Pastor's HONESTY About Latter-day Saint Suspicions
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2023
- How can we maneuver suspicions and mistrust in interfaith relationships?
Pastor Jeff and Latter-day Saint, Kurt Francom (Leading Saints Podcast) discuss.
Special thanks to Kurt Francom n from Leading Saints: / leadingsaints
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Hello Saints! My name is Jeff McCullough and I'm a Christian Pastor.
This channel is devoted to fighting criticism with curiosity as I invite dialogue between mainstream Christians and Latter-day Saints. Are Mormons Christians? What do Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints agree and disagree about? Join me as I compare and contrast the lifestyle, culture and beliefs of Mormons and non-LDS Christians.
If you enjoyed this conversation, you might enjoy a video Pastor Jeff made answering questions from Latter-day Saints: • Pastor's HONEST Respon...
#LatterDaySaints #interfaith #mormonism - Розваги
As a Latter Day Saint I had some evangelical Christian teens who were at raising canes who approached me and offered to say a prayer with me, given the trials in my life at that time I allowed them to pray with me. I think giving each person the opportunity to serve God either by evangelizing or by missionary work is something God wants us to do. I gave these young guys the opportunity to pray with me because that is Gods will. We should be able to come together and pray together and even worship together.
The only problem with that is 99% of Evangelicals hate the LDS church and are determined to destroy it. There are countless thousands of very hostile and vicious videos here on youtube telling their followers that the LDS church is a dangerous cult. Especially those in the southern "bible belt". Also, they have an entirely different definition of God, so you and they are worshiping entirely different Gods. So good luck with your "worship together" thing.
I love this. I agree that we should be able to love and worship together, not harping on the beliefs of the other. We’re all trying to come to Jesus
As a former LDS missionary, the irony in the fear we LDS members have of someone "inviting themselves into our home" is hilarious. I love it when Jeff drags us into his home. I learn a lot.
Really? What have you learned??
@@nonrepublicrat I've learned a lot about evangelical beliefs, and gained clarity on how some of their beliefs align or contrast with mine. I really enjoyed Jeff's discussion about Grace- together with Brad Wilcox's talk. Combining both viewpoints together helped me better understand the Gospel. The way Jeff is able to wrap his head around and summarize entire books of the Book of Mormon is incredible. Coming at it the first time, and from a different viewpoint than mine has actually helped me see/understand concepts in the Book of Mormon that I have missed in many previous readings. Etcetera.
I have understood their belief system better, I guess you could say. I like Jeff. He's a good man. Listening over the past 6 months, except for certain episodes, which were just not for me...has only strengthened me, made me so very grateful for the restoration of all things through a latter day prophet, and thankful for my own earthly father who wanted to know what was missing in our family, and invited the LDS missionaries to teach us. We had a big Bible on a table. It was respected, but the change that came after his conversion, and our family's conversion and baptisms into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was incredible. So much more, more growth, more strength, depth and understanding of an eternal plan made out of love by Him, for us, binding us to Him and to each other. There's nothing greater than that. I hope that will come for others, and for Jeff.😊
@@spencerthomason6558yes, as an evangelical I was surprised to find in the Book of Mormon that it says salvation is by grace (after repentance). ❤
@@GrandmaKnightLife Grace is one of those things that seems so simple, yet is so challenging to explain. We all know we're not saved by faith alone, but neither are we saved by works. But then, why are works important at all if we're saved by grace. It's really hard (for me at least) to articulate. The analogy of the piano teacher is perfect. As it turns out, our beliefs in this area are much closer than many of us thought. ❤️
I’m LDS, getting older now. As a teenager in the early 1970s, I never perceived much religious acrimony until one year, probably the 9th grade, I was old enough to run free with all my school friends at the county fair. A preacher had rented a booth in the exhibits building, and he caught the arm of someone in our group of six or seven, pulling us all aside to inquire about our church status. My friends were a mixed bag of denominations. All seemed to pass muster with the preacher, but not me. I was singled out and, not a word out of my mouth, this guy went full hellfire and brimstone, loudly damning me to burn eternally in hell. I shrugged it off without engaging with the attack or contending with the guy. I’m still in touch with many of my childhood friends, but over decades of time I’ve observed some of these friends posting things I feel like they should know better, but reciting the same words this preacher blistered me with. All this is very sad to me, but long ago I decided to never unfriend anyone. I can’t know what path life has taken people over the past 50 years. I feel sad about all this with some level of discomfort, but I still think the world of the people I grew up with and think the world would be a far better place if more people were like them. On a more positive note, I have also experienced a great deal of acceptance and friendship from highly respectable men, strong in their own faith, and mature in years. I deeply value these friendships. But the firebrands are still out there. They’re present in the workplace and in the whispers, I’m certain. And the preacher at the county fair is not, unfortunately, my only bad experience. These things sadden me, particularly to observe how easily slanderous falsehoods arise so easily among those I otherwise share so much. These things make me sad, not angry. I see the same actors poisoning the political acrimony we are experiencing in politics today, by falling into similar poorly thought out attacks that do not come from their own intellect, but which as possessed by the false dichotomies and pre-scripted narratives that prevail today. In short, it is sad when people become part of the problem instead of part of the solution. This is the natural man, not in the spirit of the Lord - “blessed are the peacemakers” - Peace is something the natural man is quick to dismiss and erroneously equate with compromise and sin. For the sake of indulging our own passion and anger, all teachings of Jesus Christ are often forgotten, even by those prosecuting the agenda of another in his name.
@@davidchoate512I admire your efforts to change. You're on the right path.
I have a LDS friend and we always talk about Jesus.
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I love this channel. Getting baptized soon with my wife can’t wait.
What church are you joining?
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
@@JozeemossThe Pharisees should have known the gospel the most, but they crucified the Savior...because "blasphemy".
Congrats!
Lets be honest, one of the biggest suspisions we have comes because we know many evangelical churches flat out teach "anti-mormon" from their pulpits - they warn people to not talk to missionaries or read their book because "thats how they get you".
We take the opposite approach. Let people learn all they can about as much as they can and make their own decisions. I had a class in institute on christian history. One of our assignments was to read a theological book from another church - not propoganda about that church but written by their church fathers. We didn't debate their theology, discuss where they were "wrong", or compare it to our doctrine. We were just there to learn their point of view.
If that were a two-way street this would be a whole different dynamic.
I would love to see you do a video solely focused on things that Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints have in common. Although there are plenty of differences, there is also a lot of common ground that both sides overlook.
The reason I'm apprehensive when an evangelical approaches me is because I'm tired of being told I'm a Satanist and I'm going to Hell. I'm happy to have an interfaith conversation and maybe learn something but the evangelicals who approach me don't. They only want to hear what I believe in order to tell me I'm wrong. I've had countless evangelicals knock on my door or approach me in public. Why is it ok when they do it but wrong when we do it? Anyone who dares to declare who goes to hell make himself God over another person. That's Blasphemy. Evangelicals assume that all Latter Day Saints were born into the church, live in LDS communities and have never heard of "the true Jesus." Nothing could be farther from the truth. Many of us are converts and most of us don't live in LDS communities and have never set foot in Utah. And WE ALL know about the trinity. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was found on the rejection of the trinity. Imagine saying something so absurd like evangelical/protestants don't know about the Catholic Church.
Pastor Jeff, I prayed about you a lot lately. I think you have only accomplished half of what the Lord wants you to do. I think the second half of your journey will be to preach to the evangelical community and to encourage them to stop lying, stop making assumptions and accusations, stop abusing their Later Day Saints brothers and sisters, start seeing us as brothers and sisters in Christ instead of foreigners that need to be converted or demons that need to be destroyed, stop being so hypocritical and most importantly to stop blaspheming. Or simply put take the beam out of your own eye and leave us alone to deal with our own eye ourselves.
Thank you for putting into words exactly what I feel too. I have a dear friend who is so against my church because his pastor warned him to not engage in anything 'mormon', how did our friendship survive? I told him no matter what we are always friends and he was shocked because he thought I'd give up on our friendship when he was so harsh to me. Someday he will understand that it was the spirit of Christ helping me be kind.
