😟 Protestant Explores Temple Lot • Finds Grieving Latter Day Church
Вставка
- Опубліковано 1 чер 2024
- Recently, I learned about the Temple Lot. If you're Catholic or Protestant, you probably never heard of this - but it's a big deal in the Latter-day Saint movement. Joseph Smith, leader and founder of Mormonism, moved his followers west and claimed to have a revelation that this chunk of land in Independence, Missouri would be the gathering spot for the "New Jerusalem" during the last days. Well, locals took issue with the movement (including the then-Governor of Missouri), who ordered Mormons to leave or be killed. Later, Smith was killed by a mob, and a number of men claimed to be the successor (most followed Brigham Young to Utah). Many contended the true successor was Smith's son, Joseph Smith III - but the problem was he was just 11 years old.
While the LDS majority pioneered to Utah, Joseph Smith III's group moved back to Independence and formed the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (now Community of Christ). They built this narwhal-like temple across the street of this sacred "Temple Lot" (owned by a much smaller LDS splinter group, Church of Christ, who will not bow down to their bigger "church cousins").
For Week 25, I attended Community of Christ's Stone Church adjacent to their Temple. Being the second largest sect of Mormonism (though waaaaay smaller in size to LDS), I expected this to be a thriving church.
Not quite.
This was one of the most difficult, saddest visits I've ever made. The church was well-maintained, but you could tell it had been around for a long time. Hymns bookmarked the service, but as I found out, this wasn't a typical church service. It was a meeting to determine the future of this aging church that had been hit hard from declining attendance and donations.
A leadership team discussed their research, vision graphs and possible options to proceed - taking the community's questions and concerns into consideration. There was confusion about a "merger" of other congregations, but leadership shied away from the word. With many confused, the most likely option was to fold and resurrect as a new church community.
---------------------------
⛪ Seven years after completing 52 Churches in 52 Weeks, this video series chronicles the spiritual experiment for a second time. If you'd like to see what happens next, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS to see what happens each week.
---------------------------
▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Temple Lot
0:37 Week 25
0:56 Curiosity into Latter-day Saints
2:44 Temple Lot Background
4:46 Stone Church
5:40 Stages of Grief
8:54 Community of Christ Backstory
11:47 Service Presentation and Q&A
16:27 Reality of Aging Churches
18:44 "Now in This Moment"
---------------------------
🎵 Background Music:
Song: Konqeson - Equinox
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link: • Konqeson - Equinox (Vl...
---------------------------
📷 Instagram:
/ 52churchesin52weeks
---------------------------
📚 Read "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" by David Boice on Amazon:
amzn.to/3DKry4q
---------------------------
#52churchesin52weeks #lds #communityofchrist
Thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed this latest chapter of 52 Churches in 52 Weeks.
LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to stay tuned for future visits. You can also check-out the first "52 Churches in 52 Weeks" on Amazon at 📚 amzn.to/3DKry4q
Thank HEAVENLY FATHER and HEAVENLY MOTHER, for restoring THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, back on earth. The only TRUE CHURCH. Some, all they do is looking for faults, Same spirit during the time of JESUS CHRIST.
ua-cam.com/video/RDPWKkTzrlQ/v-deo.html
@@ad-vd5qc THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, started in the PRE-MORTAL LIFE, it didn't start on earth.
Interesting that your almost mourning the downfall of a False teaching Church, started by a man who supposedly received a visitation by 2 heavenly personages who said that all the Christian denominations were wrong. Yeah, right.
And then Joseph Smith pens one full book of scripture in a very short period of time, and it is regarded as scripture equivalent to the Bible?
Sorry, I cannot buy this lie, just because this very small minority of LDS has reinvented itself with a more mainline liberal "Christian" veneer.
Any "Christian" group that accepts as scripture, any works outside of the 66 canonized Books of the Bible, is not Christian.
Don't buy the deceptions. Let the RLDS heresy die.
I was a Life long protestant and received a Witness of the Book of Mormon three years ago and was baptized into the church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, but more then that I received a much stronger witness of the plan of Salvation, and the importance of Temple Ordinances. My Wife did as well, and I think its wonderful. I had to put away my prior preconceptions in witness to Personal Revelation. God is so Patient, Merciful, and Forgiving...there are No Words Brother. May God Bless you, and Happy Sunday Friend.
@@jcal6022 why are you attacking someone else’s church without having the honesty to say which church you believe in and go to
@@mikelawlor1533 Hey Mike I cant even remember at this point I think he was talking about Polygamy or something.
@@mikelawlor1533 Also I did say what Church I go to.
@@jcal6022 hey sorry. I thought you were being attacked and I was trying to say to the person stop being a jerk and attacking J Cal.
I think it was you commenting on your original post.
My bad. Sorry
@@mikelawlor1533 haha yah no worries."
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I also served my mission in Independence, Missouri. Watched several of your videos and just wanted to say thank you for your open outlook on religion. More people need this non combative approach and I myself have learned from you!
As a black man member of the church I appreciate people like you who explains a person's belief based on how they see it and not through religious bias or hatred. I do the same thing you do when I explain other religions I use their beliefs and what they told me from the best of their people who lived that religion.
Jabulani, the Bible is explicit that there is only one God, YHWH. LDS teaches that people can become gods, what is wrong. Also Joseph Smith was a terrible man. Just search about. If you love the truth (and remember Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life" search it).
@@marce.goodnews That's your opinion and religious beliefs and none of my business. I don't do religious arguments because it doesn't solve problem.
Thanks
Why would a black person become a Mormon? The racist parti is not interpretative but built into the doctrine. Joe said black folks were unfaithful in heaven..Did he not?
2 Nefi 5:21-25 dice que la piel negra es una maldición de Dios y aun así están en esa secta?
20 Por tanto, se cumplió la palabra que el Señor me habló, diciendo: Por cuanto ellos ano quieren escuchar tus palabras, serán bseparados de la presencia del Señor. Y he aquí, fueron separados de su presencia.
