God can really work fast! Last month I told you that sometime in the future Judy and I were going to strike out to open other support group offices like the one here in Mesa. Well, the future is here now! Circumstances have begun to occur making this possible. We are getting requests to come to areas for that very purpose. So Judy and I are beginning to make plans to arrange a schedule of traveling to places that have already asked to be included in this idea. We are serious enough about this project that we are selling our home of 34 years to make it possible to be gone for as long as it will take. We will be living and traveling in our motor home. Pray that the gas prices will come down.
Maybe we will be coming to your area. As I said last month, we would like to have an office in every town that has a temple or is situated near a temple. That could also be towns that have a heavy concentration of Mormons. If you are interested in seeing this happen in your area, please let us know so we can include your town in our schedule. In the meantime, some things can be done in advance. Your group should have at least one person who is an ex- Mormon so you have creditability. You should evaluate the reason for having this group. First, you want to support those wanting or trying to leave Mormonism. It's very traumatic to leave Mormonism and they are going to need all the support they can get. Next, you want to have or train people to teach about the deception of Mormonism to churches as well as individuals. Your group should be people who have a real interest in seeing Mormons come to know the real Lord Jesus Christ and not because they have a grudge against Mormons. Remember, we are to hate the sin and love the sinner. So we hate Mormonism and not the Mormons. Next, your group should not be afraid to speak out or to confront people who defend Mormonism. And it should be individuals who can devote the amount of energy necessary to make this a success for the Lord. You can begin by meeting in someone's home. You can also raise funds by speaking in churches about the deception of Mormonism.
You can find people who might be potential members of your group by contacting the Christian churches in your area to find out if they have any ex- Mormons in their congregation that you could talk to or who might have an interest in being a part of this effort. We've been holding weekly meetings now for over 30 years and I can tell you that sitting and listening or training people is what keeps me going. Just to see the look on their faces when they finally get the message and accept the freedom that comes with trusting Jesus Christ is worth it all. Most of them say it's like having a ton of bricks lifted off their backs.
I would like to arrange our trips by regions so we can come back to our office every so often for updates and for more supplies. We have a board of directors that I want to meet with on a quarterly basis. And I want to be able to spend time with our staff to make sure everything is going well for them.
Please give this some serious thought and prayer. The Mormon church is now admitting, in some of their statistical publications, that "there are more going out the back door then there are coming in the front door" here in the states. So we know the work is paying off and we want to do our part to see that it continues. The Mormon church continues to grow in third world countries.
We currently have offices or people doing this work in Tucson and Prescott, Arizona; Denver and Ft. Collins, Colorado; Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minnesota; Huron, South Dakota; Enterprise, Alabama; Greenville, South Carolina; Santiago, Chile, S.A.; and individuals all across the states, as well as American Samoa and Tonga. We have requests from 3 places in Idaho, 3 in California, 2 in Washington, 2 in Oregon, 1 in Wyoming, 3 in Utah, 1 in Ohio, 1 more in Colorado, 1 in W. Virginia and 2 in Texas. Let us know if you want to be a part of any of these or you want to see one get started in your area. May God bless you as you pray about this. Also be in prayer for us as we start putting this schedule together.
When in this past April/May newsletter I made the statement, "February was one of those months when it seems life comes unglued," I had no clue there was more to come. But life is often like that. When we think we've been through about as much as we can handle, another seam of life begins to separate.
About the same time our son-in-law, Randy was diagnosed with a brain tumor and scheduled for surgery this past April, my 95 year-old mother fell and sustained a painful deepmuscle bruise on her hip. She quickly became unable to support her own body weight and needed full-time care.
The week before Randy was to go in for surgery he was working at his metal shop trying to get things finished before he'd be out of commission for several weeks. While adjusting a part on a forklift the heavy equipment fell on him, crushing his right arm and pinning him under it. Only one other person was there. It was our 21-year-old grandson, Shaun, who acted quickly, hopped on another forklift and lifted off the forklift that pinned Randy. Shaun took off his shirt, wrapped Randy's arm in it, got him into a truck and sped off to the hospital. Randy was in shock by the time they arrived. His arm had to have two steel rods and skin grafts to repair it, but he survived thanks to Shaun's quick thinking.
