This Issue...

• Crisis in the Home: SODOMY/HOMOSEXUALITY — Ronnie Whittemore p.25
• Embracing Sodom — Garland Robinson p.26
• The Great Destroyer — Alcohol — p.29
• Why I Left the Mormon Church #4 — Nathan Franson p.30
• Mail Bag — p.32

        In the political and media environment of our society, the word “crisis” tends to be overused. Nearly every cultural or political event is deemed a crisis. One of the repercussions of overusing a word such as “crisis,” is the devaluing of the word or the “real” crisis. A crisis may be defined as “an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person's life; the decisive moment; an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending; a situation that has reached a critical phase” (www.m-w.com). Sometimes the crisis that a person faces is not the “event itself,” but one's reaction to the event. For that reason, great faith and understanding in the majesty of God can help Christians to cope with the storms of life which test their faith (Matt. 14:31; James 1:2-4).
        The current political and cultural climate has presented a moral crisis for the world, the church and the home through the homosexual agenda. Homosexuality is defined as “erotic activity with another of the same sex” (www.m- w.com). For many years, Hollywood, the media and some political figures have been pushing this immoral agenda. Unfortunately, national leaders who resisted this movement have been replaced by sympathetic leaders who have taken steps to undermine the home and demoralize the nation. As a result, sodomy laws are being relaxed while others have been eliminated. Same-sex marriages are being sanctioned in a growing number of places. Society is in an identity crisis concerning our moral code. The home is under attack!

        Speaking for Jehovah God, the prophet Hosea wrote, “For I am God, and not man” (Hosea 11:9). Isaiah wrote that God's ways and thoughts are higher than man's ways and thoughts (Isa. 55:8-9). Solomon warned, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12). Man faces the challenge to see things as God sees them. To do so, one must remove prejudices, emotions, temptations to rationalize and one’s own excuses.
        God views homosexuality as a sin —deviate behavior, an abomination! “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination” (Lev. 18:22). Under the law of Moses, written by the finger of God, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” (Lev. 20:13). In Romans 1:26-28, the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul, condemned homosexuality, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” Jude wrote of the ungodly Sodomites, “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities” (Jude 7-8).
        Can one not see the politically correct crowd grimacing as these Scriptures are read and proclaimed? Can one hear objections like: “Do not use the word Sodomites. Do not say homosexual —use the word ‘gay’ or the phrase ‘alternate lifestyle’.” What a challenge to see things as God sees them!
        The home was established by God when He observed His creation and found that it was not good that man should be alone. God made woman a helper, “meet” (suitable) for Adam (Gen. 2:18). This divine arrangement was affirmed by Jesus in Matthew 19:1-9. Paul confirmed that husbands are to love their wives “as Christ loved the church” (Eph. 5:25).
        Lust and lasciviousness undermine the home. Peter spoke of men and women “having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children” (2 Peter 2:14).
        The militant and aggressive homosexual movement is attacking our homes. Families are in crisis!

