Reason 30
The "church" to Christians means the entire body of believers, not a particular denomination, church, group, building, or religion.
From the Illustrated Bible Dictionary, by George W. Knight:
Definition of Church: a local body of believers assembled for Christian worship (Acts 15:4; 1 Corinthians 1:22) as well as all the redeemed of the ages who belong to Christ (Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 5:27). The word church is a translation of a Greek term that means "an assembly."
Christ is the head of His body, the Church, and His will is to be preeminent (Colossians 1:18) by virtue of His redeeming work and lordship (Colossians 1:14; 3:15-17). The Church's mission is to win the lost (Luke 4:18) and minister to others in the world.
From Mormon.org... on "What is the Church?"
According to Christianity:
The Church is a body of various believers and groups of believers.
The one true Church is the invisible, spiritual, and universal Body of Christ in heaven and on earth made up of all those true believers from various local denominations or visible churches. The body is an organism, not an external organization. Unity in this body does not demand complete uniformity in its various manifestations. God loves diversity. Yet the Church's unity is in Christ, who is the vine. People in various denominations who are committed to the Vine are the branches; no one particular manifestation of the Church is the vine (Matthew 16:18; 15:5; Acts 15:35-41; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 11:19; 12:13ff; and Ephesians 4:1-13).
Matthew 18:17
And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Acts 2:47
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 5:11
So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
1 Corinthians 14:4
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
2 Corinthians 11:28
besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.
Ephesians 3:21
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
Colossians 1:18
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
From Mormoninfo.org...on "What is the Church?"
According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"
The LDS Church is the only true church.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church (Doctrine and Covenants [D&C] 1:30); all other churches (Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists are specifically mentioned in Joseph Smith, History 1:9, Pearl of Great Price) are "wrong," "all their creeds were an abomination," and "those professors were all corrupt" (Joseph Smith, History 1:19). Those of creedal or traditional Christianity have adopted "pagan beliefs" and are part of "false Christianity" (Gospel Principles, 100 [1979 edition]). One either belongs to "the church of the Lamb of God" or to "the church of the devil" (1 Nephi 14:10). Joseph Smith taught that everybody but faithful Mormons will be damned (History of the Church 3:28). "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is absolutely indispensable to our salvation. No supposed personal relationship with Jesus, no commitment to the gospel, no high level of Christian conduct in society can compensate for what is to be found in the Church" (Robert Millet, Alive in Christ: The Miracle of Spiritual Rebirth [Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1997], 140).
Mormons emphasize that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church upon the face of the earth. They claim it is the only organization authorized to preach the gospel and administer the ordinances of salvation - which is a long process. It claims it is the only church which has the power to save and exalt men in the hereafter. They say, "Membership in this divine institution is a pearl of great price." (Approaching Mormons in Love, p. 72, Wilbur Lingle)
ldsvideo.org #28
ldsvideo.org/2011/07/is-mormonism-true-church
My unanswered question was:
If Christianity teaches "the church" means the entire body of believers, then how can the LDS church be the one and only true church on the face of the earth?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the LDS church cannot possibly be the one true church, yet overjoyed to find the truth that anyone who believes Christ died for their sins is the church! I am so grateful to be a part of a body of believers rather than a denomination.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
GENEALOGIES
Reason 29
Mormons do genealogical research to find their ancestors for the purpose of baptizing for the dead. The Bible says this is useless. (Let the Scriptures Speak, p. 65, Suzanne Bishop)
Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
1 Timothy 1:4
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
Early genealogies were to prove that Jesus is the Messiah. The records of all genealogies were kept in the temple. After God recorded the lineage of Jesus (Luke 3 and Matthew 1), the temple was destroyed by Titus in 70 AD. Not only can you not trace your genealogy prior to this time, but God is letting us know by this that it is now complete. There is no further genealogical work to be done! (Let the Scriptures Speak, p. 65, Suzanne Bishop)
My unanswered question was:
Since the Bible obviously instructs us to avoid genealogies, why do LDS justify the time and energy spent, which is a fair amount, on genealogical research?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that doing temple work for our dead ancestors is not something God intended us to do, yet overjoyed to find the truth that the Bible tells us our genealogy work is complete and to not waste our time on genealogies. We need to learn to have faith. Genealogies cause disputes and are unprofitable and useless! I did not, and still do not, gain faith by disputing unprofitable or useless topics. I have faith that my ancestors are already enjoying heaven with God. There is no need for me to baptize them by proxy. They are in such a better place where they are now. God is completely sovereign and can do SO much more than I can. I do not believe HE needs my earthly help with this.
