LDS Are there false teachers in the world?

[Ironhold]

So, Kiwi -

How about responding to the substance of either one of my posts?

 

[Mike Fleming]

...which is what the leadership has told everyone to do time and time again...




That being said, what about all of the false teachers within mainline Christianity?

The ones who preach violence in God's name?

The ones who tell people that the minute you profess faith you've got a one-way ticket to Heaven no matter how wicked you are the rest of your days?

The ones who tell people that God wants everyone to be rich, so one's wealth is a sign of one's favor?

The ones who feel it justified to lie about others if the ends justify the means?

The ones who focus on Jesus' skin color to maintain a larger narrative?

Et cetra.

Get back to me when you're willing to condemn these people as well.

What do you mean by condemning, or in what context? I'm sorry if it came off that I was condemning anybody. That is not where I am trying to go with any this. What I am referring to mainly are people with good intentions but lacking in discernment to make sure what they have heard or received lines up with the Bible. I will get to the latter examples you gave in a bit. The teachings you mentioned are certainly problematic no doubt. But I think many with good intentions have been led astray and teach those things believing them to be helpful. I do not condemn any of them, but pray for them that their eyes be opened (Eph. 6:18). I truly believe most of them who teach things like the "prosperity gospel" not necessarily malicious. Others are teaching certain things to build fame or influence for themselves, which is different. Agreed, neither one is right. Either way, spending time picking those people out to expose them, is not particularly fruitful and can get us into spiritual trouble ourselves. I do not know that in mainstream Christianity there is any one false teacher or prophet to blame, but a widespread belief that has been adopted by most. Personally, I spend more time working with these people than attacking their false teacher.

As far as the blatantly wrong teachings that you mentioned. Agreed, I believe there is a place for confrontation, but not in the context we often see on facebook and other social media. I find most of that unhelpful. Exposing and confronting, I feel, should be done more within the context seen in the book of Acts as the apostles did it.

 

[fatboys]

What do you mean by condemning, or in what context? I'm sorry if it came off that I was condemning anybody. That is not where I am trying to go with any this. What I am referring to mainly are people with good intentions but lacking in discernment to make sure what they have heard or received lines up with the Bible. I will get to the latter examples you gave in a bit. The teachings you mentioned are certainly problematic no doubt. But I think many with good intentions have been led astray and teach those things believing them to be helpful. I do not condemn any of them, but pray for them that their eyes be opened (Eph. 6:18). I truly believe most of them who teach things like the "prosperity gospel" not necessarily malicious. Others are teaching certain things to build fame or influence for themselves, which is different. Agreed, neither one is right. Either way, spending time picking those people out to expose them, is not particularly fruitful and can get us into spiritual trouble ourselves. I do not know that in mainstream Christianity there is any one false teacher or prophet to blame, but a widespread belief that has been adopted by most. Personally, I spend more time working with these people than attacking their false teacher.

As far as the blatantly wrong teachings that you mentioned. Agreed, I believe there is a place for confrontation, but not in the context we often see on facebook and other social media. I find most of that unhelpful. Exposing and confronting, I feel, should be done more within the context seen in the book of Acts as the apostles did it.

Here is the problem. In order for your religion to save you you must rely on faith. Faith is not to be a perfect knowledge but a hope for things we cannot see but we know to be true. If I asked you to prove to me that your faith is the most correct faith on earth could you prove it? No you could not because you can't give me faith. The bible can't give me faith but can give me the seeds of faith. It is the person who takes these seeds and either lets them grow as they are watered by the person who has them or they don't do anything. You have faith in Christ. Faith is not like a coat you put on or take off. The faith you have was given line upon line and precept upon precept. It as not given to you in one big wad. I'm glad you have this faith in Christ. But there is more knowledge you can have about Christ. If there was a way that you could know that there is more knowledge about Christ wouldn't that be a good thing? But you faith limits you into a false security about what God can and cannot do. There are those who believe that the bible has no mistakes in it and us the pure word if God. There is no scripture that makes this claim. The only pure word of God comes through imperfect men whom God has called as prophets. That is as close to Gods word to being perfect as it will come and because God had to use imperfect man it won't be perfect either. You believe that because you feel your faith is superior to mine I am wrong. Suppose that your wrong. Suppose that the watered down gospel is what you have faith in? Maybe your wrong

 

[Mike Fleming]

There are those who believe that the bible has no mistakes in it and us the pure word if God. There is no scripture that makes this claim.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

I did not claim my faith to be superior to anyones. Christ himself is superior to all, but my faith is never at the measure I wish it was. However, I do have an issue with the carrying a book that is not the bible. I understand that you do not think of the final words of the bible to be applicable to the Book of Mormon, but I only find security in the infallible word of God through His scriptures. Part of those final words being, Rev. 22:19-20, "And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book." Again, I know you do not believe this applied to the book of Mormon, but to return your question, what if you are wrong? I am always open to being wrong. I have been proven to be wrong on many occasions, which is fine. I too am human. However, every scripture in the bible points to the repentance of sin through Jesus leading us to eternal life. I did not get to know him by any other means but repenting and turning to him for help. I do not wish to argue with anyone or criticize you for your beliefs. I will not disrespectful, but am genuinely concerned about a belief system brought on after Christ spoke these words through the apostle John. I could not adopt any other belief system even if it does claim to be built off of the ancient prophets and Jesus himself.

