I am A Parodical Returned now for 4 years. We are Retuning, in huge numbers. We have seen what the world has to offer and we KNOW it does not work. The Only thing that works is Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Love this channel
Eh, I'm of the view, having access to both sides of this, that both sides are overstating gains / losses. In the western world, where the Internet is ubiquitous, actual growth statistics seem to indicate little to no, to negative growth. Particularly in western Europe and modernized Asia. Africa is growing a lot. South America, as well, but less than before. There's also the consideration of activity levels. But to say those who have left are returning in huge numbers just doesn't hold up to any data that's available. Likewise those who say losses are huge, are wrong.
My very close friend left the church nearly 10 years ago and nearly took me with him. I checked out mentally for several years. Still taught primary, went through motions, etc. The world had zero to offer me. I was depressed and felt worthless… a speck of dust in an endless universe. My employment suffered. My marriage was suffering. A neighbor; the elderly ward employment specialist took notice I was hurting. He asked me one day if I’d like a priesthood blessing. This blessing did not come from Bro Hammond… it came from God. Bro Hammond said things he had no clue about. I transformed that day and turned back to God and my covenants. My life has made a complete 180 since that day. I’m so happy the Gospel and Christ is central to my life. Thanks for this podcast that uplifts and fortifies
@@Golfdad8356 I'm glad you've found solice. For every account like yours I have many that are the complete opposite, but just as genuine. I'm left with the only logical conclusion, because the accounts are contradictory, that it's entirely subjective, from a purported spiritual perspective. Fortunately I am not following subjective claims (as far as is possible).
Returned to the church. Was baptised as a convert in 2012 in college. Upon reactivating my wife decided to join as well and was baptised this previous summer. We love the Church and the Saviour.
I made a promise in prayer to God at age 25 that I would read every day the rest of my life. It may have only been a few scriptures but I have kept that promise. Im in my 50's
I came back after over a decade. I felt extremely impressed to take my family to church and once I opened that door I realized I believed still. I got to baptize my wife.
I also just started going back to church. My eyes are so wide open. My husband is currently taking discussions and wants to be baptized and sealed in the temple!
Is the following factually true?? 1) Hyrum Smith attended Dartmouth College Prep School 2) A Smith relative was a theology professor at Dartmouth College, named John Smith 3) Professor John Smith taught student Ethan Smith, who then wrote the fictional book "View of the Hebrews" 4) Ethan Smith was Oliver Cowdery's family pastor. 4) The BOM and VOTH have strong, disturbing similarities as stated by a Mormon church secret report (now published, Ref B.H. Roberts, Mormon First Quorum of Seventy)
@howardkenneth5569 Dude. The church is so threatened by the view of the Hebrews they published it. Whoever you are this attack is not very convincing. The book of mormon is the written m word of God.
@@mascotbenches5146 It is not me attacking the credibility of the BOM, it is the famous LDS church senior Genderal Authority leader B.H. Roberts who wrote a secret report expressing HIS concerns about the numerous similarities between the BOM and the VOTH! Elder B.H. Roberts came to the following conclusion: "Did Ethan Smith's View of the Hebrews furnish structural material for Joseph Smith's Book of Mormon? It has been pointed out in these pages that there are many things in the former book that might well have suggested many major things in the other. Not a few things, merely, one or two, or a half dozen, but many; and it is this fact of many things of similarity and the cumulative force of them that makes them so serious a menace to Joseph Smith's story of the Book of Mormon's origin." OFFICAL RELEASE: The LDS church historian B.H. Roberts submitted the following report on comparing "View of Hebrews" to the Book of Mormon. He found these similarities: The destruction of Jerusalem The scattering of Israel The restoration of the Ten Tribes Hebrews leave the Old World for the New World Religion a motivating factor Migrations a long journey Encounter “seas” of “many waters” The Americas an uninhabited land Settlers journey northward Encounter a valley of a great river A unity of race (Hebrew) settle the land and are the ancestral origin of American Indians Hebrew the origin of Indian language Egyptian hieroglyphics Breastplate, Urim & Thummim Prophets, spiritually gifted men transmit generational records The Gospel preached in the Americas Quotes whole chapters of Isaiah Good and bad are a necessary opposition Pride denounced Sacred towers and high places Messiah visits the Americas Idolatry and human sacrifice Hebrews divide into two classes, civilized and barbarous Civilized thrive in art, written language, metallurgy, navigation Government changes from monarchy to republic Civil and ecclesiastical power is united in the same person Long wars break out between the civilized and barbarous Extensive military fortifications, observations, “watch towers” Barbarous exterminate the civilized Discusses the United States How do you explain all the coincidences that the Smith family had a Darmouth theology professor who taught a student named Ethan Smith who then later wrote the VOTH and then pastored Oliver Cowdery's family !?!?!?!?
@@mascotbenches5146 LDS General Authority and scholar Elder B.H. Roberts privately researched the link between the Book of Mormon, the View of the Hebrews, Elder Roberts’ private research was meant only for the eyes of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve and was never intended to be available to the public. Roberts’ work was later published in 1985 as Studies of the Book of Mormon. At the conclusion of his research, Elder B.H. Roberts came to the following conclusion: "Did Ethan Smith's View of the Hebrews furnish structural material for Joseph Smith's Book of Mormon? It has been pointed out in these pages that there are many things in the former book that might well have suggested many major things in the other. Not a few things, merely, one or two, or a half dozen, but many; and it is this fact of many things of similarity and the cumulative force of them that makes them so serious a menace to Joseph Smith's story of the Book of Mormon's origin."
When I was in the darkest points of my addiction, the reason I didn’t want to go to Christ was I was tired of constantly failing. I really believed, or wanted to believe, that He could help me, but I kept feeling like I was letting Him down. What finally changed was realization that I didn’t need to keep trying. I could give my addiction to Christ. I can’t speak for everyone, I think the repentance process can be tailored to us individually, but I finally prayed in desperation with real faith, asking Christ to take this addiction. And He did. (Edit: I’m sorry to know there are some who feel this doesn’t apply to them. I don’t know why your prayers may be answered differently than mine. But like Nephi, all I can say is “I know God loves His children, nevertheless I don’t know the meaning of all things.”)
@@rodneyjamesmcguire in this instance I didn’t necessarily mean I wasn’t praying with faith before. It’s just that this time I had faith that Christ would deliver me from my addiction, rather than just being a figure who could endlessly forgive me while I continued to fail at stopping. This time when I prayed, my faith felt more real, because it moved passed the symptoms and was seeing Christ as the ultimate cure who could make it all stop
My son tried harder, spiritually, prayerfully and committedly for three years of sobriety after 23 years of addiction - but one relapse, and an overdose ended his life. Why couldn’t he get the strength he needed to stay clean? We may know someday but at least he was “rescued” from this extremely difficult addictive lifestyle
@@lanakila40the first thing we need to do is stop thinking that just because one person had an experience, everyone else who didn’t were somehow not measuring up and make that into some offense of why did you get this and not me. That is Satan who wants to pit one against another. God saved Nephi multiple times from his brothers, and let Abinadi die by fire. Our faith is not determined by the outcome. Our goodness is NOT determined by our outcome period. It is determined simply by our love for Christ and our willingness to do what he asks and who we are attempting to become in our hearts. We should see the goodness of God in both the death of Abinadi AND in the deliverance of Nephi.