        In order to establish the militant and aggressive behavior of the homosexual movement, let’s discuss Lot and his family's experience with the homosexual attacks of his time. An examination of the timeline of Lot’s life will reveal how his home was attacked despite his efforts to thwart their ungodly attempts. One of the definitions of crisis is “an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending; or a situation that has reached a critical phase.” Think about the numerous crises that faced Lot and his family in the following description from the book of Genesis.
        Prior to Sodom. Lot leaves Ur of the Chaldees with his uncle Abram (Gen. 12:5). Abram and Lot separate to avoid strife. Lot pitches his tent toward Sodom (13:12-13; 14:1). He is captured by enemies and rescued by Abram (14:12-17).
        Intermission. The Lord speaks to Abram and three men (including the Lord) approach him (Gen. 18:1-2). The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah is very grievous (18:20). God hears the cry of the city and investigates the activities of Sodom and Gomorrah (18:21). Their sin has ripened to the point of destruction as in the days of the flood (Gen. 6:5). Abram pleads for Sodom. God agrees to spare the cities if ten righteous souls can be found in that hedonistic place (18:23-33).
        Lot’s Series of Crises. Two angels (as men) visit Lot in Sodom (Gen. 19:1-3). He extends hospitality to them, but it is rejected. Lot insists they come into his house because the streets of Sodom are not safe (19:2). The Sodomites are aggressive and militant. They come to Lot's door with the desire to “know” these men sexually (Gen. 4:1,17,25 ‘knew’) (19:5). Lot confronts these homosexuals and refuses to turn the men over to them (19:7). Faced with a crisis, Lot offers his daughters to the aggressors. Did he know the men of the city would refuse them? In a similar incident in Judges 19:22, the women were not refused. A concubine was abused to death. Did the law of hospitality override Lot’s fatherhood? Were his daughters considered only possessions? Regardless, what a crisis for righteous Lot (cf. 2 Peter 2:8)! He did not ask for this event. He did not look for it. The homosexuals were militant, aggressive and abusive. But the confrontation continues.
        Lot is called a foreigner —a stranger even though he is a citizen of the community. He is scoffed. “And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door” (19:9). Does this sound familiar? You are not one of us! You do not belong here! You do not understand! Who are you to judge us? The men of the city (Sodomites), in turn, threatened Lot and his family. This is an ugly episode of human (sinful) behavior that proponents of homosexuality either ignore and/or deny. The Angels pulled Lot back into the house and blinded the Sodomites. They wearied themselves trying to find the door (19:10-11).
        Judgment is determined. The investigation of the city ended (Gen. 19:13). It would be utterly destroyed! Lot's family is divided. His sons-in-law would not listen to Lot so they stayed behind (19:14). Lot lingered, what is a father to do? His family is torn asunder (19:16). The angels led Lot and his family to Zoar and let them go (19:17-23). Lot feared. When the sun came up, God rained down brimstone and fire upon the cities. Sodom and Gomorrah and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and all that grew upon the ground were destroyed (19:24-25). The smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace (19:28). Ignoring the angels’ warning, Lot’s wife looked back and was turned into a “pillar of salt” (19:26).
        A brief intermission. Abram watches from the plains (19:27-29) as God destroyed the cities as He promised to do. Sodom and Gomorrah did not have even ten righteous citizens to save the cities from the wrath of God.
        Collateral damage. Unfortunately the story is not over. The aftermath yields more heartache for Lot and his family. Lot was fearful of the city of Zoar, perhaps not wanting a repeat of the horrible event of Sodom. Lot and his daughters lived alone in the mountains, no doubt an overreaction to their crisis. The daughters, afraid they will not have children while dwelling in the mountains with their father, made Lot drunk. He commits incest with his daughters and they each bear a son whom they named Moab and Benammi. Centuries later, their descendants, the Moabites and Ammonites, were enemies of the Israelites. How often people make poor choices on the heels of crises!
        This episode shows the progressiveness of sin. Friends, Satan has a plan. He has an agenda. He has used television and music and movie themes to advance his plan of homosexuality. His evil influence has infiltrated so many institutions like the military, the NBA, the NFL, school systems, and on and on. He uses lawsuits. He stacks polls. He advances propaganda with regularity to urge people to tolerate and ultimately accept the homosexual/lesbian agenda. The ultimate goal is to gain the approval of citizens and recruits among the innocent. He is having success in getting more and more to accept it, and those who don’t, to keep their mouth silent.

        We have the challenge to keep ourselves, our homes and the church pure. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). Paul wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2). We also read, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22).
        We have the challenge to condemn the world by living and upholding righteousness. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:16-21).
        We have the challenge to remember our former state. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul reminded his readers of their previous status as sinners and enemies of God by their choices and conduct. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
        We have the challenge to withdraw from the disorderly (Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Thess. 3:6,11,14-15; 2 John 9:11). “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us” (2 Thess. 3:6).