Randy's brain surgery was to be in four days and in the meantime my mother was going down hill fast. She quit eating because of the pain, her strength decreased dramatically and the situation did not look good. Our family was stretched. A niece came from Arkansas to help out with Mom while many family members and myself, kept vigil with Janet while her husband Randy underwent surgery to remove the tumor on his brain. Randy's surgery was successful although the entire tumor couldn't be removed. He will receive radiation treatments later and he's going to rehab for his arm. While Randy was recovering, Shaun took over Randy's business and did a fantastic job. We had been praying for Shaun for some time to have a goal in life and begin living responsibly. Shaun stepped up to the plate and did everything necessary to keep Randy's business running smoothly while he was down and out. Shaun had already said he was "through partying" when his cousin, Destiny, was killed in a car accident in February. Now he had the reason he'd needed to be responsible. He more than filled the job and is Randy's most valuable employee.
Mother needed 24 hour a day care and was now with hospice inpatient care. While driving to be with Mom each day it seemed the Christian radio station I listened to always played just the praise song I needed. Though I don't know the names of them all some of the words come to mind: "He cares about you" and other words set to music by beautiful songs of praise. But the one that carried me through most was a song by Michael W. Smith called, Total Praise. It's based on Psalm 121 and starts out with "Lord, I lift my eyes to the hills" and goes on to say "knowing my help is coming from You." He gives strength in the storm. The song ends with the most beautiful praise and adoration ending with "Amen."
My mother passed away April 19. But not without many songs sung to her and prayers said holding her hand. In my youth I sang in the choir with my mother and I knew all the gospel hymns that she so loved. I was there when her heart beat for the last time and lifted up my hands to the heavens through tears, "Lord receive my mother into your loving arms." I have no doubt that is where she is now. Enjoying the place prepared for her by Jesus. (John 14:1-6,19) The final song played for Mother's memorial was, Total Praise, because it seemed to me to be a fitting "benediction" for my mother's life. When life comes unglued in your family, know that He cares for you. He is right there beside you. He knows your every need and will give you the strength needed for the task ahead. I know. The Lord provided for me when I was in need and He gave grace… even more.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the title in a major bookstore in Salt Lake City three months ago. Parallel lives? After I read the Table of Contents and finally picked my jaw up off the floor, I bought the book. Yes, it's true. Mormons are being taught that Joseph Smith's calling by God was comparable to Jesus Christ's. The book's opening poem gives you an idea of what's to come:
It is no surprise that what follows, is nothing less than the adulation and exaltation of Joseph Smith. Just as one of the Mormon hymns about Joseph Smith, is Praise to the Man, so the heresy in this book should not catch us off guard.Jesus and Joseph were the noblest of all The sons of the Father who answered the call To carry His word to the great and the small. In life or in death, those who come to this earth Can know through their labors the joy of rebirth.
Jesus and Joseph, though born ages apart, Have labored together in spirit and heart To share the glad tidings revealed at the start. In this dispensation the prophets rejoice To join them in witness with a single voice.
Jesus and Joseph, though endowed from on high, Were scorned and betrayed and fated to die For defending those truths they could not deny. All hail the Redeemer and hail the choice man Who pointed the way to God's own right hand.
Jesus and Joseph will return as foretold When Zion's redeemed and the gathering fold Of the Shepherd are purged like silver and gold. Yea, praise to the Prophet, and praise to his King Who came from the Father His blessings to bring.
THE BEGINNING AND THE ENDING
From the Forward I quote, "Next to Jesus stands Joseph. For while there have
been many truly noble and notable servants of God in the history of the world-such
as Enoch, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist-through no other
prophet has the God of Israel worked so great a work as the work He brought
to pass through Joseph Smith. For no other prophet was so richly blessed with
a knowledge of the mysteries of godliness as was he. Indeed, as we shall see,
in terms of divine endowments, he was the embodiment of all those faithful servants
of the Lord who had preceded him."
From the Conclusion I quote, "He (Joseph Smith) knew something concerning his eternal identity so glorious he dared not reveal it to others. Joseph knew the Saints would not, because they could not, believe him. Notwithstanding, when we come forth with him as resurrected men and women-with memory of our premortal lives restored-then we shall finally know "Brother Joseph"-because then we will have the capacity to know him. And then, we shall know ourselves."
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Bible, the Book of Mormon and numerous Mormon quotes are liberally woven
throughout Turner's book, as proof texts for all the LDS doctrines, beliefs
and history he addresses. The Biblical passages are predictably taken out of
context. One of the first blatant misuses is his reference to the parable of
the two sticks in Ezekiel 37:15-20, suggesting they represent the Bible and
the Book of Mormon being held in one hand, ignoring the explanation which follows
that the parable is about two nations being brought together under one king.
