We...solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

In the year 2000, California voters passed a law saying that a marriage in California is between a man and a woman.

Earlier this year, four judges based in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people's vote, legalizing same-sex marriage.  Why is this so important?

Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness is under attack!  He has a plan for the happiness of all who live on the earth.   The birth of children in loving families is central to His plan. The first commandment He gave to Adam and Eve was:

Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28)

Further more, in the Proclamation to the World, it states:

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.

The Lord spoke to Moses concerning homosexuality:

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

and

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination (Leviticus 20:13)

Besides being against Heavenly Father's plan, same sex marriage has grave consequences. Public schools are required to teach the role of marriage in society as part of the curriculum.  Schools will now be required to teach students that gay marriage is the same as traditional marriage, starting with kindergartners, our very young children. By saying that a marriage is between “any two persons” rather than between a man and a woman.  Marriage is something sacred between a man and a woman and should not be taken casually.

Another issue, as Parents, we have a right to teach children about relationships according to their own values and beliefs.  When Massachusetts had legalized gay marriage, schools began teaching young children that boys can marry other boys. The courts ruled that parents had no right to object.

See how it is affecting children at school here in this video: click here.

Information and Links on this issue:

• Chuch Redies Members on Proposition 8
• The Family: A Proclamation to the World
• ProtectMariage.com

LDS Belief:

Heaven consists of three kingdoms and people will be assigned to one of these kingdoms based upon their obedience to God's law.

LDS Words (J. Smith)

Found in Lesson 18, pages 219-220:
“My text is on the resurrection of the dead, which you will find in the 14th chapter of John—‘In my Father’s house are many mansions.’ [John 14:2.] It should be—‘In my Father’s kingdom are many kingdoms,’ in order that ye may be heirs of God and joint-heirs with me. … There are mansions for those who obey a celestial law, and there are other mansions for those who come short of the law, every man in his own order.”

“ ‘But,’ says one, ‘I believe in one universal heaven and hell, where all go, and are all alike, and equally miserable or equally happy.’ “What! where all are huddled together—the honorable, virtuous, and murderers, and whoremongers, when it is written that they shall be judged according to the deeds done in the body?

Additional Testimony of the Bold Truth:

Jesus:
- Matthew 13:37-43
- John 5:28-30

John the Baptist:
- Matthew 3:2

John the Beloved:
- Revelation 20:10-15
- Revelation 21:7-8
- Revelation 21:27

The Apostle Peter:
- 1 Peter 4:17

The Apostle Paul:
- Romans 2:6
- Titus 1:15

The Prophet Daniel:
- Daniel 12:2

The Psalmist:
- Psalm 1:1-6

King David:
- Psalm 11:5

The Prophet Ezekiel:
- Ezekiel 18:20

The Prophet Malachi:
- Malachi 3:18

The Bold Truth:

The very Son of God believed in one universal heaven and hell!

Jesus taught that there were only two eternal destinations for all peoples of the world. He claimed that Heaven is where God and His eternal family will dwell and Hell will be the domain of Satan, his demons and the wicked. Jesus also grouped all peoples of the world into only two broad categories-the righteous and the wicked. According to the Son of God, you are either righteous, or wicked.

Our Savior gave us a very vivid picture of this truth in Matthew 25. On Judgment Day all the nations of the world will be gathered before Him to have their works judged. But even before He begins the Judgment, God’s angels divide everyone into two groups. Those on Jesus’ right are called righteous because they did good to others in need. The wicked on His left are there because they didn’t do good to those in need. Notice that these wicked people aren’t even charged with doing what we humans might call grievous sins like murder or adultery. They are simply accused of committing sins of omission. Jesus condemns them as “cursed”—then sends them into everlasting fire to live eternally with Satan and his angels. This picture certainly shows Jesus’ belief in one universal heaven and hell. It also shows us that Jesus divides the whole world into only two broad categories.

Many Mormons have said to me “Heavenly Father is a loving God—He would never send someone into eternal punishment”. But Jesus testified that Heavenly Father will do just that. God has given Jesus the authority to judge the world on Judgment Day. Jesus (not Joseph Smith) determines who is worthy to receive a mansion in the Kingdom of Heaven. To be Righteous a person must have kept God’s law perfectly. Falling short of God’s law, in even one point, makes a person wicked. God does not “grade sins”. Each and every sin is disastrous because it is rebellion against God. Jesus shows that not doing the good things God commands will cause a person to live eternally in hell with Satan.

Yes, Heavenly Father is a merciful and loving God and wants every person to live eternally with Him. That’s why He offered His Son as a sacrifice to ensure this could happen when Jesus paid the demands of Justice. Jesus’ shed blood truly covers over the sins of the entire world. All who believe that Jesus kept God’s law perfectly for them, ARE RIGHTEOUS because their sins have been removed. On Judgment Day, God’s angels will gather these true believers to sit at the right hand of Jesus—BEFORE He begins judging anyone’s works. Every believer will receive a reward in God’s celestial glory.

Eternal Consequences

Please don’t reject Heavenly Father’s offer of complete forgiveness through Jesus’ blood. If you do, this means you don’t have faith in what Jesus did for you and you will sit on His left! “Then shall he (Jesus) say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”

* Has performed a death oath ritual hundreds of times where he has drawn his thumb across his throat from side to side as if he were slitting his own throat?

* Has performed another death oath ritual hundred of times where he has drawn his thumb across his abdomen as if he were disemboweling himself?