Completely agree
@@Zeett09 but the evangelicals will tell you that unless you get saved
@@JCC286 yes, I found David recently. Most evangelicals are nice in every day life but when they are in missionary mode they are abusive and anti christian in my opinion.
@@janh1399 they claim I'm not saved. They say all I have to do is accept Jesus into my heart and I will be saved. Well, I did, a long time ago yet for some reason I'm not saved in their eyes. Hypocrisy. Only God knows our hearts and only God has the authority to judge. Those who judge and condemn play God. Playing God is blasphemy. Why would I ever want to join a group of abusive, hypocritical, blasphemers? Every time I have one of these encounters I'm convinced evangelicalism is false because these are their fruits.
i am 28 years old, grew up as an evangelical. on July 29, 2023 i was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. i met with Missionaries for a year and then in April after General Conference i decided to no longer meet with them. in May, on the 17th, i was prompted by the Spirit of God to get baptized. i met and made a new friend, Lana, among the YSAs and she helped me to understand the doctrine of the Church. after weeks of preparing and letting my family and church Pastor know, its was a long couple of weeks. the day of my baptism, i never felt happier, and since then, i am growing, learning, and changing like never before in my faith in Christ Jesus. i bear my testimony that this was God's plan for me. He calls us when the time is right! God bless you, Pastor Jeff. i love your videos!
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I'm so happy for you to have joined the church! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Rodra the church doesn’t set you free , Jesus does aka the Truth, and not the jesus some goofy guy with magic glasses hiding behind a sheet in a barn a couple hundred years ago made up.
John 18:
37Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
God is truth which is Gospel.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
But.......
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
And the heart can deceive.
Jeremiah 17:
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
How can we test the truthfulness of Gospel?
Deuteronomy 18:
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
It’s true that most people don’t care how much you know about something, until they know how much you care. And you guys’ friendship (easily laughing a lot) works really well. I bet the family get togethers are also a lot of fun. Keep it up guys! Great examples for all of us.
Latter-day Saint here - First - I love this. Following the tradition of open, honest conversation - and 'suspicion of someone's differing beliefs' is definitely on-topic. Second - I've had to defend Pastor Jeff when some of my 'suspicious' LDS friends suspect him of spiritual thievery. My response is - "Do you think Jeff believes in Jesus Christ?" - which answer should be overtly obvious - followed by "Is he contentious?", which again - obvious. If those two things are in check, then I say 'carry on my new Evangelical friend!' If I can learn more about Jesus Christ from this Evangelical, then I say bring it on. So far, it's been an enlightening journey. Thanks for bringing all this to the table, Jeff! Let's keep learning together.
And I have learned a great deal from Jeff. I truly appreciate him. He has so deeply impacted my faith in Christ and my faith in my LDS tradition.
Me too! I’ve had to defend pastor Jeff to everyone I’ve told about this channel. Like, they’re HOSTILE about it. Almost as if I’m “investigating” a new religion and going to leave my covenants behind. Simmer down, people! He’s amazing!
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
the genuine respect and demeanor in this video is soooo refreshing in 2023
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Loving all your content. I’m a new member of the LDS Church and it’s been helpful watching your journey. I’d love to see you gentlemen sit down with people from both faiths and have a group chat.
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I feel so blessed to have found this channel. Being able to see the views of evangelicals in relation to my own beliefs is amazing. I have been called on a mission to South Carolina which is part of the Bible Belt so understanding how to approach these conversations is going to be crucial and I think these videos are going to make it just a little easier.
Maybe you know this already. Let me give you a tip that will saved you a headache: we evangelicals use the same vocabulary as LDS but we have different definitions. There’s a language barrier you have to get passed. For example when a Christian says “grace” we view it’s as God choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sin deserves. But LDS definition of grace is the enabling power to do works.
@@storozha777works are more important than evangelicals taught me. Jesus preached repentance which means turning from our sins. And in 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
So, works are important even after being saved! ❤
@@GrandmaKnightLife
Those who are born again by faith in Christ will produce good works to the glory of God as a result of their faith not to earn eternal life (Ephesians 2:10). Good works are the evidence that a claimed faith is genuine. They naturally flow from a genuine faith. They have no inherent power to save someone or add to their salvation. To say otherwise is to reduce Christ’s sacrifice on the cross to something less than sufficient to save us.
Abiding leads to abounding. Christian success is called fruit. You don’t get fruit from work but from abiding. That’s why Paul said in Colossians 1:10 to be FRUITFUL in every good work. Our work flows from our fruitfulness which comes from our abiding.
Works are not the cause of salvation (the gift of eternal life in God’s dwelling place) but the evidence of salvation. The person who claims to be a Christian but lives in willful disobedience to Christ has a false or dead faith and is not saved.
@@GrandmaKnightLife “The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation” -Charles Spurgeon
I’m sorry that you left Christianity for a religion that is dependent on feelings as the foundation of their faith even when historical and archaeological evidence show it’s a hoax
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I am LDS and I love hello saints. I have never once felt that Jeff was “preaching” AT me. I love his opinion and insights and believe it or not he has helped me to understand and strengthen my testimony in my own faith. I can see the light of Christ in him my heart swells with love for him and his mission. I can see him trying to understand and work hard to make relationships better between people and also with Christ. Honestly this is the first I have heard that people feel preached at. It’s a matter of perspective. We should all be thinking wow I never thought to think of it that way, instead why are you attacking what I believe. Open your heart, you don’t have to change your beliefs. He’s not trying to change you or convert you, he’s simply trying to have a 2 way conversation. Here’s how I interpret this, tell me how you interpret this. Create friendships. That’s all we want.
@Shallyboldman9843 I think Jeff has been sent to LDS people to establish links where we can work together. Love to all from UK💖
Then why does Jeff always get the last word?
@@richardbrunner5282I don’t know. Maybe because it’s his channel? 😀
@shallys… you obviously didn’t listen to the podcast with some lady … was she ex LDS? … maybe not, but whatever, that was taken down. You say you have never once felt Jeff was preaching at you, Well he was certainly agreeing with the obnoxious person he had on that video, which he clearly realised later that many LDS did not agree with her negative comments about the Church and how Jeff appeared to be encouraging and agreeing with her. Ok … he removed it. I’m glad he did. She was toxic and a side of Jeff I had not seen earlier, was certainly evident.
@@richardbrunner5282 because it’s his channel……?
Thanks for this video. It gave some more clarification. All I want is for all evengelicals, Catholics, LDS members and every other religion that Believes in the Savior Jesus Christ to all come together and learn to love one another, get along with each other and stop contending and fighting one with another. This is not "The Way" of the Lord Jesus Christ. He wants us all to learn to become ONE with HIM. We must stand together in Unity against the Evils of our day. Jesus is the common ground we all stand on. And if you don't believe it look at the Fruits of all these Kind, Wonderful People who believe in Christ and try their best to live and love people like He did! All we want is PEACE AND LOVE WITH ALL OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ON THIS EARTH! So let's create it! It looks like these 2 men are at least trying to do this! Keep up the good work guys!😊❤
At the invitation of an evangelical Christian church, I attended a social function they sponsored. I greatly enjoyed it and expressed my appreciation for the program and the way they included young people that would have a hard time feeling welcome in my LDS ward. The pastor's wife invited me to their church service on Sunday. I declined. We spoke about our beliefs and she kept insisting that the Latter Day Saints did not believe they could have a personal relationship with God. I told her she was wrong about this but she flat out refused to believe me.
I don’t understand people who have no desire to learn.
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hi. Not an LDS subscriber here. Years ago my best friend and roommate in college was LDS. I asked her to tell me about Mormonism. I just wanted to hear about it and not be converted. I was raised Lutheran and felt pretty strong about my faith. She gave me her little sisters Sunday school book and the Book of Mormon. It wasn’t for me and she was disappointed about that. However we were very close friends. We drifted apart when I got married, moved and had a child. She moved to California. A couple of years later we met. She decided the church wasn’t true and therefore God wasn’t real either. I asked, did you give up on Jesus too? She had and was now a Buddhist. I felt very sad. I asked why she hadn’t talked to her LDS friends or her Bishop about her faith doubts. They told her to pray and listen for the answer. Oh it’s so frustrating when it feels like God isn’t listening to us and doesn’t answer in the way we expect. I have been interested in the LDS since then. I’m still a church going Lutheran woman who has been interested in other churches and faiths for years. Personally I think it’s my relationship with Jesus, faith and grace but not a church. Jeff keep sharing your curiosity and respect for The Church of Latter Day Saints. God bless you.
