My Conversion to the Church

It all started in the summer of 1992. I was visiting the home of some friends of mine who were members of the church. My friend Christine whom I had known since middle school had been telling me forever about the church they belonged to, but I didn't have much interest in religion through my teen years. I was quite the rebel in fact, but we won't get into that. I did attend some church, and had a basic understanding of Catholicism and Protestantism, but they just never seemed the place for me.

Anyway, It was a nice warm summer evening, and I was over visiting, as I so often did. As my friend's brother and I were busy with the Super Nintendo, one of the younger kids came in and told us that some of the Sister Missionaries had come over to visit. Not really sure what "Sister Missionaries" were, I stayed in the room while everyone else went to say hello.

Several minutes later, one of the kids came in and asked if I wanted to come say hi to the Sisters. I decided to be polite, and went out to the living room.

Three young women in their late teens and early twenties were smiling as I came into the room. I noticed they had name tags on that had the name of each one, along with the name "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." I figured that this must be the correct name of the church that my friend had been talking about all these years. They all greeted me, and we talked for awhile about everyday things.

After 15 minutes or so, the Sisters asked if we could all have a song together before they left. Everyone agreed, and of course, I, not knowing any of the hymns of the church, just listened as they sang a beautiful harmonized version of "I Am a Child of God." The song had such an impression on me, that I felt something that I had never felt in any church before.

I had been raised Catholic, been part of several Protestant denominations, and now, here was something that was very different in the way it made me feel. It had such an impact, that when the Sisters asked me if I would like to learn more about the church, I immediately said yes. They explained that we could meet once a week or so, and discuss what the teachings were, and that I could ask all the questions I had.

Nowadays,  the Missionaries of the church use a teaching guide called "Preach My Gospel" to share the teachings of the church with potential converts. But at the time I was looking into the church, they were still teaching what were called, "The discussions." They consisted of six lessons, complete with a pamphlet to read from each lesson.

By the time we got to the second discussion, I already felt the overwhelming need to be baptized into the church. We set a tentative baptismal date, and continued for the next several weeks with the remaining discussions. By the last one, my mind and spirit were set on baptism.

On September 20, 1992 I stepped into the baptismal font at a local chapel in Mission Viejo, California, and was baptized by Christine's father into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Christine's mother sang a beautiful rendition of "How Lovely Was The Morning", also called Joseph Smith's First Prayer. This was followed by a short talk on faith and baptism by one of the Hawaiian Elders, Brother Al Fatutalie. It was a wonderful talk that really showed his faith and love of the gospel. I really miss "Brother Al." There was a closing song, a prayer, and the ceremony was over.

Pictures with several missionaries, friends and members of the church were taken, and then, as per Mormon tradition, snacks of cake, cookies, and kool-aid were had by all. Then we all went home on this beautiful cool evening.

I have been a member of the church for going on 18 years now, and have no intention of leaving it any time soon (read: ever). My testimony of the church and it's truthfulness, though there have been some very rough times, has never wavered. Even when I strayed and was lost for a couple of years, I never forgot what I knew was true.

I am now much more involved in the church than I have ever been before, including producing some of my own videos about the church and posting them on YouTube. I am also quite heavily into the apologetics side of the church, and consider myself to be a fearless defender of the faith against all who may try to slow the work of the Lord.

So, with that said, I bear my testimony, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I do not just believe it...I know it. I testify that you may also gain a testimony to this great work if you have not already. God has not left us alone, and we do have a living prophet to lead us correctly. The gospel and the priesthood are once again on the Earth, and we have the opportunity to be a part of it. I testify that you too, may be part of this marvelous work and wonder, and that all you have to do is ask, learn, and pray to know that it is right. I share my testimony with you in the Sacred Name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

For more information visit: http://www.lds.org/ or http://www.mormon.org/chat.

Time For Some Heavy-Hitting Stuff!

Sorry it's been so long since my last post! I just moved recently, then realized I had not posted in some time!

Anyway, I have been going back and forth recently with some folks on my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/M424Filmcast and I have decided to post some stuff here that hs been brought up in those "conversations".

I remind all of my readers that I am very straightforward, and that I am a staunch defender of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So here goes....

One of the most recent attacks on the church (or more directly on my faith in the church) had to do with our belief in the Godhead. Many churches teach that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Ghost exist as one entity called "the Trinity". We, as members of the LDS church believe that each member of the Godhead is a seperate, distinct being. I will use the proof texts used by our detractors, and then rebut them with further scriptural evidence.