Part One of Seven is entitled, "The Foreordained," and shows how the author views the Bible and the Book of Mormon foretelling the coming of Joseph, as clearly as the coming of Jesus.
Part Two, "The Beginning Years," likewise draws similarities between the families that Jesus and Joseph grew up in. Both experienced assaults from Satan. Both experienced assaults on their character and teachings.
Part Three, "Divine Credentials," suggests that like Jesus, Joseph's divine credentials include the witness of the Holy Ghost, the witness of several men, the witness of the priesthood, miracles, and that they were both prophets.
Part Four, "Treasures New and Old," gets into the doctrines that came by revelation to both Jesus and Joseph, suggesting that neither got the recognition they both rightly deserved from the religious leaders of their day. Turner also expounds on the very doctrines that have given the Mormon church its reputation for being unbiblical and heretical.
He also gets into a defense of Joseph Smith's vision, but makes the following admission: "If the First Vision was-at best-an illusion, then the Church is built upon sand; and, in time, it will lose its original strength and identity and begin to crumble."
Part Five, "Calvary and Carthage" compares what the author views as similarities between the death of Jesus and the death of Joseph. In this chapter he includes a dissertation on the atonement that Mormons believe took place in the Garden of Gethsemane. This hits on a pet peeve of mine. Luke 22:44 tells us that Jesus, "being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Nowhere in or around this passage is there even an implication that this was any part of the atonement of Jesus for our sins. Yet Mormons believe that it was. The cross where Christ died for our sins is relegated to simply being the instrument of Jesus' death.
A lengthy recitation of the events leading to and including Jesus' martyrdom and resurrection, is followed by a lengthy recitation of the ordeals that Joseph had to endure, leading to his alleged martyrdom. I say "alleged martyrdom" because Jesus gave his life willingly, while Joseph managed to fire off a six-shooter he had smuggled into his jail room, killing two men and injuring a third.
But, the author contrasts their days of death by saying that "Jesus was resigned, but not helpless: He could have summoned 'more than twelve legions of angels' (Mt. 26:53). Joseph was helpless and at the mercy of the merciless." Though he describes the gun battle, Turner neglects to mention that Joseph killed two of the men he shot.
Turner concludes the chapter with this epilogue: "Jesus the Christ and Joseph the Prophet came to bring life, light and salvation to mankind. In doing so, they sealed their testimonies with their life's blood. Both died because of who they were and what they proclaimed. For had they not lived the lives they lived and borne the witnesses they bore, they would not have died as they did. So Jesus died on the hill of Calvary; Joseph in the shadows of Carthage. Each triumphed in his own way."
Part Six, "Things to Come" is a dissertation on the Mormon eschatological viewpoint, concluding with the Mormon version of how salvation is attained, including the importance of baptism for the dead. This chapter includes Mormon teachings on the New Jerusalem, Zion, the Garden of Eden in Missouri being God's "holy mountain" and Joseph being the Moses of the latter days.
Part Seven, "By Their Fruits" contains an overview comparison of the "Parallel Lives" of Jesus and Joseph, including this summary paragraph: "The thesis of this book is that in unique and important ways the life of Joseph reflected the life of Jesus more so than did any other prophet who ever lived…So there is an undeniable bond between Jesus and Joseph."
MY CONCLUSION
This book couldn't be any more blatant in its treatment of Joseph as a latter-day
messiah. Short of telling us to bow down and worship him, we are led to believe
that the focus is around Jesus first, then Joseph. The author attempts to show
that our lives, light and salvation wouldn't be possible without both of them.
And, who Jesus was and what He did for us was only made complete by who Joseph
was and what he did for us.
You and I must remember that, as much as this kind of book may appall and frustrate us, there are many Mormons who will come out of this falseness who need our compassion. Working together, lovingly planting seeds, watering, harvesting and then nurturing is our job to help them overcome this kind of deception. Let's prepare ourselves. The deception will only get worse.
Dear Concerned Christians,
Thank you so much for all the help your books, newsletters and web site provide
me over the past few years. Thanks to your ministry I have decided not to enter
into a romantic relationship with a Mormon friend that I met in high school.