* Believes that when he gets to heaven he will have multiple Goddess wives who will have unlimited sexual relations with him so as to populate his own planet where he reigns as God?

PLEASE WATCH THESE VIDEOS. I EXPERIENCED THESE RITUALS FIRSTHAND - AND THEY SCARED ME TO DEATH.

I was only 21 years old at the time, but my first thought was - "What could happen if the person who convinces people to do these strange rituals asked them to do something illegal or immoral?"

I am a former Mormon. I graduated from Brigham Young University. I was married in the Washington, DC temple.

I vehemently believe in freedom of religion. However, I am concerned that someone who professes questionable beliefs and who has participated in cult-like rituals might become our President.

I believe in full disclosure and Mitt Romney says that he also believes in full disclosure. As such, I am presenting these videos so that YOU DECIDE what you think about this information. This information is not widely available to the general public.

Mormon's state that what goes on in their temples is "sacred, not secret" so here are some of the rituals that I myself have participated in when I was a Mormon.

After learning of and participating in these rituals I could no longer hold this faith in my heart and in my mind.

I believe that God is fantastic, creative, kind and loving.

When I exited the Washington, DC Mormon temple after going through the rituals for the first time I was asked by the other Mormon's who accompanied me what I thought about what I had seen and experienced.

My response was that if those ceremonies and teaching were indeed of God, then I would rather go to hell with the non-Mormons.

I told them that my God doesn't require secret death oaths, doesn't require a new secret name for me to be recognized so I could get into heaven, doesn't require me to know a memorized script to get into heaven, doesn't require me to wear secret underwear that was put on me at the end of several ceremonies where I was totally naked - except for an xray gown type of covering with fabric on the front and back, but with totally open sides.

If you would like to speak with me about what I have written here please feel free to contact me: I feel that this information needs to be disseminated immediately.

Voters must have this "sacred, not secret" information so they can make their own decisions about whether a practicing Mormon would be their choice under all circumstances of national and international security.

How meaningful will an oath of office be for someone who makes death oaths to their God and in the name of their religion?

NOTE:  I wrote this when Mitt Romney was a candidate for President.  Now I am re-posting it as a warning.  If John McCain is elected President which high-profit Republicans do you think he will appoint to high positions in our government?  Mitt Romney seems like a very likely candidate for a cabinet position.  Is that something you want?  It is certainly not something that I would choose for our country - now - or in the future.

Since I've been a member a little over a year, I've held a few callings: Assistant Cub Master, Cub Master, Webelos Leader and Ward Website Administrator.

I admit that I struggled with my first two callings two the point where I felt like I failed in the end.  Shortly after, I realized why this was.  Here are some things I've learned about callings:

Examples of Church Callings

• Bishopric (Bishop and his two Counselors)
• Elders Quorum Presidency
• Relief Society Presidency
• Ward Clerk (Finance and Membership)
• Ward Bulletin Editor
• Ward Librarian
• Sunday School Teacher
• Nursery Worker
• Chorister
• Piano / Organ Player
• Cub Scouts Leader

It Is What Heavenly Father Wants You To Do

In my calling, my young son asks me why I do what I do.  My answer is simple:

It is what God wants me to do.

Before you are extended a calling, your Bishop and others will ponder prayerfully what you should do.  I know how much your Bishop loves and cares for you and seeks nothing but good for you.  Your Bishop is really in tune with the Spirit and only after spiritual confirmation does he extend the call to you.

It Is Voluntary

You have your free agency. Your calling can be accepted or denied.  Your participation is voluntary.  You can say yes or no.  Just remember however, this is what God wants you to do.  I haven't yet declined a calling as I recognize its divine origins.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we do not seek, nor do we decline, callings that come from God through inspired priesthood channels.  (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 178th Annual General Conference, April 2008, Sunday Morning Session)

No one in the Church is paid for their calling.  The payment for performing your calling is blessings for you and your family.

A Way Has Been Prepared

When Nephi and his brothers were asked to bring back the brass plates from Laban, his brothers did not think it was possible.  However, Nephi sagely replied:

I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.  (1 Nephi 3:7)

Heavenly Father knows you intimately and does not give you more than you can handle.

Magnify Your Calling

I remember when I first heard my Bishop use this phrase: "Magnify your calling." What does Magnify mean?  President Gordon B. Hinckley interpreted it as to enlarge, make clear, bring closer, to strengthen.  (Ensign, May 1989) More simply said by President Thomas S. Monson:

How does one magnify a calling? Simply by performing the service that pertains to it.

Consecrate Thy Performance

When you receive a calling, pray over it.  A brother in my ward has told me a few times to consecrate thy performance:

But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul. (2 Nephi 32:9)

Finally, in my Stake Conference Adult Session last night, I heard the following four truths about callings:

Callings Do Not Last Forever

There was a story that went with this, basically this brother was called to be a primary teacher for a class and every year he was called to teach the same group of children.  He was blessed in that his callings only lasted a year, he got to watch these children grow up as he progressed through Primary, to the Bishopric and finally to Bishop.  He got to see these children off to a mission and also have them return as a Bishop.  You will no doubt have many callings over your lifetime.

Great Associations Are Created In Callings That Strengthen One Another

His calling had him nourish an everlasting friendship to where his friend would call on him years later, from another state for help.  This was a blessing to both himself and his friend.  Callings are a good way to get to know your new Ward Family and visa-versa.

You Are Usually Helping Those Who Are Helping Others

Callings are all about service to others.  You could be in Nursery watching the children of a Gospel Doctrine Teacher who is teaching your family.  Once again, callings are all about service to others, period.

