For years I have said that our job as Christians is not to convert anyone, but to plant seeds and let the Holy Spirit do His job of conversion. Although I have seen this work many times, this past week it was brought home to me very explicitly.
As many of you know, we have a weekly support group meeting in our office for those coming out of Mormonism. At the same time we have a class for those wanting to learn more about Mormonism or wanting to learn how to witness. Our meeting last week was no exception. There were 9 new ex-Mormons that came to the support group meeting, as well as other ex-Mormons. We also had about 30 people in all that came for the witnessing class taught by Andy Poland, a former Mormon missionary.
However, one couple said they wanted to meet with me privately, so we went to my office for that purpose.
The wife of this couple had joined the Mormon Church many years before to satisfy her husband, although she never really believed it. They have been married 58 years. She has called me for over 25 years asking for information she could use to witness to her husband, but he would never agree with her about any of it. Although I had forgotten about it, he reminded me that he came to see me 25 years ago. As we reminisced about those years, he began quoting things I had taught him back then. I was amazed!
I began walking him through the Biblical verses the Mormons use in their missionary lessons as they attempt to convince their prospects that the Bible supports Mormonism. He nodded as he heard the scriptures he recognized. Without going through the whole thing, I walked him through a portion of the temple ceremony. As he agreed to all the things I was saying, his wife got very upset with him for even believing that these practices could possibly be from God. She had never gone through the temple, so all this was very new to her. As our time was about over, she said to me that her husband still wasn't out of the LDS church. He slowly turned to her and said, "I AM OUT!" All she could say, with tears in her eyes was, "Praise the Lord." They then asked for the instructions for having their names removed from the records of the Mormon Church. We prayed as they left, and I marveled that here was a 78 year old life long Mormon and his wife of 58 years turning their lives over to Jesus Christ. What a joy it was to watch. Thank you Lord!
This week when they came back, we all had an interesting time in the support group meeting. There was a lot of questions and open discussion, including from this 78 year old man and his wife of 58 years. During the discussion, he raised his hand and said there was no doubt that he wanted to be "first in line at the rapture." The group then got into a discussion on baptism. After the meeting was over, he came up to me and said he was going to call me and discuss this topic because baptism was what he wanted too. He became aware that we had a baptismal pool in the back and wanted to join the many others who have gone before him to be baptized. Mormons are baptized into the Mormon Church, but when a person desires to follow Jesus, they are baptized into Christ, not into a church. And that's what he wanted. His baptism took place Thursday night, July 14. Praise God! [see photos]
Often we see LDS who have had seeds planted years earlier turn and make a decision to follow the Jesus of the Bible. But this one was different only because it had started over 25 years ago and it took that long for the seeds to take root and grow. The bottom line of this story is that we must never give up. Let's all remember that we only plant seeds and the Holy Spirit does the rest. This also stops the frustration many experience in witnessing. We can't do the work the Lord is responsible for. But we can pray the seeds we planted will take root in fertile soil and bear fruit. . "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow" (1 Corinthians 3:7).
Jim Robertson
Our undersized, dinosaur of an airconditioner, which is supposed to cool our Chapel/Meeting Room, has reached extinction status. It must be replaced. The record heat, added to the recent surge in those coming to our meetings, has turned the Chapel into a sauna. We're requesting extra funds from our faithful supporters, to meet this expensive need. We are also in need of a person who would take responsibility for the ministry's pool (baptismal font). It requires regular cleaning and chemical maintenance. If you have some experience with this type of work and can devote a few hours a week to help us… we need you!
Thank you.
by Judy Robertson
[Editor's note: Choosing articles that will be helpful to all our readers is not always easy. I considered an article about cult-proofing your child and spent many hours drafting it. In the end I scrapped the article realizing there really is no foolproof way to "cult-proof" a child. There are many good suggestions of training a child in discernment, etc. But as so many of us have found, despite doing everything right and bringing up our children in our faith…children rebel.
Hence, the only thing we can do is train our children the best we can knowing that they will make their own decisions when they get older. After we have first of all taught our children about their own faith and reasons for it, the second way to guard our children's heart is to teach them the differences in other religions. Those they encounter on a regular basis should be top of the list.
Remembering I had already written a book covering these two issues I started all over with an article introducing this book and offering it as a resource to you. It's the best way I know of helping you as a parent to guard your child from accepting/joining a false religion. With this explanation, I offer my article.]
Even at this young age, we're trying to train our children to stand strong for their faith…to own it. Of course this means they will come up against some peer resistance/rejection. But in the long run we think those friends will remember that our children know what they believe and why they believe it.
Just as you warn your children about other dangers in the world, I hope you will also warn them about people who teach different religions that are far different from your own. Jesus called them, false prophets and said that they would "deceive many people" (Matthew 24:4-13). He also said the way is narrow, that few would find it, and "I am the way." Jesus is not one way among many…He's the only way (Understanding My Mormon Friends' Faith and Mine, p. 24).
