
                                 • Suggests a direct relationship between KJV / BoM
                                 • Would not have been present in BoM’s quotes of Isaiah if the Isaiah text had originated in Lehi’s time, as the story claims
                                 • How would translation problems from KJV find their way into BoM?
                                 • The extensive content shared between KJV & BoM - and the nature of the parallels - creates strong impression that BoM was produced AFTER the KJV
                                 • Of course, LDS apologists have answers for all of these objections
                                 • The question is whether their answers are credible
                                 • For loyal Mormons, the answers are convincing because they already have an existing commitment to the BoM
                                 • Others, without that grid, are not convinced that BoM passes the test
                                 
                                 ]]>Note: Much of the content in this podcast can be found in show participant Ross Anderson’s book Understanding the Book of Mormon

                                 The Book of Mormon claims to be an ancient scripture that tells the story of God’s people in the American continent.

                                 LDS challenge: “Either the Book of Mormon is what the Prophet Joseph said it is, or this Church and its founder are false, a deception from the first instance onward…Joseph must be accepted either as a prophet of God or else as a charlatan of the first order…” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Christ and the New Covenant,” quoted in Ensign, September 2002, 14)

                                 To accept BoM is to accept JS as a prophet, and everything that he stands for.

                                 The Book of Mormon claims can be / should be tested. 1 Thess 5:21 “Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.”

                                 Archaeology 

                                 • BoM claims to be an ancient record of American continent
                                 • Featuring great cities, people at war
                                 • Archaeology has failed to unearth any concrete evidence for BoM
                                 • Inscriptional evidence → names carved into stone monuments
                                 • Example: Sennacherib / Assyrians = names of Israel’s kings
                                 • No BoM name every found
                                 • Material remains → walls / foundations of ancient cities
                                 • Plenty of ancient cities in America, but none that can be linked to BoM
                                 • Example: BoM describes its people using gold, silver, iron, brass, copper
                                 • The mining, smelting, and casting of metal ores requires special tools / complex processes which leave traces in the archaeological record
                                 • Scholars generally agree: metallurgy not introduced into America until several centuries after the BoM story ends
                                 • Animals → BoM mentions many different kinds of animals: cattle, sheep, goats, horses
                                 • None have been found in any archaeological setting dating to BoM times
                                 • Unlike deer, jaguar, peccary, tapir, other native species
                                 • The horse have never been found depicted in any of 1000s of sample of art
                                 • New world archaeology is still a young science
                                 • Perhaps some day some artifact or inscription will be found to validate the BoM
                                 • But so far, best LDS apologists can do = create aura of plausibility based on vague similarities
                                 • By contrast, archaeology has repeatedly demonstrated the reliability of Bible: historically / geographically
                                 • Use of metals as describe in Bible can be verified at many sites
                                 • A person can visit the actual cities where Bible describes Jesus or Paul travelling
                                 • British Museum (London)
                                 • Massive stone panels from ancient Ninevah → cities in Bible are recorded there
                                 
                                 

                                 Evidence for the reliability of the Bible: “Three Reasons to Trust the Bible” 

                                 DNA

                                 • Traditional LDS understanding - based on BoM story → native Americans are descended from ancient Jews who left Jerusalem for America around 600 BC
                                 • This is what JS taught → the most straightforward way to read the BoM text
                                 • Mainstream science → all native Americans are of Asian origin
                                 • Supported by extensive DNA sampling of American Indian populations
                                 • Many current LDS scholars claim that most NA’s are of Asian descent
                                 • While a small subset are of Semitic origin, descended from Lehi
                                 • Idea is = Nephite & Lamanite civilizations described in BoM made up a very small % of total population of New World during BoM times
                                 • LDS Church has acknowledged the challenges
                                 • 1981 BoM: identifies Lamanites as “the principle ancestors of the American Indians”
                                 • 2006 BoM: Lamanites “are among the ancestors of the American Indians”
                                 • If BoM peoples were not alone in the Americas, it’s very surprising that BoM never mentions these large populations of other people
                                 • In fact, no references to other peoples or nations, no accounts of Nephites evangelizing pagans, no polemics vs polytheism, idolatry, etc.
                                 
                                 

                                 LDS Church Gospel Topics Essay: Book of Mormon and DNA Studies

                                 Bible Plagiarism

                                 • BoM contains extensive material in common with the Bible
                                 • First type of shared content = simple repetition or direct quotation
                                 • Including frequent phrases such as “it came to pass” and “verily, verily I say unto you”
                                 • Second type = interpretive changes to a biblical text
                                 • 2 Nephi 2:18 expands on the biblical account of Eve’s temptation (Gen 3:4-5)
                                 • Third type = structural parallels to the Bible
                                 • Includes literary forms, common motifs, character types, etc
                                 • Conversion of Alma (Mos 27) has many features in common with Paul’s conversion (Acts 9)
                                 • Point: in many cases, Nephite writers mimic wording from the NT
                                 • A doc to which they would have had no access.
                                 • All of this shared content raises the Q: does common material come from independent sources?
                                 • Or did JS simply copy from the Bible?
                                 • Case 1 = the Sermon on the Mount
                                 • Jesus appears in BoM - apparently in 40 days after resurrection prior to ascension
                                 • His public address in 3 Nephi 12-14 contains much in common with Matt 5-7
                                 • Case 2 = BoM contains more than 19 complete chapters in common w/Isaiah
                                 • Lehi’s people carried a copy of OT scriptures with them → source of quoted material
                                 • Several lines of evidence suggest JS derived the Isaiah passages directly from KJV rather than an ancient source
                                 • Example: biblical scholarship has advanced since KJV translation
                                 • Many passages that were obscure in KJV in JS time are now more clear
                                 • But some of the misunderstandings found in the KJV are also found in BoM
                                 • Suggests a direct relationship between KJV / BoM
                                 • Would not have been present in BoM’s quotes of Isaiah if the Isaiah text had originated in Lehi’s time, as the story claims
                                 • How would translation problems from KJV find their way into BoM?
                                 • The extensive content shared between KJV & BoM - and the nature of the parallels - creates strong impression that BoM was produced AFTER the KJV
                                 • Of course, LDS apologists have answers for all of these objections
                                 • The question is whether their answers are credible
                                 • For loyal Mormons, the answers are convincing because they already have an existing commitment to the BoM
                                 • Others, without that grid, are not convinced that BoM passes the test
                                 
                                 ]]>6847fcc6-74bb-4f33-8bec-0009076b7edeMon, 16 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -060047:40falsefull88Polygamy, Racism, and Other Changing Doctrines of MormonismBecause the LDS Church claims to be led by divine revelation, major changes in doctrine are startling. If LDS prophets are led by God, one might expect current prophets to agree with previous ones. But the LDS principle of continuing revelation allows new “truths” to supersede past ones. Yet changes in LDS teachings raise the question of whether past prophets were wrong. And what will be said in 50 years about the prophets Mormons revere and obey today? With this in mind, consider some major changes in Mormon doctrine over the years.

                                 Polygamy 

                                 The Book of Mormon expressly prohibits polygamy, Jacob 2:27-30: “There shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none.” The 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants (Section 101) agrees: 

                                 Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. 

                                 Yet in the 1830s, Joseph Smith began exploring the possibility of polygamy. He formally (but secretly) introduced plural marriage in 1843. The doctrine was not embraced openly until 1852, when the Mormons were safely established in Utah. For the next 40 years, polygamy was taught as a requirement for the highest levels of heaven. By the 1880s, an estimated 20-30% of Mormon families practiced polygamy.

                                 Yet polygamy was strongly rejected by the American public as a barbaric practice. The United States government applied increasingly stern measures against it. In 1887, the Edmunds-Tucker Act made polygamy a federal offense and authorized the seizure of LDS Church assets. Polygamous men were imprisoned. Families moved to Mexico and Canada, or went underground. Under pressure to preserve the Church from destruction at the hands of the United States government, LDS President Wilford Woodruff released a statement in 1890 - called “The Manifesto” - declaring his intention to submit to the laws of the land, and advising members of the Church to refrain from entering any illegal marriage. Even so, plural marriages continued to be performed in secret, until polygamy was completed forbidden by the LDS Church in 1904.

                                 Many people, out of faithfulness to Joseph Smith, continued to practice polygamy outside the official LDS Church. Known as “fundamentalists”, several close-knit polygamous communities survive across the western United States to this day. They believe that the mainstream LDS Church is apostate, while they represent original Mormonism..

                                 While plural marriage is now strictly forbidden in the LDS Church, it was never renounced as an eternal principle. The Church permits men to be married in LDS temples “for eternity” to more than one wife. In fact, the current LDS prophet, Russell M. Nelson, is eternally sealed to two women.

                                 After being a mainstay of Mormonism for 50 years, polygamy was shelved so that the LDS Church could survive. But marriage laws in the United States have changed considerably since 1890. Polygamy is no longer prosecuted as a crime. Will LDS prophets reveal that faithful Mormons should practice plural marriage again?

                                 The LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essays:

                                 Plural Marriage in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

                                 The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage

                                 Racism

                                 For decades, men of black African descent could not hold the LDS priesthood. (In Mormonism, priesthood is the authority to administer key ordinances in God’s name. No women have ever been allowed to hold this priesthood.)