21 Y él había hecho caer la amaldición sobre ellos, sí, una penosa maldición, a causa de su iniquidad. Porque he aquí, habían endurecido sus corazones contra él, de modo que se habían vuelto como un pedernal; por tanto, ya que eran blancos y sumamente bellos y bdeleitables, el Señor Dios hizo que los cubriese una cpiel de color obscuro, para que no atrajeran a los de mi pueblo.
22 Y así dice el Señor Dios: Haré que sean aaborrecibles a tu pueblo, a no ser que se arrepientan de sus iniquidades.
23 Y malditos serán los descendientes de aquel que se amezcle con la posteridad de ellos; porque serán maldecidos con la misma maldición. Y el Señor lo habló; y así fue.
24 Y a causa de la maldición que vino sobre ellos, se convirtieron en un pueblo aocioso, lleno de maldad y astucia, y cazaban animales salvajes en el desierto.
25 Y el Señor Dios me dijo: Serán un azote a tus descendientes para estimularlos a que se acuerden de mí; y si no se acuerdan de mí, ni escuchan mis palabras, los azotarán hasta la destrucción.
@@johnnyplunkett8532 2nd Nephi 26: 33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."
I searched for the truth and the Lord lead me to the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. God bless.
Me too! I looked for Christ to heal me, and this is where I found Him!!
💜🙏🏻🕊️👍🏻😊
Mormons are awesome family people, but it is an errant faith. Golden plates? More books after the Bible? Freemason rituals? You can become a God of your own planet? Come on people. Go back to Christian roots, study the early church fathers, and see what the church believes and how they worshipped.
Wow! Super impressed, Sir, how you deal with this particular difficult issue within The Community of Christ church with such compassion and respect. God bless you, brother!
Hi David iam from kenya ,30 years have been faithful member of the church of jesus christ of lds. I strongly believe there is something extra special with this main body church. I encourage every to meet missionary for discussion time is running out. I met christ in this church.
Amen... Bernard. Blessings to the beautiful heart's in Kenya
I am sorry. But God is the Creator of all universe. And since ever, there is only one God, YHWH. In the LDS, the belief is in multiple gods. That is not correct.
If the argument of the Bible is not enough. Watch about Joseph Smith and see how his life was very scary.
Catholic Church may not be perfect, but it is closer to the truth.
May the true and only living God bless you!
I have no idea where you got the idea that the Mormons believe in multiple Gods, they only believe in one, but this church isn’t talking about the Mormons, Community of Christ has roots with the Mormons but we are a very different church compared to them and have much different beliefs.
Much love to you! Your words made an impact on me. I also find Christ in The Church of Jesus Christ of LDS. I am thankful for you today.
Why are you so amazing?!! I am grateful for your project and impressed with the kindness you exhibit when encountering different beliefs and believers. Thank you for loving God and your neighbor- you are a wonderful example to us all!
I'm kinda addicted also.😎
@@cjjenson8212 Thanks Meggs! Appreciate your kind words :)
I really appreciate your videos and insights! As a member of the LDS Church, I feel that these are our lost brothers and sisters, and I am saddened that they are struggling. I wish they weren't. That said, I wonder how much the downfall of this denomination is a result of being lukewarm and trying to be just another church. The LDS Church on the other hand is not just another church; it teaches very clearly that the Book of Mormon is a powerful conversion tool and nothing to sweep under the rug. They teach that the temples we build today are a continuation of temple building in ancient Israel, and not a publicly accessible memorial to world peace. And the growth trajectories are very, very different, because in one church it is actually clear what is being taught.
I can promise you, those of us in the restoration are definitely not "lost."
Just a tad condescending, yeah?
It is amazing how people can be so ignorant, gullible and brainwashed in believing this garbage
What are the similarities between the LDS temples today and ancient Jewish temples? Both elaborate, showy and expensive. Both bar entrance except to an elite "worthy" minority. BUT: No marriages performed in Jewish temples. No women allowed in Jewish temples. No baptisms performed in Jewish temples. Etc cetera. Yet you say LDS temples are a continuation. How do you figure? Just because you say so, and believe it? If so, then fine.
@@jasonpayne3566 Are you from a restoration branch or the mainstream Community of Christ denomination of the rlds? I was thinking the restoration branch members were referred to as you mentioned, but I'm not super familiar with the terms either.
David, I have enjoyed watching your videos, what a great idea. Thank you for your kindness toward the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I’m always so leery of anything that is not sponsored by the church because it’s usually very negative. You are honest, open minded, and loving towards others no matter how they worship or what they believe. That is what a true believer in Christ should be! Thank you again.
I am glad you're so kind. I am LDS and actually feel a sorrow for the struggles of this church. As far as church history goes, Joseph Smith did have a plan that he taught to the 12 apostles of the church at the time. Still there were those who did not agree being it was a new church and they had not gone through any leadership change before this time.
"Come on! ye prosecutors! ye false swearers! All hell, boil over! Ye burning mountains, roll down your lava! for I will come out on top at last. I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet...When they can get rid of me, the devil will also go." (History of the Church, Vol. 6, p. 408, 409)
I feel sorry for you Arpley that you are brainwashed in this cult church.