"mainstream" Christian heaven as well as catholic heaven is described as living with Jesus for all eternity and being at peace and rest. No progression. This is the terrestrial kingdom as we understand it. Where you live in the presence of the Son, but not the Father, you are at rest, joy and peace for all eternity and where eternal marriage and families and potential for progression do not exist. The only requirement for this kingdom is belief and acceptance of Jesus as your Savior and to have been a good person. So Jeff gets what he wants! However, we as latter day saints understand that there is MORE to the story of "Heaven." And we are just hoping and praying that whether in this life or the next Jeff sees for himself the truth of all things.
Pastor Jeff, as an lds man I find you awesome. You obviously know the gospel and Jesus. I've learned so much from you.
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I think I’ve had an epiphany, suspicions are developed when any group is isolated. When we stay inside our “box” it’s easier to think others are against you. I grew up in the north east and in such a diverse area that we weren’t concerned with our differences. I went to first communions and bas mitzvahs. I’m glad I was exposed to so many different ideas, I escaped the “box”.
I LOVE THIS COMMENT SO MUCH!!!!!
“I escaped the box” Great statement!!!
Agreed! I grew up in California and have been in Utah for 23 years. In LA, it is so diverse that everyone is accepted. I grew up LDS and felt I was different, yet respected. High school friends never tried getting me to do anything against my beliefs, they just knew I didn't do certain things. Utah has been a different picture for my children.
There is definitely some suspicion and PTSD for a lot of people.
I sang in a school choir when I was a kid and the choir director had us go sing at her church. What could have been a cool interfaith thing was looked badly on by my parents who didn't want to come see me sing there.
I found out later that my mom had taken the brunt of the religious persecution for us. She was told that kids in the neighborhood couldn't play with us cause we were 'Mormon' on more than one occasion. We never knew, she always gave us different reasons.
Now I understand that her hurt colored her response. I am glad that I can be more bold with my faith and can show my kids the beauty of understanding how people who are different can still be friends.
I think Pastor Jeff is starting to understand it and I appreciate that.
I have also know other Christians and agnostics who have had the same experience in UT in heavily LDS neighborhoods where LDS kids weren’t allowed to be lay with them. Sad that we can’t just all “love one another” because of religious belief.
Some LDS people act the same way, I've seen it and I'm LDS. I was taught to accept everyone and I've taught my kids the same.
Ick. Yeah I am definitely teaching my kids to love everyone while also being strong and confident in their faith.
This happened to me. Growing up in SLC our next door neighbors were LDS. We were Catholic. Despite my parents attempt to be friendly they refused to speak to us since we were Catholic. Both families lived next door for 20+ years and didn’t speak to each other because of religion. That was the start of my journey out of all religion.
I think we would just like to see you maintain your “fighting criticism with curiosity” mantra when reading the Book of Mormon. Currently that series feels about 80% critical.
Fair feedback. Thank you.
@@StandFirmSaintsThere needs to be something to be envious of
I have enjoyed Jeff’s videos, but I don’t like reviewing conference talks and attempting to correct the General Authorities. While we have the ability to find out for ourselves about what they say. I don’t think social media is the right forum for that discussion.
Jeff doesn’t fully appreciate the General Authorities so that is when I shut the videos off.
I've had three types of conversations with evangelicals.
1. Straight out cruel and hateful (they would call it being bold but it didn't feel that way for me). 2. Being my friend but if religion ever came up they were condemning 3. Pretended to be like pastor Jeff by being very respectful and open. But were only pretending to form a relationship so they can slowly plant small seeds of doubt in me.
So it's amazing to see pastor Jeff's sincerity.
“Seeds of doubt.” Is it wrong to change your mind on something if you discover it to be true when before you thought it wasn’t? Or visa versa?
Sadly, it’s the same. Always seems to be a secret agenda. I’m hoping Jeff is different, and it seems like he is.
@@harryhenderson2479I think what they mean is that the person isn’t actually interested in having a discussion about beliefs or about a friendship-they are only interested in “saving” them. My husband had this happen to him where he went out to dinner with a coworker-only for it to be a surprise intervention on his salvation because my husband was apparently a “heretic”.
@@harryhenderson2479 thanks for asking for clarification. I meant it the way the other reply described. It was a very a manipulative toxic relationship. Not one of true friendship
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
wonderful converation. I wish I had been able to have access to your channel as I was preparing to serve my mission. It would have helped me in so many ways better relate to and understand evangelical beliefs. Thanks for making content to help shine light on better ways to connect and see the beauty of each others faith traditions.
I love the way he said “at least follow Christ, no matter which sect you go to.” My elder went on a mission and her 3 siblings all left the church. One was very angry and carrying the grudges of others and very anti-Mormon. I told her I want her to have a relationship with Christ, and be happy, no matter where or how she worships. Fast forward 3 years, my son is going on a mission, his brother came back to church, and my daughter has a temple date for her own covenants, and took down her anti-Mormon social media. I’m so grateful my trust in God and his timing ended up helping my children to find their own testimonies. I can’t imagine being unkind to anyone with different religious theology than myself
“Live and let live.”….old saying. It still applies today. Wish you the best.
Latter-Day Saint here that grew up in Georgia and served a mission in Texas. So many religious interactions with Evangelicals. My first reaction to this channel was “why is Pastor Jeff being nice to us, most of my interactions with Evangelical pastors were pretty antagonistic. What is his ulterior motive?” But I feel as though Jeff as has been upfront about what his beliefs are and what his motives are as far as I can tell. And it is only fair if he tries to proselytize us to some degree if us Latter-day Saints are always trying to proselytize others! Lol. But what I will say that I appreciate the warm fellowshipping tone of pastor Jeff, it’s very refreshing especially compared to other Protestant Pastors online putting out defamatory and antagonistic content about the Church. So props to Pastor Jeff for reaching out the hand of fellowship the right way, instead of trying to label and condemn our community.
Well, one of the contributing factors to that reaction would be the conflict of interest "because Evan.Pastors are paid" by their congregations by the size of them. Thats a similar situation for Pastor Jeff also finds himself in. At this point he has Two Conflicting Factors. The second one now being a UA-cam salary! Its a tricky path to manage when conflicting opinions can affect your purse strings. One of the perks of us being a religious faith that is a lay ministry where we all are responsible for teaching, learning and leading together. So it'll be interesting to see if EVER Pastor Jeff obtains a direction from the Master that he's possibly serving the wrong master. Is his intent to ignore promptings he might get because of those purse strings he might feel compelled to maintain?? Or just settle for not "offending too many of us LDS members" or learn the the Evans might be a couple bubbles off center too, but to carefully not offend them either as not to lose their UA-cam value. This is why I mentioned weeks ago about what his true intent was. Tough to walk a fence with a foot on each side! Paul certainly learned this lesson didnt he?
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Comment before watching all of the video: As a member of the LDS faith, my biggest hesitation (suspicion) when engaging with evangelicals is that many are very anxious to tell me I’m going to hell because I’m not a Christian.
Born and raised in Utah, amongst my own LDS people, I’ve had zero interactions with evangelical people. Just last year I got a new neighbor and she is evangelical. She’s much like you, very calm very kind very complementary. Neither of us are trying to “save” the other. We are both just loving the experience of getting to know each other’s differences. 😊
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
This 🙌🏼 The persecution LDS people continuously feel is real. I haven’t really felt it because I live in Utah. I think I have had 3 uncomfortable conversations in my 35 years. BUT, whenever I tell ANY of my friends or family about this channel and how much I LOVE Jeff and his mission and how much I love hearing what Jeff believes and seeing him learn what we believe - I am met with nothing but suspicion and hostility towards the IDEA of this channel. “Watch out. He sounds like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
“What’s the end goal? It sounds like he’s trying to lead LDS people away.”