@@lanakila40 it breaks my heart to hear that, especially when hearing how he found Christ and successfully broke addiction for three years. I don’t know why our experiences were different, but I DO know Christ’s atonement is infinite and works beyond the grave. My heart goes out to you ❤️
I work for the church as a data engineer. I've seen the data on church membership. The activity rates are doing just fine! Nobody working in the church's membership data feels that the church is declining. God's work is moving forward 👍
22:36 i was feeling like God didn’t want to talk to me the other night, and I had a dream where I was taken up in a galaxy. There I was told “Don’t let Satan be your accuser.” God will tell you where you need to change and be better. But Satan doesn’t get to declare that you are worthless or unworthy. Don’t let him be your accuser by being too hard on yourself for your mortal struggles. God is your judge. And Jesus your defendant.
I love reading these comments especially of those that are making their way back. It makes me feel good just reading them. Much love to you and your families in your journey ❤
We must remember that we do not have to be perfect to partake the sacrament, but we must not partake of it unworthy, we are making a promise, so want to make shore we are trying to keep those things we are hearing in those beautiful words in those sacrament prayers. If you are asked not to partake is for your best. Then you are helped to again be worthy to partake. That come from the scriptures
This really touched my heart....tears "He gave me that coat and I never want to take it off." I don't think that a person can truly understand the Atonement unless he or she has needed it in a very real way to repent of serious sin. People can talk about it all day long in beautiful prose and poetry, but it can only be felt and understood in it's deepest sense unless & until sincere repentance is made & forgiveness is offered and accepted. Thank God for His mercy and His love in giving us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.❤❤❤
We all need the atonement of Jesus Christ. I'm glad you've found Christ and have a good relation with Him. I would caution thinking that others need to find Him the same way though. Alma, in Alma 32:13-16, shows us that some people are able to truly appreciate Jesus Christ and what He has done for them. Everyone has their own journey.
Forgiving yourself is a process and sometimes it takes years to forgive ourselves but eventually it does happen and God is mindful of this, as He comprehends all things.
Excellent content fellas. I second Hayden’s testimony - the Book of Mormon profoundly inspired me to forsake sin and trust Jesus, leading me to so much joy and a new life.
You guys really need to have Hello Saints on your show. There would ne really valuable conversations, especially helping to dispell misunderstandings about the church and the relationship of works, repentance and grace.
I love this channel. I’m pretty sure I end every episode saying, “that was the best thing I’ve ever heard.” Thank you for being so real and so vulnerable. AND… shout out to your sister. Ella was companions with my sister in Kirtland 🙌🏻
Is the following factually true?? 1) Hyrum Smith attended Dartmouth College Prep School 2) A Smith relative was a theology professor at Dartmouth College, named John Smith 3) Professor John Smith taught student Ethan Smith, who then wrote the fictional book "View of the Hebrews" 4) Ethan Smith was Oliver Cowdery's family pastor. 4) The BOM and VOTH have strong, disturbing similarities as stated by a Mormon church secret report (now published, Ref B.H. Roberts, Mormon First Quorum of Seventy)
I am so glad you had Stephen on, I love his channel too. Great discussion. A few months ago I sat next to a Methodist minister on a plane. We were talking about religion and the younger generation and agreed that the ones that are active are so strong.
Don Bradley, Jerry Grover, Daniel C Peterson, Mike Day, David Butler, and I dont know if you guys can swing it, but if you got Margaret Barker to come on the show, and talk about the Old Testament, that would be freaking sick!!! All those guests would be great guests.
Such a great conversation, I have really been thinking about some of this stuff recently and this was such a blessing. Cannot express how thankful I am for your faith and testimonies!
Theodore M. Burton teaches us that “punishment is not repentance. Punishment follows disobedience and precedes repentance.… Confession is not repentance. Confession is an admission of guilt that occurs as repentance begins.… Remorse is not repentance. Remorse and sorrow continue because a person has not truly repented. But if suffering, punishment, confession, remorse and sorrow are not repentance, what is repentance? Repentance is a turning back to God!” (“The Meaning of Repentance,” BYU Speeches, 1985; as cited in Putting On Christ, p. 282). "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation..." (2 Cor. 7:10).
@@rodneyjamesmcguireI. I couldn’t care less how many leave and how many come back. The truth is not determined by majority rule. The early Christian martyrs were fed to the lions, were in the minority and their church was destroyed. Yet the truth of Christianity did not change.
@@stevenrussell2431 Even so, 40% return rate needs to be substantiated. I know it's faith promoting, and Ward Radio goes hard on that, but I'm interested in real data.
@@rodneyjamesmcguire "Needs to be substantiated" by you, perhaps. I don't care as it has nothing to do with my faith or with the truth of the Book of Mormon. Only the haters care about this stuff as they try to justify their apostasy/hatred of Christ's Church. As Christ's Church was being destroyed by the Romans, I am sure there were many cheering on the destruction and martyrdom of the early saints, hoping it was evidence that their apostasy and hatred were justified.
@@stevenrussell2431 Hmmm... you've knee-jerked me into the haters group. A bit of an Ad Hominem. I'm a critic, for sure, but I'm no hater. I'm no longer LDS because the data, in reality, doesn't support the extraordinary physical claims of the Book of Mormon. And, YES, data claims do need substantiation.
I left a Ward Radio video to watch this 🎉! Question: TSOJ, When is your Old World BoM documentary coming out? I’m dying. Lastly, thinking about the world in 2024, or during the restoration, or during the BoM, etc., I see the lack of forgiveness (or the Marxist perception of what forgiveness should look like; retaliation and hate) that is everywhere, as a reason the world is about to seriously change towards a darkness we’ve not seen in un rato. Also… #FIGHTTHENEWDRUG 36:08 BINGO! This is truly the most missed aspect of our church among members and youth… and our “enemies”. So many nuggets today, gentlemen: 50:29 is so wonderful! Repentance IS joyous! It brings the spirit! That’s why the world wants us all to think NOTHING we do is wrong or bad or needing to be repented of. Anything that distracts one from getting closer to the Lord especially though the spirit, the world rejects.
Im enjoying the doctrine taught here.. especially pertaining to Jesus Christ and Forgiveness.. 2ne ch 2:3-8 round robin session.. I'm reading 1 NE 10:8.. John the Baptist says, "whose shoes I'm not worthy to unloose..", supposing he wanted to wash Jesus' feet, yet he was constrained to say, "i am unworthy". How comforting is that my brothers and sisters to know that though we may at times feel unworthy, but we're not alone. Even John the Baptist felt that way..
Love your discussion guys. Always been waiting for you guys to post a new content so I could add your insights on my daily scripture and study journal.
I think it would be more important to share what you know then to wait for someone to ask you. Especially since a great deal of people do read through the comments.