You Are Doing Something That Someone Else In The Ward Cannot Do (at that time, with those people)

You were called for a reason, whether it be a talent you know you have or didn't know.  A way has been prepared for you.

I'd like to give my testimony that accepting and taking your callings to heart and magnifying it does bring blessings, joy and immence pleasure as you are serving those around you.  You are doing the your part in building up the Kingdom of Heaven.

My children say they don’t have a favorite “talk,” but I do. President Thomas Monson spoke Sunday morning, and I’ve taken his words to heart. They resonated with my own beliefs and prodded me to savor life, not just live it. Every minute, every day, every year, we’re changing in sometimes imperceptible ways, and before we know it, children become teens, teens become young adults, and young adults find themselves with presbyopia and gray hair. Before people “turn around,” they find themselves at Shady Oaks Retirement Village wondering where time went…or worse, fretting over regrets and what might have been.

Is that what you want to happen to you? President Monson advised his listeners to set goals, get an education, hug a child, hug a parent, express gratitude, speak well of each other, and show love…to name a few. Being kind, sharing love, performing services for others, and making the most of our precious time are perennial themes of his. In fact, one speaker shared that when President Monson was asked what he wanted for his most recent birthday, he said he’d like for every member of the church to find someone who needed something and give it to them. Love, live, laugh. When people put off what they can and should do today and say, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” before you know it, their lives are full of empty yesterdays. Just do it.

In no particular order, I was reminded of

•  The importance of unity in diversity. While we might look different on the outside, speak different languages, and have different checking account balances, we are ALL children of a loving Heavenly Father.   
•  The importance of love, patience, forgiveness, meekness, tolerance. Even if people attack our religion or belittle our beliefs, arguing is discouraged. It’s pointless. A person could argue about the truths from Genesis to Revelation, but if his listener wasn’t interested or prepared to listen, the discourse would fall on deaf ears.    
• The necessity of being prepared for whatever may lie ahead economically, socially, and every other way. I love it when I hear news commentators interview people who are now stressing the importance of staying out of debt, something we’ve been warned about for decades. Same with food storage.
•  The importance of the family unit and ways to improve relationships with spouse and children…and other extended family members.
•  The benefits of personal and family prayer, scripture study, self-reliance, being Christ-like, paying tithing, obeying commandments.
• The fact that both abundance and lack co-exist in our lives; it’s up to us to decide what we focus on. In fact, sometimes trials can be good for our personal development. Every cloud doesn’t bring rain.

 There’s much, much more. Time prevents me from posting more, but you can check out all addresses at www.lds.org.  As for me, I’m going to follow President Monson’s admonition to relish life by strolling around the neighborhood and checking out autumn's splendors.

By Jessica Shim

Dressed smartly in suits and power ties, Alex Trost and Ryan Mack approach a woman drinking coffee at a busy, outdoor café in Prague's Old Town. Smiling determinedly, they greet her and proceed to ask if she has ever read the Book of Mormon.

Though this might be a common scene in the United States, what makes this situation different is that the entire conversation is in Czech, in a country on the other side of the world from the boys' hometowns. Trost and Mack were both typical 21-year-old college students before they decided to dedicate two years of their lives to being Mormon missionaries in the Czech Republic.

But along with the difficulties of learning a new language and adapting to a new culture, an even greater obstacle that they and in fact all religious missionaries in the Czech Republic face is finding people to listen.

In a 2007 survey conducted by the STEM polling agency, 48 percent of Czech respondents identified themselves as atheists, making the country home to the highest percentage of atheists in Europe, if not the world.

It is no wonder that the Czech Republic presents a difficult working environment for missionaries such as Trost and Mack.

"I would say that Czechs do not like to talk about religion too much," said Petr Mucha, a professor of religious studies at New York University in Prague. "A lot of it comes from the education under communism. They were taught that religion was bad and led to bad results."

These bad results, according to the communist doctrine, included the domination of Habsburg Empire, which backed by the Catholic Church, squelched Czechoslovak aspirations during its rule from the mid-16th century until World War I.

Fifty-five percent of Czechs  mistrust all churches and only 28 percent trust them, according to the STEM poll.

"I try to talk to people about faith and how it has helped me in my life and it is sometimes difficult because these people don't have a history of faith," said Mack. "They have had some rough times during world wars and communism, so it's hard for them to believe in something they don't see. Even though I'm speaking their language, they are afraid to trust me at first. I have to gain their trust."

Mack does not seem to consider, however, that with or without religion, many people find the whole idea of missionaries offensive.

Tomas Uher is a Protestant evangelist who is a Czech native and works for the U.K.-based International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), which targets Czech university students. He finds that even coming from the same cultural background as his audience, he still faces the same trust issues as the Mormon missionaries.

"The general response I receive is suspicion," said Uher. "So I've found the best way to reach people is through relationships. I heard it once said that it takes a Czech student an average of one and a half years to two years to convert to Christianity and I've found this to be true. Friendship is the main vehicle."

Despite the discouraging statistics, people from various religious organizations dedicate years, some even entire lifetimes, to bringing spiritual awareness to Czechs.

The Mormon Missions make up one of the biggest evangelistic movements in Central Europe, with 18 branches in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and a team of 88 full-time missionaries staffing them. Mormons, who are perhaps most notorious for their historical support of polygamy as well as their strict abstinence from alcohol and caffeine, are a common sight on the streets of all the region's major cities. (The church now prohibits polygamy, excommunicating any members found to be practicing it.)