                                 In the 1800s, Mormonism, like most American religions, had a mixed report card on racism. Some early Mormons were pro-slavery, some anti-slavery, and some neutral. During Joseph Smith’s time, two black men were ordained to the LDS priesthood, although this privilege was later revoked. The Book of Mormon reflects the view that dark skin is a curse from God in response to spiritual depravity. 

                                 In the Utah period, Mormonism was marked by a demeaning attitude toward blacks. It was commonly taught, well into the 2oth century, that black skin was God’s curse on Cain (Genesis 4:11-15). In LDS thought, a great war in heaven divided God’s spirit children in the premortal existence. Those born black in this life were said to have been less valiant in that heavenly war. Brigham Young, the 2nd LDS Church President and Prophet, had a low view of blacks:

                                 You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind. (Journal of Discourses: 7:290-291).

                                 This is why interracial marriage was not allowed and social interaction between the races was officially discouraged well into the 1960s and 1970s. It is also the rationale for denying blacks the priesthood and not allowing them to receive temple ordinances.

                                 Latter-day Saints will argue that the LDS position on blacks and the priesthood was not doctrine, but a matter of policy. Yet in 1949, the Church’s highest leaders spoke clearly against this view:

                                 The attitude of the Church with reference to the Negroes remains as it has always stood. It is not a matter of the declaration of a policy but of direct commandment from the Lord, on which is founded the doctrine of the Church from the days of its organization, to the effect that Negroes may become members of the Church but that they are not entitled to the Priesthood at the present time. (Statement of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, August 17, 1949, Archives, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City.)

                                 This changed in 1978, when LDS Prophet Spencer W. Kimball announced a revelation that allowed black men to receive the priesthood. Since then, the LDS Church has made several statements condemning racism. They have increased their missionary efforts in Africa and in black communities elsewhere. 

                                 We can rejoice that the LDS Church has officially turned away from the evil of racism. But were the LDS prophets in the 1850s right or wrong? Was the First Presidency in 1949 telling the truth? It’s good for any church to change policies that are wrong. But what does it say about a church that claims to be led by divine revelation?

                                 The LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay: Race and the Priesthood

                                 Trinity

                                 The historic position of Christianity, based on the Bible, is that there is only one God, who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Latter-day Saints deny this idea of God. They envision a “Godhead” of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost who are not one God in three persons, but separate beings who are one in spirit, purpose, and glory. But their view of God has changed over the years.

                                 The way God is depicted in the Book of Mormon is much closer to biblical Trinitarianism. Here is a sampling of just a few examples:

                                 And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. (2 Nephi 31:21)

                                 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. (3 Nephi 11:27)

                                 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. (Ether 3:14)

                                 Modern Latter-day Saints interpret statements about “one God” and Jesus being “the Father and the Son” in support of current LDS doctrine, but on the face of it, the language itself suggests otherwise.

                                 In the decade after the Book of Mormon was published, the LDS idea of God continued to develop. The Lectures on Faith - published in 1835 as part of LDS scripture - asserted:

                                 • That the Godhead consists of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Lecture 5, Paragraph 1)
                                 • That there are two "personages", the Father and the Son, that constitute the "supreme power over all things" (Lecture 5, Paragraph 2)
                                 • That the Father is a "personage of spirit, glory, and power" (Lecture 5, Paragraph 2)
                                 • That the Son is a "personage of tabernacle" who "possess[es] the same mind with the Father; which Mind is the Holy Spirit" (Lecture 5, Paragraph 2)
                                 
                                 

                                 Over time, the current LDS view of God emerged. Most modern Latter Day Saints would never accept the idea of a two "personage" Godhead, with the Father as a spirit and the Holy Spirit as the shared "mind" of the Father and the Son.

                                 Summary

                                 Biblical Christianity has certainly changed in its practices over the years. But the core doctrines that define the Christian faith are rooted in the stability of the unchanging Bible. Different interpretations of the Bible come and go in different eras, but the Bible is always the definitive standard against which any interpretation is measured. God continues to speak to his people today, not through the changing ideas of mortal prophets, but through his timeless word, the Bible.

                                 ]]>Because the LDS Church claims to be led by divine revelation, major changes in doctrine are startling. If LDS prophets are led by God, one might expect current prophets to agree with previous ones. But the LDS principle of continuing revelation allows new “truths” to supersede past ones. Yet changes in LDS teachings raise the question of whether past prophets were wrong. And what will be said in 50 years about the prophets Mormons revere and obey today? With this in mind, consider some major changes in Mormon doctrine over the years.

                                 Polygamy 

                                 The Book of Mormon expressly prohibits polygamy, Jacob 2:27-30: “There shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none.” The 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants (Section 101) agrees: 

                                 Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. 

                                 Yet in the 1830s, Joseph Smith began exploring the possibility of polygamy. He formally (but secretly) introduced plural marriage in 1843. The doctrine was not embraced openly until 1852, when the Mormons were safely established in Utah. For the next 40 years, polygamy was taught as a requirement for the highest levels of heaven. By the 1880s, an estimated 20-30% of Mormon families practiced polygamy.

                                 Yet polygamy was strongly rejected by the American public as a barbaric practice. The United States government applied increasingly stern measures against it. In 1887, the Edmunds-Tucker Act made polygamy a federal offense and authorized the seizure of LDS Church assets. Polygamous men were imprisoned. Families moved to Mexico and Canada, or went underground. Under pressure to preserve the Church from destruction at the hands of the United States government, LDS President Wilford Woodruff released a statement in 1890 - called “The Manifesto” - declaring his intention to submit to the laws of the land, and advising members of the Church to refrain from entering any illegal marriage. Even so, plural marriages continued to be performed in secret, until polygamy was completed forbidden by the LDS Church in 1904.

                                 Many people, out of faithfulness to Joseph Smith, continued to practice polygamy outside the official LDS Church. Known as “fundamentalists”, several close-knit polygamous communities survive across the western United States to this day. They believe that the mainstream LDS Church is apostate, while they represent original Mormonism..

                                 While plural marriage is now strictly forbidden in the LDS Church, it was never renounced as an eternal principle. The Church permits men to be married in LDS temples “for eternity” to more than one wife. In fact, the current LDS prophet, Russell M. Nelson, is eternally sealed to two women.

                                 After being a mainstay of Mormonism for 50 years, polygamy was shelved so that the LDS Church could survive. But marriage laws in the United States have changed considerably since 1890. Polygamy is no longer prosecuted as a crime. Will LDS prophets reveal that faithful Mormons should practice plural marriage again?

                                 The LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essays:

                                 Plural Marriage in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

                                 The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage

                                 Racism

                                 For decades, men of black African descent could not hold the LDS priesthood. (In Mormonism, priesthood is the authority to administer key ordinances in God’s name. No women have ever been allowed to hold this priesthood.)

                                 In the 1800s, Mormonism, like most American religions, had a mixed report card on racism. Some early Mormons were pro-slavery, some anti-slavery, and some neutral. During Joseph Smith’s time, two black men were ordained to the LDS priesthood, although this privilege was later revoked. The Book of Mormon reflects the view that dark skin is a curse from God in response to spiritual depravity. 

                                 In the Utah period, Mormonism was marked by a demeaning attitude toward blacks. It was commonly taught, well into the 2oth century, that black skin was God’s curse on Cain (Genesis 4:11-15). In LDS thought, a great war in heaven divided God’s spirit children in the premortal existence. Those born black in this life were said to have been less valiant in that heavenly war. Brigham Young, the 2nd LDS Church President and Prophet, had a low view of blacks:

                                 You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind. (Journal of Discourses: 7:290-291).

                                 This is why interracial marriage was not allowed and social interaction between the races was officially discouraged well into the 1960s and 1970s. It is also the rationale for denying blacks the priesthood and not allowing them to receive temple ordinances.

                                 Latter-day Saints will argue that the LDS position on blacks and the priesthood was not doctrine, but a matter of policy. Yet in 1949, the Church’s highest leaders spoke clearly against this view:

                                 The attitude of the Church with reference to the Negroes remains as it has always stood. It is not a matter of the declaration of a policy but of direct commandment from the Lord, on which is founded the doctrine of the Church from the days of its organization, to the effect that Negroes may become members of the Church but that they are not entitled to the Priesthood at the present time. (Statement of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, August 17, 1949, Archives, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City.)

                                 This changed in 1978, when LDS Prophet Spencer W. Kimball announced a revelation that allowed black men to receive the priesthood. Since then, the LDS Church has made several statements condemning racism. They have increased their missionary efforts in Africa and in black communities elsewhere. 

                                 We can rejoice that the LDS Church has officially turned away from the evil of racism. But were the LDS prophets in the 1850s right or wrong? Was the First Presidency in 1949 telling the truth? It’s good for any church to change policies that are wrong. But what does it say about a church that claims to be led by divine revelation?

                                 The LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay: Race and the Priesthood

                                 Trinity

                                 The historic position of Christianity, based on the Bible, is that there is only one God, who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Latter-day Saints deny this idea of God. They envision a “Godhead” of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost who are not one God in three persons, but separate beings who are one in spirit, purpose, and glory. But their view of God has changed over the years.