17:30 you can't pay the price for your sins, but that covenant requires works meet for repentance: one must offer a broken heart and contrite spirit. So for clarity's sake, it's inaccurate to say it's given freely. It's by grace, after all you can do... Remember it's faith unto repentance, and faith is action, not just a belief.
Brethren - I’ve enjoyed many episodes - I especially have loved conversations with Mike & Dave and most recently with Margaret - but (for me) none of them can compare with the conversation that you shared here. I absolutely loved the clarity that all of the discussion of evidence for the Book of Mormon is simply a prerequisite to focusing on what’s actually captured in the Book of Mormon. And I really resonated with Stephen’s suggestion that the adversary doesn’t really care what we think about the Prophet Joseph … he just doesn’t want us to acknowledge the fruits of his life and find what’s in the Book of Mormon.
He covers us (Adam and Eve) with the skin of animals that represents sacrifices, which represents his sacrifice, or the atonement. Because that’s the only thing that can save us and protect us. Our garments remind us not to hide from God, in shame, but to use the atonement to repent, and get closer to God.
Having others help us work through things is important. A mentor who is in a healthy place is invaluable - the scriptures point this out, and in some places we're *commanded* to be there for others. I think this is one reason why we are told to seek out and confess to our bishop/branch president.
A thought on your garment discussion… A short time ago my focus of temple attendance changed from maintaining my spirituality to worshiping God in His house. To do that I needed to understand it better. One aspect that really stood out occurred when I read this from Elder Maxwell: “Real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed.” This may seem like a vague connection, but when the coats of skins (Moses 4:27) were given to Adam and Eve, that was likely the first time they had seen death. An animal, or more accurately it was likely an unblemished lamb (or a few) had to be slain to make their coats of skins. When we put on our garments every day we are putting on Christ. Wouldn’t it be easier if our garments were the color of reminding blood red to really get our minds thinking about the great sacrifice that is our outward expression of an inner commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
I really like the principles taught here that faith comes First, then repentance.. this paradigm shift helps me to know that being clean thru repentance is not required before coming to Christ whether In prayer or another way. *scripture study, church, etc.. Similarly, i like that Christ suffered first , then came the covenant to keep his commandments.. Again, it's the realization that the way has already been prepared.. this session was extremely edifying and faith building. Thank you! And the scriptures that were shared.. it was great.. - I know that these things are true.. i have a deep testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that we are led by a true Prophet of God.. And this episode helped strengthen this testimony. I have a greater desire to walk in the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And i can feel more Christ's love for me as things that were taught peeled back some of the scales covering my eyes..
17:27 part of the idea that repentance = punishment comes from how the Hebrew was translated. Repentance has roots in the word penance, which *is* about punishment. The Hebrew root word that is translated as "repentance" means "to turn." This really helped me understand it - we TURN to Jesus to repent.
I love listening to your podcasts. Evil is winning and men's hearts are failing; we are the ones with the instructions; so above all we need to follow them.
I had a stroke at early age . I did not like to read.After I had been married my wife told me she thought I had a good voice. It doesn’t bother me anymore.
The Adversary teaches us shame, in my experience, academic studies, and scriptural studies. Shame and guilt are definitely different! I would even say feeling ashamed and being buried in shame are different.
I never fell away but it was close I knew the church was true but I had a relationship with with the commandments and the fruit they provided rather than than with my savior. It’s like I was eating really good strawberry’s planted along the iron rod so I didn’t even know I needed the true fruit.
30:20 I think it is important to understand that we are all redeemed to a degree of glory. However, as to what body and kingdom of glory we will be redeemed that is where our personal righteous comes in. We must do everything the Lord commands or we cannot dwell in his presence, that said we are all redeemed to a degree of glory Telestial to Celestial.
Assumptions can be dangerous. And I think a lot of people miss judge our church and the teachings and books of our church. I feel like it really comes down to their lack of understanding. Either because they don’t really want to know because then it would require them to make changes or they are intentionally misconstruing things because they themselves are deceived.
To claim that 19th century words in the Book of Mormon prove that it's a 19th century work, is the same as to claim that the slavonic translation of the Book of Enoch is a work from that same Century (8th A.D) of which century Slavic language The slavic Book of Enoch uses. We know the slavic book of Enoch is a translation of a much older work, yet we can roughly date the translation because of the language it uses. Any scholar would, rightly so, laugh at the idea that by proving the date of the Slavic translation would be the same as to prove the age of the original composition. Yet this is the most common argument against the Book of Mormon. All the more ancient evidence within the text is ignored while only the language is being used as proof against the BOM's authenticity.
Great video. I had this thought: Is charity more fundamental than repentance, because it prevents sin from happening in the first place? "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity preventeth a multitude of sins." - JST, 1 Peter 4:8 Let me know what you think 👇
People don't turn to Christ for redemption from sin for the same reason they sinned in the first place: self-reliance. People sin in the first place because they trust themselves more than God. When they feel the shame and fear that are the effects of sin, they rely/trust in themselves to remedy their shame and fear. This self-reliance is more sin. Self-reliance can't remedy the effects of the problem because self-reliance IS the problem. Also, love is not a better motivation than fear. We must first fear God before we can love him. It's a popular notion today that we shouldn't fear God, but no ancient prophet ever taught that. No, they didn't mean to reverence God instead. The reason people say we shouldn't fear Godis because they want to harden their hearts against God's Justice. It's better to soften our hearts and fear God and turn our hearts to Him. Then, as we receive Christ, the Spirit will fill us with love, which will replace fear. But we can't skip over fear and hope to receive love.
It is simple The Lords true church teaches repentance, covenant making and overcoming the world through faith in Jesus Christ. It is in the Old Testament , the New Testament , the restored scriptures.
I believe Satan introduced shame in the garden. Shame is not of light, other emotions can help us to repent, meaning to turn to Christ and he helps us change. Shame can be so debilitating even damning, it causes us to hide from Christ. It seems that Satan the "accuser" knows how to turn us to the emotion of shame. Just like in the garden of Eden. We need to be aware of our thoughts and where they are coming from and more importantly, this is why we need to turn to Christ and repent every day.
Wonderful message, God isn't waiting for us to come to him, but is actively knocking. all we have to do is open up to him to receive His aid. Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, despise not the achastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he acorrecteth; even as a bfather the son in whom he delighteth. Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
23:18 it was an error when they changed the original wording of the 4th article of faith. Faith is an ordinance. It is a part of God's order, ordained by God. I think it also led to precepts in understanding what am ordinance is.
"What are they gonna think about it?" Shows the 'fear of man' aka people pleasing, which is something the scriptures warn us of over and over. It's the Adversary all over again.
Is the following factually true?? 1) Hyrum Smith attended Dartmouth College Prep School 2) A Smith relative was a theology professor at Dartmouth College, named John Smith 3) Professor John Smith taught student Ethan Smith, who then wrote the fictional book "View of the Hebrews" 4) Ethan Smith was Oliver Cowdery's family pastor. 4) The BOM and VOTH have strong, disturbing similarities as stated by a Mormon church secret report (now published, Ref B.H. Roberts, Mormon First Quorum of Seventy)
That is factual, but you’ll never hear it in this channel. All they debunk are strawmen, if they tackled a real issue and faced push back you would see how weak their arguments are.