"Sometimes they'll be walking on the streets or they'll be out on the namestis (squares) where we see them on a regular basis," said Marvin Slovacek, president of the Mormon Missions in Prague, explaining the missionaries' work. "They'll be going through the apartment houses knocking on doors, wanting to talk to people about what those people believe and what's important to them, and offering to share our beliefs with them."

Perhaps the most controversial religious practitioners in Prague are the followers of the Hare Krishna, the Gaudiya Vaisnavas. Sometimes considered a cult, the Hare Krishnas, as they are dubbed, are known for their loud parades of chanting and dancing in orange, toga-like outfits through the main streets of Czech cities.

"We have found peace and want to share that enlightenment with others," said Rama Goswami, a a Gaudiya Vaisnava staff member at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) center in Prague. "This is our way of showing people how happy and satisfied with life we are," he said of the parades. "We want them to have it too."

Practitioners of Krishna consciousness like Goswami believe in in a god, Krishna, who serves as all-Gods-in-one. Their philosophy is rooted in several Hindu texts, including the Bhagavad-gita, and see spiritual enlightenment in the form of a higher consciousness and pure love of Krishna as their goal in life.

However, partially due to the evangelistic nature of their religion, members of the Hare Krishna movement have been troubled by accusations of cult-like behavior.

Centers in the United States have been forced to pay settlements to many people after cases involving child abuse, brainwashing, and racketeering. These range from a 1976 brainwashing case, eventually settled for $485,000, to a massive 2005 lawsuit brought by 95 alleged victims of child abuse, who settled for $9.5 million dollars and caused the centers involved in the proceedings to declare bankruptcy in the process.

Though none of these incidents happened in the Czech Republic, they still affect the Czech (and worldwide) image of the religion.

In Prague, the Hare Krishna operate a small center, offering such programs as a weekly vegetarian dinner, classes for those who would like to become devotees of the religion, and inter-religious dialogues. They also distribute over 100,000 books of philosophical texts each year to passersby on the streets of cities all around the Czech Republic.

Some Czechs appreciate the efforts religious missionaries are making to share their beliefs.

"I'm not interested in spirituality right now, but it doesn't hurt to listen," said Charles University med student Jana Slovacek. "If anything, I admire their courage to go and talk to random people like they do. I couldn't do it."

Others find their tactics pushy and degrading.

"Why should I listen to them?" said Pava Urban, a librarian working in Prague. "What gives them the right to try to trick me into believing what they do through free dinners and movies? I'm not stupid. I know what they are trying to do."

Meanwhile, the idea of religion may be losing some of its negative connotations in the Czech Republic.

"The number of Czechs identifying with a specific religion is on the rise," said Mucha. "All I can say is that my parents' generation was certain that in the future, religion would be less and less a part of current events, and present day shows the complete opposite. If anything, seeing how important a role religion plays in world events is at least making Czechs more interested in learning more about religion."

Related links:
Prague Mission of the Church of Latter Day Saints
Hare Krishna Movement in the Czech Republic

Jessica Shim is a fourth-year student at New York University, studying broadcast journalism, international politics, and East Asian studies. She is from Potomac, Maryland.

OH MY GOD I'VE BEEN NOTICED!

How's my hair?!!!

Unless you've been hiding under a rock (or just busy like me) you would have noticed that mormon.org was recently changed.  I noticed this sometime in late September.  The changes are welcomed as the website keeps its simple architecture and is well organized for potential investigators.

The navigation tabs on the top are evidently the most important parts of the website:

• Basic Beliefs
• Worship With Us
• Ask A Question

I like that things are straight forward and to the point.  Information is readily available for finding out what our Church really is about and cover:

• The Restoration of Truth
• Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness
• Jesus Christ: Our Savior
• The Commandments
• Membership in Christ's Church
• And the ability to Chat Live with Missionaries.

This website is a strong missionary tool.   However, it can be an even better tool if we use it in our daily lives.  As members, we are constantly asked about our faith and our beliefs.  Along with explaining what we believe and bearing our testimonies, referring people to mormon.org can reinforce what we teach.

Every Member a Missionary.  It only takes a few moments to mention mormon.org to someone.  Our brothers and sisters are waiting to hear our message about the restored gospel.  It is my hope that we can all listen extra carefully to the promptings of the spirit and act on when it comes to sharing our truths.

Their claim is that he is not God's only son, but that we are all the children of God.  He is considered to be the brother of Satan.  We are all supposedly brothers and sisters in that we are all his created spirit-children.  Put the two ideas together, we are the brothers and sisters of Satan and Jesus as well!  He had to physically have many children (literally... as in having to concieve every single one of us with some female being).

God was once as we were (Teachings of the Prophect Joseph Smith, 345).  He was flesh, was mortal, and even grew up somewhere before he became God of Earth.  If we do what we are supposed to while we live, we could possibly be gods one day as well.  Then, just like God, we can work on populating our own planet.

According to Mormon theology, Jesus is not God.  Their religious foundation is based on the belief of many gods, this is called polytheism.  Christianity is monotheistic, meaning a belief in one god.

He is also not considered to be the Savior for mankind in the same sense that Christianity believes.  There is also not claim that Jesus was born from a virgin Mary, but rather that God came down and did the deed so that she was pregnant.

As we can see, the Mormon Jesus is not the same Jesus as the Christians.  Two different people.  Christians believe Jesus to be God, and since Mormons do not it would safe to assume they are seperate religions.  Unfortunately, Mormonism is still trying to masquerade as a Christian Denomination.