Mormons do genealogical research to find their ancestors for the purpose of baptizing for the dead. The Bible says this is useless. (Let the Scriptures Speak, p. 65, Suzanne Bishop)
Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
1 Timothy 1:4
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
Early genealogies were to prove that Jesus is the Messiah. The records of all genealogies were kept in the temple. After God recorded the lineage of Jesus (Luke 3 and Matthew 1), the temple was destroyed by Titus in 70 AD. Not only can you not trace your genealogy prior to this time, but God is letting us know by this that it is now complete. There is no further genealogical work to be done! (Let the Scriptures Speak, p. 65, Suzanne Bishop)
My unanswered question was:
Since the Bible obviously instructs us to avoid genealogies, why do LDS justify the time and energy spent, which is a fair amount, on genealogical research?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that doing temple work for our dead ancestors is not something God intended us to do, yet overjoyed to find the truth that the Bible tells us our genealogy work is complete and to not waste our time on genealogies. We need to learn to have faith. Genealogies cause disputes and are unprofitable and useless! I did not, and still do not, gain faith by disputing unprofitable or useless topics. I have faith that my ancestors are already enjoying heaven with God. There is no need for me to baptize them by proxy. They are in such a better place where they are now. God is completely sovereign and can do SO much more than I can. I do not believe HE needs my earthly help with this.
Monday, January 2, 2012
SECRETS
Reason 28
The Bible says nothing is secret and it is shameful to speak of things done in secret.
Luke 8:17
For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.
John 18:20
Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.
Acts 17:24
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
Ephesians 5:11-12
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
A few rituals which LDS consider sacred are
The Bible says nothing is secret and it is shameful to speak of things done in secret.
Luke 8:17
For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.
John 18:20
Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.
Acts 17:24
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
Ephesians 5:11-12
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
A few rituals which LDS consider sacred are
- Baptisms for the dead
- Celestial Marriage
- Endowments
- Exaltations
- Ordinances
- Sealings
I consider these rituals to be secret rituals because only faithful LDS members are allowed to know about them. Non members are not even allowed in the temple once it is dedicated. During the temple ceremony, members are told to not reveal the signs and tokens that have been given to them inside the temple. A covenant is made between "God, angels, and witnesses" that what we learn in the temple will never be revealed.
This part of the temple ceremony was always unsettling to me: Satan is asked what his apron is. His answer is: it is a sign of his power and priesthood. He then commands Adam and Eve to put on aprons. Adam and Eve do as Satan commands them, as do all members in the temple. I did not like how we let Satan tell us what to do in the temple. I did not like wearing something that represented Satan's power and priesthood. I did not like sustaining Satan's power and priesthood. This entire section of the temple ceremony disturbs me to this day. Many will be offended by this post, and all I can say is, I'm sorry! This is my story, and I know of no other way to heal.
My unanswered question was:
If Jesus does nothing in secret, and LDS are trying to be perfect like Jesus, then why do they do things in secret?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the entire temple ceremony is secret and not of God, yet overjoyed to find the truth that I will never have to attend a temple again! I will receive blessings and my prayers will be answered without the use of a temple. I never have to wear the clothing or perform the rituals again!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
TEMPLE
Reason 27
Christians believe our bodies are the temple. Mormons agree, but also believe the temple is a building to perform sacred ordinances.
Acts 17:24
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
2 Corinthians 6:16
And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people."
Ephesians 2:19-22
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 3:17
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
The Old Testament Temple was actually used for animal sacrifice, not marriage, baptism, or other ceremonies. Christ fulfilled the OT use of the temple. We are now the spiritual temple of God.
And article about Temples
mormonhandbook.com/home/temples
A video about Temples
ldsvideo.org/2011/04/mormon-temple
Mormons claim they are the one true church as they have "the temple." They overlook the fact that God tore the veil of the temple when Christ died (signifying the entrance into the holy of Holies). Now a person can come to the throne room of God through faith in Christ who is represented as the veil. The old temple ritual is over! The Mormons are trying to sew the curtain back up. (Let the Scriptures Speak, p. 40, Suzanne Bishop)
Mormon Doctrine, p. 779
Temples are holy sanctuaries wherein sacred ordinances, rites, and ceremonies are performed which pertain to salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God.