Parents have asked for a tool to help explain in a loving way, the differences between Mormonism and Christianity. Thus Understanding My Mormon Friends' Faith and Mine was born. In this book I discuss seven ways for your child to check out his Mormon friends' faith and learn more about his own in the process. These seven topics are also illustrated to help your child visualize the material.
Chapter headings:
Each topic begins with a question. Then a brief explanation with illustration is followed by a box, The Bible Says and Let's Talk. These tools can be a springboard for some lively, as well as instructive discussions between you and your children. It is my prayer that this will lead to a greater understanding of their own faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope that by helping your child understand the faith of his Mormon friend you and your family may find it in your hearts to love them more. One day maybe the opportunity will arise to share with them the Good News found in the Bible. Now that's loving your Mormon neighbor as yourself!
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:34- 40).
Jim & Judy,
Although I have had no luck, trying to help bring my daughter back to her Christian
life since her marriage to a Mormon 10 years ago. I continue to pray and know
God will someday restore her, in His time. And I read every word in your informative
newsletter and always look forward to each new issue. Keep up your wonderful
Christian mission.
Phoenix, AZ
Dear Christians,
I was given your address as a group that could send me information on how to
answer Mormons who come to my door. I live less than a mile from an LDS Church
and less than 2 miles from a Temple. I wish not to slam the door on them but
instead to plant the seed in their mind that they are following a false religion.
I'm enclosing some money to cover the cost of postage and any material or pamphlets
you can send me. Thank you for your kind consideration.
Spokane Valley, WA
Dear Jim & Judy,
We enjoy so much receiving your newsletter & hearing about all the good you're
doing. Please use this check to continue your ministry in whatever way is needed.
Phoenix, AZ
Dear Jim,
Thank you for sending "The Cross" to me. I read it thoroughly and always learn
more. God's Blessings to Concerned Christians.
Mesa, AZ
Concerned Christians,
Please relay my greetings in Christ Jesus to Jim & Judy.
Pago Pago, Am. Samoa, South Pacific
Concerned Christians,
We have appreciated receiving your newsletters, and even though we have not
supported your organization financially in the past, we are encouraged by your
ministry. We pray the enclosed donation will be of help to you as you serve
the Lord through this important outreach.
Scottsdale, AZ
Fellow Laborers in Christ,
Your ministry played a key role in my discipling as a Christian nearly 16 years
ago. I have gotten your newsletter for years. The other day I heard a story
of a man who was witnessed to in a powerful way by "some ex-Mormon" group. When
I mentioned your name they recognized it. I realized how far reaching and powerful
your ministry still is in the great harvest. I should like to be a part in your
financial help in this ordained and Godly ministry. I will be sending checks
monthly. We have all heard of your faithfulness in the Lord and it has brought
us much blessing of gladness. May the Peace of Christ minister to your spirit
and may the joy of your salvation be complete.
Peoria, AZ
Concerned Christians,
Thank you Judy and Bob and all of you for all the information and help you have
given me. I am praying very hard because today I start my talks with my son,
trying to show him and teach him how wrong Mormonism is! I can use your prayers.
I hope to send more money soon and hope this check helps. Are there any support
groups near Houston, Conroe or Spring?
Montgomery, TX
Dear Concerned Christians,
We are really enjoying "The Cross" newsletter. My husband came out of Mormonism
after reading Judy's book, Out of Mormonism. Please continue praying
for our granddaughter who is 20 years old and got caught up in Mormonism 2 years
ago.
Corvallis, OR
Dear Concerned Christians,
A month ago, one of your people gave us a book for our grand children, which
was published by Concerned Christians. They have many Mormon cousins and our
daughter wanted to help them understand why we believe the way we do and the
differences. Your person would not let me pay for the book, so I am enclosing
a small contribution. Thanks for the wonderful work you do.
Chandler, AZ
Dear Concerned Christians,
Thank you for your desire to help Mormons. My son-in-law is Mormon and I have
been praying for him to discover the real truth. I have been in contact with
your Minneapolis office and can't tell you how much it means to me to have a
Concerned Christians group here in Minnesota! This is totally God at work!!
Praise God!! I hope I can meet Jim & Judy when they come here. I'd love to help.
May God bless all of you!
Lakeville, MN
Jim & Judy,
Keep up the good work that God is directing you to do. We always enjoy the newsletter
so much. God bless you both and the rest of the staff.
Bonners Ferry, ID
by Bob Betts
PBSK (Public Broadcasting Service - Kids) has aired at least a couple of programs that promote Mormonism to children. A while back a concerned parent called and told me she caught a glimpse of a Sesame Street episode her young ones were watching that was promoting the Mormon religion.
On the 4th of July, while surfing through my cable channels, I came across a PBSK program called, Postcards From Buster. Buster is an animated rabbit. I didn't see the beginning of the show, nor did I bother to watch it to the end. But, the following is what I observed.
In this episode I, the viewer, didn't see Buster but could hear him as he interacted with a "typical Mormon family" in Utah as a guest in their home. As the viewer, I was looking through Buster's eyes (the camera) at the family members, as they looked back at and conversed with Buster as if he were real and in their presence. Since they were actually looking into the camera, it's as if they were looking right at me. The children consisted of a couple of mid-teenaged sisters, a couple of adolescent brothers, and a baby.