 

[Jane_Doe]

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

I did not claim my faith to be superior to anyones. Christ himself is superior to all, but my faith is never at the measure I wish it was. However, I do have an issue with the carrying a book that is not the bible. I understand that you do not think of the final words of the bible to be applicable to the Book of Mormon, but I only find security in the infallible word of God through His scriptures. Part of those final words being, Rev. 22:19-20, "And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book." Again, I know you do not believe this applied to the book of Mormon, but to return your question, what if you are wrong? I am always open to being wrong. I have been proven to be wrong on many occasions, which is fine. I too am human. However, every scripture in the bible points to the repentance of sin through Jesus leading us to eternal life. I did not get to know him by any other means but repenting and turning to him for help. I do not wish to argue with anyone or criticize you for your beliefs. I will not disrespectful, but am genuinely concerned about a belief system brought on after Christ spoke these words through the apostle John. I could not adopt any other belief system even if it does claim to be built off of the ancient prophets and Jesus himself.

Hi Mike,

Thank you for your respectful and kind tone here. I can really see your perspective, even though I personally do not share it. For me, it is completely logical that an unchanging God would continue to give scripture and speak through prophets, and the verses in the book of Revelation speak to that book. God of course can continue to add to His own words.

You said "what if you are wrong? I am always open to being wrong. I have been proven to be wrong on many occasions, which is fine. I too am human." I too am human and constantly am proven wrong and learn from mistakes. My knowledge and walk with God continues to increase. But do I doubt that He exists, continues to speak and reveal Himself through scripture... no- having been where I've been and heard the Spirit speak to me the way I have, I don't have a shadow of the doubt in my mind and cannot question that any more than to question what my name is. I can empathize with other that question and be supportive, but it's not a sentiment I myself feel.

You said: "However, every scripture in the bible points to the repentance of sin through Jesus leading us to eternal life. I did not get to know him by any other means but repenting and turning to him for help." and all I can say to those wonderful words is "Amen!"

 

[Winken]

...which is what the leadership has told everyone to do time and time again...




That being said, what about all of the false teachers within mainline Christianity?

The ones who preach violence in God's name?

The ones who tell people that the minute you profess faith you've got a one-way ticket to Heaven no matter how wicked you are the rest of your days?

The ones who tell people that God wants everyone to be rich, so one's wealth is a sign of one's favor?

The ones who feel it justified to lie about others if the ends justify the means?

The ones who focus on Jesus' skin color to maintain a larger narrative?

Et cetra.

Get back to me when you're willing to condemn these people as well.

Caution......... I have not the ability to condemn.

 

[Winken]

I don't think anyone is perfect at this. Sometimes its obvious. Other times less obvious. I think you really need your antenna tuned finely sometimes as Satan can be real sneaky.
Avoid cults and all the criteria that go with them. You can look them up on the net. Don't make any one person your guru for example.

Our one and only guru is the Holy Spirit. He is the only One perfect at this.

 

[Marvin Knox]

My first object is to find out the character of the only wise and true God, and what kind of a being he is; and if I am so fortunate as to be the man to comprehend God, and explain or convey the principles to your heart, so that the spirit seals them upon you, then let every man and woman henceforth sit in silence, put their hands on their mouths, and never lift their hands or voices, or say anything against the man of God or the servants of God again. but if I fail to do it, it becomes my duty to renounce all further pretensions, or to be a prophet; and I should be like the rest of the world---a false teacher, be hailed as a friend, and no man would seek my life.
Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 344

If there are false teachers, how can a person reognize the message that is from God?

The Holy Spirit is the only One who can help you recognize whether a message is from God.

Your personal acceptance and reliance on Christ's work at Calvary is the only hope you have that you have the Holy Spirit in you to help you out.

Assuming that you do have Him - this forum is one of the best (or should I say worst) places to get a good look at a variety of false teachers.

If you can sort them out properly by weighing very carefully what they say - it will train you well for future decernment in other areas.

I doubt, however, that displaying false teachers was the intent when they started this forum.

But it certainly has turned out that way.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

Our one and only guru is the Holy Spirit. He is the only One perfect at this.

So I can cross your name off my guru list, Winken?