@@thestickofjosephEzekiel 37:16 where does it say that the stick of Ephraim is the book of Mormon I'm having a hard time of time of finding that scripture
My husband has a co-worker who is always sharing the most extreme political theories. Such as the next VP pick is going to be a guy who died but is actually in hiding in anticipation for this coming election. The guy was raised LDS but raised his family outside the church. I told my husband the people who leave the church spend the rest of their life searching for that part of them they are missing and they are filling it with anything they can find
49:25 I love the thought of the Robes of the priesthood is made of lamb skin! It’s a beautiful thought. If I may offer an alternative, the garments were made in the garden of Eden, before death was introduced into the world. Correct? And so if that’s the case the only skin of an animal that would be possible, would be that of a snake that has shed its skin. Originally Snakes were holy and signified deity. A snake shedding its skin can be seen as a symbol of transformation, and new birth. (TRANSgression? - if PROgression means moving forward, and REgression means moving backward, TRANSgression means moving to the side) Hence, the animal skin is likely snake skin, then this garment was handed down and eventually was called the coat of many colors. Maybe the scales of the snake skin shimmered like a reflective rainbow?
Paul fought a war his entire ministry against members of the church who were of the house of Juda who had become Christian who were also teaching that some or all of the law of Moses had to be kept to be saved. The most prevalent teaching by these Judaizers was that circumcision is necessary for salvation. Second was keeping the kosher diet is necessary for salvation, some believed all the fiests and festivals and sacrifices are necessary for salvation. Starting with this last belief we look at Paul's response that salvation is free through faith in Christ, not by works, least any man should boast. What works? The works of the Law Of Moses. If you add of The Law of Moses every time Paul says works you will begin to understand Paul. Paul referred to the Law of Moses as flesh, because it is performed by our fleshly body and not by our inward man, or in other words by our spirit. When Paul says we are not saved by righteous works that we have done in Titus he is speaking of the righteous works of the Law Of Moses. Always add of The Law Of Moses when Paul says works. Obedience to Christ's teachings,which requires works, saves us. When we do sacrifices, keep feasts and festivals, keep a kosher diet, we are not changed from our spirit. when we do not kill we are not changed from our spirit. When we do not commit adultery we are not changed from our spirit. Paul teaches that salvation is for those who obey Christ. To obey is to work. How do we obey Christ? We do not hate. We do not lust. To not hate delivers, saves us from sin, because when we do not hate we will not kill. Not lusting saves us from sin, because when we do not lust we will not commit adultery. Saved means delivered. Christ is the Deliverer. It takes spiritual work to keep the law of Christ, but it only takes physical, fleshly work, to keep the law of Moses. Most members are intimidated by the rest of Christianity who are working for Satan, because they do not understand Paul. They accuse members of believing that we are saved by works, and quote Paul. They do not understand Paul. We are saved by works, the works of changing our spirit, but as Paul taught, we are not saved by the Works of the Law Of Moses. When they ask,"What works can you do to save yourself?" Say obey Christ, and not hate, obey Christ and not lust, and I will be saved from sin. There is no repentance from living by those teachings, there is only repentance and a need for for Christ's blood for not living His teachings. We were single and separate as spirit sons and daughters of God. If we do not work to live the law of Chastity perfectly we will not have sexual organs as an immortal, like Adam had, like Eve had in the presence of God. It is work to not lust, but if we do not work to not lust we will not have a Celestial body, which is a body that has sexual organs that is immortal, and we will have failed our mortality.
Is the following factually true?? 1) Hyrum Smith attended Dartmouth College Prep School 2) A Smith relative was a theology professor at Dartmouth College, named John Smith 3) Professor John Smith taught student Ethan Smith, who then wrote the fictional book "View of the Hebrews" 4) Ethan Smith was Oliver Cowdery's family pastor. 4) The BOM and VOTH have strong, disturbing similarities as stated by a Mormon church secret report (now published, Ref B.H. Roberts, Mormon First Quorum of Seventy)
@@GarySaint-xm6tr You cannot be good enough to earn your way into the presence of God. Only having your heart transformed by trusting ALONE upon the bloody cross of Christ's loving atonement for your sins, and believing He rose from the dead as the one and only Lord God, will save you. ROMANS 8: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. A ceremony can't save you. A temple can't save you. A name on a membership roll can't save you.
I am A Parodical Returned now for 4 years. We are Retuning, in huge numbers. We have seen what the world has to offer and we KNOW it does not work. The Only thing that works is Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Love this channel
You rock!! I hope more are coming back like you say. We need you, our youth need you, Jesus loves and needs you!
Eh, I'm of the view, having access to both sides of this, that both sides are overstating gains / losses.
In the western world, where the Internet is ubiquitous, actual growth statistics seem to indicate little to no, to negative growth. Particularly in western Europe and modernized Asia.
Africa is growing a lot. South America, as well, but less than before.
There's also the consideration of activity levels.
But to say those who have left are returning in huge numbers just doesn't hold up to any data that's available. Likewise those who say losses are huge, are wrong.
❤
My very close friend left the church nearly 10 years ago and nearly took me with him. I checked out mentally for several years. Still taught primary, went through motions, etc. The world had zero to offer me. I was depressed and felt worthless… a speck of dust in an endless universe. My employment suffered. My marriage was suffering. A neighbor; the elderly ward employment specialist took notice I was hurting. He asked me one day if I’d like a priesthood blessing. This blessing did not come from Bro Hammond… it came from God. Bro Hammond said things he had no clue about. I transformed that day and turned back to God and my covenants. My life has made a complete 180 since that day. I’m so happy the Gospel and Christ is central to my life. Thanks for this podcast that uplifts and fortifies
@@Golfdad8356 I'm glad you've found solice.
For every account like yours I have many that are the complete opposite, but just as genuine.
I'm left with the only logical conclusion, because the accounts are contradictory, that it's entirely subjective, from a purported spiritual perspective.
Fortunately I am not following subjective claims (as far as is possible).
Returned to the church. Was baptised as a convert in 2012 in college. Upon reactivating my wife decided to join as well and was baptised this previous summer. We love the Church and the Saviour.
Welcome back. You're awesome.
@@thekolobsociety 🥰
❤
Love it!
I loved reading your comment ❤. Thank you for sharing.
I made a promise in prayer to God at age 25 that I would read every day the rest of my life. It may have only been a few scriptures but I have kept that promise. Im in my 50's
I came back after over a decade. I felt extremely impressed to take my family to church and once I opened that door I realized I believed still. I got to baptize my wife.
I also just started going back to church. My eyes are so wide open. My husband is currently taking discussions and wants to be baptized and sealed in the temple!
I love the. Your eyes are wide open. You will be a rock in your ward family. I'm excited for your upcoming sealing!