The temple is a necessity because they [LDS] believe that certain ordinances are only effective when performed in the temple. (Approaching Mormons in Love, pp. 45-48, Wilbur Lingle)
A few of these ordinances are
Christians believe our bodies are the temple. Mormons agree, but also believe the temple is a building to perform sacred ordinances.
Acts 17:24
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
2 Corinthians 6:16
And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people."
Ephesians 2:19-22
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 3:17
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
The Old Testament Temple was actually used for animal sacrifice, not marriage, baptism, or other ceremonies. Christ fulfilled the OT use of the temple. We are now the spiritual temple of God.
And article about Temples
mormonhandbook.com/home/temples
A video about Temples
ldsvideo.org/2011/04/mormon-temple
Mormons claim they are the one true church as they have "the temple." They overlook the fact that God tore the veil of the temple when Christ died (signifying the entrance into the holy of Holies). Now a person can come to the throne room of God through faith in Christ who is represented as the veil. The old temple ritual is over! The Mormons are trying to sew the curtain back up. (Let the Scriptures Speak, p. 40, Suzanne Bishop)
Mormon Doctrine, p. 779
Temples are holy sanctuaries wherein sacred ordinances, rites, and ceremonies are performed which pertain to salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God.
The temple is a necessity because they [LDS] believe that certain ordinances are only effective when performed in the temple. (Approaching Mormons in Love, pp. 45-48, Wilbur Lingle)
A few of these ordinances are
- Celestial Marriage
- Endowments
- Sealings
- Other Ordinances - where the living perform the ordinances for their dead relatives or others to help them achieve exaltation.
I attended the temple many times while I was lds. Every time was just as unsettling as the time before. I always felt extremely uncomfortable inside the temple. The clothes, signs, tokens, ordinances, prayers, etc. were very troubling to me. Friends who were also members continued telling me, "Just keep going back. It will begin to make sense if you attend often enough with a sincere heart." Well, it never began to make sense to me. It only brought up more questions that no one would answer.
My unanswered question was:
Since the Bible tells us in Acts 17:24 that God does not dwell in temples made with hands, why does the lds church build temple after temple to perform sacred ceremonies?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the true God really does not dwell in lds temples, yet overjoyed to find the truth that He now dwells in my heart! I certainly do not need to attend a temple to have God with me.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
GOD IS INCOMPREHENSIBLE
Reason 26
A major reason I joined the LDS church was the fact that it made so much sense. Everything was logical. There were no more mysteries about God, Heaven, or my purpose in life. The missionaries continued teaching how the Presbyterian Church was missing doctrines and important truths. In fact, they taught that all other churches were an abomination and were missing pieces of the Christian puzzle. The lds belief is: their church is the only church on earth that has the fullness of the gospel containing the complete truth. The lds church has God all figured out, and they are able to comprehend everything about Him.
However, the Bible tells us God's understanding is infinite and unsearchable.
Psalm 147:5
"Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite."
Isaiah 40:28
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable."
Isaiah 55:8
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.
(~ Chuck Smith ~ I will vouch for that. I don't understand so many times why God does the things He does. His thoughts are not my thoughts. Nor are His ways my ways. I would do many things much differently. I wouldn't do them more wisely; I'd just do them differently. But you see, the difference between God's thoughts and my thoughts, and God's ways and my ways, is that God knows the end from the beginning. Therefore, He doesn't do something and wonder if it's right. When He does it, He knows it's right. Now the way I do things, I do them and I hope it's right. And sometimes it is. But many times it isn't. But when I started doing it, I was sure it was.
So many times I think that this is the best way; and then I find out it isn't. There was a much better way. ~ Blue Letter Bible Commentary by Chuck Smith)
1 Corinthians 2:7
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,
In contrary to the Biblical teaching of God, Joseph Smith taught the following:
When we comprehend the character of God, we comprehend ourselves and know how to approach Him.....If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 39-41)
A good friend told me how sad she is that God is unreachable to me. It breaks my heart to know she misunderstands me entirely. Never in my Christian life have I said or felt God is unreachable. As a Mormon, I didn't even know who God really was, so I certainly had no idea it was possible for Him to reach me. As a Christian, I am now able to allow God into my life instead of constantly attempting to reach God myself. As a Mormon, I would strive so hard every single day to make sure God knew how hard I was trying to be perfect, or live a life free of sin. But somehow, I never ever felt good enough to receive God's love. I wasn't even sure I would end up in heaven when I died. I always felt I did not deserve God's love because I was not good enough nor was I trying hard enough. This was a never-ending battle I dealt with as a Mormon. I am so incredibly grateful for my time as a Mormon because it gave me the knowledge I have now. Just because our human minds are incapable of comprehending God, does not mean we do not have the capability of allowing God to reach us. We will never be able to comprehend God's wisdom, love, and understanding until we are in His presence.