@@markkrispin6944 In all honesty I have a mind of my owned and extremely educated and a convert to the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints and no where even close to being brainwashed by anyone in the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. I have always been taught in the Lords Church to question authority through prayer and personal revelation. To think things out clearly and in depth. The Church is anything but a cult lol. Too many persons are bible bashing other Churches and should just worry about there own beliefs and make videos regarding there own Churches and there own Christian beliefs and values and for Christians to relish each other in there belief in Christ and not focus all there time and attempting to disprove the beliefs of other Churches especially when they are so poorly qualified in even understanding and knowing the beliefs of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. In fact they have not even lived as a faithful non apostatizing member of the Church to really understand it’s teachings, it’s covenanting that are made. In fact I have never met YET an ex member of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints who ever EVER understood its doctrines and teachings clearly and the longer they remained away from the Church there knowledge
regressed even more. They only understand the doctrines of this Church from the worldly understanding that they indeed create them selves distorting it’s truths because they truly do not understand what they learn or have learned from a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints Correctly. They should dive into the actual written teachings of the Current Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints Prophets and Apostles who are living. Make an appointment with your questions and visit Salt Lake. But do not assume you are qualified enough because you bring someone on your You Tube channel that use to be a member of the LDS Church who has left it, I can tell you anyone who has left the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is anything but an expert of its teachings or they would not have left. They cannot explain its teachings but in a worldly way and distort it as they themselves do not understand it. The good thing to know here is that if you are truly interested in something and want to know if it is truly true then you have to want it work for it desire it, but if your in it just to disprove it in the first place you can never truly know what you wanted to know in the first place. I would extend an invitation to all who have been gone or left the Church Of Jesus Christ to come back, you are needed and wanted and loved. The world is a wicked place and men on a daily basis are rewriting the commandments of God to fit there own convenience. So many simply leave the Lords Church because it’s easier to live a worldly life being taught that it doesn’t matter what you do the Lord will save you no matter what and all the while they do not repent and live in sin thinking all is well. I tell you that God the Father does live and you indeed can learn and know what He is like by reading and learning of Jesus Christ . God the Father wants us back with Him so very very much and Jesus Christ is our advocate with the Father He is our best friend our inbetween vouching for our reconciliation before the Father as no unclean thing can enter His Kingdom. Jesus Christ lives and in reality and even now prepares with His brothers and Sisters for His return to this Earth under the direction of the Father even so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
@@kolobkolobkolobkolob Oh please, spare me. You are just a puppet to the cult Mormon Church. If your false prophet Rusty Nelson came to you, face to face and told you that in order to get into the highest degree of glory (heaven), but must jump off a cliff, would you do it?? Now remember, your false prophet, Rusty Nelson speaks for God and you must do this to get into the highest glory .
@@kolobkolobkolobkolob IF you have a mind of your own, then you are not even using it at all. THINK FOR YOURSELF FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME! Stop listening and following your false and bullshit Mormon cult leaders
I learned a lot about the Community of Christ... and even some about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints, of which I am a member. Mostly I was impressed with your positive and non judgemental commentary , your careful introspection and giving them the benefit of the doubt in a hard situation. Thank you for that ! ( also very relieved - though not surprised - at the warm reception you received at the actual LDS church when you visited!)
I suspect you didn't. Having a Congregational meeting as a time to visit is REALLY not a representative experience of a Church. There was SO much not mentioned. There are Community of Christ branches (congregations) ALL over the neighbourhood that the Stone Church sits in. It is somewhat of an inner city neighbourhood as well. That building is particularly historic as it was the first RLDS (Community of Christ) Church in the area after "Mormons" could return to Missouri. That building was the de fact headquarters of the Church in times gone by.
I am rather amazed that David didn't attend the daily prayer for peace service in the Temple which is across the street. The focus of the Church has moved across the street to the Temple which is the current headquarters.
Another odd piece of advice would be to read the Community of Christ version of the Book of Mormon. The basic difference is the versification (and chapters). It is surprisingly more readable than the LDS version. They also have a version with slightly less archaic wording. ALSO the Doctrines & Covenants of the Community of Christ is a much more fascinating read than the LDS version. The Community of Christ regularly canonizes new scripture.
@@kitiowa Hope I can fill-in some of what was mentioned here. I had called the Temple to do see if they do services - since I saw the website mentioned some kind of daily prayer type of service at 2:00 I believe (I'm trying to look at the website right now to confirm, but its down at the moment). Anyway, I called to see if a visit was possible, but a message prompts you that staff is doing other things and to leave a message where someone would call back. I got a message the next day, but was more about tours being available on certain weekdays, and they could be set two weeks in advance. Still want to do that, think that would be amazing. Those days just didn't work with my travels.
I was around the Temple throughout the day, and made sure to be around at 2:00. Problem was I didn't see anyone in the building at that time and the door was still locked. Maybe I should have just stuck around longer. Either way, really wish I could have done that, just didn't see anyone else parked near the temple to confirm someone was inside to open the doors.
@@52churchesin52weeks The Church makes a great point of saying that the Temple is a special place. It is NOT a regular congregation and does have a regular Sunday worship service. The sanctuary of the Temple is not accessible by the Exit. One must enter through the walk. It is a corridor with artistic representations of the History of the Church. It opens up to the part that is under that spiral. I assume you went there.
The Sanctuary is very near the museum which I think you showed pictures of. The big doors which look like are an entrance are only an exit. The entrance is a much smaller door or entryway. It has the feel of the catacombs.
@@kitiowa Appreciate the reply. I had to look at some pictures to document my time - since again, the Temple was really where I wanted to go that Sunday. I'm looking at pictures, and I was near the big parking lot entrance and took a pic of an emblem saying, "The Temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace April 17, 1994." I'm looking at the time stamp, which was 1:54 pm. I remember trying to open the door, but it was locked. Didn't see anyone inside, so gave up at that point that someone was inside to open. Hope that helps. Still wish to go back.
@@52churchesin52weeks If it was a Sunday the Temple would be closed. Members would all be expected to have the day off and be engaged in their individual branches (congregations).
Oh my goodness! This kind of happened to me in Springfield, MO about 15 years ago. Was randomly there on a Sunday so visited a random church. They were splitting the church actually. It was TERRIBLE. I told many people it was like walking into a family’s living room while they were deciding who gets the kids and pets after the divorce. We actually left after about 20 minutes. So sad and awkward!!!
A community of Christ church or The church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints church? I'm so confused 🤣
Maybe they were dividing the ward due to growth? It's not as serious as it may seem. We meet based on where we live geographically. When an area grows, the local congregations (wards) get divided up to keep the sizes balanced. Of course, people build strong relationships, and we tend to get dramatic that we are not going to be with the exact same people each week. But the fact is that within a short time, we build the same kind of relationships in our new wards, and we still see and associate with our friends in the previous wards.
Ultimately, the specific ward we are in is not so critical, but the beliefs, which is the same regardless of ward. Our missionaries aren't out to bring people into any specific ward, but into the Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ is growing so fast I was in 2 wards that reached 1,000 members and usually that’s when a new one is created. 500 is usually the average. 👍💗🌷🤍
The Community of Christ has nothing to do with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, first of all. Second, i’m pretty sure you’re talking about splitting a ward, which is not horrible at all. It means the church is growing so much in the area that they are adding a ward, and they take some of the members from other wards to populate the new ward. They do it to reduce the numbers in the wards. It’s a sign of growth.