Right now, as a lesbian in California, it's hard not to feel religiously persecuted, or at least persecuted by religion.

After all, the group working hardest to repeal the marriage rights of same-sex couples in California is the Mormon Church.

Hello? Are religious extremists that work to remove the government-granted rights of individuals now tolerated in California? Isn't this part of what we supposedly oppose, as a nation, all over the world?

One of my favorite responses to religious involvement in government, born in response to the idea of teaching "intelligent design" in public schools, is the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Followers of the FSM call themselves Pastafarians, and before you dismiss them as pure silliness, check out this story in the Arkansas Times about how they recently stood up, in protest, to one of Rev. Phelp's deplorable demonstrations.

Rock on, Pastafarians!

**********************

Smith Jr. claimed that his first vision accured at the age of 14 (1820).  Three years later, Smith claimed to have another vision from an angel named Maroni who tells him the locations of golden plates located in Palmyra, NY.  These plates came from Jews who populated the Americas; the Nemphites.

Four years later he finds the plates but he cannot show anyone because Maroni said he couldn't.  They were written in "Reformed Egyptian," which isn't a real language.  Smith can't read the fake language, and so he uses two stones that Maroni gave to him to translate.  The stones, Urim and Thummim, are held up to his eyes so that he can translate the writings.

Only three witnesses saw this crazy process happen, and all three of them ended up quitting.  Smith would be on one side of a curtain (so no one could see), and he translated outloud to someone who would write what was being said.  No one ever saw the plates.

The Church of Jesus of Later-Day Saints was officially founded in 1830, and polygamy was prevalent.  Because of such, many people opposed Smith (especially since most of his wives were under 16).  His followers went with him across the States, and since things never go well, they keep on moving.

Eventually, Smith is arrested in Navoo, IL and put in jail in Carthage, IL.  Why was he arrested?  After The Nauvoo Expositor has published some anti-Mormon material, Smith went and destroyed the Expositer's printing press, crippling the newpaper from any further publications.  The people were so mad at Smith that they dragged him with his brother to the middle of the street and executed him.

Unfortunately, this created a martyr out of Joseph Smith.  Ever since, the Mormon's have been actively growing.

     Five seconds are left in the basketball game.  It’s not any game either – it’s the championship.  Your team is down by one point.  Your coach calls time out, looks down the bench to where you are sitting and motions you to check into the game.  As you pass him, he pulls you aside and tells you to take the last shot.  “We are counting on you.  It’s all up to you.”

     Talk about pressure.  Especially if you have sat on the bench the entire game to that point.  Few people would enjoy being in that situation.  Few people would succeed in that situation.

     But that is the position a lot of Mormons feel that they are in.  It is inaccurate to say that Mormonism teaches that people are saved by their works alone.  No, it talks about God’s grace.  But it doesn’t teach that people are saved by grace alone.  “However, grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient.”  (LDS Bible Dictionary)

     Pause for a moment and think of the tremendous pressure that exerts on many Mormons.  Imagine trying to live under that.  Even if we think that we have to contribute only 1% to our salvation - that opens the door to a whole lot of worry.  It’s like the sub coming off the bench being told that he has to make only one basket, the winning basket.  But with one big difference.  The pressure Mormonism places on many of its adherents doesn’t last just for a few moments – it’s there for an entire lifetime.

     How much better is the biblical message of Titus 3:4-7:  “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  ⁵Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; ⁶Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  ⁷That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”  There’s no work – and no pressure. 

After some careful consideration, I have decided to start a second blog.  Too often I have talked about extremely random topics, usually never keeping a consistant flow through the site.  All of my previous posts have been moved to lifeofmick.wordpress.com.

This blog will be concentrating on some more serious topics.  There are many things in which people should know more about, so this blog will hopefully be used as a teaching device.  I'll try to keep it interesting and worth the gander.

To start off, we'll be looking at various cults that exist in the United States these days.  I plan on discussing the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Scientology, and possibly a few others.  My hope is that by posting, you can interact with the material by commenting, and then we can have some discussion as to what the topic is.

So if you want the fun and goofy stuff, head over to the other blog.

Joseph Smith, Jr. was born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont to Joseph Smith, Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. After his birth, the family moved to western New York, where they continued farming just outside the border of the town of Palmyra. Although Smith had limited involvement with organized religion during his youth, he studied the Bible, held religious opinions, and was influenced by the common folk religion of the area.

To avoid further conflict encountered in New York and Pennsylvania, Smith moved with his family to Kirtland, Ohio, joining with the converts that joined with Rigdon. The church's headquarters were soon established there and Smith urged the rest of the membership to gather there or to a second outpost of the church in Missouri.

Smith reported that, in 1820 at the age of 14, he experienced a theophany, an appearance of God to man, or a divine disclosure, most commonly referred to by Latter Day Saints as the First Vision. Smith was concerned as to the correct church to join, and went to a grove of trees to pray. There he had a vision in which he saw God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, appear to him as two separate, glorious beings . They told him that none of the churches established at the time were correct, and that he should join none of them.

Soon after, Smith reported his vision to a local minister, who pronounced it "of the devil," because the minister believed "there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and there would never be any more of them". Smith recounted that he was soon the object of much persecution and reviling in his neighbourhood, for maintaining that he had seen a vision.