                                 The way God is depicted in the Book of Mormon is much closer to biblical Trinitarianism. Here is a sampling of just a few examples:

                                 And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. (2 Nephi 31:21)

                                 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. (3 Nephi 11:27)

                                 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. (Ether 3:14)

                                 Modern Latter-day Saints interpret statements about “one God” and Jesus being “the Father and the Son” in support of current LDS doctrine, but on the face of it, the language itself suggests otherwise.

                                 In the decade after the Book of Mormon was published, the LDS idea of God continued to develop. The Lectures on Faith - published in 1835 as part of LDS scripture - asserted:

                                 • That the Godhead consists of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Lecture 5, Paragraph 1)
                                 • That there are two "personages", the Father and the Son, that constitute the "supreme power over all things" (Lecture 5, Paragraph 2)
                                 • That the Father is a "personage of spirit, glory, and power" (Lecture 5, Paragraph 2)
                                 • That the Son is a "personage of tabernacle" who "possess[es] the same mind with the Father; which Mind is the Holy Spirit" (Lecture 5, Paragraph 2)
                                 
                                 

                                 Over time, the current LDS view of God emerged. Most modern Latter Day Saints would never accept the idea of a two "personage" Godhead, with the Father as a spirit and the Holy Spirit as the shared "mind" of the Father and the Son.

                                 Summary

                                 Biblical Christianity has certainly changed in its practices over the years. But the core doctrines that define the Christian faith are rooted in the stability of the unchanging Bible. Different interpretations of the Bible come and go in different eras, but the Bible is always the definitive standard against which any interpretation is measured. God continues to speak to his people today, not through the changing ideas of mortal prophets, but through his timeless word, the Bible.

                                 ]]>dcf04cc4-6f82-4710-b73a-6093630d4444Mon, 09 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -060048:16falsefull77The Sketchy History of Joseph SmithLatter-day Saints revere Joseph Smith as a prophet of God. His role is absolutely central to the claims of Mormonism. LDS Church President Joseph Fielding Smith highlighted this important role:

                                 “Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation 1:188. Italics in original)

                                 In light of this, it makes sense to examine the story of Joseph Smith to evaluate what we should think of him. Consider five elements of his story that bear upon this question.

                                 Occult Treasure Hunting 

                                 Money digging was a fairly common practice in frontier America in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It involved certain rituals or ceremonies performed to obtain buried treasure. The treasure was thought to be guarded by evil spirits. Joseph Smith as a young man offered his services for hire as a money digger. Smith’s entire family practiced various folk-magic practices, including visions, dreams and occult rituals.

                                 Joseph’s method in finding lost treasure involved the use of a seer stone, which he discovered in 1822 while digging a well for a neighbor. He would place this small rock in his hat and pull his hat up over his face to block out the light. He claimed that he could see supernaturally through the stone to help locate the place where the treasure was buried.

                                 The Vagrant Act, a New York law at the time, defined a disorderly person to include one who pretended to have skill in palm reading, telling fortunes, or discovering where lost goods could be found. In 1826 - during the period while Joseph was supposedly being prepared by God to receive the gold plates containing the Book of Mormon - he was arrested, brought before a judge, and charged with being a “glass-looker” and a disorderly person. The judge determined that Joseph was guilty, though no penalty was administered.

                                 Shortly after this, Joseph stopped money digging but kept the seer stone. It was with this stone that he claimed to find the gold plates and to later produce the Book of Mormon. Historians have documented many points of connection between Joseph’s early occult practices and the origins of the Book of Mormon.

                                 The First Vision 

                                 Joseph Smith’s “First Vision” is a key part of the LDS story and establishes several unique LDS beliefs. The official account of this vision describes how the 14-year-old Smith, eager to learn the truth about which of the competing Christian churches was true, went to a secluded grove to ask God. There God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and told him not to join any of them, for all of them were apostate. That event launched the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith to restore Jesus’ original church to the earth. The official account, now included in LDS scriptures, was written by Joseph Smith in 1838, 18 years after the events it recounts. 

                                 Yet historical research in recent years has uncovered eight other accounts of the First Vision. Some were written by Smith himself, or were recorded by others who heard Smith tell about it. Most of these accounts are earlier than the official version. It appears that over time, the story changed and grew into its final form. In some versions, two personages appear to Smith. In another, only “the Lord” appears. In others, the glorious personage is an angel. In the official version, the personages tell Smith that all churches are corrupt. In another version, this message comes from an angel. In other versions, this message is missing. In some versions, In one version, Smith reports that he was told, “Your sins are forgiven.” But this is absent in other versions. The official account says that Joseph was 14 when he had the vision. Another version, in Smith’s own handwriting, says that he was 15. Others give his age as 17. 

                                 The LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay: First Vision Accounts

                                 The Kirtland Banking Scandal

                                 The LDS Church was officially founded in 1830 in New York, near Joseph Smith’s home town. By the early 1830s Smith and his followers moved to Kirtland Ohio, where a number of converts had joined the church. New converts from other areas converged on Kirtland to be part of the LDS community. But the church’s presence in Ohio didn’t last long.

                                 There was friction with the locals on a number of points, which led to persecution. But one significant issue emerged when Joseph Smith and other LDS leaders organized an illegal bank in 1836, called the Kirtland Safety Society. Smith not only broke the law to form the bank; he had no expertise in financial matters and hid behind his prophetic mantle to convince others to fund the bank, claiming that the audible voice of God instructed him to establish it. He prophesied that the bank would grow and flourish, surviving when others failed. Yet this bank failed in 1837, releasing a hornet’s nest of creditors who demanded payment, leading to numerous lawsuits and threats of violence. Many in the LDS church at that time lost faith in Smith’s prophetic leadership. Others were convinced that Smith intended to defraud investors from the beginning. Joseph left Kirtland in January 1838 under cover of darkness, never to return again. 

                                 Freemasonry

                                 Freemasonry was prevalent in the areas where Joseph Smith grew up. In fact, Joseph’s brother Hyrum became a Mason while the family was still living in Palmyra, New York. Some years later, in Nauvoo, Illinois, when the LDS church was at its height, many prominent Latter-day Saints were Masons. Joseph became a Mason in March 1842. Less than two months later, he introduced the core ritual of the LDS temple, the endowment ceremony. Numerous scholars have pointed out the many parallels between the Masonic ritual and the LDS temple ritual, such as: the language of the ritual; the handshakes and other physical signs; the oaths and promises made; the vows of secrecy; the clothing involved in the ceremonies; the presentation of the ritual through drama, and more. Masonic themes and symbols are also reflected in the architecture of the Nauvoo temple, such as the beehive; the sun, moon and stars; the square; and the all-seeing eye. The LDS temple ritual, said by Mormons to have been given by divine revelation, is actually based on Masonic rituals.

                                 Polygamy

                                 Plural marriage in Mormonism began with Joseph Smith. He was toying with the principle of polygamy as early as 1831, and began introducing the doctrine shortly thereafter, but the revelation outlining the practice was not written down until 1843. Around 1834, Smith had a sexual relationship with Fanny Alger, a teenager living in his home. Faithful LDS scholars view this as the first of his plural marriages, but early LDS leader Oliver Cowdery described it as a “dirty, nasty, filthy affair.” By 1842, Joseph had married 10 women. That summer, he married six additional women, along with 17 others in 1843. Two of these were only 14 years old. While Mormons have denied it for years, the LDS Church has acknowledged that many of these marriages were physically consummated.

                                 The revelation authorizing plural marriage is found in Doctrine and Covenants 132. There, Joseph’s wife Emma is threatened with destruction if she does not go along with Joseph’s polygamy. (Today, most people would view that as spiritual abuse.) Section 132 also requires plural wives to be virgins. Yet Joseph married a number of women who were already married to other men. The revelation required a man taking plural wives to obtain the permission of his first wife. Yet Joseph married many women without Emma’s knowledge. 

                                 The LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay: Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo

                                 Again, Latter-day Saint leaders have challenged us to consider Joseph Smith’s story, to discern whether he was a prophet of God. These five elements of Joseph’s history give evidence that he was not.

                                 ]]>Latter-day Saints revere Joseph Smith as a prophet of God. His role is absolutely central to the claims of Mormonism. LDS Church President Joseph Fielding Smith highlighted this important role:

                                 “Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation 1:188. Italics in original)

                                 In light of this, it makes sense to examine the story of Joseph Smith to evaluate what we should think of him. Consider five elements of his story that bear upon this question.

                                 Occult Treasure Hunting 

                                 Money digging was a fairly common practice in frontier America in the late 1700s and early 1800s. It involved certain rituals or ceremonies performed to obtain buried treasure. The treasure was thought to be guarded by evil spirits. Joseph Smith as a young man offered his services for hire as a money digger. Smith’s entire family practiced various folk-magic practices, including visions, dreams and occult rituals.

                                 Joseph’s method in finding lost treasure involved the use of a seer stone, which he discovered in 1822 while digging a well for a neighbor. He would place this small rock in his hat and pull his hat up over his face to block out the light. He claimed that he could see supernaturally through the stone to help locate the place where the treasure was buried.