@@RichardChappell1 "dividing the ward due to growth" is not something that happens in the Reorganized LDS Church (now re-dubbed as the "Community of Christ" but its legal name is still the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have had a lot of "divisions," but not because of growth. One big split was about 26-28 years ago, when about a quarter of the members left in revolt against the increasing liberalism of the church leadership (including appointment of women apostles and the marginalization of the Book of Mormon) and formed the "Restoration Church [etc.]."
The main church (Utah HQ) is about 80 times as large as it was in 1880, whereas the Reorganized LDS Church (C of C) is only slightly larger now that it was then.
David, I love your zest for life, your passion for the Christian faith, and the fact that you've clearly been doing your homework and keeping an open mind and heart. Thank you for being you, and for remaining an honest seeker of truth.
Appreciate it, Jethro! And thanks for watching. The project definitely puts someone into different settings to understand what's happening out there.
"Come on! ye prosecutors! ye false swearers! All hell, boil over! Ye burning mountains, roll down your lava! for I will come out on top at last. I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet...When they can get rid of me, the devil will also go." (History of the Church, Vol. 6, p. 408, 409)
@@rickraybourn7456 Thanks for the quote, Rick! Where would you say you currently sit in relation to the bombastic truth claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
@@rickraybourn7456 And???....
@@Drawn-by-Abundance I have a question that for the life of me I can’t understand. I would never in a million years go into an evangelical discussion and put down their beliefs and try to prove them wrong or talk bad about them. I wouldn’t do Otto any religion Buddhist Muslim Protestant anyone. I believe God and only God is the judge. He who is without sin cast the first stone. So why do outsiders try to bad mouth Latter Day Saints. Seems to me if they were true Christian s they would have better things to do with their time like lifting people up, tithing, fasting, feeding the poor then antagonizing others who don’t believe as they do. I find that to be very evil and dark.
Nephi growing a beard is just some creative license taken for the film :). Nothing in the Book of Mormon about a beard. Looked like it might have been the spot where the ship is being built.
I know, I know - going for a cheap laugh - but at the same time, I'm secretly rooting for Nephi's facial hair to outgrow Laman's now.
@@52churchesin52weeks now I've got that vision in my brain🤪
@@52churchesin52weeks if you wanna see some awesome comparison, find LDS art of Abinadi, and then look up LDS comedian Rodney Norman. The dude is a perfect match.
In my Utah ward so many people asked me when I am cutting my beard off. My answer. Not planning to cut it.
@@stephenmiller-wb2ulstrange. I'm in Utah and was in the high council for a few years. I had a beard the whole time. Several in the high council did. The first councilor in the bishopric in my ward has a beard. I guess it just depends on the ward/stake.
As a Priest in Community of Christ, and an Associate Pastor of one of the local struggling congregations, I appreciate your video. And I want to say I am sorry that nobody greeted you or anything at the Stone Church. I do wish you could have seen the Stone Church, and even my congregation, Open Arms, before Covid. We were thriving. If you ever want to have a discussion, I would enjoy that!
I'd enjoy that too! I gave a call to the office (was a bit late), but can try again. You can reach out on Facebook too if that works.
Many churches lost active members during COVID. Yes, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I hope you can find a way to recreate a thriving congregation.
Many Christians saw in Covid their opportunity to peacefully bow out. Those belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints lost members too. I think it’s hard for many to be Christian during this time of persecution. I hope that those who fall away can find their way back to Jesus Christ. ❤️
Our son was and is a Bishop of a ward on the west coast for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said the Ward there continues to struggle with return to activation since Covid. It would seem we are witnessing a separation of the wheat and the tears.
But just look at this map of the temples being built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the earth (current as of 2022)!
- across the earth, just very humbling.
BTW: the song "The Spirit of God Like aFire Is Burning" was written and sung at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple.
ua-cam.com/video/hKyu9KkX37c/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
David, I appreciate your videos. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I live in California. Let me know if you have any questions and I’d be happy to help on any way I can.
I went on a little road trip with friends many years ago from southern Kansas to Independence, MO. I was not LDS at the time but my friends were. It was a pretty, peaceful place, but there was a melancholic feeling there. I was deeply touched by our visit to the Hans Mill site and Adam-ondi-Ahman on that same trip. We knelt and prayed in this wooded area where we found what looked like an old well. Anyway, it was a very spiritual experience for me. 😊
Wow! Really interesting. I'm surprised that meeting wasn't held behind closed doors.
No doubt, thought the same thing sitting there, unfortunately... Nothing what I would have anticipated.
Glad you went to visit The Community of Christ and the Temple Lot area. I also became fascinated by the Latter-Day movement some time ago and visited many of the churches in the video. I am going to share two experiences as an observer like yourself.
In 2011 I visited an Indianapolis congregation which comprised of many adults but not much youth as in your experience. The service used contemporary Christian music which surprised me. Being Catholic this was not quite my speed. The people were lovely and did reach out wanting to add new members but you could tell they just didn’t have the proper methodology to retain youths like the LDS church does. In fact, I don’t think many churches retain their youth as well as the LDS church.
In 2016 I attended the Community of Christ World Conference by chance with another non-member friend equally interested in all things Latter-Day. It was a very vibrant conference with a strong international presence. It suggests that the true power of the Community of Christ lies in the seeds they had sown abroad.
I really appreciate the love and respect you show in these videos. As an Australian Latter Day Saint I had a similar experience when, away from home on a Sunday morning, I couldn’t find an LDS church so I just just went into a random church that I saw had people arriving. It happened to be the Community of Christ. It’s hard to say what I experienced without being condescending by comparing our two churches but it left me sad. A small, ageing congregation of very nice people that were doing their best with a model of faith that had seemingly lost or rejected much of the vibrancy of the Restoration and it’s spectacular revelations. A heavy sense of an inevitable downward spiral, not for these lovely people but the institution. How I’d love to see them all visit an LDS service…
I grew up a Latter-day Saint in Independence, MO. In the mid 1980s when we lived there, we knew members of the RLDS Church (now Community of Christ) and members of the Temple Lot Church. It was a very dynamic mix of restoration churches.