Q: How can the Mormons believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost are seperate when John 10:30 says: "I and my Father are one."?

A: This is a great proof text for the trinity doctrine when it stands alone. However, no scripture stands alone. There is a reason why scriptures are available in huge quantity. Scripture testifies of scripture, and helps keep things in context. So in response, I would say to read the entire chapter of John 17. It puts into context the "oneness" that is spoken of. Jesus is praying to His Father that we would all be unified as they are unified. It is not saying (for example in verses 11-22) that we would all become integrated into one being. It is talking about the unity that we would have as the Father and Son are unified. Nowhere does it testify of the trinity doctrine.

Additionally, just to provide more study material, I would add that Jesus did not pray to himself in the Garden of Gethsemene (Matt. 26:29 and others).  And how could he commend his spirit to himself when he died on the cross (Luke 23:46)? And why, if he is also God the Father, would he say that "I go unto the Father: For my Father is greater than I." (John 14:28) How could he go unto himself and be greater than himself? Just asking....

Q: How can you believe that works are necessary when salvation is given by faith alone?

A: Boy, I could spend an hour on this one easily. However, in the interest of space here, I will just say that James chapter 2 is a perfect example of how faith is wrought by works. Faith alone is not enough. Anyone can just believe. But true faith is brought on by doing what we are asked. There are plenty of scriptures that tell us what we must do. For example, we are told to love one another (John 13:34). We are told to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, minister to the sick, and visit those in prison (Matt. 25:35-45). We are even warned very specifically in James 2:14-17 when the example is given by Paul that we cannot just let someone who is in need, continue to be in need. What good does it do? Does it show our faith and our belief? No. Our belief and our faith are proven by our works. The works are necessary. And what of baptism? Jesus, who was sinless still required baptism in order to "fulfil all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15). How can we, being full of sin, excuse ourselves from this necessary work that Jesus himself said we could not enter heaven without (John 3:5)?

I could really go on for quite awhile on these topics, however, I will just give you these thoughts to ponder and pray about.

Please post your questions in the comments section, and I will gladly answer them with another posting. And I promise I will post a little more often.

And thanks to Peter Davidson for your comment. It is appreciated. You can check out his blog at: http://wetestifyofchrist.blogspot.com/.

Remember, though I am a longtime member of the church, I am not speaking on behalf of the General Authorities of the church. These opinions are mine alone, and I ask you to visit any of the official websites of the church to get the official doctrine. The two I recommend most are: http://www.lds.org/ and http://www.mormon.org/. You can also chat live with representatives of the church at the second website by adding /chat at the end of the url.

Thanks again, and I will post again soon. Promise! :)

Points to Ponder

There are so many beliefs...so many churches....

So what makes us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe what we believe?

For one, those who have been members all their lives, and those who are converts, have been told since day one, that the only way to gain a testimony of the Church and the Restored Gospel is to pray about what we are taught, and what we read in the scriptures.

As members of the Church, both everyday members, and missionaries, we invite all people who are willing to hear the Restored Gospel to do the same. We are quite famous for the most part, for saying to each person we teach, "Don't believe it just because I told you or showed you the scriptures. Pray with faith to your Father in Heaven to know whether what you have heard and read is true."

Today, I will be presenting a number of questions, followed by answers that will hopefully get you thinking. Please remember, that this is not an official website of the LDS Church, and the views presented here are my own. Having said that, I invite you to comment, ask questions, and think about the following....

Why do so many believe that salvation can come from a mere profession of faith?

Many people will say that all you have to do is just believe. And if you state that belief vocally, you are saved and cannot be lost again.

Many will quote Romans 10:9, which states, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

So then, anyone who merely confesses the name of the Lord and believes in Him is saved right? Let's look a few chapters further into Romans and see what is written in 14:11, which states, "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."

For the purposes of context, this verse is talking about the Judgement. This excludes no one. In other words, even non-believers will make the confession that Jesus is the Christ. Does this mean that they are now saved?

A confession of faith is great. But there are other things that must be done too. That's right. The Lord expects us to do more than just believe.

But if works don't save you, and you are justified in Christ, then how can works be necessary?

Many will quote a few scriptures from the Bible to try and "prove" that works are not necessary. One of those is Romans 11:5-6 which states, "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

The explanation given is that we are saved by grace, not by works, otherwise grace isn't enough.

Well we know that in order for this to work as a proof text, we must compare scripture to scripture. In other words, we must reconcile our proof texts. So let's look at the Book of James, and see what we find.

James 1:22-25, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightaway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."

