DECEMBER NEWSLETTER 2004

Below is the newsletter for the month of December, 2004. You can browse each topic by using the links below. If you would like to join the mailing list to get the newsletter each month as well as news about up and coming events within the ministry, you can visit our newsletter page and follow the email instructions. Enjoy and God bless you!

You can browse the newsletter by using the links below.

• Doctrinal Flip-Flopping
• Healthy Witnessing Techniques: Four ways to witness and still remain friends
• Salvation And A Cup Of Tea: Examining the Word of Wisdom
• Works For The Living, Grace For The Dead
• From the Mail Bag

Doctrinal Flip-Flopping

During the recent campaigning and election, we heard the term "flip-flopping" used many times. The Church of Jesus Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also uses the flip-flop method.

Since the time Joseph Smith started his "church," we were taught as Mormons when asked if we were Christians, to answer "no, we're not Christian, we're Mormon." However, today Mormons are taught to say, "Yes we're Christians, look at the name of our church." Thus implying that the name of their church makes them Christian.

Doctrine & Covenants 132:4 says that polygamy is an "everlasting covenant" and that those who don't obey are damned and can't go to the Celestial Kingdom. Everlasting means forever, so the covenant should still be in effect today. Mormons claim that polygamy was stopped in 1890 when President Wilford Woodruff gave his Official Declaration #1. However, on careful examination, the last and concluding sentence says, that this declaration was "advice" and not a commandment. There are many within the LDS church that still believe and practice polygamy. And this doesn't include the break-away groups that claim it also.

Mormonism teaches that when the last Apostle died, all authority was lost from the earth until Joseph Smith restored it in 1830. It is also taught that John, the Disciple never died and is walking the earth today. If this is true, then the authority was never lost from the earth, so Joseph Smith had nothing to restore. That makes him a false prophet.

One of the most obvious flip-flops was when Joseph Smith said the 1830 Book of Mormon "was the most correct of any book on earth" and that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than any other book." When we compare the 1830 Book of Mormon to the edition they use today, we find that almost 4,000 changes have been made in "the most correct of any book on earth."

Mormons will say the only changes have been spelling and punctuation. Some of that did occur, but much of it was doctrinal changes. For example in 1 Nephi 11:18-21 & 32, the word Father has been changed into the word Son three different times. In Mormonism, the Father and the Son are two different gods, therefore this is a major flip-flop. There are many other changes of this nature. We have a book in our bookstore entitled "3,913 Changes in the Book of Mormon." This book is a photocopy of the 1830 edition with all the changes highlighted with each change noted.

Over a period of time, Joseph Smith taught that Zion or the New Jerusalem was established in several places. This New Jerusalem was also the original Garden of Eden and where Christ was to return, he said. The first official Zion was established in Kirtland, Ohio. Later, it was changed to Jackson County, Missouri, which included the major areas of Independence, Far West and Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri. When the Mormons were run out of these areas, Nauvoo, IL was then declared to be Zion. They have recently completed the total rebuilding of the temple there that was destroyed by fire and caused Brigham Young to take the followers to the Salt Lake Valley. It is my conviction that someday Zion will be officially moved to Salt Lake City and all those who have purchased property in Jackson County, Missouri, waiting for the return of Christ, will be out of luck.

This is because the property that Joseph Smith dedicated for the new temple to be built is owned by a break-off of the LDS church called, "Church of Christ, Temple Lot." I'm sure that they have no intentions of selling that property to the Mormons.

Until 1978, Mormonism taught that the blacks would never hold the priesthood or any leadership positions in the church until the second coming of Christ. Then in 1978, Spencer Kimball, then Prophet of the Mormon Church, claimed to have received a revelation from God that the blacks could now hold the priesthood, leadership positions and go to the temple. This created quite a stir among the Mormons who were aware of what was taught about the black's inability to have the priesthood. This also created another problem. Until 1981, the Book of Mormon said in 2 Nephi 30:6 that the dark skinned people would eventually become white and delightsome when they joined the Mormon Church. Nobody was turning white so the Mormon leaders had to rewrite those verses in the Book of Mormon. It now reads that the dark skinned people shall become a pure and delightsome people.

The Mormon Church has changed its name several times over the years. In the beginning it was called the Church of Christ, but it was confused with the real Church of Christ. So they changed their name to The Church of the Latterday Saints. Years later the leaders changed it to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Finally, to make it a complete deception, it is now called The Church of Jesus Christ. Thus continuing to deceive the general public into believing that Mormonism is Christian because they use the name of Jesus Christ. It really should be called the Church of Joseph Smith.