I went to elementary and junior high a short distance from the area in your video. In fact, we lived about 1.5 miles south of the Temple Lot area, and attended LDS Church services weekly across the street. I love visiting our old stomping grounds. Appreciate this video! Well done!
The entire area was great. Was surprised how quiet it was that morning, curious to see what it looked when they were building the streets around the Temple Lot.
I am learning so much in your videos! I am sad to hear about the struggles of the Community of Christ. As you pointed out, so many churches are struggling now.
Hers a tidbit for ya.
The extermination order wasn't rescinded legally until 1976
The governor at the time had no idea this was even a thing.
But if you killed one, you could not be charged for any crime.
What?! That's crazy.
@@52churchesin52weeks it is true yes
The big difference is that no one gets paid money to work in the LDS church. It’s all voluntary-even the missionaries go on their own dime. My husband went to Taiwan on his mission and, of course, had to learn the language. In Provo, Utah there is the Language Training Department and all missionaries going to a foreign missions, go there. I have two sons who went on a mission, one went to Russia and one went to Brazil. We had to pay for their missions and have a testimony of tithing-we feel by paying tithing the Lord will bless us to be able to afford this extra fee. As long as I have my chocolate fix, I’m good!! 🤪
Actually there are satellite language training facilities in Mexico, Brazil and probably other places (including Chile if I'm not mistaken).
Your videos are so awesome!
From a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS you are an example of Christ like love. Your respect and kindness that you exude as you investigate other faith traditions is so inspiring! This world is so filled with hate and contention. You’re a breath of fresh air! 🙌🏻☀️❤️
Appreciate the kind comment. Trying our best to represent Jesus well.
You’re on a worthy quest! I hope your efforts help someone find the Savior!
Thanks Dustin, appreciate the support!
I commend your level of research into each church you visit. You respect and are gracious to all the churches and church groups you interact with.
I enjoyed your video. Thanks for being sincere and respectful.
I love that you give fair assessments and keep it friendly. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you always for your kind words about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was baptized at 16 and have been a member since.
I've never seen much about the other "sects". Thank you for your open mind and your open heart. You're a great example of how we should discourse.
"I'm at the part where Nephi is growing a beard"
.. awesome. Lol
I am LDS, and when I was a young man 30 years ago now, our Priests Quorum (boys 16-18) went on a Church history tour and saw Navoo, Carthage, and Independence. The tour we were able to take of the Community of Christ (then RLDS) temple was very informative. It was also sad, even then the CoC felt like it was fading.
Thank you for doing this series, I also love visiting other churches and learning more of Christ through those experiences.
If you haven't i highly encourage attending an Orthodox Christian service. They are beautiful.
One important thing to note about Missouri, is that a lot of people who are against the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints say that Joseph Smith made a prophecy about the land and that the Saints would inherit it to build Zion and they quote the D&C out of context regarding this scripture. First, there is no timeframe on when this prophecy would be fulfilled, and two, because it was a possible conditional (if you do this, then this is the blessing) prophecy or not a prophecy at all, but rather a warning from the Lord. Some of the saints did not do what was asked of them and the persecution was very tough at that time. There are scriptures explaining this in the D&C if you want me to show them. But what is more important than the literal land of Zion is rather what was happening in the hearts of the people. The scriptures say that Zion is the pure in heart. So the people were fulfilling the commission in a way, and it never was about the land at all.
Much of the reason the community of Christ stayed there was because of Joseph Smith’s words (which they deem prophecy) about Missouri. But the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not acknowledge his words about Missouri as a definitive prophecy, but as a conditional prophecy OR that it was a warning. Also Zion is symbolic and not a physical place as much as it is where the pure in heart are. And there is scripture to back that up both in the Bible and the D&C.
if you don't mind finding and responding with the scriptures, i'd love to use them for scripture study (i'm really bad at finding scriptures lol)
D&C 84:3 is where it talks about the temple lot. Keep in mind that this is either not a prophecy but a warning, or if it is a prophecy, it is a conditional one or one that was to be fulfilled later (like right before the 2nd coming of Christ). The word “shall” is why some think it was a prophecy. But this word can also can be meant as that they were asked to fulfill this commandment. And that is the approach then Church takes on this scripture. It explains in D&C 109 that the reason they could not (though they tried) fulfill this commandment was because of persecution.
So it was more of a commandment. The scriptures about the pure in heart are Moses 7
I was raised in a RLDS environment, I thought it was silly when I was seven years old, and at 72 I still think it's silly. My bat sh*t crazy father moved us all the way from Vancouver BC to Missouri because he thought Independence was the center of the universe. Messed up the family dynamics forever.
Stumbled on this. As a mainstream LDS member I found this interesting. We went to that site 2 years ago during covid and talked with a couple of Community of Christ members and I had falsely assumed that they performed ordinances in their temple until I saw a note on the door stating that community prayer meeting was closed due to covid. Sad to see how membership is declining.
Also one thing, they allow same sex marriages which is NOT following God's doctrine of Marriage being only between a real man and a real woman. The Family Proclamation is there for a reason.
David, Thanks for sharing. When you mentioned the stages of grief, I couldn't help but think of how many who've left the LDS Church (Salt Lake City), or who are struggling, silently, within it, describe their loss of infatuation very similarly. Are there nice, passionate people in it? Yes. Is there more for you to learn about its history and its theology, which would be relevant to your present discovery process? Yes. In case you're wondering, no, I'm not an angry ex-LDS. I've never been LDS. I have, however, studied this religion intently, and I engage with its adherents almost daily.
Godspeed
Thanks Laura for the comment. Been quite interested in the history of everything with the pioneers and how it was literally an American Exodus plight.
I've looked at both ends of the spectrum, and myself having been threatened/excommunicated from a Protestant denomination who claimed to be the "One True Church," I empathize with those who experienced that from a negative LDS upbringing. The common thread should be Christ, but when mankind gets involved, there's a long history of things getting messy.