According to Smith, an 1823 visitation from a resurrected prophet named Moroni led to his finding and unearthing (in 1827) a long-buried book, inscribed on metal plates, which contained a record of God's dealings with the ancient Israelite inhabitants of the Americas. The record, along with other artifacts (including a breastplate and what Smith referred to as the Urim and Thummim), was buried in a hill near his home. On September 22, 1827, Smith's record indicates that the angel allowed him (after 4 years of waiting and preparation) to take the plates and other artifacts. Almost immediately thereafter Smith began having difficulties with people trying to discover where the plates were hidden on the Smith farm.

In March 1826, Smith was charged with being a "disorderly person and an impostor" by a court in Bainbridge, New York.

Not only did Christians, not recognise that Joseph smith was an impostor and a false prophet, but all the places, tribes, food and animals in the book of Mormon were wrong or didn't exist. archaeologist have looked for remains of building and previous wars claimed in the book of Mormon, and upto this day haven't found a single thing to back up their book or religion.

One type of practise the Mormons do, it the baptism of the dead. God tells us in the bible we should have no communication with the dead. They actually believe that through prayer, these people can receive salvation even in death. They associate very much with the dead. The Pastor of the First Satanic Church, and the author of the Satanic Bible, Anton LaVey. In his Satanic Bible, LaVey lists, under "In fernal Names," one of them as "Mormo," which is the God of the living dead, and the king of the Ghouls. The followers of Mormo, are called Mormons.

In China, the Mormons find it hard to witness to the Chinese, for the simple reason, that Mormon in chinese means the Gates of Hell.

THE TRUTH BEHIND JOSEPH SMITH
Joseph Smith, was a member of the Freemasons, and if you look at the Mormons temples you can clearly see that they have taken many signs and symbols from freemasonry.

The Mormon entrance to the Salt Lake City, Utah, Temple (notice the all-seeing eye). Mormon founder, Joseph Smith, was a 33rd degree Freemason.Carefully notice the all-seeing eye with a handshake on the Mormon temple entrance. Now look at the Masonic image above and notice the same handshake and creepy eye. Clearly, Mormonism is Masonic.

2 Corinthians 11: 13-15, For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Everyone knows that I'm like the cuddliest ex-Mormon ever, but this kind of stuff just makes me sad. 

The whole, "we don't want people teaching our kids things that are against our beliefs" is a truly weak argument too - I mean, the LDS church already teaches that regular, civil marriages - like mine, don't quite make the cut... so, what's the difference really here?

Seriously, Mormons should care less about gay marriage than anyone, because they already have their own unique standard of marriage that only they can participate in. I just don't see how this civil stuff really affects them at all. 

And - fortunately some Mormons are just as baffled as me. 

I love my Moes and I love my gays. Can't they all just get along?

www.1on1.net - where we both score!

If you haven't guessed by now.  I am shamelessly and blatently advertising on this blog for www.1on1.net  .  The reason I am is because I own the site.  I also believe we have some really cool stuff.  Grandma's love to get their grandkids cool LDS gifts, especially for their baptisms.  LDS Christmas gifts are another reason Grandma's and Grandpa's love to order from our LDS Online Store.  I suggest that you follow their example.  Afterall, they are our elders and know a little something about life.  You will learn what they already know.

The sun will shine brighter and the birds will sing sweeter after you order from our store.  This is not a guarantee, but if you didn't notice before you might notice after.  Enjoy your LDS gifts bought from our LDS Store.  Right now LDS Christmas Gifts should be ordered for the Christmas Season.  It isn't that far away.

Have a wonderful Day!!

Your LDS Christmas elf

Read the full story on ExGayWatch

     This article caught my attention since the relationship between faith and works as been the subject of numerous posts and a lot of the discussion on this blog.  There have been more than enough quotations from Mormon sources (including one in my last post) that I could never accept as correct statements of biblical truth.  The difference between Mormonism and Christianity on “faith and works” is not just one big misunderstanding.

     Instead of citing more quotes to prove that, in this post I am going to mention something else that has dramatically demonstrated that difference to me.  And that is the reactions of Mormons I have spoken with.  My experiences have remained remarkably consistent over the last two decades.

     First, there is the reaction of total rejection of my position.  I’m not talking about when I am discussing Mormon teaching but rather when I am explaining my belief that I have to do absolutely nothing to be saved.  Years ago a member of the local stake presidency, after meeting with me for a couple of times, in all sincerity told me that my teaching about salvation was demonic.  Most Mormons have not reacted that strongly but he has not been alone in that reaction.  More than one Mormon has warned me about my being a pawn of Satan because of my belief about salvation.  The majority of Mormons have rejected, with varying degrees of intensity, what I believe.  I don’t think they are just misunderstanding me.

     Then there are the Mormons who rejoice to hear the wonderful news that Jesus has done it all for them – that they don’t have to do anything.  Over the years, I have gotten that reaction as well.  And often what accompanies that reaction is first the statement that they have never heard that before and secondly, anger at the LDS Church for not teaching that.  And these were not all inactive Mormons either.  Some were very active and from good hardy Mormon roots.  Did they just misunderstand what they have been taught all their lives by the LDS Church?  I don’t think so.

     Therefore when I saw that article in Meridian magazine, I found myself wondering if its author is being deliberately deceptive.  To me, the member of the stake presidency was being a whole lot more honest with me.  At least he was reflecting official Mormon teaching.  “One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation.”  Spencer W. Kimball quoted in Book of Mormon Student Manual, p. 36)

Lately his excitement has grown to its fullest because of the upcoming baptism. It's been a special treat just to watch him, seeing a boy who acts like Christmas is just around the corner. He has constantly been saying things like: "Soon it's time!" or "I can't wait!" But it's not presents he's been waiting for. About a week ago he had written this note for himself, and pinned it above his desk. It says: "I love my hevenly Fathe vary mush and (heart)". We've noticed in just a short time how spiritually mindful he has become. Of course, he is still your standard boy who loves to play and perform crazy pranks. But yet... there is something different.