Many of the prophecies of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, which many were everlasting prophecies, have been completely changed or totally denied and done away with. So the flip-flopping in Mormonism continues to occur.

As Christians, we know that God's word, the Bible, can be counted on as the final, infallible and unchanging word of God. So our job as Christians is to keep these lost people in our prayers every day. Join us in that endeavor.

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Healthy Witnessing Techniques: Four ways to witness and still remain friends by Judy Robertson

Ever want to talk to your Mormon friend, relative, or neighbor but think you will lose a friendship if you do? Well you're in the same boat with many of us who get cold feet when it comes to discussing religion with another.

When we think about approaching our friend, we think of all the things he or she should know so they don't end up in hell, right? And if we start out with, "Did you know you're condemned for believing the way you do?" The likely response will be, "Who do you think you are telling me that? I never want to see your face again."

We want to avoid this worse case scenario. So how do we start? First of all, in witnessing to Mormons, it is imperative to have basic knowledge of the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please don't even try this unless you have equipped yourself first. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).

1. Common ground or shared interests. All of us share life on planet earth. Try to identify common ground (not doctrinally, but aspirations, needs, desires, problems or frustrations you may share) in order to prevent resistance and defensiveness. This person we want to tell the "Good News" to is as human as we are and has many of the same needs, desires, and goals in life. When we disregard our friend's needs, he will become defensive and your point is lost.
2. Actively listen to his side. In order to understand, listen to the meaning of the thought he is trying to convey to you. This requires focusing on and empathizing with what is being communicated, rather than just waiting for a turn to respond, find a flaw or counter argue. If others feel understood and acknowledged, they will more likely listen to you.
3. Use "I" statements when expressing concerns. Saying "you" causes people to tune you out. For example, avoid, "You believe thus and so about …" Instead say, "I understand your doctrine teaches thus and so. Is this your belief?"
4. Create an open-minded attitude. Be open to being wrong and receptive rather than a determination to be right at all cost. Your discussion will be more productive and has more possibility of a receptive attitude from your friend.

The next time you encounter a Mormon, whether a neighbor or you happen to sit next to one on a plane, try these techniques. We want to have a receptive audience so that we can give them the most important thing we possess, eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ. And in the process, perhaps you'll make a lasting friend as well.

Four techniques adapted from, Friendship, by Donna and Amber Adkins in Arizona Parenting magazine, November 2004.

For in-depth equipping about Mormonism attend our Thursday evening meetings at Concerned Christians office, 525 E. Broadway. Meetings begin at 7pm and end at 9pm. Child care is provided. We do request you call us first with the number of children. 480-833-2537.

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Salvation And A Cup Of Tea: Examining the Word of Wisdom by Lloyd Sharp

According to Joseph Smith, the "Lord" told him to explain to the early LDS the dangers of drinking alcohol and smoking. This alleged revelation is known as the Word of Wisdom (or WoW for the rest of this article). All faithful Latter-day Saints strictly adhere to the WoW. Obeying the WoW is a requirement for Mormons to enter their own temples and receive both the Aaronic and Melchezedek priesthoods. While good health is essential, does the Bible teach that abstaining from certain foods and drinks is required of Christians? And what about the WoW prohibitions against meat and hot drinks?

DEFINING THE DOCTRINE
Doctrine & Covenants Section 89 outlines the Mormon WoW. It places restrictions on the following substances:

• Alcohol, a.k.a. "strong drinks"
  "That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good..." (D&C 89:5)
• Tobacco
  "And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man..." (D&C 89:8)
• Hot drinks, defined as coffee and caffeinated beverages
  "And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly." (D&C 89:9)
• Various meats
  "Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;" (D&C 89:12)

THE GREY AREAS
There are several areas of the WoW that are either not observed directly or outright ignored by most LDS due to their oddness. A good example is seen with the claim that "strong drinks" are to be used only for the washing of the body.

That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good... And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. (D&C 89:5, 7)

As a former Mormon with a wife that was raised LDS, we can both say that we have never heard of any LDS member bathing in "strong drinks." It is also untrue that "strong drinks are not for the belly." Paul told Timothy to "use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." (1 Timothy 5:23) The key here is moderation. We must remember "to think soberly." (Romans 12:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Timothy 3:2)

Also odd is that the WoW says that wine is to be used "only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him (God)." (D&C 89:5, insert added) Mormon churches do not use wine, but water in the issuing of the Lord's Supper. This has been the case nearly since he inception of the LDS church.