                                 The Vagrant Act, a New York law at the time, defined a disorderly person to include one who pretended to have skill in palm reading, telling fortunes, or discovering where lost goods could be found. In 1826 - during the period while Joseph was supposedly being prepared by God to receive the gold plates containing the Book of Mormon - he was arrested, brought before a judge, and charged with being a “glass-looker” and a disorderly person. The judge determined that Joseph was guilty, though no penalty was administered.

                                 Shortly after this, Joseph stopped money digging but kept the seer stone. It was with this stone that he claimed to find the gold plates and to later produce the Book of Mormon. Historians have documented many points of connection between Joseph’s early occult practices and the origins of the Book of Mormon.

                                 The First Vision 

                                 Joseph Smith’s “First Vision” is a key part of the LDS story and establishes several unique LDS beliefs. The official account of this vision describes how the 14-year-old Smith, eager to learn the truth about which of the competing Christian churches was true, went to a secluded grove to ask God. There God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and told him not to join any of them, for all of them were apostate. That event launched the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith to restore Jesus’ original church to the earth. The official account, now included in LDS scriptures, was written by Joseph Smith in 1838, 18 years after the events it recounts. 

                                 Yet historical research in recent years has uncovered eight other accounts of the First Vision. Some were written by Smith himself, or were recorded by others who heard Smith tell about it. Most of these accounts are earlier than the official version. It appears that over time, the story changed and grew into its final form. In some versions, two personages appear to Smith. In another, only “the Lord” appears. In others, the glorious personage is an angel. In the official version, the personages tell Smith that all churches are corrupt. In another version, this message comes from an angel. In other versions, this message is missing. In some versions, In one version, Smith reports that he was told, “Your sins are forgiven.” But this is absent in other versions. The official account says that Joseph was 14 when he had the vision. Another version, in Smith’s own handwriting, says that he was 15. Others give his age as 17. 

                                 The LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay: First Vision Accounts

                                 The Kirtland Banking Scandal

                                 The LDS Church was officially founded in 1830 in New York, near Joseph Smith’s home town. By the early 1830s Smith and his followers moved to Kirtland Ohio, where a number of converts had joined the church. New converts from other areas converged on Kirtland to be part of the LDS community. But the church’s presence in Ohio didn’t last long.

                                 There was friction with the locals on a number of points, which led to persecution. But one significant issue emerged when Joseph Smith and other LDS leaders organized an illegal bank in 1836, called the Kirtland Safety Society. Smith not only broke the law to form the bank; he had no expertise in financial matters and hid behind his prophetic mantle to convince others to fund the bank, claiming that the audible voice of God instructed him to establish it. He prophesied that the bank would grow and flourish, surviving when others failed. Yet this bank failed in 1837, releasing a hornet’s nest of creditors who demanded payment, leading to numerous lawsuits and threats of violence. Many in the LDS church at that time lost faith in Smith’s prophetic leadership. Others were convinced that Smith intended to defraud investors from the beginning. Joseph left Kirtland in January 1838 under cover of darkness, never to return again. 

                                 Freemasonry

                                 Freemasonry was prevalent in the areas where Joseph Smith grew up. In fact, Joseph’s brother Hyrum became a Mason while the family was still living in Palmyra, New York. Some years later, in Nauvoo, Illinois, when the LDS church was at its height, many prominent Latter-day Saints were Masons. Joseph became a Mason in March 1842. Less than two months later, he introduced the core ritual of the LDS temple, the endowment ceremony. Numerous scholars have pointed out the many parallels between the Masonic ritual and the LDS temple ritual, such as: the language of the ritual; the handshakes and other physical signs; the oaths and promises made; the vows of secrecy; the clothing involved in the ceremonies; the presentation of the ritual through drama, and more. Masonic themes and symbols are also reflected in the architecture of the Nauvoo temple, such as the beehive; the sun, moon and stars; the square; and the all-seeing eye. The LDS temple ritual, said by Mormons to have been given by divine revelation, is actually based on Masonic rituals.

                                 Polygamy

                                 Plural marriage in Mormonism began with Joseph Smith. He was toying with the principle of polygamy as early as 1831, and began introducing the doctrine shortly thereafter, but the revelation outlining the practice was not written down until 1843. Around 1834, Smith had a sexual relationship with Fanny Alger, a teenager living in his home. Faithful LDS scholars view this as the first of his plural marriages, but early LDS leader Oliver Cowdery described it as a “dirty, nasty, filthy affair.” By 1842, Joseph had married 10 women. That summer, he married six additional women, along with 17 others in 1843. Two of these were only 14 years old. While Mormons have denied it for years, the LDS Church has acknowledged that many of these marriages were physically consummated.

                                 The revelation authorizing plural marriage is found in Doctrine and Covenants 132. There, Joseph’s wife Emma is threatened with destruction if she does not go along with Joseph’s polygamy. (Today, most people would view that as spiritual abuse.) Section 132 also requires plural wives to be virgins. Yet Joseph married a number of women who were already married to other men. The revelation required a man taking plural wives to obtain the permission of his first wife. Yet Joseph married many women without Emma’s knowledge. 

                                 The LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay: Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo

                                 Again, Latter-day Saint leaders have challenged us to consider Joseph Smith’s story, to discern whether he was a prophet of God. These five elements of Joseph’s history give evidence that he was not.

                                 ]]>065391dc-8d47-4b41-a35e-cc5d050e0790Mon, 02 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -060054:29falsefull66What Mormons Believe About EternityWhat happens after this life is over?  This topic builds on everything we have looked at in the first four lessons of this series to explore what Mormonism teaches about what happens after death, compared to traditional Christian beliefs.

                                 Does Everyone Go to Heaven?

                                 The LDS Church teaches that there are three levels of heaven, along with another place called “outer darkness.” As the LDS manual Gospel Fundamentals puts it:

                                 Each of us will be assigned to one of four places, according to how faithful to Jesus Christ we were. We will go to the kingdom we have prepared for by the choices we have made. These four places are the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, the telestial kingdom, and outer darkness.

                                 The celestial kingdom is where God the Father lives. It is reserved for only the most worthy Latter-day Saints who lived up to all the laws and ordinances of the LDS gospel. The terrestrial kingdom is the eternal destination for honorable people who never joined Mormonism or for Latter-day Saints who did not fulfill all the requirements for exaltation. The telestial kingdom will be populated by those who followed the beliefs of the world instead of Jesus, including thieves, murderers, adulterers, and false prophets. Outer darkness is reserved for Satan and his demons. According to the Gospel Principles manual, only a very few people will be sent there - those who knew the truth and the power of God but denied him.

                                 By contrast, the Bible talks about only two destinations after this life: heaven and hell. Jesus outlined these two alternatives  in John 3:36: “Anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” In John 5:24, he added, “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” Thus every human being faces one of these two eternal futures: destruction or life; eternal punishment or eternal joy in God’s presence. 

                                 Is Heaven About Becoming a God?

                                 Mormons believe that the celestial kingdom has three degrees of glory within it. Those in the highest level can progress eternally toward godhood. Gospel Principles says, “Those who inherit the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, who become gods, must have been married for eternity in the temple...” One LDS definition of “damnation” is “cessation of progress.” In the lower levels of heaven, people are “damned” because only if they had made it to the celestial kingdom could they have progressed toward deity. 

                                 As seen in a previous lesson, human beings cannot become gods. But consider also that according to the Bible, the focus in heaven is not on us and our progression, but on our relationship with God. The presence of God is what makes heaven amazing. Revelation 21:3-5 describes what heaven is like:

                                 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” 

                                 The hope of heaven is God’s presence with his people. Christians look forward to the healing of all sorrow and pain, and the renewal of all things. But this only occurs because “God himself will be with them.” Revelation 21:22-23 builds on this picture:

                                 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.

                                 The surpassing glory of heaven is that God the Father and Jesus Christ are there. Everything revolves around them - not around us.

                                 Do Families Last Forever?

                                 One doctrine unique to Mormonism is the belief that “families are forever” - at least for those in the celestial kingdom. The LDS publication The Family: A Proclamation to the World explains:

                                 The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”

                                 Not only can families be united eternally, the family is the basic unit of exaltation. Without being united to a family for eternity, a person cannot achieve godhood or fulfill the prerogatives of deity. 

                                 While forever families may seem appealing, the Bible presents an even better scenario. In Christ, we become part of God’s eternal family. The Bible often portrays Christians as brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus himself said (Mark 3:33-35), “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?... Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Revelation 19 shows God’s people together as a bride prepared for Jesus. In other words, earthly families will be superseded by a perfect, glorious relationship with God. 

                                 For Christians, the focus of eternity is not on our families, our achievements, or our exaltation. The focus is on God, his family, and his exaltation.

                                 ]]>What happens after this life is over?  This topic builds on everything we have looked at in the first four lessons of this series to explore what Mormonism teaches about what happens after death, compared to traditional Christian beliefs.

                                 Does Everyone Go to Heaven?

                                 The LDS Church teaches that there are three levels of heaven, along with another place called “outer darkness.” As the LDS manual Gospel Fundamentals puts it:

                                 Each of us will be assigned to one of four places, according to how faithful to Jesus Christ we were. We will go to the kingdom we have prepared for by the choices we have made. These four places are the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, the telestial kingdom, and outer darkness.