Saying "no" to him wasn't easy as I had feelings for him the two of us were
extremely compatible. Through the months and years, my faith in the God of the
Bible has been strengthened. I came to the realization that I would rather chose
a lifetime of singleness serving the triune God then to be married to "the love
of my life" trapped in Mormonism. Since I said no to my friend, I have met a
wonderful Christian man through my church. My message to those Christians who
are tempted to date a Mormon is; don't let Satan trick you into thinking that
there are no available Christians. Remember, God's plans are a lot bigger then
our perception of life. Please accept this gift to help further your ministry.
May many more be as enlightened and educated as I have been.
Goleta, CA
Dear Jim Robertson
I think it's a great idea to have a support group in every town that has a Mormon
temple. On a recent trip at Easter time to Alabama, we drove through Nauvoo,
Illinois. Their new temple there looked more like a Masonic temple, instead
of the house of the Lord. I read somewhere that there are about 120 temples
around the world. What a waste!
Detroit Lakes, MN
Hi Jim,
Thanks much for your time the other day. I very much appreciated it. You all
are doing a wonderful work. I'll be back in touch soon.
Mesa, AZ
Concerned Christians,
Thank you for not only hearing the whisper of God in your lives, but also for
putting His will for you into action. I appreciate very much your newsletters
and know they require much work. Be assured that the hard work serves as an
inspiration on a variety of levels for a lot of people. Hope this small donation
helps a little.
Tempe, AZ
Bob,
Last night I was on a computer updated enough to watch the video of Jim Robertson
discussing doctrine with those two Mormon missionaries. I was very impressed
with his heart, first and foremost, but almost even more impressed with his
knowledge and succinct method of argumentation. I guess I just wanted to thank
you very much for providing a learner such as I with something very helpful
like that video to watch.
(Taken from Concerned Christians chat room)
Dear Friends,
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints and recently
attended the temple in Washington DC for my endowments. Now I am really concerned
and confused. Please help me! I want to know the truth about Mormonism and I
want to know the true Jesus. Please send me any good materials which you think
will help; any good books, DVD's, etc. I will compensate any expense. So please
don't hold back. Also let me know if you have a book written by Judy Robertson;
about a couple who went through the Mesa Temple ("Out of Mormonism") and the
author said she left in disgust. (That's how I felt). Thanks for being my friend.
Philadelphia, PA
Dear Sir,
Thank you for what you do. Please accept this small gift as a way of showing
my appreciation for what you do. May God bless you and protect you. In anticipation
of what He will do, I thank Him and you!
South Jordan, UT
Dear Jim, Judy, Bob & Cheri,
After I got home today, I wondered why I just didn't write a check and give
it to you then! I really enjoy helping you with "stuffing" The Cross. I hope
it comes on a less hectic week. Prayers and Blessings to you and all your endeavors.
Mesa, AZ
Hello to everyone,
We are still kicking, but not too high. We are getting older and each day is
getting harder. My husband is 84 and I'm 83. Keep working for the Lord as I'm
sure you will. The only way we can is to help the missionaries with the Lord's
money. God bless all of you.
Montrose, Co
Dear Concerned Christians,
I love your ministry and look forward to each issue of "The Cross". I read it
immediately from cover to cover and learn so much about the Mormon religion.
I also visit your web site often and love it! I work with a woman who has a
son who converted to Mormonism along with his family in another state. I have
had several opportunities to talk to her about what Mormons believe but she
can't or won't believe the things I tell her. I loaned her several books and
the video "DNA vs. The Book of Mormon", but I'm sure she never read them or
watched the video. I really think she doesn't want to know the truth. She thinks
because her son leads a good life it really doesn't matter what church he belongs
to. Please pray that she will see the truth about what her son is believing.
Thank you for your awesome ministry!
Hardy, VA
Dear Jim & Judy,
I was appalled to read in the February/March issue of "The Cross" newsletter
about the adoration of Joseph Smith by the President of the LDS church, and
others, at the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Smith's birthday, and
particularly the picture on the cover of December "Church News" showing Joseph
and Mary holding the baby Jesus, with the words underneath "Focus on the Prophet
Joseph Smith." The Mormons actually put Joseph Smith above our Lord Jesus Christ.
They worship a man who is dead and buried; but we who are Christians worship
a risen and living Savior. Praise the Lord!
Petersburg, IL
Concerned Christians,
God Bless you as you bring the truth of Christ to the lost.
Prescott, AZ
Concerned Christians,
Thank you for the work you do to open the eyes of those mesmerized by a mere
mortal. Your courage is a light to so many who, like myself, seem lost for words
when faced with our Mormons friends.
Delta, CO