My wife and I have been very careful not to manipulate any of our children into getting baptized. Although most active LDS Christians let their children be baptized at age eight (minimum age limit), the children should not be forced in any way. Obviously we have taught the principles of Faith and Baptism in our family, and what it means to follow Christ, but that's where it stops. The listener then has to make his or her own decision based on personal wishes and feelings of... how shall I put it... inner faith.

The day before his baptism I asked Isak why he wanted to do this. He responded with a sigh: "Ah Dad, you know why!"

"Well, yeah... maybe? But tell me anyway. I'd like to know... again."

He looked at me and said: "I wanna do it because it's the right thing to do! And in my life... I want to follow God."

Wow, it's that simple, isn't it? I thought. He's really got it! What is baptism if not a token of our desire to follow God.

These photos are taken just minutes before the baptism. The moment was very emotional and joyous at the same time (you know the feeling).

A big thank you to all who came and helped make this a memorable occasion for Isak and his family: to family and relatives, Church friends, and class mates to Isak, and their families (that Isak personally invited). You are all appreciated.

And to you, Isak, thanks for letting me have a special part in your baptism. I was truly honored. Your mother and I hold you so dear to our hearts. You are the peace-maker of this family, caring much for those around you. We are so proud of the decision you have made to follow God in your life. We know life won't always be easy, but we hope you can often look back and gather strength from this moment. God cares for you. And He will never leave you. Never forget that.

Love,
Dad

     This past weekend the LDS Church held their semi-annual General Conference.  Every six months the leaders of the LDS Church (called General Authorities) give a number of talks over two days.  Thousands of Mormons attend these talks in Salt Lake City, while millions of others listen to them through satellite feeds, the Internet, etc.  General Conference weekend is a very big event in Mormonism.

      How big?  Elder Mark E. Petersen, said:  “A general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is far more significant than most people realize. . .

      . . .it is one of the most important events of the present day.  Many do not regard it, even among the Latter-day Saints.  But for those who appreciate its true significance, it is of transcending importance, for in it PROPHETS OF GOD SPEAK, living prophets.

      When God gives a message to mankind, it is not something to be lightly cast aside.  Whether He speaks personally, or through His prophets, He himself said, it is the same.

     And in this conference HIS PROPHETS SPEAK!”  (Teachings of the Living Prophets, p. 63.)

     These conference talks are published in the next month’s edition of the Ensign, the LDS magazine.  Many Mormons will faithfully study these issues.  As Ezra Taft Benson said, “The most important prophet, so far as we are concerned, is the one living in our day and age. . .Therefore, the most crucial reading and pondering which you should do is that of the latest inspired words from the Lord’s mouthpiece.  That is why it is essential that you have access to and carefully read his words in current Church publications.”

      It is important for those Christians who are witnessing to Mormons to realize the importance of General Conference.  In line with that, it is beneficial to get the Conference editions of the Ensign and read them.  That is what many of your LDS friends will be doing.

I would like to examine this incredible claim in light of the divine revelation that Mormons and Christians both agree is from God: "the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).

Serious students of the Bible can see that God has revealed Himself throughout history so that we can know how He works and can discern His revelations in our time in order to avoid falling prey to the deception of the false prophets that Jesus promised would come in the last days (Matt. 24:11).

A quick review of Biblical prophecy reveals that the OT made specific predictions concerning the Messiah so that those who were studying the Scriptures were expectantly waiting and ready when Christ arrived (Luke 2:25-38). The exact timing of the Messiah's coming was predicted and fulfilled on the exact day it was prophesied in the book of Daniel. The OT had ended by declaring the next thing on God's calendar: the coming of a prophet (Malachi 4:5) who would prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3). Jesus declared that this prophecy was fulfilled by John the Baptist (Matt. 11:14).

During Jesus' ministry, the authority of Scripture was emphasized. Jesus did not question the reliability of the OT scriptures. He said "scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35) and emphasized His power to keep and preserve His words (Mark 13:31). He treated the OT as a literal history (Matt. 24:37-39) and told the Sadducees their beliefs were in error because they did not know the Scriptures (Matt. 22:29-32). He scolded His disciples for not believing all that the prophets had spoken in the OT and then He proceeded to expound to them "in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:25-27).

We see Jesus' example of a high view of Scripture continued with the early Christians in the book of Acts. The apostle Apollos is described as a man who was "mighty in the Scriptures" (Acts 18:24). He "mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ" (Acts 18:28). Paul declared that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16) and the Bereans were commended for checking his teachings against the OT scriptures (Acts 17:11). The Bible calls their method of scripture study "noble."

After the coming of the Messiah, a pronounced change is described in Scripture concerning the dealings of God with man. We catch a hint of the change early in Jesus' ministry when He said:

"For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" (Matthew 11:13-15).

The indication that the dispensation of the prophets was ending is made even more clear in Hebrews 1:1-2:

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds"

Did you catch the change noted in this inspired piece of Scripture? Remember, Jesus rebuked the disciples for not believing ALL of the scriptures. This scripture clearly states that God spoke "in time past" by the prophets, but in these last days by His Son.