Is the following factually true?? 1) Hyrum Smith attended Dartmouth College Prep School 2) A Smith relative was a theology professor at Dartmouth College, named John Smith 3) Professor John Smith taught student Ethan Smith, who then wrote the fictional book "View of the Hebrews" 4) Ethan Smith was Oliver Cowdery's family pastor. 4) The BOM and VOTH have strong, disturbing similarities as stated by a Mormon church secret report (now published, Ref B.H. Roberts, Mormon First Quorum of Seventy)
@howardkenneth5569 Dude. The church is so threatened by the view of the Hebrews they published it. Whoever you are this attack is not very convincing. The book of mormon is the written m word of God.
@@mascotbenches5146 It is not me attacking the credibility of the BOM, it is the famous LDS church senior Genderal Authority leader B.H. Roberts who wrote a secret report expressing HIS concerns about the numerous similarities between the BOM and the VOTH!
Elder B.H. Roberts came to the following conclusion:
"Did Ethan Smith's View of the Hebrews furnish structural material for Joseph Smith's Book of Mormon? It has been pointed out in these pages that there are many things in the former book that might well have suggested many major things in the other. Not a few things, merely, one or two, or a half dozen, but many; and it is this fact of many things of similarity and the cumulative force of them that makes them so serious a menace to Joseph Smith's story of the Book of Mormon's origin."
OFFICAL RELEASE: The LDS church historian B.H. Roberts submitted the following report on comparing "View of Hebrews" to the Book of Mormon. He found these similarities:
The destruction of Jerusalem
The scattering of Israel
The restoration of the Ten Tribes
Hebrews leave the Old World for the New World
Religion a motivating factor
Migrations a long journey
Encounter “seas” of “many waters”
The Americas an uninhabited land
Settlers journey northward
Encounter a valley of a great river
A unity of race (Hebrew) settle the land and are the ancestral origin of American Indians
Hebrew the origin of Indian language
Egyptian hieroglyphics
Breastplate, Urim & Thummim
Prophets, spiritually gifted men transmit generational records
The Gospel preached in the Americas
Quotes whole chapters of Isaiah
Good and bad are a necessary opposition
Pride denounced
Sacred towers and high places
Messiah visits the Americas
Idolatry and human sacrifice
Hebrews divide into two classes, civilized and barbarous
Civilized thrive in art, written language, metallurgy, navigation
Government changes from monarchy to republic
Civil and ecclesiastical power is united in the same person
Long wars break out between the civilized and barbarous
Extensive military fortifications, observations, “watch towers”
Barbarous exterminate the civilized
Discusses the United States
How do you explain all the coincidences that the Smith family had a Darmouth theology professor who taught a student named Ethan Smith who then later wrote the VOTH and then pastored Oliver Cowdery's family !?!?!?!?
@@mascotbenches5146 LDS General Authority and scholar Elder B.H. Roberts privately researched the link between the Book of Mormon, the View of the Hebrews, Elder Roberts’ private research was meant only for the eyes of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve and was never intended to be available to the public. Roberts’ work was later published in 1985 as Studies of the Book of Mormon. At the conclusion of his research, Elder B.H. Roberts came to the following conclusion:
"Did Ethan Smith's View of the Hebrews furnish structural material for Joseph Smith's Book of Mormon? It has been pointed out in these pages that there are many things in the former book that might well have suggested many major things in the other. Not a few things, merely, one or two, or a half dozen, but many; and it is this fact of many things of similarity and the cumulative force of them that makes them so serious a menace to Joseph Smith's story of the Book of Mormon's origin."
When I was in the darkest points of my addiction, the reason I didn’t want to go to Christ was I was tired of constantly failing. I really believed, or wanted to believe, that He could help me, but I kept feeling like I was letting Him down.
What finally changed was realization that I didn’t need to keep trying. I could give my addiction to Christ.
I can’t speak for everyone, I think the repentance process can be tailored to us individually, but I finally prayed in desperation with real faith, asking Christ to take this addiction.
And He did.
(Edit: I’m sorry to know there are some who feel this doesn’t apply to them. I don’t know why your prayers may be answered differently than mine. But like Nephi, all I can say is “I know God loves His children, nevertheless I don’t know the meaning of all things.”)
Unfortunately the "pray with real faith" seems to be very subjective.
@@rodneyjamesmcguire in this instance I didn’t necessarily mean I wasn’t praying with faith before. It’s just that this time I had faith that Christ would deliver me from my addiction, rather than just being a figure who could endlessly forgive me while I continued to fail at stopping.
This time when I prayed, my faith felt more real, because it moved passed the symptoms and was seeing Christ as the ultimate cure who could make it all stop
My son tried harder, spiritually, prayerfully and committedly for three years of sobriety after 23 years of addiction - but one relapse, and an overdose ended his life. Why couldn’t he get the strength he needed to stay clean? We may know someday but at least he was “rescued” from this extremely difficult addictive lifestyle
@@lanakila40the first thing we need to do is stop thinking that just because one person had an experience, everyone else who didn’t were somehow not measuring up and make that into some offense of why did you get this and not me. That is Satan who wants to pit one against another. God saved Nephi multiple times from his brothers, and let Abinadi die by fire. Our faith is not determined by the outcome. Our goodness is NOT determined by our outcome period. It is determined simply by our love for Christ and our willingness to do what he asks and who we are attempting to become in our hearts. We should see the goodness of God in both the death of Abinadi AND in the deliverance of Nephi.
@@lanakila40 it breaks my heart to hear that, especially when hearing how he found Christ and successfully broke addiction for three years.
I don’t know why our experiences were different, but I DO know Christ’s atonement is infinite and works beyond the grave. My heart goes out to you ❤️
I work for the church as a data engineer. I've seen the data on church membership. The activity rates are doing just fine! Nobody working in the church's membership data feels that the church is declining. God's work is moving forward 👍
You all should be seeing my name soon! 😊
What’s is the activity rate? Can you share that?
Like they used to say in the Corps, I’m “2 days and a wake up” from baptism. I’m so excited for 02/10 to get here.
@enocisaac213 I baptized my wife and 2 oldest kids into the church recently.
22:36 i was feeling like God didn’t want to talk to me the other night, and I had a dream where I was taken up in a galaxy. There I was told “Don’t let Satan be your accuser.” God will tell you where you need to change and be better. But Satan doesn’t get to declare that you are worthless or unworthy. Don’t let him be your accuser by being too hard on yourself for your mortal struggles. God is your judge. And Jesus your defendant.
I love this.
I love reading these comments especially of those that are making their way back. It makes me feel good just reading them. Much love to you and your families in your journey ❤
We must remember that we do not have to be perfect to partake the sacrament, but we must not partake of it unworthy, we are making a promise, so want to make shore we are trying to keep those things we are hearing in those beautiful words in those sacrament prayers. If you are asked not to partake is for your best. Then you are helped to again be worthy to partake. That come from the scriptures
This really touched my heart....tears "He gave me that coat and I never want to take it off." I don't think that a person can truly understand the Atonement unless he or she has needed it in a very real way to repent of serious sin. People can talk about it all day long in beautiful prose and poetry, but it can only be felt and understood in it's deepest sense unless & until sincere repentance is made & forgiveness is offered and accepted. Thank God for His mercy and His love in giving us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.❤❤❤
We all need the atonement of Jesus Christ. I'm glad you've found Christ and have a good relation with Him. I would caution thinking that others need to find Him the same way though. Alma, in Alma 32:13-16, shows us that some people are able to truly appreciate Jesus Christ and what He has done for them. Everyone has their own journey.