@52 Churches in 52 Weeks , thanks for sharing, David. All the Best.
U do seem to be upset though.
I cannot imagine having something that has been a pillar in your life decay like this, that would be so hard
It was. 😞
Joseph smith was clear that the keys to the gospel lay with the apostles. So everything was already set up for how succession would happen.
If only that were true.
@@ethanmatlock5579 we are the re establishment of Christ’s New Testament church. He set his church up to have prophets and apostles. If we lose those, we’ve taken away what Christ himself set up.
Appreciate your information and the kindness of your words about various religions. It's a fresh change from most of the divisiveness in the world today. Thank you
Thanks Erma! I try (though sometimes misunderstanding can lead to divisiveness). I just don't think it helps when religions come at each other like Simon Peter to cut off the ears of others. How is anyone supposed to spread the gospel when no one can hear?
@@52churchesin52weeks very true
Many others have touched on the issue of declining church attendance. I recently watched another video of a man describing a Protestant denomination lamenting the decline of their church. The aged congregants asked themselves if they have seen a single new convert or new member in the last twenty years and they all said they had not seen one.
Two major factors have come into play. Young people are bombarded with movies, video games, smart phones etc. They go to school five days a week where they are taught that it is a "fact" that God does not exist, and even any mention of God or the name Jesus may risk suspension from school. The only time that they might get any religion at all is for a couple of hours one day a week in Church, which is so boring to them it simply cannot compete with everything else they are exposed to.
Another major factor is that pretty much every church has changed to adopt a more progressive and even a "woke" agenda over the last five decades. Any family in those churches that has opposed those changes were usually driven out. Those families represented the life blood of the churches and when they were driven away, so did much of the life and enthusiasm leave the churches. The LDS Church is no different. They may have more young people, but the average age of the church goers is steadily getting older.
Europe has already gone through this phase. The aging members there too once lamented the inevitable closing of their churches. Today, those beautiful old churches are tourist traps or museum curiosities, even for the locals.
Its my first tine learning about Temple Lot thank you for sharing this
Fantastic, well done video . i grew up LDS. While planing for my mission i drove an hour away to go to a CofC church for a few visits . I was impressed by thier passon , and kidness . tiny building . I was blown away when I learned their women held the proesthood as well as the men and they profess trinity . They read the bible and the book of Mormon.
i converted to the cathoilc church in the end ( its been 14 years now ).
But i respected this small branch who were in my opinion stuck in " no mans land " not mainstream enough for christians and not " mormon " enough for LDS folk .
Interesting history and I hope they find new life and resurgance as brothers and sisters in christ
I know this was months ago, but I’m really sorry to here that this church body is suffering. The CC and the LDS church have obviously had our differences, but they are still our brothers and sisters. I hope they found a way to get through it and keep worshiping our savior
Really interesting video! I really love how respectful you are of the different beliefs and practices of the churches you visit. I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and am particularly grateful for the respect youve shown to our beliefs and history but U have carried on to virtually accompany you on several of your visits to other churches and have been similarly impressed with your approach. If we could all be as open and accepting of our differences as you have demonstrated the world would be a much more peaceful place.
I'm a lifetime member of Community of Christ. I appreciate the sensitivity with which you describe our situation. I just want to point out Fanny Crosby wrote the music for "This is Our Story", but the words were written by Barbara and Richard Howard, who still live in Independence.
Hello, old friend! I was directed to this video by a woman who found her way to Community of Christ a few years ago and has helped us immensely. Within a short time, she was ordained a deacon and has engaged in seminary study.
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the thoughtful approach to explaining what you saw at the Stone Church. I come from the RLDS tradition, being a part of the independent Restoration Branches that started splitting from the RLDS in the 1980s due to doctrinal differences. While my branch's views and beliefs are different to the mainstream, Community of Christ, we share much of the same history and many of the same memories. It is sad to see such an old congregation facing struggles like this, but it is unfortunately, not anything special. Many branches are “dying out.” Thanks again for your kind look at the CofC Stone Church congregation.
I feel a connection to you brother! You are very kind and Christlike! I appreciate you. Another one of your LDS brothers here.
I requested this one a while back and am glad you were able to make it a reality! What an interesting situation you stumbled into, one of your best episodes.
Thankful to everyone who mentioned to visit here. Early portion was in the LDS visitor's center, which was fascinating to see! Wish I had walked into a different CofC service, but still, think it's important to explore and talk about the pink elephant in the room with not just here - but all aging churches.
I agree, this was very sensitively and insightfully presented.
Really appreciate your genuine, heartfelt curiosity and that you have no agenda. Thank you for your kind words re the Latter-day Saints.
Joseph was the first Prophet of the restoration. He isn’t the founder. It’s Christ’s church restored back to the earth. 😁. If it’s not the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it isn’t our church. We have a lot of break offs. Some people held to the beliefs they grew up with when the church was young, and a lot of them started their own. People are people no matter what, and that means there will always be those who felt they wanted to do their own. Finish the Book of Mormon, it’s awesome! Thank you for your video.
There are many restored gospel faiths. The SDA faith is a 20 million member restored gospel faith with the prophetess Ellen G White as a founder similar to Joseph Smith. She had numerous visions and restored the Bible, correcting translation issues and providing correct interpretation.
Nephi grows a beard! That made me laugh out loud!
I think he’d look great with a Mohawk and beard.🤣
Hey there, I'm a member of Community of Christ, I'm in the Boise Idaho area and go to that congregation. One of the reasons people weren't siting with you is we are still doing "social distancing" since most of our congregations are aging. Now I can't speak about Stone Church (as I've never been there) but that might be one of the reasons why you felt like people weren't sitting with you. Hope that helps :)
Very interesting. Your experience with the LDS and CoC is the opposite of mine.
I grew up LDS. The "ward" I am assigned to attend is crumbling. Attendance has dropped about 70% in the past 5 years. We have zero visitors, ever. Services are stale. People are at odds with each other, at odds with the bishop, it's a sad and difficult situation. However, because of the way the LDS church works, there is no conversation on how to revitalize the congregation or fix anything. There's no going to a different congregation on the other side of town. You go to the ward you're assigned, and that ward can't change how they work or merge with another congregation unless that directive comes from denomination headquarters.