“Mmmm… I don’t buy it. Be careful in what he says.”
Like NOTHING but negative thoughts towards my respect for Jeff and this channel. Everyone in this channel loves Jesus and that’s allll that matters. But the suspicion is so real!
Funny, I’m from Utah (now live in Missouri), and I had a lot of persecution experiences in Utah. From people out of state, and usually Evangelical.
@TWariner Goes to show how anecdotal evidence differs vastly from one another.
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
You see it a lot on the LDS reddit too. "Wolf in sheep's clothing." As an atheist, it doesn't affect me to see interfaith conversation, I'm so accustomed at this point to being a member of the one thing that ALL religions sneer at that it's moot to me. The concept of a "wolf" from one religion poaching a "sheep" from another religion's flock is so much less important to me than seeing this kind of peaceful and constructive dialogue. There's always going to be some tension between two differing minds to sway beliefs one way or another. It's up to viewers to be intelligent enough to make their own decisions without fear of eternal retribution.
I am LDS and grew up in KS. When I was in Elementary school, I had two classmates tell me I was going to hell for being Mormon. Both came from Evangelical families. There were rumors as well that certain Evangelical churches had “anti-Mormon” classes.
Anyway, these experiences effected me a lot and I hid my beliefs all throughout HS out of fear.
@KrissyMcKnight Sorry for that painful experience ... that's why we are trying to make this a safe space for all of us. Glad you are here.
@@HelloSaintsthanks Pastor Jeff! I love your videos! And I will add that right after HS I attended a Bible study held by some former classmates. We discussed inter faith topics- and these Evangelical girls were some of the most devoted disciples of Christ I’ve ever met. They were kind & asked questions without attacking. I did, and still do, admire them greatly. That experience helped heal some of the fear I used to have, for sure!
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
@@Jozeemoss you've responded to multiple people with this statement. You're definition and intent are not referenced scripturally. In fact, Matthew 5: 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also
And, I refer also to this statement from Paul's teacher of the law:
In Acts 5:34-39, Gamaliel, a Pharisee and doctor of the law, advises the council to refrain from harming the apostles. He says, “And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. "
First, you don't define what is right or wrong for God. Second, you're statement fights directly against the sermon on the mount. Third, if it be something of naught it will fail if you leave it alone. Think it through before you speak of heresy, which you cannot define.
Alright - so here is an example of my beef. During one video when you "Reacted" to the BOM. You pointed out some things that you considered anachronisms. One of those things was the phrase "Land of Jeruselem". Did you come across this by reading it? (Which would be perfectly fine). Or did you already know that information from an anti-mormon type book and pretend to react to it as if you read it for the first time to sow seeds of doubt. Having read some of those books early in my conversion, I recognised the questions. That got my suspicions up. I then posted a reply on the video showing where that phrase "Land of Jeruselem" came from. Many people responded positively, but you did not respond. This got me wondering. I know you are not seeking to convert to the LDS faith, but are you at all interested in the answers to the questions you pose? or is the goal to place seeds of doubt? There is a big difference between the two. Aside from that, I enjoy the inter-faith stuff.
god forbid you should actually doubt. god forbid you should ask questions about your faith and it's doctrines. God forbid you listen to any other opinion than the offical LDS dogma. That would just be the scariest thing.
You know nothing about me... and you seemed to miss the point entirely. Simply be honest about your intentions. Your intentions, for example, seem obvious enough.
@@dreamfire5210unfortunately I looked at the beginning of his video on the Book of Alma before reading that section that mentioned Jerusalem. I stopped the video and thought I'm not going to finish the video until I read the whole book of Alma. Finally finished reading the book of Alma and am working through the video and my notes in the margins to compare. I made note of all the anachronisms he did so far (except a reference to Hebrews since the BoM mentioned the reference in the notes) and way more. I have listened to a lot of anti-Mormon stuff, but none on the BoM itself. So I think it's a pretty natural for a Protestant to notice it's written as Jerusalem and not Bethlehem. Would you read the Quran and not notice that the Trinity is described as the Father, Son, and Mary? I think you would notice, even if "Islamaphobes" also pointed it out online. That doesn't make the seeming dissonance invalid just because many people notice the same thing independently.
@@valeried7210 Understood, and if that is the case, I have no problem with him pointing it out. Again, it comes down to intent. Is he doing it to sow doubt or because he wants to understand the answers? "Fighting critisism with curiousity"
@@dreamfire5210 I think he stated pretty clearly that he will still explain the gospel from his point of view and maybe some of the problems he sees (he's obviously going to have problems if he hasn't joined the LDS faith) but is more than open to hearing other perspectives and explanations of how he has got it wrong and actually wants to hear what LDS think and what they believe and what's important to them. The purpose is not to sow doubt. It may cause doubting I suppose if someone thinks his perspective makes more sense and they had never heard that perspective before.
I could do what he does in person with someone, but I cannot do it online without a dialogue. He does give a good example for evangelicals like me to dial it back 🙂 because I find LDS beliefs to be deeply problematic the more I understand them and it's hard not to get fired up about it. ☺️
I was raised Catholic and now a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I’ve had Baptist friend tell me he’s worried about my salvation. He doesn’t understand our faith and has been taught inaccuracies. I appreciate your videos because it helps bridge the gap in mutually understanding each other and educating each other. I love your videos. I wonder how many people of different faiths watch and appreciate these?
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Being LDS and I saw hello saints on my UA-cam page I felt like oh crap another person attaching my faith once I started watching hello saints it’s amazing how you paster Jeff you are respectful if people would approach the LDS members the same way we can sit down have that conversation. LDS church doesn’t look down on other religions we build on the faith they have.
God told Joseph Smith that the churches of Christendom were an abomination in His eyes.
YES ❤ exactly!
For years, until very recently, our church spent millions of dollars advertising the “I’m a Mormon” campaign. Billboards, signs on public transit, videos, TV commercials, etc. And now, we get instantly offended when nonmembers like Jeff call us Mormons? Really?
Right!? The offense of being called “Mormon” actually bothers me. Like, how cool is Mormon?? He’s freaking awesome! I love being associated with him. I’ve always told people, it’s not offensive, it’s just inaccurate.
@@nicoleterry5105 It’s a good teaching moment to tell someone about the true name of the church and why it’s important, but I have never seen it as a discriminatory thing. People outside of the church call us Mormons because we called ourselves Mormons.
Has an LDS member literally told you they were offended that you called them a “Mormon”? If that is true it is unfortunate, but not characteristic of how we all generally feel. We would just like people to realize that even though we love and respect Mormon, he is not the focus of our faith. Jesus Christ is the focus of our faith.
I am 68 years old - born into the Church. I have always been proud and humble (both) to be able to be called a Mormon boy. After identifying myself as a Mormon for so many years, it is actually foreign thinking for me to NOT call myself a Mormon. I have always found the name to be a great conversation starter allowing me to tell the other person that we actually believe in and worship Jesus Christ, and not an ancient prophet named Mormon.
@@JeffreySmith-if6eyyes I have been chewed out in the comments section of this channel for using the term Mormon. "First of all, we aren't Mormons, we are members of the church of..." I've started typing LDSaints instead and haven't seen any heat over use of that term. But it's silly of course as you and the OP point out.
@Hello Saints - I would love for you to do an episode with Stephen from MBR, Greg from CWIC, and David Snell from Saints Unscripted, to talk about definitions of words. Because I feel like we’re a lot of the problem between Evangelicals and members of the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints get in trouble is that we sometimes have the same word, but use a different definition for it. For instance, what you call holiness, we call exaltation. And what you call saved, we call a testimony. So it would be interesting to get into the nitty-gritty of each definition and really talk about those definitions.
David Alexander needs to have a chat with Jeff also. What David experienced while an evangelical has left him with great suspicion of all evangelicals when I suspect that many are not like what he experienced.
