When is it Time to Leave Your Church?
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” -1 Corinthians 1:10
All Christian churches, sects, or denominations have one thing in common: faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But once we get past this commonality, our shared religion begins to fracture. How then do we follow Paul’s advice that we “all speak the same thing?” (1 Corinthians 1:10). The answer is simple: the Lord has given us numerous congregations, sects, and denominations to choose from. The question isn’t about finding the one that is right, but the right one for you and your family.
The Doctrine of Christ
“…My doctrine is too simple for mankind to comprehend.” -Doctrines of the Saints 125:8
There is a difference between doctrine and theology. Many confuse these two terms, as they are similar. However, our understandings, theories, and ideas are not doctrines. These are theologies.
The Trial of Our Faith Part 6: The Next Steps
Peace, peace be unto you because of your faith in my well beloved, who was from the foundation of the world. -Helaman 2:112b RAV, 5:47 OPV
If you are here, we will presume that you are seeking to know God. You are not looking for someone to stand between you and God, you want that personal relationship that comes from being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
The Trial of Our Faith Part 5: The Second Question, What
A portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge and also power, according to my faith and desires which are in God. -Alma 12:113 RAV, 18:35 OPV
The second question I would like to ask is: What are you trying to discover? This is a key question because it paints the picture of where you are going next. Some are seeking answers, some are seeking a way out, some are not even sure what it is they are looking for.
The Trial of Our Faith Part 4: The First Question, In
For ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters. -Mosiah 3:9b RAV, 5:7c OPV
The third key word: In. What is the basis of your faith? Where does it come from? In Hebrews 1:1 Paul tell us that “faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists.” And there are many that would declare this means we must simply have faith with no proof, that asking God for proof is somehow a sin.
The Trial of Our Faith Part 3: The First Question, You
Ye have not come thus far, save it were by the word of Christ, with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. -2 Nephi 13:28 RAV, 31:19b OPV
The second key word is: You. Once we know the What we must discover where this What comes from. Proverb 22: 6 tells us, “Teach a youth about the way they should go; even when they are old, they will not depart from it.” These are wise words indeed, yet how many children lean upon the faith of their parents?
The Trial of Our Faith Part 2: The First Question, What
“And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith; for thou hast sought me diligently with lowliness of heart.” -1 Nephi 1:53 RAV, 2:19 OPV
The first question I would like to ask is: What do (or did) you have faith in? There are three key words here, the first one being: What. Some have complete faith in God, some in their church or congregation, others the faith of, or in, their parents or others; those they see as spiritual guides or leaders. Regardless, everyone has faith in something.
The Trial of Our Faith Part 1: You Are Not Alone
At some point, everyone goes through their own personal faith crisis. It feels as though you are alone, as if God has left or abandoned you. You have questions, but no one has the answers. It just feels overwhelming. Please know that you are not alone, and that your feelings, even fears, are perfectly normal.
Why We Need Jesus as the Christ
“But whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” -Luke 14:11
Returning to the topic of Jesus a Christ vs Jesus the Christ, we must ask the question: do we even need Jesus Christ? And if so, why? Why can we not merely “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12)?
Lines in the Sand
“Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh their sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; and that I am the true light that lighteth everyone that cometh into the world; and that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one—the Father because He gave me of His fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men.” -Jesus Christ (Doctrine and Covenants 90:1a-b CoC/RLDS, 93:1-4 CJCLdS)
Speaking to someone about the Fellowship of Christ a few years ago, I was asked about blacks and the priesthood, specifically how we could be Latter Day Saint universalists, accepting fundamentalists that would deny anyone with dark skin the priesthood. I explained that while they would be welcome, exclusion would not be. They would be invited to see what inclusion looked like, and would have to accept that we ordain all worthy men and women.
The Baptist Version of The Book of Mormon Part 10: Summary
Let’s focus briefly on the man, Joseph Smith. What kind of man was he? The man whom God used to commence the restoration in these latter days. What did he have to say concerning truth and doctrine?
The Baptist Version of The Book of Mormon Part 9: Grace
And now, perhaps the keystone doctrine of the Protestant reformation…