Frustrated with my failing, miserable congregation and the bureaucratic denomination who seems to be blind to the real issues on the ground, I visited the Community of Christ. The congregation was small but vibrant and diverse. People drive an hour one way to be there. Over half of the congregation attend virtually. They expressed a desire to try a variety of things to appeal to different worship styles - contemporary, traditional, and new age. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. It felt like I'd just walked into a family home filled with people I'd known forever. I left messaging my friends that I had actually enjoyed a church service for the first time in years.
I know the Stone Church is a big deal for the CoC and it's sad that it's not doing well. From what I understand many of their congregations are mostly (or even entirely) online, due to travel distance and size. I also know the CoC is in a time of transition currently, preparing for a new president to take the reigns in 2024. Congregations have been asked to discern new pathways to discipleship and to submit those for the new leadership to consider. No doubt that is a stressful time for some who are comfortable and don't want change. But ultimately all restoration branches (LDS, CoC, and others) are founded on this idea that God is still speaking and thus we should embrace change as we come closer to His will.
That was a very interesting perspective on a break off church that I really have no idea anything about! thank you for this video.
Thank you for this video. I appreciate the plainness by which you speak about this subject. I am hoping to see more of your videos. Have a blessed day.
Appreciate your diligence and honest presentation of what you discover.
Thank you for your honest, sensitive sharing. I am
Community of Christ since I was 21.
The sadness I feel having heard the words you shared is overwhelming.
And you are correct in seeing the glimmer of hope. This is only the second video of 52/52.
Both tonight. But I saw. You on MBR with Steven Pynakker. 👍
Great video ❤
Very interesting, thank you.
"I'm at the part where Nephi grows a beard..." 😂😂😂 Now my kids are asking what's so funny! Hahaha! I need to go back and rewatch... They're relatively new videos, so I've only seen each one maybe twice? 🥰
This is so fascinating. I had never heard of this.
Love this!
Gracias por ser tan respetuoso y sensible por nuestra Comunidad de Fe. Gracias a personas mayores cómo las de esta congregación la Comunidad de Cristo Vibra en más de 60 naciones al rededor del mundo y el Espíritu de Dios continúa infundiendo nueva vida. Gracias una vez más !
I love your work.
Thank you for your example of being open and seeking Christ.
I appreciate your intelligent, insightful and respectful way of thinking and talking.
I am actually sorry that you found your visit to stone church was not pleasant. I would like to say that I was born in to this church but I am an adopted child. But my life Began in this church. My great grandparents, grandparents, and parents attended stone church. I agree with the disassociation. This is more or less the old church. I do agree with your lack of change and numbers. I attended my great grandmother’s funeral there recently and I can only agree with you on everything you’ve said. But at the same notion my sister and I can remember joy in this church. Playing in the balcony and such. I am now 23 and this experience you’ve had is valid. But I have recently attended and I would encourage you to return
I have watched some of your videos and wanted to respond to a comment you made regarding Singles in a family church. I am a single person in this wonderful church. Sometimes it is emotionally hard going to church alone and seeing all of the families sitting together. Now that you know about the blessings of eternal families, we know everyone will have the opportunity to be married/sealed in the next life. That has brought a lot of comfort to me over the years. Also, the Church has a program for single people to get together for social, emotional and spiritual support. I have made the best of friends through this program. I loved hearing your thoughts and the spiritual feelings you have experienced as you participate in some of our meetings.
David, I wonder if you posting this helped open the door for the church to buy back the Kirkland temple. Woah.
Love the videos and it's been really fun to see your take on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and all the "cousin churches," to come out of that movement.
I had a similar experience. I was able to go to Independence Missouri for the first time in January of 2022. As a religion and history nerd I was super excited to visit the Community of Christ as well as "The Church of Jesus Christ- Cutlerites." Everything we tried to visit for Sunday service was "closed due to Covid."
We ended up visiting the "LDS" ward because they were the only one we could find open. The sheer number of closed churches made it feel a bit like a ghost town. It felt like Covid was surely a factor, but only one factor among many others. It felt clear membership and finances were struggles, in addition to covid.
Really a beautiful and special place.
Thank you again for your attitude and approach to these videos.
I feel that Covid-19 just widen gaps that were already in society in a lot of ways like how are supermakerts are only just stocked with the food we need as we need it rather than a long term plan. I think churches were already struggling with keeping members with alot of members doing quiet quiting while still at church if that makes sense. The aim problem churches have is funding the buildings maintenance and bills with an ageing congregation.
You're a wonderful person. A True Christian.
Very interesting. You should visit the strangite church in Michigan and other splinter lds groups who moved to PA and TX
As a child, I read the Bible and wondered why it was that God focused primarily on the Jewish people and wondered if he did not love all people. Reading the Book of Mormon rang true to me as it revealed He did visit with other people in other lands, and I'm quite sure many more than we know at this time. That is one of many things that I knew was true when I learned of it. I'm betting you know that feeling.
Fascinating!
Very interesting visit. Have you found other churches aging out.
I don’t remember all the details from my visit so many years ago, but I remember thinking there were a lot of parallels in the temple lot situation to what is going on in the holy land, fighting over the location of where the Jewish temple will be rebuilt …
From the things I have read these groups seem to be more into helping each other. I know the LDS church has provided funding for building maintence and repairs for at least one of the buildings. There is much history there and common ground. It is best to work together whenever possible.
You have seen the results of Religious breakup in all the protestant denominations and Catholics. All protestant denominations broke up from the Catholics and now we have a situation where instead of a unified church there is a non denominational movement which literally means each person is their own church not part of any unified body.
I've attended several Community of Christ congregations that have similar issues. It seems like it's currently more vibrant outside the US, especially in Haiti and French Polynesia.
By their fruits ye shall know them.