I know God is omniscient. Webster's definition of omniscient: having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight; possessed of universal or complete knowledge.
In Christianity, God reaches down to man. In Mormonism, man attempts to reach God. ~ Suzanne Bishop
My unanswered question was:
If the Bible tells us God's understanding is infinite and unsearchable, why does the lds church insist to have Him all figured out?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the lds church does not have the Christian God figured out, yet overjoyed to find the truth that no human has the capability to understand God. The flaws were not in me; the flaws were in the teachings I was receiving from the lds church. I finally know God, and I am extremely grateful to have Him in my life every second of every day! I am so Blessed to have gone on such a heartbreaking yet wonderful journey, because now I know God loves me despite my imperfections!
A major reason I joined the LDS church was the fact that it made so much sense. Everything was logical. There were no more mysteries about God, Heaven, or my purpose in life. The missionaries continued teaching how the Presbyterian Church was missing doctrines and important truths. In fact, they taught that all other churches were an abomination and were missing pieces of the Christian puzzle. The lds belief is: their church is the only church on earth that has the fullness of the gospel containing the complete truth. The lds church has God all figured out, and they are able to comprehend everything about Him.
However, the Bible tells us God's understanding is infinite and unsearchable.
Psalm 147:5
"Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite."
Isaiah 40:28
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable."
Isaiah 55:8
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.
(~ Chuck Smith ~ I will vouch for that. I don't understand so many times why God does the things He does. His thoughts are not my thoughts. Nor are His ways my ways. I would do many things much differently. I wouldn't do them more wisely; I'd just do them differently. But you see, the difference between God's thoughts and my thoughts, and God's ways and my ways, is that God knows the end from the beginning. Therefore, He doesn't do something and wonder if it's right. When He does it, He knows it's right. Now the way I do things, I do them and I hope it's right. And sometimes it is. But many times it isn't. But when I started doing it, I was sure it was.
So many times I think that this is the best way; and then I find out it isn't. There was a much better way. ~ Blue Letter Bible Commentary by Chuck Smith)
1 Corinthians 2:7
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,
In contrary to the Biblical teaching of God, Joseph Smith taught the following:
When we comprehend the character of God, we comprehend ourselves and know how to approach Him.....If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 39-41)
A good friend told me how sad she is that God is unreachable to me. It breaks my heart to know she misunderstands me entirely. Never in my Christian life have I said or felt God is unreachable. As a Mormon, I didn't even know who God really was, so I certainly had no idea it was possible for Him to reach me. As a Christian, I am now able to allow God into my life instead of constantly attempting to reach God myself. As a Mormon, I would strive so hard every single day to make sure God knew how hard I was trying to be perfect, or live a life free of sin. But somehow, I never ever felt good enough to receive God's love. I wasn't even sure I would end up in heaven when I died. I always felt I did not deserve God's love because I was not good enough nor was I trying hard enough. This was a never-ending battle I dealt with as a Mormon. I am so incredibly grateful for my time as a Mormon because it gave me the knowledge I have now. Just because our human minds are incapable of comprehending God, does not mean we do not have the capability of allowing God to reach us. We will never be able to comprehend God's wisdom, love, and understanding until we are in His presence.
I know God is omniscient. Webster's definition of omniscient: having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight; possessed of universal or complete knowledge.
In Christianity, God reaches down to man. In Mormonism, man attempts to reach God. ~ Suzanne Bishop
My unanswered question was:
If the Bible tells us God's understanding is infinite and unsearchable, why does the lds church insist to have Him all figured out?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the lds church does not have the Christian God figured out, yet overjoyed to find the truth that no human has the capability to understand God. The flaws were not in me; the flaws were in the teachings I was receiving from the lds church. I finally know God, and I am extremely grateful to have Him in my life every second of every day! I am so Blessed to have gone on such a heartbreaking yet wonderful journey, because now I know God loves me despite my imperfections!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
TITHING
Reason 25
Growing up as a Presbyterian, I was taught that Tithing is 10% of ourselves, not solely income. When we gave our time, our talents, our knowledge, our love, etc. it was all considered tithing. We were not required to pay 10% of our entire income as the lds church requires.