If our retention is better than other Christian faiths, it's because of the Spirit, period
Forgiving yourself is a process and sometimes it takes years to forgive ourselves but eventually it does happen and God is mindful of this, as He comprehends all things.
Excellent content fellas. I second Hayden’s testimony - the Book of Mormon profoundly inspired me to forsake sin and trust Jesus, leading me to so much joy and a new life.
76 years in the church. I loved your teaching today. Learned a lot. It is my understanding that has changed. Thanks.
Loved the conversation. It is great to hear the spiritual things of the Book of Mormon from time to time.
You guys really need to have Hello Saints on your show. There would ne really valuable conversations, especially helping to dispell misunderstandings about the church and the relationship of works, repentance and grace.
They've talked with Jeff at least once in the past. You can find it in their back catalog.
I love this channel. I’m pretty sure I end every episode saying, “that was the best thing I’ve ever heard.” Thank you for being so real and so vulnerable.
AND… shout out to your sister. Ella was companions with my sister in Kirtland 🙌🏻
Thank you so much for this pod cast. I really needed to hear it. I love your raw honesty. I wish church was like today's discussion.
Is the following factually true?? 1) Hyrum Smith attended Dartmouth College Prep School 2) A Smith relative was a theology professor at Dartmouth College, named John Smith 3) Professor John Smith taught student Ethan Smith, who then wrote the fictional book "View of the Hebrews" 4) Ethan Smith was Oliver Cowdery's family pastor. 4) The BOM and VOTH have strong, disturbing similarities as stated by a Mormon church secret report (now published, Ref B.H. Roberts, Mormon First Quorum of Seventy)
I am so glad you had Stephen on, I love his channel too. Great discussion. A few months ago I sat next to a Methodist minister on a plane. We were talking about religion and the younger generation and agreed that the ones that are active are so strong.
Don Bradley, Jerry Grover, Daniel C Peterson, Mike Day, David Butler, and I dont know if you guys can swing it, but if you got Margaret Barker to come on the show, and talk about the Old Testament, that would be freaking sick!!! All those guests would be great guests.
Love Don Bradley
This is so so great, thank you!!
Gems throughout. Thanks guys for this discussion.
Great, insightful discussion! I love Stephen Jones!
My husband and I returned last year.
They seldom talk about those coming back.many churches all around are closing, we are still building churches and temples. The gospel is so precious.
Wow!!! I loved all the lightbulb insights that you and the spirit took me to. I am loving the “below the surface” conversations!❤
Wow! Amazing conversation. As a branch president I really needed this and will be better at my calling because I watched this. Thank you!
Stephen is the LDS David Goggins. What a spiritual and powerful man!
Such a great conversation, I have really been thinking about some of this stuff recently and this was such a blessing. Cannot express how thankful I am for your faith and testimonies!
This was such powerful discussion. I loved it. Thank you so much.
There is some sins that have to be worked through their bishop to help them make things right with Christ. It is an action of love and healp
I LOVED this discussion. I see the fruits of truth in the three of you. Keep sharing His light, my brothers! 💛
What A Needed Discussion! So good. Totally sharing this.
Theodore M. Burton teaches us that “punishment is not repentance. Punishment follows disobedience and precedes repentance.… Confession is not repentance. Confession is an admission of guilt that occurs as repentance begins.… Remorse is not repentance. Remorse and sorrow continue because a person has not truly repented. But if suffering, punishment, confession, remorse and sorrow are not repentance, what is repentance? Repentance is a turning back to God!” (“The Meaning of Repentance,” BYU Speeches, 1985; as cited in Putting On Christ, p. 282). "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation..." (2 Cor. 7:10).
🎯
Worshipping myself Worshipping God. Yes I get that.
The last stat I saw was .1 leave and 40% of those return. I think the Ward Radio episode that addressed the SL Trib graph stated those stats.
Yah, you'd have to show the actual data on that.
@@rodneyjamesmcguireI. I couldn’t care less how many leave and how many come back. The truth is not determined by majority rule. The early Christian martyrs were fed to the lions, were in the minority and their church was destroyed. Yet the truth of Christianity did not change.
@@stevenrussell2431 Even so, 40% return rate needs to be substantiated. I know it's faith promoting, and Ward Radio goes hard on that, but I'm interested in real data.
@@rodneyjamesmcguire "Needs to be substantiated" by you, perhaps. I don't care as it has nothing to do with my faith or with the truth of the Book of Mormon. Only the haters care about this stuff as they try to justify their apostasy/hatred of Christ's Church. As Christ's Church was being destroyed by the Romans, I am sure there were many cheering on the destruction and martyrdom of the early saints, hoping it was evidence that their apostasy and hatred were justified.
@@stevenrussell2431 Hmmm... you've knee-jerked me into the haters group. A bit of an Ad Hominem.
I'm a critic, for sure, but I'm no hater.
I'm no longer LDS because the data, in reality, doesn't support the extraordinary physical claims of the Book of Mormon.
And, YES, data claims do need substantiation.
I love these discussions!
Watching again , round 2..
That was a fabulous episode. Thanks for your courage and honesty in sharing your past. It will help a lot of people.
I left a Ward Radio video to watch this 🎉!
Question: TSOJ, When is your Old World BoM documentary coming out? I’m dying.
Lastly, thinking about the world in 2024, or during the restoration, or during the BoM, etc., I see the lack of forgiveness (or the Marxist perception of what forgiveness should look like; retaliation and hate) that is everywhere, as a reason the world is about to seriously change towards a darkness we’ve not seen in un rato.
Also…
#FIGHTTHENEWDRUG
36:08 BINGO! This is truly the most missed aspect of our church among members and youth… and our “enemies”.
So many nuggets today, gentlemen:
50:29 is so wonderful! Repentance IS joyous! It brings the spirit! That’s why the world wants us all to think NOTHING we do is wrong or bad or needing to be repented of. Anything that distracts one from getting closer to the Lord especially though the spirit, the world rejects.
Oh the absolute joy of repentance is best described in Alma 36:19-20. Go ahead and read it ♡ Love and peace
@@TraceyandAlanPetersen a great nugget. Thanks!
I loved this! Focus on His hands for we are engraved in his palms❤
Thank you so much for this discussion. I have really enjoyed it. Keep up the great content guys.
I'm returning ATM and I needed this message. Thank you.
Im enjoying the doctrine taught here.. especially pertaining to Jesus Christ and Forgiveness.. 2ne ch 2:3-8 round robin session.. I'm reading 1 NE 10:8.. John the Baptist says, "whose shoes I'm not worthy to unloose..", supposing he wanted to wash Jesus' feet, yet he was constrained to say, "i am unworthy".