I was baptized a member of the RLDS in 1976. I believed they were the true continuation of the church when Joseph Smith was alive. This was proven in a federal court on February 24th,1880 in Lake County, Ohio. We were a very spiritual church until they accepted the revelation accepting women into the priesthood. Because of this, changing their name to the Community in Christ and building a temple not after Joseph’s design similar to the Kirkland temple, a temple built for the wrong reason and in the wrong place, in 1985, I and many others withdrew our membership from the RLDS. I joined a church with Seventies who gave up their pensions when they left the church also. We had a general assembly and formed the Church of Jesus Christ the Lamb of God in the early nineties. Because of problems creeping into the church that I could not control I and another Seventy withdrew and with another general assembly formed the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ the Lamb of God. Problems continued and now, as a Seventy I am the only priesthood member. I now regularly meet in the homes of faithful church members. You are right. The Community in Christ is a shell of its former self with no spirit.
I love music that preaches of Christ and based on what you said you found a resonant message in the hymn you encountered at the service. In your visits to churches thus far, have you found other hymns or devotional music that have made a similar or even stronger impact?
That's a good question. Can't think of anything quite like this. I never cared to look into the original writers of these older hymns - but for some reason, this one had significance with what transpired. The writer was Fanny Crosby, who was blind, but reportedly wrote 5-6 hymns a day!?! She wasn't LDS, but this spoke volumes to the people of a community walking with God no matter what happens.
When you come with a humble heart, open heart, without preconceived ideas and thoughts. You can know all truth. Sometimes you over think basic truth. The source is Jesus Christ. You are a child of God. Talk to Him. Ask Him, with a sincere and honest heart, to help you know and recognize truth. Submit to follow through with what you hear. Most people don't want to know, because they would have to commit to change. You are His child. Listen with a child like heart. Trust in that relationship with Christ. Hear Him.
If you're a Latter day Saint, dwell deeper into our Church's doctrines, have a clear understanding about them. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is a Church of learning. I'M A PROUD COVENANT CHILD OF GOD.
Hi, I'm french and member of mainline protestant church. I feel a kind of sympathy for community of Christ and i'm sad when hearing fail of stone church congregation! Is there a chance for avoinding to close this church? Is the situation the same for the whole Community of Christ areound the world? Is COC a sying Church? Thanks?
Actually! There was no confusion about who would be Joseph Smith's successor, there was contention and that is what caused all these splinter churches.
I appreciate your honest observations. I believe that all religions have more in common than they have differences.
Your viseos are excellent and insightful. I appreciate the compassionate perspective you took on the Stone Church. It seems like Community of Christ could use a do-over though. You still havent been to a Community of Christ worship service. Can I invite you to Chandler Arizona?
Keep going with the Book of Mormon! It is so good! Also 3 Nephi 11 is the best part!!:)
I was raised Reorganized Church of Latter-Day Saints (RLDS) before it was re-named Community of Christ. In fact, the name change was part of the reason I left; I felt that they were moving away from their heritage in order to be more popular. Another reason was their anti-lgbtq position, though that has since changed to a policy of full acceptance.
I am an Agnostic, now, but my mother remained with the church and became a minister, when they decided to start allowing women in the priesthood. In fact, that very issue split the church back in the 80s.
And yes, they are dying out. I don't think Mom's church has more than 20 attending members, almost all of them elderly - including my 70-plus-year-old mother. Covid was hard on the church because the elderly faction were generally not tech-savvy enough to attend online.
I sincerely invite you to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are not the first and, likely, you will not be the last who decides to become Agnostic or even Atheist when going through a faith crisis. I promise that if you sincerely study with the missionaries, obey the commandments you will be taught and pray earnestly about it, God will speak to your mind and heart. I am at your service. Beyond any information I can provide about the history of The Church and related denominations, I am here as your servant and brother and friend. Do not lose hope, please. It is possible to find Truth. And that Truth is Jesus Christ, and His Church will help you along this journey.
@@ElderMaruri Thank you for your concern. I am seeking wisdom and trying to leave myself open to recognizing it when I come across it. I speak earnestly to the Christian god often, asking for knowledge. Once again, I thank you genuinely for the kind thoughts.
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍I’m a member. Keep the Faith 😁👍💗
We are very sympathetic to The Community of Christ church. I’m certain this is very hard for them. At least The Church of Jesus Christ of LDS is going to keep the temple open to the public. Also, the Community of Christ knows that the temple is just as valuable to us as it is to them and will be well cared for.
The background music is annoying. Your lectures are very informative!
Did you read about JS wives? Helton NR Kimble ? Fascinating …….could also be a word choice
really interesting David thank you. Just a thought about New Jerusalem / Zion Heb 12v22 "Ye come unto mount Sion & unto the city of the living God the HEAVENLY Jerusalem ...." I always understood new jerusalem or zion to be a heavenly arrangement and not earthly. Am I misunderstanding here?
It’s soooo sad
Interesting video I was raised Lutheran, converted to the LdS church Mormonism as a teenager. Then joined Community of Christ several years later in 1990. Mormonism did not work well for me as a gay man. but Community of Christ for the last 32 years has been a real blessing in my life. For me as a cradle and confirmed Lutheran. then being a Mormon for almost 20 years, then joining Community of Christ. it's like a beautiful healing blend of Protestantism and Mormonism that works well for me
Hey Donnie, thanks for watching and sharing! Was very curious to see how a non-Utah-based Latter-day church operated. Just wish I had walked into a different service. Since posting, I learned Toronto has a thriving CofC congregation. Anywhere else you'd suggest?
52 churches in 52 weeks. That’s quite the project
2:22, can’t stop laughing. I think it’s this verse, "And it came to pass that I Nephi, seeing as how my brethren looked upon and murmured unceasingly about my naked face, therefore I grew a mighty beard."
What I don't understand is how evangelists can deny continued doctrine. When Adam fell, God instituted the law of sacrifice. When Moses came on the scene God instituted the ten commandments. When Christ came on the scene God instituted the higher law of grace and loved your enemy. The time of Joseph Smith God restored the Church and introduced the records of a witness of the other sheep Christ mentioned in the Bible and the information to prepare for Christ's return. The gospel is always changing to prepare people for the things that God is going to do to prepare His children to be prepared themselves for what He is going to do. In Christ day they could not accept Jesus as Christ because they thought that the law was what was going to save them. Like wise most Christians think the bible is all there is even though it talks of the restoration
In these last days.