Peter says the same thing in II Peter 1:20-21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." Peter contrasts the prophecy which came "in old time" by the OT prophets with "a more sure word of prophecy" which we now have because of the personal revelation of Christ Himself and the eyewitness accounts of His life, death, and resurrection (II Peter. 1:18-19).

At the very end of the apostle John's prophecy he writes this: "If any man add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book" (Rev. 22:18).

We will now consider how the prophet Joseph Smith, following in the example of Christ and the apostles, expounded upon Scripture to reveal the prophecies in previous scriptures that spoke about him and how he demonstrated from the scriptures that he was prophesied to come and restore the true gospel to the earth:

"There are many things in the Bible which do not, as they now stand, accord with the revelations of the Holy Ghost to me." (Joseph Smith, Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith's Teachings, edited by Larry E. Dahl and Donald Q.Cannon)

"I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 327)

Did Joseph Smith read ALL of the previous scriptures as Jesus commanded His disciples to do? Was he "mighty in the scriptures" like Apollos? Was he able, like Apollos, to "mightily convince" people "from the scriptures"??

Or do we notice a divergence from the Biblical model of revelation? Do we see a shift in view concerning the authority and reliability of the Bible? Joseph Smith is not proving the new revelation from the previous revelation. He's getting rid of the old revelation to introduce the new. This is a departure from the Biblical model and all serious students of the scriptures notice the striking change.

Following Joseph Smith's example, other Mormon leaders have made similar comments regarding the Bible:

"The Bible has been robbed of its plainness; many sacred books having been lost, others rejected by the Romish Church, and what few we have left, were copied and re-copied so many times, that it is admitted that almost every verse has been corrupted and mutilated to that degree that scarcely any two of them read alike." (Apostle Orson Pratt, The Seer, p. 213.)

"Many insertions were made, some of them 'slanted' for selfish purposes, while at times deliberate falsifications and fabrications were perpetrated." (Apostle Mark Petersen, As Translated Correctly, p. 4.)

But I thought Jesus said "scripture cannot be broken" and He promised to preserve His words... Who are we trusting here? Jesus or Joseph Smith/other Mormon leaders?

As I stated earlier in the post, the OT had ended with the next prophecy on God's calendar: the coming of the prophet "Elijah" (John the Baptist) who would prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. We see the NT ends in a similar way. The book of Revelation ends with the apostle John looking ahead to the next thing on God's prophetic calendar: the coming of Jesus Christ.

Where does Joseph Smith fit in here?

The only prophecy I can find that he fulfilled is in Matthew 24:11 where Jesus said that in the last days "Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

References:

http://www.mormonchallenge.com/ref_quotes.htm

The Grandeur of God  by Jeffery R Holland

Jeffery Holland gave this talk a few years back and it really helped me in understanding who God is and my relationship to Him as my Heavenly Father.  It helped me more realize how I can develop a personal relationship with Him and how He loves me no matter what.  It also helped me realize my relationship with other people in the world as my brothers and sisters.

This Thing Wasn't Done in a Corner by Gordon B Hinckley

I was on my mission in Frankfurt, Germany when President Hinckley gave this talk.  I was filled with such enthusiasm and desire to share the gospel that I couldn't wait to get out and go street contacting to share the message of the Book of Mormon to the Germans. 

The Power of God's Love  by John H Groberg

When Brother Groberg gave this talk it touched me deeply.  I was reminded of the love I had felt for the people I served while I was on my mission.  The people I taught and prayed with, my companions, and the fellow LDS church members I had served with.  I also thought of my time as a leader in the Elders Quorom and the young men I had served and loved and helped.  I've had many great experiences serving in the church, but these two times are the times I've felt closest to the Lord and felt His love for all of us.

Be Thou an Example Thomas S Monson

This talk is very inspiring and the words "fill minds with truth, hearts with love, lives with service" have helped me in many areas of my life as I try to stay close to what the Lord would have me do.

We Walk By Faith  by Gordon B Hinckely

I've written briefly in previous posts about depression and anxiety I had from separation as a child from a parent.  This effected me emotionally and when I met my now wife and was preparing to get married.  I had serious anxiety over getting married.  However, I knew it was the right thing and approved by the Lord and this talk by President Hinckley helped me take the step into the unknown.  I'm very grateful for the guidance the Lord gave me to get married and for the encouraging words of this talk during that time.  I can't imagine life without my beautiful wife.

Models to Follow by Thomas S Monson

After I graduated from BYU in 2002, I enrolled into graduate school.  However, I started feeling promptings from the Spirit of the Lord that I needed to move to Washington and live with my grandmother.  I wanted to make sure though that this was the Lord's will before I took this leap of faith and moved.  I prayed and fasted during general conference weekend to get a confirmation from the Spirit and during this talk by President Monson I felt a strong confirmation that I needed to move to Washington.  After I moved to Washington so many things came into place.  I met my wife, got a job that put me into the career I have now, and met so many life long friends that have helped me grow closer to the Lord and as an individual.

Beware of Pride by Ezra Taft Benson

When I read this the first time I read this I was on my mission.  I was very humbled as I read this and it helped me understand and love the German people and see them as God sees them.  This helped me understand the importance of humility and how the more humble we are, the more God can work in our lives.

Living worthy of the Girl you will Someday Marry  by Gordon B Hinckley

I was single for a good little while and I used this talk as an example of how I should try to live my life while dating.  It was a long time before I married my wife, but it was worth the wait.  My wife is such a great support and sweet person and I feel so grateful for her. 

These are a few talks that have helped me throughout the years.  I'd be interested in hearing what some of your favorite talks have been and how they've helped you.  Feel free to share!