@@jonny9998 I don’t think David Alexander is ready to have that chat. He is very hurt by the lies told to him for so many years. I think he feels hurt that he didn’t receive the gospel sooner. And I think there’s a lot of things that he needs to work out with the Lord before he will be ready to have that conversation.
@@jonny9998 and I’m not saying that evangelicals meant to lie to him, but he was able to discover the lies. It is a difficult thing when you feel you’ve been lied to your entire life. I’ve been through a faith crisis and I know what that feels like so I know that it will take him time before he will come to realize it.
@zionmama150 hahahahahahah "what you call holiness, we call exaltation, what you call saved, we call a testimony" You clearly have no idea what those terms mean to us Latter-day Saints, let alone what they mean to Evangelicals. Latter-day Saints are constantly saying, "get a testimony or have a testimony." Show me anywhere in the scriptures where there is an injunction to "get a testimony or have a testimony." The definition of testimony is, "an oral or written declaration of what someone knows." Testimony doesn't exist until someone testifies. Did Alma say to the Zoramites, "gather round here and let me teach you how to 'get a testimony'"? Of course not! He said, "gather round and let me teach you how to get faith and knowledge." Did Jesus ever say to his apostles, "O ye of little testimony?" lol Is the first principle of the gospel a testimony of Jesus Christ? No, it's FAITH in Jesus Christ. Let's not pretend we know the definition of words used by other faiths when we get our own definitions all mangled up. I guarantee you that if you got an Evangelical scholar and an LDS scholar together, they would NEVER conclude that "what you call holiness, we call exaltation and what you call saved, we call a testimony."
@@bobrussell8339 literally Alma did say to the Zoramites in Alma 32 how to “gain a testimony” but he used metaphorical language of planting seeds of faith… which is the same thing. We receive the Holy Spirit witnessing with our Spirit. Revelation 19:10 tells us that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. So Testimony is synonymous with faith. False testimonies are not testimonies, for they are false. Therefore if a person declares Jesus but does not show it in action they are mere hypocrites.
That said, why do you delight in being rude about it. You can ask questions and have a greater impact on people by educating them in kind ways than by mocking them in your pride of mind showing off how much more you think you know than them
Hi Jeff, I'm sure I've said it before, a big reason I started watching was because of past experiences. It was a very close friend and someone I respected a lot and it hurt badly when he started posting things about the "Mormon Cult". Ok, I didn't go into the details really before. I might be guarded but I still appreciate what your doing and the understanding you have given.
I understand feeling guarded because of past experiences with them. It’s like having been in an abusive relationship.
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I think much less of this disconnect would have happened if transparency had been there from the beginning. It was stated that the journey was to understand everything about the LDS faith. Nothing about sharing or preaching from an evangelical perspective. Maybe we should have assumed it would happen but I didn’t. So for me it felt like a ‘hidden’ agenda. Good to talk this through.
“Keep them focused on Jesus” - diamond comment, the crux of this whole thing!
We are focused but Jesus will lead you to his father and nobody can get to the father but by jesus. Jesus is like a door. Once you open it it's time to walk through. Christians are focused on standing at the doorway being awed at the door. The journey doesn't stop at the door it continues.
@@ezekiellister3176I am LDS. I do not agree with you. Other Christian denominations get baptized. Granted they don't get baptized by our priesthood they get baptized by a pastor. They do show that outward commitment to God. Baptism into lds church earns one eternal life in other churches they say they are saved. LDS point out that we have to remain an active member. I am sure other churches will say the same. All Christian denominations believe in chastity and payment of tithe because it's biblical. We are lucky that we have the word of wisdom as well. We do not get excommunicated for breaking the word of wisdom or not paying tithing. LDS say baptism is the door. Most LDS people go further. Other Christian denominations go further and become lay preachers, pastors etc. We are lucky that we have a prophet and special witnesses of Jesus. All Christians can receive personal revelation. All Christians are lucky to know Jesus. We are the luckiest to be in Jesus restored original church with the full knowledge of the gospel, doctrine and organisation.Therefore it is our duty to help other churches. As we say where much is given. Much is required.🖖😀
Welcome to Saint George! Thanks again for another awesome conversation. Can’t wait to see what comes next on your channel.
I loved this video so much. Basically we all just want to be heard and listened to and loved unconditionally. I believe this IS the way to be a Christian and disciple of Jesus.
Im a former member of evangelical and pentagos now I'm a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saint I don't missed or regret anything about them they all lies and preaching false doctrines. I'm so so so greatful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints the only true and living church on earth.
I don’t view evangelicals with suspicion. Mostly just Pastor Jeff.
This is one of my favorites to watch!
Thank you both!
Your friendship is inspiring. Some of my dearest friends and family are evangelical. I appreciate when we can celebrate our similarities, and love our differences.
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
@@Jozeemoss amen
@@ericabase
God is truth
John 8:
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
It's amazing since how God lives in the truth preserved in his word that he promised he would never take away.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
the pursuit of which leads to enlightening, testable, logical saving faith when truthfully made manifest leads to great and wonderful works. Not submissive blind, illogical acts of obedience and profession. The order matters, Israel literally means "one who contends with God"
One the most straight forward tests the LORD gave us is the test of a prophet.
Deuteronomy 18:
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Do your prophets pass the test?
YOU SHOULD TOTALLY GO TO THE ST. GEORGE TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE (pioneer temple)!
It’s all about Christ and what he did for us….in my knowledge, he said, “Come follow me”, and showed us the way to eternal bliss.
I would love to see Pastor Jeff go through the Articles of Faith. That is a really good place to start if you want to know what we believe.
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Jeff, I appreciate this type of dialog and discussion from both sides. I am what I consider a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint and about 10 years ago or so I was befriended by an evangelical pastor, someone I now consider a dear friend. Through similar conversations as you are having we have both edified one another and have grown our faith in Christ. My friend has, in a very Christ-like sort of way (well mostly), challenged my paradigm, my faith, and what my views of the doctrine of Christ is and I have grown and developed all of those in my life. I have changed some of my views and felt closer to Christ by doing so. I am no apologis just someone who tries to study. I love to listen to Christian radio and love the call in and ask questions programs. I would love to see how you view these other Protestant pastors messages and answers to questions and if you do or don't agree with their perspectives. Thanks for doing this God Bless your efforts and welcome to Utah!
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Thank you for your content, Pastor Jeff. I enjoy your point of view and love feeling that we are building bridges of understanding.
I'm impressed, lapel mics on the seatbelts! But it feels like a bit of riding in the backward facing seat in the back of a station wagon when I was a kid! Good conversation, and there's always a suspicion that we have about people who are different, and people who are trying to convince us. But there's good in getting to know each other, and I appreciate this conversation.
Again, I'm from an Evangelical perspective, and I'm taking this journey to learn as well, and appreciate learning from many voices.
😂
I was the kid in the back of the station wagon. Sooo true!
@@rcckf In my growing up we didn't have a seat back there, it was the playpen on wheels. How on earth we ever survived!
I didn't even notice the mics taped to the seatbelt , good observation!
Hello Pastor Jeff! I recently started reading the book "A Case For The Book of Mormon" by Ted R. Callister, and I want to invite you to read it, too. I really like it so far. I hope that you will, too! Thanks for your kindness and willingness to seek to understand. It is something I want to work better on myself
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Thank you for expressing your concern, I appreciate it. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, just as the Bible. In 1 Nephi 6:4 (I think) it says that Nephi wrote to persuade people of the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. He was directed by the Lord.
I hope you have a nice day :) I'm so glad you love the Bible. Add to your knowledge if you wish!
@@ashlyncrane8992
God is truth
John 8:
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
It's amazing since how God lives in the truth preserved in his word that he promised he would never take away.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
the pursuit of which leads to enlightening, testable, logical saving faith when truthfully made manifest leads to great and wonderful works. Not submissive blind, illogical acts of obedience and profession. The order matters, Israel literally means "one who contends with God"
One the most straight forward tests the LORD gave us is the test of a prophet.
Deuteronomy 18:
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Do your prophets pass the test?