How comforting is that my brothers and sisters to know that though we may at times feel unworthy, but we're not alone. Even John the Baptist felt that way..
Love your discussion guys. Always been waiting for you guys to post a new content so I could add your insights on my daily scripture and study journal.
I love Stephen Jones!
Love this conversation. I would love to share thoughts on repentance I learned as a bishop. Let me know.
I think it would be more important to share what you know then to wait for someone to ask you. Especially since a great deal of people do read through the comments.
awesome discussion
42:51 YES YES YES! Jesus was never the backup plan. He was always the plan!
Like the new set up! I also like the old one so maybe incorporate more to the background… but I’m sure you’re already working on it!
17:30 you can't pay the price for your sins, but that covenant requires works meet for repentance: one must offer a broken heart and contrite spirit.
So for clarity's sake, it's inaccurate to say it's given freely. It's by grace, after all you can do...
Remember it's faith unto repentance, and faith is action, not just a belief.
Wow, powerful content!
Brethren - I’ve enjoyed many episodes - I especially have loved conversations with Mike & Dave and most recently with Margaret - but (for me) none of them can compare with the conversation that you shared here. I absolutely loved the clarity that all of the discussion of evidence for the Book of Mormon is simply a prerequisite to focusing on what’s actually captured in the Book of Mormon. And I really resonated with Stephen’s suggestion that the adversary doesn’t really care what we think about the Prophet Joseph … he just doesn’t want us to acknowledge the fruits of his life and find what’s in the Book of Mormon.
He covers us (Adam and Eve) with the skin of animals that represents sacrifices, which represents his sacrifice, or the atonement. Because that’s the only thing that can save us and protect us. Our garments remind us not to hide from God, in shame, but to use the atonement to repent, and get closer to God.
43:45
Why is it so hard? If i were to answer this in one word I'd say, "paradigm".
Having others help us work through things is important. A mentor who is in a healthy place is invaluable - the scriptures point this out, and in some places we're *commanded* to be there for others. I think this is one reason why we are told to seek out and confess to our bishop/branch president.
A thought on your garment discussion…
A short time ago my focus of temple attendance changed from maintaining my spirituality to worshiping God in His house. To do that I needed to understand it better. One aspect that really stood out occurred when I read this from Elder Maxwell: “Real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed.” This may seem like a vague connection, but when the coats of skins (Moses 4:27) were given to Adam and Eve, that was likely the first time they had seen death. An animal, or more accurately it was likely an unblemished lamb (or a few) had to be slain to make their coats of skins. When we put on our garments every day we are putting on Christ. Wouldn’t it be easier if our garments were the color of reminding blood red to really get our minds thinking about the great sacrifice that is our outward expression of an inner commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
I really like the principles taught here that faith comes First, then repentance.. this paradigm shift helps me to know that being clean thru repentance is not required before coming to Christ whether In prayer or another way. *scripture study, church, etc.. Similarly, i like that Christ suffered first , then came the covenant to keep his commandments.. Again, it's the realization that the way has already been prepared.. this session was extremely edifying and faith building. Thank you! And the scriptures that were shared.. it was great..
- I know that these things are true.. i have a deep testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that we are led by a true Prophet of God.. And this episode helped strengthen this testimony. I have a greater desire to walk in the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And i can feel more Christ's love for me as things that were taught peeled back some of the scales covering my eyes..
17:27 part of the idea that repentance = punishment comes from how the Hebrew was translated. Repentance has roots in the word penance, which *is* about punishment.
The Hebrew root word that is translated as "repentance" means "to turn." This really helped me understand it - we TURN to Jesus to repent.
I love listening to your podcasts. Evil is winning and men's hearts are failing; we are the ones with the instructions; so above all we need to follow them.
I had a stroke at early age . I did not like to read.After I had been married my wife told me she thought I had a good voice. It doesn’t bother me anymore.
The Adversary teaches us shame, in my experience, academic studies, and scriptural studies.
Shame and guilt are definitely different! I would even say feeling ashamed and being buried in shame are different.
I never fell away but it was close I knew the church was true but I had a relationship with with the commandments and the fruit they provided rather than than with my savior. It’s like I was eating really good strawberry’s planted along the iron rod so I didn’t even know I needed the true fruit.
Beautiful.
I'm loving this video
30:20 I think it is important to understand that we are all redeemed to a degree of glory. However, as to what body and kingdom of glory we will be redeemed that is where our personal righteous comes in. We must do everything the Lord commands or we cannot dwell in his presence, that said we are all redeemed to a degree of glory Telestial to Celestial.
I love your content, keep it up!
Assumptions can be dangerous. And I think a lot of people miss judge our church and the teachings and books of our church. I feel like it really comes down to their lack of understanding. Either because they don’t really want to know because then it would require them to make changes or they are intentionally misconstruing things because they themselves are deceived.
To claim that 19th century words in the Book of Mormon prove that it's a 19th century work, is the same as to claim that the slavonic translation of the Book of Enoch is a work from that same Century (8th A.D) of which century Slavic language The slavic Book of Enoch uses. We know the slavic book of Enoch is a translation of a much older work, yet we can roughly date the translation because of the language it uses. Any scholar would, rightly so, laugh at the idea that by proving the date of the Slavic translation would be the same as to prove the age of the original composition. Yet this is the most common argument against the Book of Mormon. All the more ancient evidence within the text is ignored while only the language is being used as proof against the BOM's authenticity.
That was pretty fire not gonna lie 🎶 23:29
Ok, if someone could please start selling a shirt that says, “Come to the freakin tree” 😂 I would for sure wear that shirt lol. New slogan guys.
Excellent podcast! Thank you! Lots of great insights! Keep up the great work!
Great video. I had this thought: Is charity more fundamental than repentance, because it prevents sin from happening in the first place?
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity preventeth a multitude of sins."
- JST, 1 Peter 4:8
Let me know what you think 👇
Great conversation!
People don't turn to Christ for redemption from sin for the same reason they sinned in the first place: self-reliance. People sin in the first place because they trust themselves more than God. When they feel the shame and fear that are the effects of sin, they rely/trust in themselves to remedy their shame and fear. This self-reliance is more sin. Self-reliance can't remedy the effects of the problem because self-reliance IS the problem.
Also, love is not a better motivation than fear. We must first fear God before we can love him. It's a popular notion today that we shouldn't fear God, but no ancient prophet ever taught that. No, they didn't mean to reverence God instead. The reason people say we shouldn't fear Godis because they want to harden their hearts against God's Justice. It's better to soften our hearts and fear God and turn our hearts to Him. Then, as we receive Christ, the Spirit will fill us with love, which will replace fear. But we can't skip over fear and hope to receive love.
Alma 13:27
That's so cool brother.. so proud of you..
My weakness, in mercy, he covers with power.
Excellent!
It is simple The Lords true church teaches repentance, covenant making and overcoming the world through faith in Jesus Christ. It is in the Old Testament , the New Testament , the restored scriptures.
I believe Satan introduced shame in the garden. Shame is not of light, other emotions can help us to repent, meaning to turn to Christ and he helps us change.