The prohibition against meat is perhaps the least followed command of the WoW.

Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine... And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger. (D&C 89:12-13, 15)

Are we really to believe that meat is to be eaten "only in times of winter, or of cold?" And how can we be expected to eat meat in times of "famine and excess hunger?" A famine is usually due to a lack of food, thus it would be especially difficult to eat meat during such a time. The Bible teaches that "fowls of the air," specifically quail, were given in abundance to Israel by God (Numbers 11:31). Indeed, Israel was told to eat as much as they wished when they arrived in the promised land (Deuteronomy 12:15, 20).

While many Mormons do not drink caffeinated beverages such as coffee, cola and tea, the WoW does not mention these anywhere.

And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly. (D&C 89:9)

If taken in a literal sense, then any hot drink should be avoided by the faithful LDS. Even more problematic is that the prohibition against coffee, cola and tea comes by the words of various LDS leaders. Chiding those who ignored the WoW, former LDS prophet Joseph F. Smith wrote the following:

You cannot neglect little things. "Oh, a cup of tea is such a little thing. It is so little; surely it doesn't amount to much; surely the Lord will forgive me if I drink a cup of tea…" if you drink coffee or tea, or take tobacco, are you letting a cup of tea or a little tobacco stand in the road and bar you from the celestial kingdom of God, where you might otherwise have received a fulness of glory? (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., edited by Bruce R. McConkie [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-1956], 2: 16, capitals original)

Mormon Bruce McConkie admitted that while cola drinks are not mentioned in the WoW, they are somehow inferred in the text.

Certainly the partaking of cola drinks, though not included within the measuring standard here set out, is in violation of the spirit of the Word of Wisdom. (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 845)

The problem occurs when we see that such teachings are nowhere in the LDS scriptures. Joseph F. Smith, a former LDS prophet wrote the following:

STANDARD WORKS JUDGE TEACHINGS OF ALL MEN

It makes no difference what is written or what anyone has said, if what has been said is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, we can set it aside. My words, and the teaching of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them. Let us have this matter clear. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man's doctrine.

You cannot accept the books written by the authorities of the Church as standards in doctrine, only in so far as they accord with the revealed word in the standard works... If Joseph Fielding Smith writes something which is out of harmony with the revelations, then every member of the Church is duty bound to reject it. (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., edited by Bruce R. McConkie [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-1956], 3: 203, emphasis added)

If the above is true, then the prohibition against coffee, tea and cola are simply the inventions of man, and not the revelation of God. Yet to admit this would usurp the claim by such leaders to be true prophets and apostles of God. It becomes even more confusing when we see that Joseph F. Smith is the one who claimed, "You cannot neglect little things" regarding the WoW, but then said that "we need not accept" things that are not in LDS scriptures. And both of these statements are made in the same series of books!

CONCLUSION
While we do believe that Christians must do what is proper for their body, as children adopted into the family of God we are "temple(s) of the Holy Ghost." (1 Corinthians 6:16). In regards to alcohol we must "be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit" rather than alcohol. We deny that the use of caffeine, tea, coffee, meat and alcohol in any way determines the salvation or lack thereof for mankind. Salvation is determined by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. We agree with the words of Jesus when He said:

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man (Matthew 15:11).

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Works For The Living, Grace For The Dead by Bob Betts

I am one of the few in the ministry of Concerned Christians who has never been Mormon. As it turns out, that gives me, and others who have never been Mormon, a definite advantage over living Mormons in matters of salvation.

Mormonism teaches that the performance of LDS ordinances and obedience to LDS principles in this life will make Mormons worthy of the "Celestial Glory" (their highest of three heavens). What I am about to share, reveals a major difference between Mormonism's works-based doctrine of salvation for the living and its works-free acceptance of the LDS gospel available to the dead. Mormonism's teachings on how salvation is attained by those, like me, who would die non-Mormons makes it much more desirable to decline Mormonism in this life, rather than strive to live it out.

MORMONISM'S WORKS-BASED SALVATION IN THIS LIFE
In Mormonism, salvation is attained "by grace…after all we can do" (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:23b [emphasis added]).