                                 The celestial kingdom is where God the Father lives. It is reserved for only the most worthy Latter-day Saints who lived up to all the laws and ordinances of the LDS gospel. The terrestrial kingdom is the eternal destination for honorable people who never joined Mormonism or for Latter-day Saints who did not fulfill all the requirements for exaltation. The telestial kingdom will be populated by those who followed the beliefs of the world instead of Jesus, including thieves, murderers, adulterers, and false prophets. Outer darkness is reserved for Satan and his demons. According to the Gospel Principles manual, only a very few people will be sent there - those who knew the truth and the power of God but denied him.

                                 By contrast, the Bible talks about only two destinations after this life: heaven and hell. Jesus outlined these two alternatives  in John 3:36: “Anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” In John 5:24, he added, “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” Thus every human being faces one of these two eternal futures: destruction or life; eternal punishment or eternal joy in God’s presence. 

                                 Is Heaven About Becoming a God?

                                 Mormons believe that the celestial kingdom has three degrees of glory within it. Those in the highest level can progress eternally toward godhood. Gospel Principles says, “Those who inherit the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, who become gods, must have been married for eternity in the temple...” One LDS definition of “damnation” is “cessation of progress.” In the lower levels of heaven, people are “damned” because only if they had made it to the celestial kingdom could they have progressed toward deity. 

                                 As seen in a previous lesson, human beings cannot become gods. But consider also that according to the Bible, the focus in heaven is not on us and our progression, but on our relationship with God. The presence of God is what makes heaven amazing. Revelation 21:3-5 describes what heaven is like:

                                 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” 

                                 The hope of heaven is God’s presence with his people. Christians look forward to the healing of all sorrow and pain, and the renewal of all things. But this only occurs because “God himself will be with them.” Revelation 21:22-23 builds on this picture:

                                 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.

                                 The surpassing glory of heaven is that God the Father and Jesus Christ are there. Everything revolves around them - not around us.

                                 Do Families Last Forever?

                                 One doctrine unique to Mormonism is the belief that “families are forever” - at least for those in the celestial kingdom. The LDS publication The Family: A Proclamation to the World explains:

                                 The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”

                                 Not only can families be united eternally, the family is the basic unit of exaltation. Without being united to a family for eternity, a person cannot achieve godhood or fulfill the prerogatives of deity. 

                                 While forever families may seem appealing, the Bible presents an even better scenario. In Christ, we become part of God’s eternal family. The Bible often portrays Christians as brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus himself said (Mark 3:33-35), “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?... Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Revelation 19 shows God’s people together as a bride prepared for Jesus. In other words, earthly families will be superseded by a perfect, glorious relationship with God. 

                                 For Christians, the focus of eternity is not on our families, our achievements, or our exaltation. The focus is on God, his family, and his exaltation.

                                 ]]>eb6c7282-c5d7-4609-a5c9-ea35d83b0c3cTue, 27 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -060053:03falsefull55What Mormons Believe About SalvationOne of the biggest questions religion seeks to answer is: “How can a person be right with God?” This is the question of salvation. As we consider what Mormonism teaches about salvation in comparison to historic, biblical Christianity, remember what is at stake: a person’s eternal destiny.

                                 Two Kinds of Salvation?

                                 In Mormonism, immortality means that every human being will be resurrected to life after death. LDS apostle Russell M. Nelson taught, “To be saved—or to gain salvation—means to be saved from physical and spiritual death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected and saved from physical death.” This promise applies to all people regardless of what they believe or how they live. The LDS Gospel Principles manual says, “Because of His Atonement, everyone born on this earth will be resurrected…. This condition is called immortality.”

                                 Exaltation, on the other hand, is limited to those who fulfill a rigorous set of requirements, who will thus attain the highest level of heaven. In his address, Russell Nelson continued:

                                 People may also be saved from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him. To be exalted—or to gain exaltation—refers to the highest state of happiness and glory in the celestial realm.

                                 Only the most worthy Latter-day Saints - those who keep all their covenants and complete all the required ordinances - will qualify for exaltation. Thus Mormonism blends universalism and exclusivism. One on level, all people are saved. But only the elite are exalted.

                                 By contrast to this, the Bible envisions only one salvation. This salvation has many elements: forgiveness of sins, regeneration to a new life, reconciliation with God, adoption into God’s family, a glorious future resurrection, and more. But the Bible never suggests different kinds of salvation, based on different requirements, for different kinds of people. Jesus said, in Matthew 7:13-14: 

                                 You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

                                 Only one gateway leads to salvation. As we will see, the few who find it are not those who work the hardest to be worthy.

                                 Is God’s Grace Enough?

                                 Latter-day Saints value God’s grace. But they believe people are saved - in the highest sense - by God’s grace plus their own good works. The Book of Mormon outlines this in 2 Nephi 25:23:

                                 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

                                 According to this, people are saved by grace, but not by grace alone. Grace only takes effect “after all we can do.” The Pearl of Grace Price makes this clear (Articles of Faith 3): “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” In other words, Jesus’ atoning work is a necessary precondition for salvation, but it does not actually save anyone from their sins unless they live the right kind of life. Grace merely gives Mormons the opportunity to add the needed good works to obtain forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God.

                                 However, the Bible teaches that grace is the unconditional gift of God to meet our needs. We can be right with God by his grace alone, not by the addition of any good works. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Because our sin renders us incapable of proving ourselves worthy, eternal life in God’s presence cannot be based on our good works. It can only be a free gift of God. The only basis for our salvation is Jesus’ death on the cross, where he paid the full penalty for our sin.

                                 The very nature of grace makes it impossible for salvation to be a combination of grace and works. Romans 11:16 explains, “And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.” Grace and works are mutually exclusive. As soon as you add an element of good works to the equation, you lose grace. Think about the nature of gift. If you pay even a small amount for something, it is not a gift, but a purchase.

                                 True salvation is a divine act that makes a person new. So while obedience cannot earn our salvation, it is the natural outcome of being saved, as Ephesians 2:8-10 explain:

                                 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

                                 This passage doesn’t fit with the LDS concepts of immortality or of exaltation, because salvation requires faith, but it is “not a reward.” Once we are saved by grace, through faith, we become new creations who begin to do good things - not as the reason for our salvation, but as the result of it.

                                 A Second Chance After Death?

                                 Finally, Latter-day Saints believe that a person can receive salvation after they have died. In a manual for LDS college students called Introduction to Family History, we read:

                                 Between the death and the resurrection of the physical body, the spirit lives in the spirit world and has the opportunity to continue to progress toward perfection. Jesus Christ initiated the preaching of the gospel to those in spirit prison. Many in the spirit world anxiously await the blessings of gospel ordinances.

                                 Certain ordinances are required for exaltation, including baptism, temple initiation, and temple marriage. Mormons perform these acts to secure their own exaltation. They also perform them by proxy for people who have died without the opportunity to do so, in hopes that those people will convert to Mormonism in the spirit world and accept the ordinances done on their behalf.

                                 Yet the Bible teaches that this life is the appointed time to get right with God. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment...” This means our eternal destiny is fixed at death. This is why biblical Christians are eager to help our friends and family understand the wonderful grace of God in Jesus Christ. Our sins can be forgiven and we can have eternal life with God based on what Jesus did for us, not because of any good or worthy deeds we do. But we only have this life to place our faith in him.

                                 ]]>One of the biggest questions religion seeks to answer is: “How can a person be right with God?” This is the question of salvation. As we consider what Mormonism teaches about salvation in comparison to historic, biblical Christianity, remember what is at stake: a person’s eternal destiny.

                                 Two Kinds of Salvation?

                                 In Mormonism, immortality means that every human being will be resurrected to life after death. LDS apostle Russell M. Nelson taught, “To be saved—or to gain salvation—means to be saved from physical and spiritual death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected and saved from physical death.” This promise applies to all people regardless of what they believe or how they live. The LDS Gospel Principles manual says, “Because of His Atonement, everyone born on this earth will be resurrected…. This condition is called immortality.”

                                 Exaltation, on the other hand, is limited to those who fulfill a rigorous set of requirements, who will thus attain the highest level of heaven. In his address, Russell Nelson continued:

                                 People may also be saved from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him. To be exalted—or to gain exaltation—refers to the highest state of happiness and glory in the celestial realm.

                                 Only the most worthy Latter-day Saints - those who keep all their covenants and complete all the required ordinances - will qualify for exaltation. Thus Mormonism blends universalism and exclusivism. One on level, all people are saved. But only the elite are exalted.

                                 By contrast to this, the Bible envisions only one salvation. This salvation has many elements: forgiveness of sins, regeneration to a new life, reconciliation with God, adoption into God’s family, a glorious future resurrection, and more. But the Bible never suggests different kinds of salvation, based on different requirements, for different kinds of people. Jesus said, in Matthew 7:13-14: 

                                 You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

                                 Only one gateway leads to salvation. As we will see, the few who find it are not those who work the hardest to be worthy.

                                 Is God’s Grace Enough?