 

[fatboys]

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

I did not claim my faith to be superior to anyones. Christ himself is superior to all, but my faith is never at the measure I wish it was. However, I do have an issue with the carrying a book that is not the bible. I understand that you do not think of the final words of the bible to be applicable to the Book of Mormon, but I only find security in the infallible word of God through His scriptures. Part of those final words being, Rev. 22:19-20, "And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book." Again, I know you do not believe this applied to the book of Mormon, but to return your question, what if you are wrong? I am always open to being wrong. I have been proven to be wrong on many occasions, which is fine. I too am human. However, every scripture in the bible points to the repentance of sin through Jesus leading us to eternal life. I did not get to know him by any other means but repenting and turning to him for help. I do not wish to argue with anyone or criticize you for your beliefs. I will not disrespectful, but am genuinely concerned about a belief system brought on after Christ spoke these words through the apostle John. I could not adopt any other belief system even if it does claim to be built off of the ancient prophets and Jesus himself.

Yes I know that Christ was the only perfect being to have entered into mortality. Again also I am proud of you having faith in Christ. Through him is the only way to gain salvation. And for those who don't believe in him he still paid for their sins and is just waiting for them to open the door of faith. Also John wrote revelations on th isle of Patmos. When he finished he wrote that if any should add to or take away from revelations. The bible didn't exist for another three hundred years. Now if you can misunderstand a simple verse like that then it is logical that you are misunderstanding more of Gods word. This doesn't make you evil or bad. What makes a person evil or bad is refusing to look at more truth. Refusing to think that God is in control and can speak more of his word than the scant little bit we call the bible.

 

[Rescued One]

The Bible isn't a scant little bit. It tells us everything we need to know to be complete in Christ. The God we serve preserved His word because He loves the sheep. He didn't abandon the believers and take away our royal priesthood.

1 Peter 2
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

True believers are following Christ and our instruction is to walk as children of light.

 

[Rescued One]

The Holy Spirit is the only One who can help you recognize whether a message is from God.

Your personal acceptance and reliance on Christ's work at Calvary is the only hope you have that you have the Holy Spirit in you to help you out.

Assuming that you do have Him - this forum is one of the best (or should I say worst) places to get a good look at a variety of false teachers.

If you can sort them out properly by weighing very carefully what they say - it will train you well for future decernment in other areas.

I doubt, however, that displaying false teachers was the intent when they started this forum.

But it certainly has turned out that way.

Mormonism is so far removed from biblical Christianity that the differences need to be exposed.

 

[Kiwi Christian]

The Holy Spirit is the only One who can help you recognize whether a message is from God.

Your personal acceptance and reliance on Christ's work at Calvary is the only hope you have that you have the Holy Spirit in you to help you out.

Assuming that you do have Him - this forum is one of the best (or should I say worst) places to get a good look at a variety of false teachers.

If you can sort them out properly by weighing very carefully what they say - it will train you well for future decernment in other areas.

I doubt, however, that displaying false teachers was the intent when they started this forum.

But it certainly has turned out that way.

Mormons think a burning in the bosom is the Holy Spirit.

They forget that satan can cause feelings too.

 

[Winken]

So I can cross your name off my guru list, Winken?

Where's that smilie showing a slap in my face???

 

[Kiwi Christian]

Through him is the only way to gain salvation

Tell me, my friend, what must i do specifically in order to live with God the father when i die, please?

 

[Jane_Doe]

Tell me, my friend, what must i do specifically in order to live with God the father when i die, please?

1. 
   Matthew 22--
   [36] Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
   [37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
   [38] This is the first and great commandment.
   [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
   [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

 

[Kiwi Christian]

Refusing to think that God is in control and can speak more of his word than the scant little bit we call the bible.

Wow, you have got some nerve to refer to the Bible as "scant".

The Bible is not a book but a collection of 66 books, written over a span of 1600 years across 3 continents, by over 40 writers inspired by God in 3 languages yet it has ONE primary theme ( The Glory of God and salvation of mankind ) and zero errors or contradictions.

These books are acheologically ( we KNOW where nineva, patmos, jerusalem, egypt were and are ), prophetically ( zero failed prophecies ), linguistically ( we KNOW Biblical Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic ), scientifically ( we have only recently discovered science things that are mentioned in the Bible from hundreds of years ago ) and historically ( the history in the Bible has been proven ) accurate.

the book of mormon FAILS the above list.

Instead, this book, written by a 14/15 year old boy is believed by a FEELING one may get when reading it, regardless of themountains of physical evidence that proves it is WRONG.

 

[Kiwi Christian]

In order for your religion to save you you must rely on faith

Well, my friend, dont YOU believe the book of mormon and YOUR religion by faith?

Could YOU be wrong?

 

[Jane_Doe]

Well, my friend, dont YOU believe the book of mormon and YOUR religion by faith?

Could YOU be wrong?

I answered that question in post 25. Would you like to talk further about it?

 

[fatboys]

Tell me, my friend, what must i do specifically in order to live with God the father when i die, please?

Repent and be obedient to the laws of god