It is very clear that we are being told not to just hear the word, but to be doers of the word. Now in case some of you may be wondering if that is the only place in the Bible that speaks to doing as opposed to just believing, there's much more. Just read James chapter 2.

Also consider how many times the Lord commanded us to do things. For example: He commanded us to follow the commandments. He commanded us to love one another. He commanded us to endure to the end. He commanded us to teach, preach, baptize, heal, serve, etc., etc., etc., ad infinitum.

Remember, even Satan and his followers believe...but they certainly do not have salvation.

So does this mean that baptism (a work) is necessary? I thought it was just an act of faith or obedience....

Let me answer that question with 2 questions. Was Jesus the perfect example? Are we supposed to follow His example? Yes.

Jesus, who had no sin, was baptized to "...fulfil all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15). Then, there are numerous scriptures referring to the necessity of baptism. Some of those which expressly state that baptism is required are: Mark 1:4, 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38, 22:16; and 1 Peter 3:21 (which talks about how baptism saves us).

Some say that this is only an act of obedience. Well what does it mean to be obedient? It means to do what is required of us by a higher authority. If we are not obedient, do we get the reward?

I hope that these few things will give you something to think about. I don't want to give you too much at once, and these things are enough to think about and study about for a few days ;)

See ya in a few....

An Introduction to the Mormon Church

Welcome to this unofficial members website where you and I can discuss the teachings of the church. Questions and comments are very welcome here. Please keep your comments clean and be respectful of each other regardless of your point of view. 

This is your place to become friends and to help one another. If you are offended by this, then you may need to find another place to go. If you are here to trash the church, it's members, or teachings, this is not the place for you. Only those who are serious about learning or sharing should post comments here. Thank You.

By the way, if you have a story to share, contact me and I will work with you to post your story on this blog.

My First Post! :)

For my first post, I will post some Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

Q: Do Mormons believe in Jesus Christ?

A: Yes. As clearly stated in the name of the church (The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints, emphasis mine), Jesus Christ is the central figure in our beliefs. 

Q: Is the Book of Mormon Christ-centered?

A: Yes. The Book of Mormon is subtitled "Another Testament of Jesus Christ". Contained therein, are the teachings of Jesus Christ as given to ancient prophets, just like in the Holy Bible. It is a companion scripture to the Bible, not a replacement.

Q: Do you believe that the Bible is the Word of God?

A: Yes. The Bible is the Word of God. The official version of the Bible used in the church is the King James Version. We believe in both the Old and the New Testaments. 

Q: Do you believe that Jesus is the literal Son of God?

A: Yes. We believe that Jesus is the literal Son of God.

Q: But I thought you believe that Jesus was only a prophet?

A: No. We do not believe that Jesus was only a prophet. We believe that He was, and is the Savior of all mankind. We believe that He made the infinite Atonement for all of us.

Q: Does that mean that you believe that only Mormons go to heaven?

A: No. To quote from our Articles of Faith: "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."

Q: What is the Atonement?

A: The Atonement is when Jesus Christ took upon himself the sins of the world in the Garden of Gethsemene. This is where it became possible for all mankind to be forgiven of their sins. The Atonement was completed when the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified and gave his life for us. By His death and resurrection, it became possible for all of us to live again.

 Q: So does this mean that you believe Jesus rose from the tomb on the third day in glory?

A: Yes. We believe that the Lord rose on the third day, just as it is written in the Holy Bible.

Q: Who do I talk to in order to learn more about the Church?

A: There are numerous resources available in addition to this blog. Click any of these links to learn more: 

You may visit us via the web at: www.mormon.org, or www.lds.org. From these websites, you can learn more about the church and our beliefs. You can also request a visit from missionaries. On Mormon.org, you can find a chapel near you, and you can even take a virtual online tour of a chapel! Additionally, on this site, you can chat live with a representative of the church, and have your questions answered.

We are also easy to find in the phonebook. You know, that big book that you use as a doorstop? At least, that's what I use if for! =:D Just look in the White Pages for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In some phonebooks, you can look in the "Churches" section. 

Our missionaries will be more than happy to meet with you, and present you with a copy of The Book of Mormon, and The Holy Bible. They will also be able to answer your questions. If you decide to visit us for church, they will also be glad to sit with you, so you don't have to feel like you don't know anybody. Of course, you are likely to make a few friends within a few minutes of showing up!

Please post comments, questions, and friendly messages. I will update at least weekly, but more likely, every few days with something new.

Thank you for visiting, and we hope to see you in Church very soon!