I am a committed member of the Church, but have to admit that it is rather rich for members of our Church accuse others of being sneaky. I have seen too many examples of people inviting people over to their house for a BBQ and SURPRISE!, "we also invited the missionaries to join us" - or similar other religious trap doors. Maybe the reason people are suspicious of Jeff is because we are projecting ourselves into his actions.
Excellent observation.
Yes. I went to a Christmas open house where the LDS hosts had invited both LDS and non-LDS family and friends. The missionaries just so happened to be invited as well. And don't forget the Japan Tokyo mission birthday parties. Members had birthday parties and invited non-LDS family and friends where there just so happened to be missionaries present. They were pleased to give a "first discussion" as part of the party.
@erikgroves - I love your comment and your perspective on things. Personally, as a non-LDS Christian, if I was invited to a BBQ by my LDS friends, I would definitely go. And, if LDS missionaries happened to be there too, I would think it was cool that my LDS friends thought enough of me to want to share their faith with me. So, I don’t see a problem with it on either side. I’m reminded of the Bible verse in 1 Peter 3:15 where it says, ‘But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,’. I think anyone that knows Jeff, knows he is all about showing gentleness and respect. That’s what I appreciate so much about his channel and channels like Greg’s of CWIC media, that they are able to have faith conversations in an open and loving way.
I worked with an LDS sister when I was 23. She invited me to dinner one Sunday and the missionaries were there. She asked me to visit with them while she cooked dinner. I joined after discussions and it has been 56 years since. I thank the Lord every day for this gospel.
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Beautifully said by both of you!!
It wasn't until I started focusing on my relationship with Christ that I started to figure out where religion tied into that beautiful relationship I was striving to build.
The world is full of evil...it is so important to encourage love for Christ no matter what faith people choose to go by.
It will get sorted after this life.
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I appreciate gaining understanding and LOVE the open discussion of suspicions from each side. Breaking down barriers to friendship, that’s a nice feeling.
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I really appreciate your thoughtful faith and your bridge building. You sir are a good man!
Everything you are saying is gold to me. This is exactly how I feel and have wished conversations like this would take place. I do have my guard up a bit though because I know there is still an element of not really knowing you personally. So I can't really know for certain if what you say is really how you feel. But I hope it is! :)
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
@@Jozeemoss explain
@@lizkt
God is truth
John 8:
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
It's amazing since how God lives in the truth preserved in his word that he promised he would never take away.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
the pursuit of which leads to enlightening, testable, logical saving faith when truthfully made manifest leads to great and wonderful works. Not submissive blind, illogical acts of obedience and profession. The order matters, Israel literally means "one who contends with God"
One the most straight forward tests the LORD gave us is the test of a prophet.
Deuteronomy 18:
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Do your prophets pass the test?
Love this conversation. Having been on both sides of the conversation, being confronted by an evangelical in my experience always warranted a certain reaction from me as a member. Now, as an evangelical, I am given that same reaction when I speak with others of the LDS faith.
I think something lost on us as humans having this earthly experience is that we expect opposing views to be hostile. People can exist on all sides with experiences and firm understandings of teachings outside of what their current faith is and conversations like this build those bridges instead of adding more walls and misconceptions. Thank you.
@erikgroves - I love your comment and perspective on things. Personally, if I was invited to a BBQ by my LDS friends, I would definitely go. And, if the LDS missionaries happened to be there, I would think it was cool that my friends thought enough of me to want to share their faith with me. So, I don’t see a problem with it on either side. I’m reminded of the Bible verse in 1 Peter 3:15 where it says, ‘But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,’. I think anyone that knows Jeff knows that he is all about showing gentleness and respect in his conversations about faith. That’s what I appreciate so much about his channel and channels like those of CWIC media on the LDS side.
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
In the 90’s in Arizona I had a friend that was evangelical and she would say ya you know there weren’t horses in BofM times, there were no steel swords and all the talking points they are taught to try and make us doubt. When I didn’t respond multiple times, she says well I have realized when Jesus returns he is going to see us all as followers.
I'd have to look up the info, but there was a long period of time there were no horses in the America's. Research it for yourself if you wish. Quite fascinating.
@@stevenrgates over the years they have found a number of horse bones in archeological digs but they threw them out thinking horses didn’t exist in pre-columbian period but now they are finding that isn’t true. As for steel they have found that as well.
@ Wendy - "when Jesus returns." I know that most LDS believe that when Jesus returns, many of those accepting and bowing the knee to Him WON'T all be Mormons. I am about 100% sure that Pastor Jeff will be one of those bowing his knee at Jesus' feet.
You may not see this comment with so many comments, but I just want to thank you for the interaction. I am LDS with a strong testimony of Christ and the church I belong to. I really enjoy hearing from someone, who is a pastor of another faith, who doesn't want to condemn me or my faith. I think that is huge. I enjoy learning the "why" you don't see the same as us, and where you believe we are similar. Your approach makes me feel like my belief is relevant in the religious discussion of broad faith. You have given a place for the LDS church in the discussion of Chritianism, where many others turn us down from even entering that discussion. I hope you and your family are warmly welcomed to your new neighborhood, and I hope you have continued success in your endeavor of faith discussion. My son had a faith crisis while I was an LDS bishop. At his request I took him to other denominations for him to explore. I learned alot from the experience, and saw how good people of other faiths were. Thanks for sharing the experience and journey you are on.
@davidnimmer1010 I see you ... thank you for the kind words. Let's keep going!
Welcome to Utah! We all have room to improve and I appreciate your efforts to help us see things from your perspective. I would hope we can all be more Christ like in all interactions with people of all religions.
Jeff, I think that forming a relationship based on mutual respect is the easiest way to prepare for an open discussion on differing opinions. I appreciate your approach to this project. Ron Webb (LDS)
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Great conversation, I have many friends who are not members of my church.but we love and respect each other just as we are. We have been friends for years and always will be. I love to see true friendships it appears you two have such a one. I have a deep love for our Saviour and try to pattern my life after His. For if it wasn’t for the atonement that he did for us all would be lost. This has blessed my life and my family beyond measure. Carol a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You both a fine young man who love their Saviour.
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Very few EX-moes care to find anything other than agnostic/atheism after being disaffected by Mormonism. I'm part of the very very few that was fortunate enough to have received the "Religion doesn't save you, Jesus does" message while I was a Mormon. If I could change one thing about the Mormon church it would be that they stop saying "There's no other true church except this one" "If you leave, you'll have nowhere to go". This fear mongering message has created a back door from Mormonism to atheism. People that are harmed by the LDS church or leave over problematic pieces of LDS history or the gaps in the truth claims like the problems with the book of Abraham etc... don't know there's a massive difference between Jesus and religion. They have no idea Jesus without religion is actually the message of the New Testament. They believe all churches are religions, and all other religions are false, because the Mormon one told them so, so when they can't reconcile the issues with the Mormon church it must mean there's no God at all. You would think Mormons would at least want people to still know God, and recognize that this divisional language against all other churches would drive disaffected members toward no belief at all.
Spot on! And makes me sad that
Atheism is a more popular choice after leaving.
Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
I have a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus lives and loves us. He calls modern day prophets. His priesthood is restored.
Y'all are amazing. Continue the conversation! 👍👍
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
To be fair about Jeff reading the BoM, I recommend he and the LDS gentleman read Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews together and do videos discussing the teachings and doctrines from those books. That would be interesting to listen to.
I enjoy finding the commonalities between different faiths. I enjoy finding out about non-Christian faiths as well. It seems so natural for humans to want some explanation of how we all came to be and why things happen etc. even the Ancient Greek and Roman mythology stories show how natural it is to want some kind of explanation of a deity.
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Thank you for this video. I wish I had this type of relationship.
Great road trip conversation! This could be the start of so many jokes . . . “A Protestant pastor and an LDS member go on a road trip . . .”
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
@@Jozeemoss So, in this instance, who is the blasphemer?
@@Mounty621
The one who's prophets fail the test.
Deuteronomy 18:
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him
Love it, great job to both of you. And Greg too, whom I have met as well. I love the conversation.
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
You guys are good men.