                                 Latter-day Saints value God’s grace. But they believe people are saved - in the highest sense - by God’s grace plus their own good works. The Book of Mormon outlines this in 2 Nephi 25:23:

                                 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

                                 According to this, people are saved by grace, but not by grace alone. Grace only takes effect “after all we can do.” The Pearl of Grace Price makes this clear (Articles of Faith 3): “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” In other words, Jesus’ atoning work is a necessary precondition for salvation, but it does not actually save anyone from their sins unless they live the right kind of life. Grace merely gives Mormons the opportunity to add the needed good works to obtain forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God.

                                 However, the Bible teaches that grace is the unconditional gift of God to meet our needs. We can be right with God by his grace alone, not by the addition of any good works. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Because our sin renders us incapable of proving ourselves worthy, eternal life in God’s presence cannot be based on our good works. It can only be a free gift of God. The only basis for our salvation is Jesus’ death on the cross, where he paid the full penalty for our sin.

                                 The very nature of grace makes it impossible for salvation to be a combination of grace and works. Romans 11:16 explains, “And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.” Grace and works are mutually exclusive. As soon as you add an element of good works to the equation, you lose grace. Think about the nature of gift. If you pay even a small amount for something, it is not a gift, but a purchase.

                                 True salvation is a divine act that makes a person new. So while obedience cannot earn our salvation, it is the natural outcome of being saved, as Ephesians 2:8-10 explain:

                                 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

                                 This passage doesn’t fit with the LDS concepts of immortality or of exaltation, because salvation requires faith, but it is “not a reward.” Once we are saved by grace, through faith, we become new creations who begin to do good things - not as the reason for our salvation, but as the result of it.

                                 A Second Chance After Death?

                                 Finally, Latter-day Saints believe that a person can receive salvation after they have died. In a manual for LDS college students called Introduction to Family History, we read:

                                 Between the death and the resurrection of the physical body, the spirit lives in the spirit world and has the opportunity to continue to progress toward perfection. Jesus Christ initiated the preaching of the gospel to those in spirit prison. Many in the spirit world anxiously await the blessings of gospel ordinances.

                                 Certain ordinances are required for exaltation, including baptism, temple initiation, and temple marriage. Mormons perform these acts to secure their own exaltation. They also perform them by proxy for people who have died without the opportunity to do so, in hopes that those people will convert to Mormonism in the spirit world and accept the ordinances done on their behalf.

                                 Yet the Bible teaches that this life is the appointed time to get right with God. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment...” This means our eternal destiny is fixed at death. This is why biblical Christians are eager to help our friends and family understand the wonderful grace of God in Jesus Christ. Our sins can be forgiven and we can have eternal life with God based on what Jesus did for us, not because of any good or worthy deeds we do. But we only have this life to place our faith in him.

                                 ]]>55b38c77-959a-4092-89e7-dbcf6b3672fbTue, 20 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -060052:48falsefull44What Mormons Believe About HumanityWhat does it mean to be human? What kind of beings are we, and how do we relate to God and everything God made? While Latter-day Saints use many words and phrases familiar to traditional Christianity, the underlying world view of Mormonism is very different from historic, biblical Christian faith. This is seen most dramatically when comparing what the two groups believe about the nature of God and the nature of human beings.

                                 Life Before Birth?

                                 Latter-day Saints believe that all human beings are eternal spirits. We existed before this earthly life as God’s spirit children. In fact, they believe that human beings are uncreated and co-eternal with God. As the LDS scripture Doctrine and Covenants says, “Man was also in the beginning with God'' (93:29). In this view, human beings are not dependent on God for their ultimate existence. As premortal spirits, humans are seen as literal sons and daughters of heavenly parents. In the Pearl of Great Price (Abraham 3:22) we read, “Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones.” Apparently God provided these primordial “intelligences” with spirit bodies in the premortal life.

                                 The Bible teaches, however, that human life and existence begins in this world. Genesis 2:7 states, “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” When God made Adam, he did not place an already existing personal spirit into a physical body. Instead, he animated that body with the breath of life. The man’s personal existence as a living being began at that moment.

                                 Literal Offspring of God?

                                 When Mormons say that human spirits were created by God, they mean that we actually became God’s spirit children in the spirit world, before our birth. The LDS instruction manual Gospel Principles says:

                                 All men and women are literally the sons and daughters of God. ‘Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth…’”

                                 To Latter-day Saints, we are related to God in a similar way that children are related to their earthly parents. Hence we were not simply created by God, but “begotten and born” by our heavenly parents (God the Father and his spouse) - although LDS scriptures and prophets have not made explicit exactly how this works.

                                 By contrast, the Bible teaches that being a child of God is not a genetic relationship, but a spiritual one. Human beings become children of God by faith. John 1:12-13 says, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” In other words, only those who trust in Jesus alone as Savior can join God’s eternal family and become children of God. Romans 8:14-16 puts it like this:

                                 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.

                                 Anyone can become a child of God by adoption, when we receive His Spirit at the point of spiritual conversion. That happens in this life, not in some premortal existence.

                                 The Same Kind of Being as God?

                                 If people are literal children of God, it follows that we are of the same species as God. The LDS Church website, in an article called “Becoming Like God,” states:

                                 Latter-day Saints see all people as children of God in a full and complete sense; they consider every person divine in origin, nature, and potential. Each has an eternal core and is ‘a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents.’

                                 In Mormon thought, human beings are just as “divine in origin, nature, and potential” as God himself is.

                                 The biblical view of humanity is vastly different. The Bible teaches that humans are finite creatures, not potential deities. Psalm 8:4-5 says, “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.” It’s true that human beings are amazing creatures. Made in the image of God, we bear tremendous glory. We reflect God in important ways. But we are creatures - “mere mortals” who are, in fact, “lower than God.”

                                 God is not an exalted man, and we do not have a divine nature or divine potential. God and humans are two completely different kinds of beings. God is infinite and self-existent. We are finite and dependent on God for our existence.

                                 Can You Become a God?

                                 As this entire article has implied, Mormons believe that humans can become powerful beings that create, populate, and rule worlds just as God did. Gospel Fundamentals, a manual for LDS high school students, describes it like this:

                                 To live in the highest part of the celestial kingdom is called exaltation or eternal life. To be able to live in this part of the celestial kingdom, people must have been married in the temple and must have kept the sacred promises they made in the temple. They will receive everything our Father in Heaven has and will become like Him. They will even be able to have spirit children and make new worlds for them to live on, and do all the things our Father in Heaven has done.”

                                 Sometimes LDS rhetoric softens the implications of this belief by saying that we can become “like” God. They clearly mean, however, that humans (if worthy) are capable of doing “all the things our Father in Heaven has done.” As Joseph Smith declared in the King Follett Discourse: “You have got to learn how to be a god yourself.”

                                 Yet in the Bible’s view, human beings - although made in God’s image - are fallen and spiritually lost. Not only are we finite creatures, but we are sinners in desperate need of God’s mercy to save us. Romans 3:10-11 declares, “As the Scriptures say, ‘No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.’” Verse 23 adds, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” This more realistic view of human nature is hard to reconcile with the Latter-day Saint idea of divine potential.

                                 ]]>What does it mean to be human? What kind of beings are we, and how do we relate to God and everything God made? While Latter-day Saints use many words and phrases familiar to traditional Christianity, the underlying world view of Mormonism is very different from historic, biblical Christian faith. This is seen most dramatically when comparing what the two groups believe about the nature of God and the nature of human beings.

                                 Life Before Birth?

                                 Latter-day Saints believe that all human beings are eternal spirits. We existed before this earthly life as God’s spirit children. In fact, they believe that human beings are uncreated and co-eternal with God. As the LDS scripture Doctrine and Covenants says, “Man was also in the beginning with God'' (93:29). In this view, human beings are not dependent on God for their ultimate existence. As premortal spirits, humans are seen as literal sons and daughters of heavenly parents. In the Pearl of Great Price (Abraham 3:22) we read, “Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones.” Apparently God provided these primordial “intelligences” with spirit bodies in the premortal life.

                                 The Bible teaches, however, that human life and existence begins in this world. Genesis 2:7 states, “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” When God made Adam, he did not place an already existing personal spirit into a physical body. Instead, he animated that body with the breath of life. The man’s personal existence as a living being began at that moment.

                                 Literal Offspring of God?

                                 When Mormons say that human spirits were created by God, they mean that we actually became God’s spirit children in the spirit world, before our birth. The LDS instruction manual Gospel Principles says:

                                 All men and women are literally the sons and daughters of God. ‘Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth…’”

                                 To Latter-day Saints, we are related to God in a similar way that children are related to their earthly parents. Hence we were not simply created by God, but “begotten and born” by our heavenly parents (God the Father and his spouse) - although LDS scriptures and prophets have not made explicit exactly how this works.

                                 By contrast, the Bible teaches that being a child of God is not a genetic relationship, but a spiritual one. Human beings become children of God by faith. John 1:12-13 says, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” In other words, only those who trust in Jesus alone as Savior can join God’s eternal family and become children of God. Romans 8:14-16 puts it like this:

                                 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.

                                 Anyone can become a child of God by adoption, when we receive His Spirit at the point of spiritual conversion. That happens in this life, not in some premortal existence.

                                 The Same Kind of Being as God?

                                 If people are literal children of God, it follows that we are of the same species as God. The LDS Church website, in an article called “Becoming Like God,” states:

                                 Latter-day Saints see all people as children of God in a full and complete sense; they consider every person divine in origin, nature, and potential. Each has an eternal core and is ‘a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents.’