The Bible teaches us that there is no deed, which we can perform to earn our salvation. Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross, with His blood, making salvation a free gift we immediately receive if we believe in Him (Eph. 2:8,9; John 1:12 and 6:29).

What "after all we can do" means to Mormons is spelled out in a book written both as a personal study guide and as a teacher's manual for Mormons called Gospel Principles. In the 1997 edition, pages 303-304, the "Requirements for Exaltation" (eternal life) include:

• Being baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ [of Latter-day Saints].
• Receiving the temple endowment.
• Being married for time and eternity.
• Paying honest tithes and offerings.
• Obeying the Word of Wisdom (no tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, etc.).
• Searching out their kindred dead (genealogical work, which leads to doing baptisms for the dead) and performing the saving ordinances of the LDS gospel for them in the Mormon temple.
• Attending Ward (church) meetings as regularly as possible so they can renew their covenants by partaking of the sacrament (communion).
• Listening to and obeying the inspired words of their prophets.

Spencer W. Kimball, 12th prophet of the LDS church wrote, "All transgressions must be cleansed, all weaknesses must be overcome, before a person can attain perfection and godhood" (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 16). In the same book he stated, " This progress toward eternal life is a matter of achieving perfection. Living all the commandments guarantees total forgiveness of sins and assures one of exaltation through that perfection" (p. 208).

Clearly, no one gets to the Mormon's highest heaven without obeying all the principles and performing all the ordinances of the Mormon gospel.

MORMONISM'S WORKS-FREE SALVATION, POST-MORTEM
Most Mormons you talk with cannot conceive of salvation being a works-free gift of God and receivable upon belief in Jesus Christ. Yet, in Mormonism's doctrine for the dead, acceptance of the Mormon gospel is also works-free. Here's the scenario:

Today, I die a non-Mormon. Not having accepted the Mormon gospel, I would go to "spirit prison."

Again, in Gospel Principles, under the heading of Ordinances Performed for the Dead, p. 104, we learn that:

Jesus has provided for everyone to hear the gospel, whether on earth or after death. Between his death and resurrection, Jesus went among the spirits of those who had died. He organized missionary work among those who were dead. He appointed righteous messengers and gave them power to teach the gospel to all the spirits of people who had died. This gave them an opportunity to accept the gospel. Living members of his (LDS) Church then perform ordinances on behalf of the dead. Ordinances such as baptism and confirmation must be done on earth.

So, one year from my demise (the Mormon's decided waiting period), a worthy Mormon could go into their temple to baptize me by proxy. If I then accept the Mormon gospel in spirit prison, I would literally be home free. LDS apostle, Bruce McConkie explains:

By accepting the (Mormon) gospel in the spirit world, and because the ordinances of salvation and exaltation are performed vicariously in this world, the worthy dead can become heirs of the fullness of the Father's kingdom… and will then be entitled to all the blessings which passed them by in mortality (Mormon Doctrine, p. 673).

There it is. All I would have to do in spirit prison is accept the Mormon gospel, taught to me by the "righteous messengers," in order to be "worthy" of the inheritance of "the fullness of the Father's kingdom" and "all the blessings" therein. Someone else does the required works. I would not be required to perform any ordinances or obey any principles required of living Mormons on earth. I would cross over to "spirit paradise" and eventually advance to the "celestial glory."

The Irony Of It All
The irony is that Mormonism's salvation for the dead is a works-free acceptance of the LDS gospel available only to dead non-Mormons, while living Mormons have a life-long, works-laden expectation of perfection to look forward to. Living Mormons have the hard path to salvation, while at the same time making the path easy for the dead through proxy works for the dead.

Pray that Mormons accept the biblical Christ, that they, too, may enjoy works free (grace-based) salvation offered in this life only.

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Dear Concerned Christians,
I just finished reading the book called "Out of Mormonism." I'm writing to you because I married a Mormon man 4 ½ years ago and I have learned a lot! I chose not to go to his church. I have been pressured by LDS missionaries. Women from the church have bothered me to become Mormon. I have fought with my husband about helping me out with these people. He will not help! He is on their side, not mine. I have three children; 11, 5 & 3. The 11 year old was baptized Mormon at 8, even though I baptized them all when they were born Lutheran. I finally found a non-denominational church here where I can go. My husband takes them to his church one week and I take them to mine the other times. I don't want my kids to go to the LDS church. When I went, I got sick to my stomach. Our marriage is on the rocks. At one time, I did hate God, but going to this new church has helped me out a lot. Is there a support group to help me with this problem? I need help! Please keep this confidential as my husband knows nothing about this and I live in a small town.