I think it’s normal and natural for Jeff to tell us about his perspective. I think he’s being very kind to the folks who are throwing stones or who are suspicious of him. Let’s keep the interfaith dialogue going!
PS- Jeff is a great example to me of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Just because I disagree with him doctrinally on some things doesn’t stop either of us from having a personal relationship with Christ. (Isn’t that why we’re often so hurt by evangelicals, because they tell us that we don’t have a relationship with Christ because we don’t believe in the trinity?) Christ’s character is made plain in the NT, and we all know how a follower of Jesus acts, no matter what religion they belong to.
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
@@Jozeemoss it’s a good thing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not fictional 😉.
@@chancebozeman5171
Amen, God is truth
John 8:
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
It's amazing since how God lives in the truth preserved in his word that he promised he would never take away.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
the pursuit of which leads to enlightening, testable, logical saving faith when truthfully made manifest leads to great and wonderful works. Not submissive blind, illogical acts of obedience and profession. The order matters, Israel literally means "one who contends with God"
One the most straight forward tests the LORD gave us is the test of a prophet.
Deuteronomy 18:
21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Do your prophets pass the test?
I truly appreciate these videos. I grew up LDS and now have left, Pastor Jeff's videos have been a comfort to me during a difficult time. I didn't have a lot of support from family so its refreshing to see interfaith relationships work.
To venerate fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I served a mission in Louisiana and in one area I was really impressed that this particular ward had church basketball that extended to different denominations out of fellow other LDS Chapels. I thought that was really cool. I was jealous because I would have love to have played ball like that. I loved seeing the joint fellowship extension which in this world today seems vital.
Great conversation, Jeff!
I fully embrace what is happening here. Keep it up, Pastor Jeff!
Amen!
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I'm so proud of Jeff!
Great video. Thanks Jeff!
Temple Recommend question that may be contributing to the suspicion arising from some Latter Day Saints: 6:41 Do you support or promote any teachings, practices, or doctrine contrary to those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Lets say I support the doctrine of god was once a man who exalted to godhood and if I do all necessary things I too can be exalted to godhood, organize my own planet and inhabit that planet with spirit babies my wife (or wives) created. Am I supporting a doctrine contrary to the LDS church?
If that is the reason people need to learn how Joseph smith dealt with other faiths. He allowed them a voice. He was friends with some, he let them in his home. He let them preach. Joseph showed through action that we can learn about other faiths and viewpoints without supporting incorrect doctrine. If we don’t know what others believe, especially if wrong, how can we respond with the truth? How can we know what our children might experience. Further the church frequently goes to inter faith dialog conferences. Don’t let that question be interpreted to mean don’t respect other people’s beliefs.
no, 100% in line with mormon teaching@@jessea2871
This is my favorite video, yet!
A question for Pastor Jeff: has anyone suggested you listen to an address by Neal A. Maxwell? He was a theological heavyweight within the LDS culture.
I've been protestants that appear to have some sort of training in "How to witness to Mormons" or instruction about what we believe. What I mean by this is I hear common phrases about my own beliefs that are skewed or outright wrong. "You believe religion saves you," clearly we don't. "You believe works will save you," also we don't. "You don't believe in having a personal relationship with Christ," I actually do. "You believe in multiple Gods," God our father is my only God. "You worship Joseph Smith," We revere him as a prophet of God, but we worship God alone. "You believe in a different Jesus," I believe in the Jesus that died on the cross, which Jesus do you believe in?
Some of them when I've tried to correct them about MY OWN beliefs, they'll continue and insist on this falsehood, as if they know my religion better than I do.
Genuinely curious. Could this be because there is change throughout LDS history due to continuous revelation? I could see how that may cause confusion to those that aren't lds.
I think another issue that can lead to confusion is that Evangelicals and lds might use the same terms, but with different definitions.
Lastly I think that how Evangelicals view their doctrine as opposed to how lds view theirs, is just vastly different makes it hard to see eye to eye. So assumptions are made. I've also seen lds assume wrongly about MC (mainstream Christian) beliefs. Just yesterday I read an lds member state that bearing spiritual fruit is not important to MC. Haha ummm what?? Could not be farther from the truth.
Its possible,@@melodylady99. We have a strong set of united beliefs within the church, but MC can still differ widely with one another.
I think some of their statements come from legitimate misunderstanding. But I also know that some of it comes from coaching and training. this was brought to my attention by a local baptist who said their previous church used to do this on the regular.
others come from LDS folks not understanding their own beliefs or the question being asked. the bit about religion saving you, we don't talk about religion vs relationship with jesus because we don't see any conflict between them. So when someone asks us, we don't even know what they're saying.
Same with the discussions about works. We really don't talk about works vs faith at all, unless we're discussing other christians' beliefs.
The worship of Joseph Smith, multiple gods, and a different Jesus, I have a hardtime seeing these statements as anything other than an attempt to undermine our belief.
@@taragonleaf8005 This is part of what I disagree with. It seems lds view each Christian denomination as "widely" different. There is quite a nuanced explanation. While, there are many denominations, primary scripture is vital and always at the forefront of agreement , credal beliefs, the normative devine of scripture, salvation, who Jeus was, is and what he accomplished. Now, as a nondenominational Christian, I've attended Lutheran, methodist, Apostolic, Baptist, non Denominational, and many others, and the fundamentals are there. Secondary scripture might be "widely" different. Some are more casual, some more reserved. Some worship with soul and passion, while others wear choir robes and sing hymns. Some speak in tongues more, some do alter calls for prayer, some pray for people more privately, differences to the timing one feels should be baptized (some baptize children and some dont until one is older) etc etc. Now to make it maybe seem more confusing there are offshoots with similar denomination names that do not share MC primary scripture beliefs which can be widely different like Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah Witness, Apostolic Pentecostal and many others. Similar to different offshoots from lds, like Community of Christ (Rlds), The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite), Church of Jesus Christ with the Elijah Message, Apostolic United Brethren, Flds, Fellowship of the Remnants, Church of Christ (Hedrickites), Church of Christ (Fettingite), etc etc. Now, I dont know the amount of primary and secondary scripture that they share amongst each other, as I am still learning about all of those I just named, quite interesting.
Yes, the difference of terms and what LDS vs MC view as doctrine are huge gaps that can cause a lot of misunderstanding. This is why I do enjoy watching Jeff and his content.
@@melodylady99My point remains that the differences you have listed, to my eyes are wide differences in behavior even if they share many core beliefs.
Creeds and cultural impacts of scriptural interpretation will forever be a hedge between us. The post apostolic creeds and the cultural development of christianity are not biblical. Which becomes really ironic when we're accused of adding to the bible.
Which reminds me one of the oddest and most frustrating comment's I've gotten from other christians. "You're not christian because you don't believe in the trinity." Oddly enough, that word isn't even in the bible. If they wanted to discuss the trinity via discussing the bible itself, I can jive with that. But too often, they specifically quote the Nicean and other creeds to make their point about the trinity which is odd.
There used to be a great number of christian denominations and believers that never accepted the Roman Creeds. however, they lived South and East of the trinitarians. Eventually they were destroyed by the Muslim invasions. Thus the main theological competitors to the trinitarians were eliminated. Some survive in the middle east, many of them Coptic Christians.
@taragonleaf8005 Scriptural interpretation will keep us apart, but also having completely different doctrine keeps a divide as well. Yours and my core beliefs are different, so I could see how the secondary differences may seem wide to you.
As a Christian from my anecdotal experience, it's true for the most part lds was never considered to be part of Christianity same goes for Jehovah Witnesses, because even though the trinity isn't mentioned specifically in the Bible we believe it is very much implied (we are aware lds disagree and why 🙂) and ultimately that part of the central/core doctrine of Christian religion.
I have an honest question, why do lds care so much to be considered Christian, when in their eyes all of the Mainstream Christians are mislead and part of the apostate, and or once upon a time considered an abomination? Or is it that, lds believe they are the true church, they are the ONLY Christians, and us MCs are viewed as the intruders due to the great apostasy, so how dare we not consider you as Christian? To consider lds as the only Christians and / or part of the Christian world would mean for us to give away our core beliefs so I dont think that will ever happen as a whole. Yes, we can relate on many things, etc, but let's be honest, we want to respect the differences, but we don't view each other scripturally equal. These are just thoughts I'm not trying or wanting to sound disrespectful.