D&C 119:3-4
And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people. And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.
The following link is from For the Strength of Youth, a small booklet given to all youth of the lds church.
lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/tithes-and-offerings
From lds.org
lds.org/scriptures/gs/tithes-tithing
The Guide to the Scriptures
Tithes, Tithing
A tenth part of a person's annual increase given to the Lord through the Church. Tithing funds are used to build churches and temples, to sustain missionary work, and to build the kingdom of God on earth.
He that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming, D&C 64:23 (D&C 85:3)
Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.
It is contrary to the will and commandment of God that those who receive not their inheritance by consecration, agreeable to his law, which he has given, that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against the day of vengeance and burning, should have their names enrolled with the people of God.
(D&C 85:3)
The Lord's house will be built by the tithing of his people, D&C 97:11-12
Yea, let it be built speedily, by the tithing of my people. Behold, this is the tithing and the sacrifice which I, the Lord, require at their hands, that there may be a house built unto me for the salvation of Zion-
Tithing shall be disposed of by a council, D&C 120
Verily, thus saith the Lord, the time is now come, that it shall be disposed of by a council, composed of the First Presidency of my Church, and of the bishop and his council, and by my high council; and by mine own voice unto them, saith the Lord. Even so. Amen.
Talk from October 2002 General Conference -- Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings, Robert D. Hales
lds.org/general-conference/2002/10/tithing-a-test-of-faith-with-eternal-blessings
Not one ounce of my being believes that a person who does not tithe 10% of their income will be burned at His coming. I also do not believe God would deny Heaven to someone who has not tithed 10% of their entire income during their lifetime.
My unanswered question was:
Why would I pay tithing first, even when I don't have enough money to meet my other needs?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that tithing should not be my first sacrifice, yet overjoyed to find the truth that I should sacrifice myself first and foremost. By taking care of my family, God will take care of us even more! My first priority as a mother is to take care of my husband and children. God does not need 10% of my "income." He needs 100% of ME!
Growing up as a Presbyterian, I was taught that Tithing is 10% of ourselves, not solely income. When we gave our time, our talents, our knowledge, our love, etc. it was all considered tithing. We were not required to pay 10% of our entire income as the lds church requires.
D&C 119:3-4
And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people. And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.
The following link is from For the Strength of Youth, a small booklet given to all youth of the lds church.
lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/tithes-and-offerings
From lds.org
lds.org/scriptures/gs/tithes-tithing
The Guide to the Scriptures
Tithes, Tithing
A tenth part of a person's annual increase given to the Lord through the Church. Tithing funds are used to build churches and temples, to sustain missionary work, and to build the kingdom of God on earth.
He that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming, D&C 64:23 (D&C 85:3)
Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.
It is contrary to the will and commandment of God that those who receive not their inheritance by consecration, agreeable to his law, which he has given, that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against the day of vengeance and burning, should have their names enrolled with the people of God.
(D&C 85:3)
The Lord's house will be built by the tithing of his people, D&C 97:11-12
Yea, let it be built speedily, by the tithing of my people. Behold, this is the tithing and the sacrifice which I, the Lord, require at their hands, that there may be a house built unto me for the salvation of Zion-
Tithing shall be disposed of by a council, D&C 120
Verily, thus saith the Lord, the time is now come, that it shall be disposed of by a council, composed of the First Presidency of my Church, and of the bishop and his council, and by my high council; and by mine own voice unto them, saith the Lord. Even so. Amen.
Talk from October 2002 General Conference -- Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings, Robert D. Hales
lds.org/general-conference/2002/10/tithing-a-test-of-faith-with-eternal-blessings
Not one ounce of my being believes that a person who does not tithe 10% of their income will be burned at His coming. I also do not believe God would deny Heaven to someone who has not tithed 10% of their entire income during their lifetime.