I watched as they took Buster out on a short drive to a snow-covered slope to slide down and play in the snow. They were the picture of family togetherness and cooperation. After a happy time of romping, they drove back and prepared for lunch. Laced throughout their conversations, Buster asked questions about their family lifestyle. The different family members cheerfully responded by describing their family cooperative and general LDS beliefs as they all chipped in to do their part in the preparation of the meal and the dining table. They made a point of showing their weekly chart of each child's responsibilities. They also began describing "family home evening" which is the every Monday night, family event that includes a lesson, games and goodies. As Buster showed increasing interest, they invited him to "family home evening."
Unfortunately at that point, out of disgust, I resumed channel surfing. In retrospect, now that I'm sounding an alarm to Christian parents, I wish I'd watched the whole thing. But, there you have it. It's no longer safe to turn on PBS or PBSK for your children and walk away. You need to be aware of every program's subject matter. You never know when they're going to sneak in something objectionable to your Christian beliefs and potentially spiritually harmful to your children. At least use such programming as an opportunity to educate your children about the differences between what the Bible teaches and what they're being fed through the TV.
What's so wrong with PBSK promoting a strong, happy, well-adjusted family of faith doing what they do? The problem is, it is not that people are so initially drawn to Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon or the LDS doctrines and beliefs. But that the LDS religion gains converts primarily through the promotion of their family lifestyle and culture. That is what is most appealing to the unwary. Getting to our children with children's television programming is now, apparently, just another avenue for such promotions.
Since Judy and I did not collaborate on writing articles regarding children and the attraction of Mormonism, God apparently had a hand in it. And, I will also take the opportunity to recommend her book, Understanding My Mormon Friends' Faith and Mine. This would be an excellent conversation starter with your children for preparing them to meet the challenges associated with having Mormonism presented to them in the various venues of life.
by Judy Robertson
Even though we may have been Christian a long time there may be confusion about our relationship with God when we sin. Some say bad things happen to us because we sin and so we begin weighing our actions wondering what we've done wrong. And the reverse is true if we are good, God shows us favor. Actually this is typical LDS thinking but we all find ourselves pondering this at times. Which is right? Well the truth from God's Word says neither is right.
First of all God does not show favoritism and "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45). So whether we sin or not, good and bad happen to all.
When we sin we are to confess our sins, meaning agree with God that what we did was sin. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). (To LDS "confessing" means telling "one in authority" such as leaders or a bishop.)
Can we then go on sinning and just confess over and over? Of course the answer from the Bible is no. "Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God" (1 Peter 2:16). We not only confess our sins to God but from our heart desire to change our sinful ways to His ways.
We are free in Christ but not free to sin. "You my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:13).
Position and Condition
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that
you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). We are made perfect
in God's sight immediately upon getting in Christ. "And we are in
him who is true-even in his Son, Jesus Christ" (1 John 5:20 emphasis
added). His work in us began at our accepting of Him, the Jesus of the Bible,
as Lord and Savior.
You can't be a 40% Christian or a 70% Christian. It is either 0% or 100%. There are only two positions- in or out. But we see our imperfections and that worries us. Our condition doesn't reflect our position. We need to understand that "By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" (Hebrews 10:14). The key words here are "being made holy." We are all works in progress. "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"(Philippians1: 6). At death or the second coming we are finally "finished." Then our condition will match our position. In the meantime our relationship with God remains constant, unwavering. We are saved because of our position not our condition.
Position and Condition Come Together
"By doing God's will-obeying Him-I am demonstrating my love and appreciation
to Him for what He has done for me. In obeying Him, I'm being faithful in advancing
His best interests, as He is faithful in advancing mine. Someone has said; 'A
Christian is a person who is becoming what in God's eyes he already is' (Source
unknown). Understanding position and condition changes our new motivation for
being good.
Old Motivation-to make me look good. New Motivation-to make Him look good" (Excerpts from: A Peace Treaty with God by John Hendee).
As we welcome those who have recently left the Mormon church and are coming into a relationship with Christ, we find them struggling with this "position and condition" of our lives in Christ. For according to LDS teaching, living exemplary lives here on earth guarantees a spot in the Mormon Celestial Kingdom (highest heaven). But if certain rules are not obeyed the LDS person has no guarantee where he will be after this life.
If we are not sure as Christians, what happens when we sin, we will have a difficult time planting seeds in those whose hearts are hungry for truth.
We confess our sin to God and repent or turn away from our sin. All the while God loves us, not just when we've become righteous. "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for (Continued from page 6) us"(Romans 5:8). God made a way, through Jesus, for us to be righteous. He is our guarantee of eternity with God.
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood (Romans 3:22- 25).
What is a Christian to do when he sins? Confess (agree with God we have sinned), turn (repent), and glorify the One who loves us so by acknowledging His work in our lives.
"Does He promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19).