                                 In Mormon thought, human beings are just as “divine in origin, nature, and potential” as God himself is.

                                 The biblical view of humanity is vastly different. The Bible teaches that humans are finite creatures, not potential deities. Psalm 8:4-5 says, “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.” It’s true that human beings are amazing creatures. Made in the image of God, we bear tremendous glory. We reflect God in important ways. But we are creatures - “mere mortals” who are, in fact, “lower than God.”

                                 God is not an exalted man, and we do not have a divine nature or divine potential. God and humans are two completely different kinds of beings. God is infinite and self-existent. We are finite and dependent on God for our existence.

                                 Can You Become a God?

                                 As this entire article has implied, Mormons believe that humans can become powerful beings that create, populate, and rule worlds just as God did. Gospel Fundamentals, a manual for LDS high school students, describes it like this:

                                 To live in the highest part of the celestial kingdom is called exaltation or eternal life. To be able to live in this part of the celestial kingdom, people must have been married in the temple and must have kept the sacred promises they made in the temple. They will receive everything our Father in Heaven has and will become like Him. They will even be able to have spirit children and make new worlds for them to live on, and do all the things our Father in Heaven has done.”

                                 Sometimes LDS rhetoric softens the implications of this belief by saying that we can become “like” God. They clearly mean, however, that humans (if worthy) are capable of doing “all the things our Father in Heaven has done.” As Joseph Smith declared in the King Follett Discourse: “You have got to learn how to be a god yourself.”

                                 Yet in the Bible’s view, human beings - although made in God’s image - are fallen and spiritually lost. Not only are we finite creatures, but we are sinners in desperate need of God’s mercy to save us. Romans 3:10-11 declares, “As the Scriptures say, ‘No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.’” Verse 23 adds, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” This more realistic view of human nature is hard to reconcile with the Latter-day Saint idea of divine potential.

                                 ]]>08b07138-5727-49e5-8fc3-2533689c9f07Tue, 13 Dec 2022 08:15:00 -060044:11falsefull33What Mormons Believe About ScriptureOur ultimate authority is God. But how can we know what God is like and what he wants? Both Latter-day Saints and traditional Christians agree that God has revealed himself in written scriptures. But the similarities end there. Let’s take a look at what Mormonism teaches about scripture and revelation compared to the biblical perspective.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 A SUFFICIENT BIBLE?

                                 The LDS Church recognizes four standard scriptures: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price (which includes the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham). As one of four volumes of scripture, then, the Bible alone is not enough for Latter-day Saints. In fact, in the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 29:10), God describes how more scripture, beyond the Bible, is needed: “Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.”

                                 For traditional Christians, however, the Bible stands alone. The early Christian church went through an extensive process to discern what writings had the features that validated them as being from God. Many books claiming divine authority did not make the cut. And unlike other books that claim to be scripture, the Bible is well supported by the external evidence of history and archaeology, as well as its internal consistency over thousands of years.

                                 Christians recognize that Jesus, not any book, is God’s final revelation of himself to humanity. Hebrews 1:1 declares, “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.” Jesus himself is the highest revelation of God. Yet the Bible is the source by which we know Jesus. It tells us the history of God’s action leading up to his coming. It reveals his life and work. It explains his message and describes how it spread. It details how his people learned to follow him in the practical issues of life. 

                                 A CORRUPTED BIBLE?

                                 Mormons revere the Bible. Yet paradoxically, they also believe that the Bible cannot ultimately be trusted. The Bible Dictionary published by the LDS Church says:

                                 Joseph Smith taught that ‘many important points touching the salvation of men, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled.’ He also said that the Bible was correct as ‘it came from the pen of the original writers,’ but that ‘ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors.’

                                 This explains one reason why the Bible is not the final authority for Mormons. They believe it has been changed over time. Errors have crept in. Thus, the Bible can only be understood in light of LDS scriptures and modern prophets. In fact, Joseph Smith undertook a major revision of the Bible called the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), in which he attempted to correct the errors he believed had corrupted the Bible. (For various reasons, the JST is not the official Bible of the LDS Church. Instead, they use the King James Version.) 

                                 By contrast, historic Christianity holds that the Bible has been divinely safeguarded. Latter-day Saints cannot provide any specific example of a text in the Bible where an important truth has been lost, or where intentional corruption has occurred. To the contrary, an abundance of evidence points to the remarkable preservation of the biblical text. 

                                 Consider the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the 1940s. One of the scrolls is a complete copy of the Book of Isaiah dating to about 200 BC. Before this discovery, the oldest copy of Isaiah was written in the 10th century, over 1,000 years later. When compared, these two documents proved to be amazingly similar. This undermines LDS claims of intentional or unintentional corruption, demonstrating how sophisticated and successful were the copying methods used to accurately transmit the biblical text.

                                 CONTINUING REVELATION?

                                 The LDS view of scripture and revelation diverges from historic Christianity in another important respect. Mormons believe that their church is led by modern day prophets who continue to receive direct revelation from God. One of their recent prophets, Spencer W. Kimball, said, “But again we testify to the world that revelation continues and that the vaults and files of the Church contain these revelations which come month to month and day to day.” For example, consider one important example from Kimball’s own tenure as the LDS prophet. From the early years of Mormonism, Black men were not allowed to receive the LDS priesthood. In 1978, Kimball received a revelation changing this policy. 

                                 While most of the revelations received by LDS prophets are not added to the LDS standard scriptures, a few have been and others might yet be. In the Pearl of Great Price, we read, “We believe that [God] will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”

                                 The Bible never really claims that God will not or cannot ever reveal himself again in formal scripture. Yet we saw in Hebrews 1:1 that the coming of Jesus rendered the old approach to prophetic revelation obsolete: “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.” This verse describes two eras of revelation. God revealed himself in the “long ago” era partially and sporadically through prophets. Now, “in these final days,” God has revealed himself through Jesus, the ultimate prophet. Why would we want to go back to an imperfect form of revelation that marked a bygone era, when we now have something greater?

                                 The Bible also makes it clear that any claims of new revelation must be tested against what God has previously revealed. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 outlines the standard: 

                                 Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before— do not listen to them.

                                 Anything a prophet says that leads in a new direction is illegitimate. It doesn’t even matter if the prophet demonstrates supernatural power. If his words lead to a new conception of God previously unknown, that prophet and his teaching must be rejected.

                                 If we want to know God’s character and will, the Bible is perfectly reliable and complete. The additional scriptures and revelations of Mormonism fail the test in many ways, including leading people in a very different direction from what God has already revealed.

                                 ]]>Our ultimate authority is God. But how can we know what God is like and what he wants? Both Latter-day Saints and traditional Christians agree that God has revealed himself in written scriptures. But the similarities end there. Let’s take a look at what Mormonism teaches about scripture and revelation compared to the biblical perspective.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 A SUFFICIENT BIBLE?

                                 The LDS Church recognizes four standard scriptures: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price (which includes the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham). As one of four volumes of scripture, then, the Bible alone is not enough for Latter-day Saints. In fact, in the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 29:10), God describes how more scripture, beyond the Bible, is needed: “Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.”

                                 For traditional Christians, however, the Bible stands alone. The early Christian church went through an extensive process to discern what writings had the features that validated them as being from God. Many books claiming divine authority did not make the cut. And unlike other books that claim to be scripture, the Bible is well supported by the external evidence of history and archaeology, as well as its internal consistency over thousands of years.

                                 Christians recognize that Jesus, not any book, is God’s final revelation of himself to humanity. Hebrews 1:1 declares, “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.” Jesus himself is the highest revelation of God. Yet the Bible is the source by which we know Jesus. It tells us the history of God’s action leading up to his coming. It reveals his life and work. It explains his message and describes how it spread. It details how his people learned to follow him in the practical issues of life. 

                                 A CORRUPTED BIBLE?

                                 Mormons revere the Bible. Yet paradoxically, they also believe that the Bible cannot ultimately be trusted. The Bible Dictionary published by the LDS Church says:

                                 Joseph Smith taught that ‘many important points touching the salvation of men, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled.’ He also said that the Bible was correct as ‘it came from the pen of the original writers,’ but that ‘ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors.’

                                 This explains one reason why the Bible is not the final authority for Mormons. They believe it has been changed over time. Errors have crept in. Thus, the Bible can only be understood in light of LDS scriptures and modern prophets. In fact, Joseph Smith undertook a major revision of the Bible called the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), in which he attempted to correct the errors he believed had corrupted the Bible. (For various reasons, the JST is not the official Bible of the LDS Church. Instead, they use the King James Version.) 

                                 By contrast, historic Christianity holds that the Bible has been divinely safeguarded. Latter-day Saints cannot provide any specific example of a text in the Bible where an important truth has been lost, or where intentional corruption has occurred. To the contrary, an abundance of evidence points to the remarkable preservation of the biblical text. 

                                 Consider the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the 1940s. One of the scrolls is a complete copy of the Book of Isaiah dating to about 200 BC. Before this discovery, the oldest copy of Isaiah was written in the 10th century, over 1,000 years later. When compared, these two documents proved to be amazingly similar. This undermines LDS claims of intentional or unintentional corruption, demonstrating how sophisticated and successful were the copying methods used to accurately transmit the biblical text.