My unanswered question was:
Why would I pay tithing first, even when I don't have enough money to meet my other needs?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that tithing should not be my first sacrifice, yet overjoyed to find the truth that I should sacrifice myself first and foremost. By taking care of my family, God will take care of us even more! My first priority as a mother is to take care of my husband and children. God does not need 10% of my "income." He needs 100% of ME!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
SPIRIT
Reason 24
In a few words, the Light of Christ was not in me. I felt so numb as if I was only going through the motions. There was so much emphasis on all the extra things within the church when Christ should have been the number one focus. Those extra things were Primary/Young Women activities, Relief Society, Enrichment, the Temple, Home/Visiting Teaching, meeting after meeting, etc. I could go on. There were so many redundant activities and it just got SO stale. Christ certainly does not want us having stale lives. There was so much preaching on how to serve and when to serve that I was doing all those things because I was told to or because it was my calling instead of doing everything out of the kindness of my heart or because I actually wanted to.
CALLINGS
I did enjoy some callings, but for the most part, I dreaded them. I wanted to know before I accepted a calling "how much time is this going to take away from my family? Will I be working with the same age group I have for 40 hours during my work week?" These things were normally not considered by church leadership. I am not referring to all; however, the majority did not consider those things. They were just trying to fill an open position. I think we get more out of choosing to grow in certain areas ourselves rather than being called by church leaders into specific callings. I do understand members should pray about callings prior to accepting them. However, only the Lord and I know the areas I need strengthening in.
MOST IMPORTANT COMMANDMENT
The scriptures tell us to serve out of the kindness of our heart, not because we are told to or because it's our calling. I was doing "good works" for all the wrong reasons, as I believe many Mormons do. As a whole, I did not feel genuine, self-giving love in the church. There was way too much contention for me. So much bickering and complaining and competition...Love was certainly not the sole reason for the good works of many of the members. And since I have shared my blog with the world, it is very clear to me that many Mormons do not do or say things out of a love for God. Mormons are the ones who are bad mouthing me and putting me down, not the Christians. The Christians are encouraging and uplifting. There are a few Mormons who have been accepting of my decision to share my story. However, in general, the Mormons are the ones who disagree with my blog and my decision to share my life story with others. Temple attendance, home/visiting teaching and service were also not being done out of a Love for God. I was doing all these "works" because if I didn't, I wouldn't be good enough and ultimately would not make it to the celestial kingdom. And that's not how Christ and church should make us feel. The Savior would not say any one of us is not good enough. So why would a church?
Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 8:1-12
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors-not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 22:34-40
But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself:' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 5:38-48
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
1 John 1:6
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
1 John 4:20-21
If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
Do as you believe. Love God and love each other, even if you disagree with their decisions. Those that love have fulfilled the law. That's all you need to do! And that's what He means by being rewarded by our works. How do we love? Do we love our enemies? Do we love those that disagree with our beliefs? Do we love those who have turned away from our church? Do we love those who have been open and honest about their true feelings of another's church?
I do, even those who have said hateful words to me. Just because I completely disagree with your church and your beliefs, does not mean I feel that way towards you. I still love you no matter what you choose to believe.
FORCING FAITH
A wise friend of mine says, "no church can force people to develop their faith." Well, no church should have to try to force people to develop their faith. If the church is teaching and doing what it should be teaching and doing, then people's faith will come naturally through their love of Christ. LDS preach so much about the importance of Joseph Smith, the temple, prayer, scripture study, selfless service, sacrifice, good works, what you should or should not be doing, etc., that they were definitely attempting to force me to develop my faith. The only thing I need and want to hear, as well as be taught to my children, is how much Christ loves us. That is the ONLY thing that needs to be preached endlessly, nothing else. If this is understood, then everything else will come naturally without having to be told or forced to do it again and again, over and over.
SACRAMENT
I felt as though sacrament was very stale, very boring, and very repetitive. My heart told me I need to really worship the Lord. My favorite way to worship the Lord is through music, and LDS music did not fulfill my worshiping needs. I am so blessed to finally be involved with a church that truly worships the LORD! Every song I sing is about One Person and One Person only; My Savior!
My unanswered question was:
If the lds church is the one true church, then why did I feel such a struggle within myself to try harder and study more and pray more and do more good works, etc.? Why did all those things not come completely naturally to me as they do now, with a desire to do them for myself and my relationship with Christ?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the lds church is not the one true church, yet overjoyed to find the truth that my spirit and my relationship with My Savior are both much stronger without a denomination! All I need is my relationship with Him, and I am so very blessed to have that now! He is with me every step of the way, and unfortunately, I was unable to say that as a Mormon.