Shame can be so debilitating even damning, it causes us to hide from Christ. It seems that Satan the "accuser" knows how to turn us to the emotion of shame. Just like in the garden of Eden.
We need to be aware of our thoughts and where they are coming from and more importantly, this is why we need to turn to Christ and repent every day.
Wonderful message, God isn't waiting for us to come to him, but is actively knocking. all we have to do is open up to him to receive His aid. Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, despise not the achastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he acorrecteth; even as a bfather the son in whom he delighteth. Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
I think I have been too casual with my faith lately. Thank you for this video.
Love this episode. Could you please share a link to your podcast about overcoming pornography? I’m having a hard time tracking it down.
It’s called “I Stand at The Door” you can find it on all podcast platforms
Powerful!
23:18 it was an error when they changed the original wording of the 4th article of faith. Faith is an ordinance. It is a part of God's order, ordained by God.
I think it also led to precepts in understanding what am ordinance is.
2:35 beautiful
"What are they gonna think about it?" Shows the 'fear of man' aka people pleasing, which is something the scriptures warn us of over and over. It's the Adversary all over again.
Is the following factually true?? 1) Hyrum Smith attended Dartmouth College Prep School 2) A Smith relative was a theology professor at Dartmouth College, named John Smith 3) Professor John Smith taught student Ethan Smith, who then wrote the fictional book "View of the Hebrews" 4) Ethan Smith was Oliver Cowdery's family pastor. 4) The BOM and VOTH have strong, disturbing similarities as stated by a Mormon church secret report (now published, Ref B.H. Roberts, Mormon First Quorum of Seventy)
That is factual, but you’ll never hear it in this channel. All they debunk are strawmen, if they tackled a real issue and faced push back you would see how weak their arguments are.
Where did the Paul’s get their Christus necklaces.
risenshop.com
Use code: thestickofjoseph for 10% off!!
@@thestickofjosephEzekiel 37:16 where does it say that the stick of Ephraim is the book of Mormon I'm having a hard time of time of finding that scripture
As always, 🙏 thank you. The thought came to me that the definition of sin is anything that you look to for salvation in place of Christ.
Unforgiveness (aka offense) is something Jesus was very clear on. He said if we don't forgive, He won't forgive us. That's crystal clear.
My husband has a co-worker who is always sharing the most extreme political theories. Such as the next VP pick is going to be a guy who died but is actually in hiding in anticipation for this coming election. The guy was raised LDS but raised his family outside the church.
I told my husband the people who leave the church spend the rest of their life searching for that part of them they are missing and they are filling it with anything they can find
Wow
I have really come to understand the Tree of Life vision.
David Durfey and Scott Durfey have a podcast titled "Redeemed Through His Blood." Great podcast.
49:25 I love the thought of the Robes of the priesthood is made of lamb skin! It’s a beautiful thought.
If I may offer an alternative, the garments were made in the garden of Eden, before death was introduced into the world. Correct? And so if that’s the case the only skin of an animal that would be possible, would be that of a snake that has shed its skin.
Originally Snakes were holy and signified deity. A snake shedding its skin can be seen as a symbol of transformation, and new birth. (TRANSgression? - if PROgression means moving forward, and REgression means moving backward, TRANSgression means moving to the side)
Hence, the animal skin is likely snake skin, then this garment was handed down and eventually was called the coat of many colors. Maybe the scales of the snake skin shimmered like a reflective rainbow?
46:00 This reminds me of what Elder Christofferson talked about Shame culture vs Guilt culture.
ruclips.net/video/HIyXgNxnXBg/видео.html
Paul fought a war his entire ministry against members of the church who were of the house of Juda who had become Christian who were also teaching that some or all of the law of Moses had to be kept to be saved. The most prevalent teaching by these Judaizers was that circumcision is necessary for salvation. Second was keeping the kosher diet is necessary for salvation, some believed all the fiests and festivals and sacrifices are necessary for salvation.
Starting with this last belief we look at Paul's response that salvation is free through faith in Christ, not by works, least any man should boast. What works? The works of the Law Of Moses. If you add of The Law of Moses
every time Paul says works you will begin to understand Paul. Paul referred to the Law of Moses as flesh, because it is performed by our fleshly body and not by our inward man, or in other words by our spirit. When Paul says we are not saved by righteous works that we have done in Titus he is speaking of the righteous works of the Law Of Moses. Always add of The Law Of Moses when Paul says works. Obedience to Christ's teachings,which requires works, saves us. When we do sacrifices, keep feasts and festivals, keep a kosher diet, we are not changed from our spirit. when we do not kill we are not changed from our spirit. When we do not commit adultery we are not changed from our spirit. Paul teaches that salvation is for those who obey Christ. To obey is to work. How do we obey Christ? We do not hate. We do not lust. To not hate delivers, saves us from sin, because when we do not hate we will not kill. Not lusting saves us from sin, because when we do not lust we will not commit adultery. Saved means delivered. Christ is the Deliverer. It takes spiritual work to keep the law of Christ, but it only takes physical, fleshly work, to keep the law of Moses.
Most members are intimidated by the rest of Christianity who are working for Satan, because they do not understand Paul. They accuse members of believing that we are saved by works, and quote Paul. They do not understand Paul. We are saved by works, the works of changing our spirit, but as Paul taught, we are not saved by the Works of the Law Of Moses. When they ask,"What works can you do to save yourself?" Say obey Christ, and not hate, obey Christ and not lust, and I will be saved from sin. There is no repentance from living by those teachings, there is only repentance and a need for for Christ's blood for not living His teachings.
We were single and separate as spirit sons and daughters of God. If we do not work to live the law of Chastity perfectly we will not have sexual organs as an immortal, like Adam had, like Eve had in the presence of God. It is work to not lust, but if we do not work to not lust we will not have a Celestial body, which is a body that has sexual organs that is immortal, and we will have failed our mortality.
Is the following factually true?? 1) Hyrum Smith attended Dartmouth College Prep School 2) A Smith relative was a theology professor at Dartmouth College, named John Smith 3) Professor John Smith taught student Ethan Smith, who then wrote the fictional book "View of the Hebrews" 4) Ethan Smith was Oliver Cowdery's family pastor. 4) The BOM and VOTH have strong, disturbing similarities as stated by a Mormon church secret report (now published, Ref B.H. Roberts, Mormon First Quorum of Seventy)
@@howardkenneth5569
Do you know of any Christian that can answer the question, what will our bodies be made of if we are in heaven?
@@GarySaint-xm6tr Jesus didn't come to give us a lesson in metaphysics. He simply said that HE was enough to save anyone who came directly to himself.
@@howardkenneth5569
Did you look at the above discussion about Paul's teachings? I think that pretty well covers what Christ taught.
@@GarySaint-xm6tr You cannot be good enough to earn your way into the presence of God. Only having your heart transformed by trusting ALONE upon the bloody cross of Christ's loving atonement for your sins, and believing He rose from the dead as the one and only Lord God, will save you.
ROMANS 8:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
A ceremony can't save you. A temple can't save you. A name on a membership roll can't save you.
Please upload audio in podcast form, cant always have my phone on and open.