I’m ex LDS living in UT; now part of the 2% that fits the biblical Christian way. Evangelicals are definitely in the minority here; and I find it hilarious that some people feel so attacked by your message.
I think what you are doing is way better than what Jeff Durbin does. (Bless that man’s heart, I just don’t think his approach is as loving as it could be).
I’m interested in what your plans are here; what are your goals and do you need help?
love it. Great job guys.
18:42 yep! I feel the same way. I would rather have a person believe in Christ even if it is Trinitarian than be atheist because they will still have that rock to help them in life. A life without God is Nihlism and hopeless. I have bern through a faith crisis in my life. And Jesus saved me from that.
Wow , that says a lot about what you believe about the Trinity
Whether you like it or not , the Trinity is true and God is triune!
God is 1 being in 3 persons. The father is God , the son is God, and the holy spirit is God.
One God!!!
🙏☦️❤️
@@Compulsive-Elk7103 God is a title representing three persons. God has a Body of flesh and bone and so does the Son. The Holy Spirit is a personage of flesh. Trinitarian thinking is based on the apostate churches that were drifting away and “leaving their first love” as it is put in Revelation 2. Parts of the trinity are true, and parts are not. They patterned the Trinity after the Greek God who had no body parts or passions. The Trinity is much more pagan than the God of the Jews who spoke of divine beings and knew there to be “elohim” or “the forces” or “multiple divine beings united in cause and purpose”. Jesus praying for this in the intercessory prayer is one proof of that, in that he prayed that we might be one with them as Jesus was with the Father. That word “one” is used from Deuteronomy all the way to the end of revelations and does not mean the number one, but unity. Therefore, we do worship ONE God. A united God who is 3 persons. The Son being made in the image of His Father just as Seth was made in the image of Adam. And these two bodies of flesh were shown to Stephen as he died. Acts ch 7 is where you can read the account that Christ stood on the Father’s right hand. Stephen was shown this vision as they stoned him to death. Jesus when he was resurrected had not yet ascended to the Father but appeared to Mary to let her know he would ascend to “my God and your God.”
Honestly my biggest question is how does science fit into religion?
I know a lot of Christianity is... skeptical, but as far as I'm aware, the LDS church emphasizes that science is a part of God's power, we just don't understand it, and that we can learn more about the rules God operates by through experimentation, and learning these rules ourselves.
I've always thought that it doesn't matter if God created the rules, or if those rules always existed beforehand, God is not a God of chaos, so God chooses to follow rules on how the universe, whether He created them or not.
Science is just exploring the universe that God has created. Its making observations, asking questions, experimenting, and drawing conclusions. Religion is a dedication to a set of beliefs that are accepted as true based on faith and tradition.
As such, science and religion sometimes put tension on one another. When the science is clear religion fades or adjusts to fit the new scientific knowledge (but this usually takes some generations). When the science isn't clear religion stands to challenge it (TRADITION!!).
Science "fits in" as the revealer or the grounding force of religion. Religion's ability to pass down false beliefs decreases as the body of scientific evidence grows against it. For example, thunder storms used to be an expression of the wrath of the gods in many pagan religions. We now understand the cause of thunderstorms and that belief no longer carries much weight in most religious groups today. Ie if your house is struck by lightening you don't believe God is punishing you -- you believe your house was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It's good that we have science to keep our religious traditions in check and it's good that our religious traditions force science to produce clear, duplicatable, undeniable results. It's not one or the other as many think but we need both.
Just my two cents I hope it helps. I am a Christian and science has yet to undeniably disprove Christ as my Savior.
You can watch him if you want. Giving him money is a very weird thing to me tho. I am skeptical of his motives. When you are comparing religions, you have to present the best of each side. He isn’t doing that. He doesn’t seem to do his research when presenting his “perspective” . He seems to just plant doubts. I’m all for coming together with people of different faiths, I hope his motives are pure
$18 per 1K views on UA-cam. Just sayin'........
Pastor Jeff, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts about Mormon Stories Podcast recent episodes with Bible scholar Dan McClellan.
He should do a episode with John Dehlin...
@@timnewman1172that's too far for Jeff. He is trying to appeal to the LDS crowd that's normally too sensitive/defensive to discuss topics and people labeled "antimormon". He'd lose his audience if he brought on John, maybe Dan though...
Thank you for building bridges. We have so much in common.
Excellent conversation. Learning to hear each other is crucial if we are to become one as Christ prayed we would.
@hellosaints in your interview with The Stick of Joseph you talked about the Book of Mormon readings becoming more of a hindrance than help. Might I suggest going through the Sacrament hymns as a possible topic as the are the most regular teaching on the core of the Gospel that we do.
Nice conversation. I hope to have a conversation with my children this well.
Yes, it is not religion that saves people, but Jesus. I could see the hesitation in his friend's face when Jeff said that. LDS have always been told that they are the one true church that can save people with ordinances and temple rituals. I do think that baptism is important because it represents the old man dying and being resurrected with Christ and Christ showed us this so it is in the Christian churches as well, but the stuff about becoming gods and goddesses and needing to do new rituals after Jesus fulfilled the OT is going into a worrisome zone. The purpose of the OT temple rituals was to fortell of Jesus coming but then he came and there was no more need to continue such things, but now we look to Christ in everything we do to know how to live our lives. But it seems to me that the LDS temple is all about a formula to exhalt the self which I don't think we ought to be seeking. It is the humble and penitent and those who serve their fellow man who will be exhalted. I think Christ can decide who ought to be exhalted on his own.
I'm LDS. I love your videos! I look forward to each and every one. I like the Book of Mormon ones too. It's very obvious that you are enjoying reading it. You always look very excited when you are telling us about it. I don't think you are 80% critical like someone else mentioned. It does seem to me like you focus more on the narrative and less on the spiritual aspects. Would be nice if you could mention how frequently the Book of Mormon talks about Jesus and faith. Please keep up the good work and I look forward to your next video! I hope you release the 3rd Nephi video soon!
To raise fiction to Gospel is blasphemy.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Every persons story is Uniquely Individual. All thos saying the have joined the Mormon Church have valid resons for doing it. I stopped believing in the Mormon Church in 2018. My jpurney has taken me to the Catholic Church. I love the people there and I love the Theology and the Bible. Most of all I love the abundant Grace God Gives me for having Faith in Jesus Christ and his Passion. I also have attended the local Mosque the last two Fridays.I desire to understand these good peoples belief and deveope friendships. I don't see me ever joining their Faith however I do want to be aggod neighbor to them and break bread with them. Why can't I be accepting of those who are different and love them the best I can. Keep up the Good work everyone. I love each of you!
I am LDS. After two or three of your videos, I realised what you were up to. "Understanding" the Saints is a front for gently converting them to your brand of Christianity. I won't criticise you for trying to convert us, after all, we've been doing it for decades. But at least we're up front about it.
Everyone’s trying to convince everyone all the time. Your comment just now is trying to convince others to a certain point of view. That doesn’t mean the conversation isn’t worth having :) If we expect Paster Jeff to just sit down and accept everything he hears with no question, inquiry or pushback, what kind of conversion is that? The point is participation. That’s just my perspective. On that same note, I think people voicing these concerns is perfectly valid. But it gets dangerous when we just dismiss someone as different and not worth engaging with.
@alantomlinson5740 Most lds church members have a testimony of our church, the prophet, the book of Mormon, the priesthood authority ect. They do not leave.
@@janice2992 I know, but Pastor Jeff is playing the long game.
You can only guess about his INTENT. The EFFECT is twofold though: firstly, yes its a long game approach to bringing souls to Jesus but secondly he is also building bridges between the two faiths.
I think Jeff genuinely values the bridge building but I'm sure he's also happy to bring anyone within Mormonism who hasn't found Jesus or has fallen away into a surety of their salvation and deeper relationship with Christ of course why wouldn't he want this?
I love this!