PRAISE GOD!
In a few words, the Light of Christ was not in me. I felt so numb as if I was only going through the motions. There was so much emphasis on all the extra things within the church when Christ should have been the number one focus. Those extra things were Primary/Young Women activities, Relief Society, Enrichment, the Temple, Home/Visiting Teaching, meeting after meeting, etc. I could go on. There were so many redundant activities and it just got SO stale. Christ certainly does not want us having stale lives. There was so much preaching on how to serve and when to serve that I was doing all those things because I was told to or because it was my calling instead of doing everything out of the kindness of my heart or because I actually wanted to.
CALLINGS
I did enjoy some callings, but for the most part, I dreaded them. I wanted to know before I accepted a calling "how much time is this going to take away from my family? Will I be working with the same age group I have for 40 hours during my work week?" These things were normally not considered by church leadership. I am not referring to all; however, the majority did not consider those things. They were just trying to fill an open position. I think we get more out of choosing to grow in certain areas ourselves rather than being called by church leaders into specific callings. I do understand members should pray about callings prior to accepting them. However, only the Lord and I know the areas I need strengthening in.
MOST IMPORTANT COMMANDMENT
The scriptures tell us to serve out of the kindness of our heart, not because we are told to or because it's our calling. I was doing "good works" for all the wrong reasons, as I believe many Mormons do. As a whole, I did not feel genuine, self-giving love in the church. There was way too much contention for me. So much bickering and complaining and competition...Love was certainly not the sole reason for the good works of many of the members. And since I have shared my blog with the world, it is very clear to me that many Mormons do not do or say things out of a love for God. Mormons are the ones who are bad mouthing me and putting me down, not the Christians. The Christians are encouraging and uplifting. There are a few Mormons who have been accepting of my decision to share my story. However, in general, the Mormons are the ones who disagree with my blog and my decision to share my life story with others. Temple attendance, home/visiting teaching and service were also not being done out of a Love for God. I was doing all these "works" because if I didn't, I wouldn't be good enough and ultimately would not make it to the celestial kingdom. And that's not how Christ and church should make us feel. The Savior would not say any one of us is not good enough. So why would a church?
Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 8:1-12
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors-not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 22:34-40
But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself:' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 5:38-48
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
1 John 1:6
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
1 John 4:20-21
If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
Do as you believe. Love God and love each other, even if you disagree with their decisions. Those that love have fulfilled the law. That's all you need to do! And that's what He means by being rewarded by our works. How do we love? Do we love our enemies? Do we love those that disagree with our beliefs? Do we love those who have turned away from our church? Do we love those who have been open and honest about their true feelings of another's church?
I do, even those who have said hateful words to me. Just because I completely disagree with your church and your beliefs, does not mean I feel that way towards you. I still love you no matter what you choose to believe.
FORCING FAITH
A wise friend of mine says, "no church can force people to develop their faith." Well, no church should have to try to force people to develop their faith. If the church is teaching and doing what it should be teaching and doing, then people's faith will come naturally through their love of Christ. LDS preach so much about the importance of Joseph Smith, the temple, prayer, scripture study, selfless service, sacrifice, good works, what you should or should not be doing, etc., that they were definitely attempting to force me to develop my faith. The only thing I need and want to hear, as well as be taught to my children, is how much Christ loves us. That is the ONLY thing that needs to be preached endlessly, nothing else. If this is understood, then everything else will come naturally without having to be told or forced to do it again and again, over and over.
SACRAMENT
I felt as though sacrament was very stale, very boring, and very repetitive. My heart told me I need to really worship the Lord. My favorite way to worship the Lord is through music, and LDS music did not fulfill my worshiping needs. I am so blessed to finally be involved with a church that truly worships the LORD! Every song I sing is about One Person and One Person only; My Savior!
My unanswered question was:
If the lds church is the one true church, then why did I feel such a struggle within myself to try harder and study more and pray more and do more good works, etc.? Why did all those things not come completely naturally to me as they do now, with a desire to do them for myself and my relationship with Christ?
I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the lds church is not the one true church, yet overjoyed to find the truth that my spirit and my relationship with My Savior are both much stronger without a denomination! All I need is my relationship with Him, and I am so very blessed to have that now! He is with me every step of the way, and unfortunately, I was unable to say that as a Mormon.
PRAISE GOD!
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