Arizona

Dear Concerned Christians,
I continue to pray that your outreach to the misguided Mormons continues! May God Bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you! Although my son is getting deeper into Mormonism, with your continued efforts, I feel strong knowing that my efforts are not without merit. Thank you! In God I trust!

Delmont, Pennsylvania

Dear Jim & Judy,
Thank you for all your hard work to reach the Mormons for Jesus! Judy's book, "Out of Mormonism" was eye-opening and inspiring. Thank you again for being committed to the call God has placed on you. Keep persevering!

Phoenix, AZ

Dear Concerned Christians,
First of all, thank you for keeping me on your mailing list. I look forward to each issue. Years ago I used your material to convince my daughter that joining the LDS church was a terrible mistake. She thought she was in love with a Mormon boy, who of course left after she told him she decided against joining. Thank you!

Prescott, AZ

Hello there -
Hope Jim is feeling better! Here's a little something for your ministry! God bless you guys, keep sharing the TRUTH in love with the LDS . I was sharing Galatians 1:6-9, & 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 with my LDS friends. I asked them to read these scriptures and tell me how many times they see "another" Jesus, another gospel and another spirit. Then I asked them to read the cover of the Book of Mormon that says, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Lancaster, CA

Concerned Christians,
I continue to pray for you all and all the wonderful work you do with and for so many people. Keep up the good work!

Mesa, AZ

Dear Judy,
I've just finished reading your book, "Out of Mormonism." It's hard for me to find the words to tell you how grateful I am that you brought this book into existence. I thank our God with everything in me for leading me to this book. I need help and advice to try to get my daughter to open her eyes, heart and mind to the word of God and come out of Mormonism. In 1984 she became involved in Mormonism and I tried to show her these people were following a false prophet. I did succeed a little with her, but she still hangs on to them. I need to get in touch with an ex-Mormon group out here to give them the complete information so we can convince her Mormonism is all wrong. Thanks much!

Warrenton, GA

Dear Friends at Concerned Christians,
Thank you for your faithfulness in spreading the truth about the LDS church. I read "The Cross" and it teaches and keeps before me the need of the Mormons to know the real Jesus Christ. Your expertise gives me the courage and boldness to warn others of dangerous LDS doctrines. Thank you!

Mesa, AZ

Dear Friends,
Thank you for your dedication and hard work of winning Mormons over to Christianity. I truly appreciate all of you. If you are ever on a speaking tour to Wisconsin, please notify me. I would love to hear your presentation again.

Wausau, WI

Dear Jim & Judy,
I'm praying for you both and all on your staff. May your influence for Christ keep growing! I'm also praying for God's missionary, the Nigerian you're working with.

Mesa, AZ

Dear Concerned Christians,
It was no accident that your newsletter made it into our hands. I started studying Mormonism after my brother married a Mormon girl. It concerned our family, but we had no knowledge of the LDS belief. He felt she wasn't really a Mormon as she wasn't attending church. Now five years later, I, having questioned a belief of the church which ultimately turned into a scripture match, has driven her deep into her faith and is causing turmoil in their marriage. My brother has accepted Christ as his Savior, but does not attend church with us and hasn't for years. Our concern and prayer is that he will step up to the conviction he once made through faith in Jesus and lead his wife and three children to the truth and trust that God will do the rest. My heart is burdened for her to be freed from the bondage and allegiance to the Mormon church. I need to confess the hatred I feel towards the deception that Joseph Smith started through none other than Satan. I believe he is like the rich man who called to Abraham to have pity on him and send Lazarus to dip his finger in water to cool his tongue in hell. How I grieve to think that souls have gone into eternity only to discover that their "Heavenly Father" does not exist!! I pray that God will have mercy on their soul. I am not familiar with your outreach, but I thank you for the October/ November newsletter and would like to be on your mailing list. And I pray for your continued ministry. I was encouraged by the letters from ex-Mormons who have found the real Jesus. Praise God!

Delta, CO

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Robertson,
Just a note to tell you we appreciate hearing from you from time to time. Here's a one time gift for the year. We do think you do a very worthwhile job. May the Lord bless you with health and strength.

Mesa, AZ

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