                                 CONTINUING REVELATION?

                                 The LDS view of scripture and revelation diverges from historic Christianity in another important respect. Mormons believe that their church is led by modern day prophets who continue to receive direct revelation from God. One of their recent prophets, Spencer W. Kimball, said, “But again we testify to the world that revelation continues and that the vaults and files of the Church contain these revelations which come month to month and day to day.” For example, consider one important example from Kimball’s own tenure as the LDS prophet. From the early years of Mormonism, Black men were not allowed to receive the LDS priesthood. In 1978, Kimball received a revelation changing this policy. 

                                 While most of the revelations received by LDS prophets are not added to the LDS standard scriptures, a few have been and others might yet be. In the Pearl of Great Price, we read, “We believe that [God] will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”

                                 The Bible never really claims that God will not or cannot ever reveal himself again in formal scripture. Yet we saw in Hebrews 1:1 that the coming of Jesus rendered the old approach to prophetic revelation obsolete: “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.” This verse describes two eras of revelation. God revealed himself in the “long ago” era partially and sporadically through prophets. Now, “in these final days,” God has revealed himself through Jesus, the ultimate prophet. Why would we want to go back to an imperfect form of revelation that marked a bygone era, when we now have something greater?

                                 The Bible also makes it clear that any claims of new revelation must be tested against what God has previously revealed. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 outlines the standard: 

                                 Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before— do not listen to them.

                                 Anything a prophet says that leads in a new direction is illegitimate. It doesn’t even matter if the prophet demonstrates supernatural power. If his words lead to a new conception of God previously unknown, that prophet and his teaching must be rejected.

                                 If we want to know God’s character and will, the Bible is perfectly reliable and complete. The additional scriptures and revelations of Mormonism fail the test in many ways, including leading people in a very different direction from what God has already revealed.

                                 ]]>de560065-16ed-4c5e-96be-e0b387345768Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -060045:34falsefull22What Mormons Believe about GodWhat we believe about God is probably the most important thing we can believe. Everything else in a world view starts with our concept of God. So let’s try to understand what Mormonism says about God so we can compare our own beliefs.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

                                 Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

                                 Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

                                 God the Father has not always been God.

                                 According to Latter-day Saint thinking, there was a time when God was not God. Before he became divine, he existed as a mortal human being. Joseph Smith, the founder and first prophet of Mormonism, put it like this in a message called the King Follett Discourse:

                                 God himself was once as we are now…. It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for certainty the Character of God,...that he was once a man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did.

                                 Our Heavenly Father, says Smith, was once human, just like us, and dwelt on some planet much like ours.

                                 Lorenzo Snow, a later LDS prophet, summarized this doctrine in a famous saying: “As man now is, God once was.”  

                                 By contrast, the Bible teaches that God has always been God. Psalm 90:2 declares, “Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.” Long before anything else existed, God was still God. One translation says, “From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.”

                                 God the Father is an exalted man.

                                 But the being Mormons worship as God did not remain in his mortal human state. Over time, he progressed to become a god.  This is what the word “exalted” means to Mormons: to be exalted is to become like God, with all the powers and prerogatives of God. In the King Follett Discourse, Joseph Smith added: “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!” In other words, God is the same kind of being as humans are.

                                 Thus in Mormonism, deity is not an intrinsic condition, but an attainable status or role. If godhood is intrinsic, humans cannot become gods, because humans are a different kind of being than God is. But to Latter-day Saints, God is not a different sort of being, the same kind of being who has achieved a higher standing or position.

                                 By contrast, the Bible teaches that God is not a man, nor ever was a man. Number 23:19 states quite clearly, “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.” God does not have the failings that human beings have, such as deceit or uncertainty. The reason is not because he is more highly evolved or exalted than we are in our present condition. The reason is because God is not human at all.

                                 God the Father has a physical body of flesh and bone.

                                 If God is an exalted human being, it follows that he would have the same anatomy as we do. This is expressed in a training manual called Gospel Principles: “His eternal spirit is housed in a tangible body of flesh and bones.” It makes sense that if God is or was a man, he would have a human body with two arms, two legs, internal organs, and the rest.

                                 But the Bible teaches that God does not have a body. God  is a spirit. In John 4:24, Jesus simply said, “For God is Spirit….” He didn’t say that God has a spirit, but that God is spirit. By definition, that means God is not embodied. For example, in Luke 24:36-39 (ESV), when the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples, they thought he was a spirit. Jesus set them straight: “A spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”

                                 In Jeremiah 23:24, God says, “Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” This would not be possible if God had a physical, human body - even if it was an exalted or glorified body. 

                                 Human beings can become like God is now.

                                 Earlier we quoted Lorenzo Snow: “As man now is, God once was.” This saying has a second part: “As God now is, man may be.” If God was once a man who became God, it makes sense that others can do the same thing. 

                                 But while this idea may be logically consistent within the LDS worldview, the Bible teaches otherwise: that God is a far different kind of being from us. We can never become deities. This is the lie the serpent tempted Adam and Eve with in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:5). He claimed that if they are the forbidden fruit, “You will become like God.”

                                  The prophet Isaiah condemns in the strongest terms those who fail to maintain that distinction. He quotes a king who thought he could become like God (Isaiah 14:14-15): “I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.” Isaiah warned him of the consequences of this attitude: “Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.”

                                 Human beings cannot become gods.  To think so is an insult to the uniqueness and glory of the one being who really is God.

                                 ]]>What we believe about God is probably the most important thing we can believe. Everything else in a world view starts with our concept of God. So let’s try to understand what Mormonism says about God so we can compare our own beliefs.

                                 The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

                                 Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

                                 Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

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                                 God the Father has not always been God.

                                 According to Latter-day Saint thinking, there was a time when God was not God. Before he became divine, he existed as a mortal human being. Joseph Smith, the founder and first prophet of Mormonism, put it like this in a message called the King Follett Discourse:

                                 God himself was once as we are now…. It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for certainty the Character of God,...that he was once a man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did.

                                 Our Heavenly Father, says Smith, was once human, just like us, and dwelt on some planet much like ours.

                                 Lorenzo Snow, a later LDS prophet, summarized this doctrine in a famous saying: “As man now is, God once was.”  

                                 By contrast, the Bible teaches that God has always been God. Psalm 90:2 declares, “Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.” Long before anything else existed, God was still God. One translation says, “From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.”

                                 God the Father is an exalted man.

                                 But the being Mormons worship as God did not remain in his mortal human state. Over time, he progressed to become a god.  This is what the word “exalted” means to Mormons: to be exalted is to become like God, with all the powers and prerogatives of God. In the King Follett Discourse, Joseph Smith added: “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!” In other words, God is the same kind of being as humans are.

                                 Thus in Mormonism, deity is not an intrinsic condition, but an attainable status or role. If godhood is intrinsic, humans cannot become gods, because humans are a different kind of being than God is. But to Latter-day Saints, God is not a different sort of being, the same kind of being who has achieved a higher standing or position.

                                 By contrast, the Bible teaches that God is not a man, nor ever was a man. Number 23:19 states quite clearly, “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.” God does not have the failings that human beings have, such as deceit or uncertainty. The reason is not because he is more highly evolved or exalted than we are in our present condition. The reason is because God is not human at all.

                                 God the Father has a physical body of flesh and bone.

                                 If God is an exalted human being, it follows that he would have the same anatomy as we do. This is expressed in a training manual called Gospel Principles: “His eternal spirit is housed in a tangible body of flesh and bones.” It makes sense that if God is or was a man, he would have a human body with two arms, two legs, internal organs, and the rest.

                                 But the Bible teaches that God does not have a body. God  is a spirit. In John 4:24, Jesus simply said, “For God is Spirit….” He didn’t say that God has a spirit, but that God is spirit. By definition, that means God is not embodied. For example, in Luke 24:36-39 (ESV), when the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples, they thought he was a spirit. Jesus set them straight: “A spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.”

                                 In Jeremiah 23:24, God says, “Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” This would not be possible if God had a physical, human body - even if it was an exalted or glorified body. 

                                 Human beings can become like God is now.

                                 Earlier we quoted Lorenzo Snow: “As man now is, God once was.” This saying has a second part: “As God now is, man may be.” If God was once a man who became God, it makes sense that others can do the same thing. 

                                 But while this idea may be logically consistent within the LDS worldview, the Bible teaches otherwise: that God is a far different kind of being from us. We can never become deities. This is the lie the serpent tempted Adam and Eve with in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:5). He claimed that if they are the forbidden fruit, “You will become like God.”

                                  The prophet Isaiah condemns in the strongest terms those who fail to maintain that distinction. He quotes a king who thought he could become like God (Isaiah 14:14-15): “I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.” Isaiah warned him of the consequences of this attitude: “Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.”

                                 Human beings cannot become gods.  To think so is an insult to the uniqueness and glory of the one being who really is God.

                                 ]]>dccb3573-a6d5-4c19-a5ce-e2c539a5f14cMon, 05 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -060043:50falsefull11What we believe about God is probably the most important thing we can believe. Everything else in a world view starts with our concept of God. So let’s try to understand what Mormonism says about God so we can compare our own beliefs.