        There are so many lessons to learn from this crisis in Lot's home. Lot was outnumbered, so are we! The homosexual movement had an agenda, a plan. They have infiltrated so many institutions. They have national and political leaders. Friend, would you waive a rainbow flag in support of the homosexual movement? Would you march in the “pride parades?” Would you give your money to the homosexual cause? Then why do so many Christians still vote for national and local politicians who push the homosexual agenda? One day God will judge whether we encouraged this evil or fought against it (John 12:48; 2 Cor. 6:14-18).
        How can we be sure of the outcome of this crisis? There is an investigation underway. God knows what mankind does to His wonderful creation. He will listen to the cries of His people. Do we grieve? Are we praying? Our homes are suffering. The church is embattled. We need God's help! Where are you in this crisis?
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        Political correctness is one of the greatest threats we face, not only in America, but the whole world. Political correctness demands a total disregard of right and wrong. It scorns the concept of morality and decency. It insists that we ignore the standard of righteousness. As a matter of fact, it asserts there is no absolute standard of right and wrong. It would have everyone to be a law unto themselves —any and everything “goes,” is the cry of the day.
        Political correctness demands that everyone accept the concept of a “so called” alternate lifestyle. This phrase has been coined to avoid the shame, reproach and guilt of calling it what it really is —SODOMY. The word “gay” has been highjacked to make sodomy seem appealing. Men may call sodomy by more pleasant terms, but it won’t change what it is. Nor will it allow one to avoid the eternal consequences of ungodly and immoral behavior. Killing one’s unborn son or daughter may not be called murder, but that does not change the fact of it. To make it more acceptable it’s called abortion, ending a pregnancy, planned parenthood, a choice. The end result is the same! No one can escape the all seeing eye of God (Heb. 4:13; Job 34:21-22).
        How did we get to where we are today? How can we even imagine that our society has come to be so indifferent toward godless and immoral behavior? How in the world is it even possible that AMERICA IS NOW ESPOUSING, SUPPORTING, PROMOTING, ENCOURAGING, ADVANCING, CHAMPIONING, PROTECTING, DEFENDING, EMBRACING THE VERY THING THAT DESTROYED THE CITIES OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH? Who would have ever imagined such a thing just a few short years ago? Sodomy (homosexuality: men with men and women with women) has always been known to be indecent, immoral, vulgar, disgusting —and rightly so! The sin of sodomy is a giant leap toward bringing this nation to utter destruction as it has done in ancient times in other places.
        This country is in a downward spiral that is gaining momentum and speed every single day. The masses are being beaten into subjection to allow this abnormal, deviant and perverted behavior. Apathy and complacency is allowing it to happen. Where are the moral and upright citizens of this land? Where are the so-called “christians” that are supposedly the majority in this country? Their voices are largely silent. They are becoming more and more accustom to it’s growing acceptance. They’re afraid because of “political correctness.” They don’t won’t to be seen as “not in step with the times.” They are afraid of being thought of as bigots, extremists, and fanatics. Seems like the Lord said something about whom we should fear. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28).
        We are at WAR —a war against Satan, his demons and earthly cohorts among men. It is not a war against flesh and blood, “...but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]” (Eph. 6:12). “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5). We do not fight with our fists or take up arms or any other such thing. We do not oppose men and women themselves; instead, we oppose the sin in which they are involved. It is a war of WORDS, a war of TRUTH, a war against sinful behavior and actions. The weapon we use is the precious and eternal word of God —nothing more and nothing less. The TRUTH sets forth righteousness and condemns ERROR. The Truth saves (John 8:31-32). Error condemns to hell (Psa. 9:17; 145:20; Isa. 5:14-15; Matt. 25:41,46; Luke 16:22-24; Rom. 2:8-9; 6:23; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rev. 20:15; 21:8).
        There is a distinct difference between righteousness (saints) and wickedness (sinners). “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psa. 1:6). “The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy” (Psa. 145:20). “The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness” (Prov. 15:9). God’s word shows men how to live. “The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether. More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward” (Psa. 19:7-11).
        Notice what God says about those who live in wickedness. “I will not justify the wicked” (Exodus 23:7). “God is angry with the wicked every day” (Psa. 7:11). “Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes” (Psa. 119:155). “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psa. 9:17). “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18). “Who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:6).
        The Scriptures are full of references of those who HATE God (Exodus 20:5; Psa. 81:10-15; Rom. 1:30). They hate Him because He condemns their sinful behavior. They hate Him because He requires them to live a clean and upright life. They hate Him because He requires them to live a faithful obedient life. They refuse to live the good life. They want to be free from condemnation. They demand their right to live as they so choose. As a matter of fact, God gives them that right. He allows everyone to make their own choices and live the way they choose. As long as we live in this world, we have the freedom to live as we want. However, there’s a reckoning day coming. Notice these words, “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment” (Eccl. 11:9).
        Every human being will stand before the Lord one day to be judged concerning how they’ve lived. “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil” (Eccl. 12:14). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works” (Matt. 16:27). God commands “...all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31). God has the right to judge us because He is the one that made us (Gen. 1:26-27).
        Homosexuality, the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah that wiped these cities from the face of the earth, has been condemned in every culture and society —in every period of time since the world began.
        Homosexuality was sinful and condemned under the Patriarchal Dispensation. The words “sodomy,” “sodomite” and “sodomize” come from the city of Sodom —from the “alternate lifestyle” (behavior) practiced by its inhabitants (Gen. 18:16㬏:29). Not even ten righteous souls could be found in the whole city! They all were utterly destroyed and the city so demolished that no trace of that place has been found till this day.
        Homosexuality was sinful and condemned under the Mosaical Dispensation. “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it [is] confusion. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you” (Lev. 18:22-24; cf. 20:13-17).
        Homosexuality is sinful and condemned under the Christian Dispensation. “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient” (Rom. 1:26-28).
        The city of Corinth was full of every vile and corrupt behavior. Homosexuality was rampant. Some were converted to the Lord. They repented of their “lifestyle” of sodomy and were forgiven (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
        There is HOPE for homosexuals just as there is hope for all sinners. It’s called REPENTANCE. Jesus died to save the lost. He died for sinners (Heb. 2:9). He will have compassion upon those who humbly come to Him in faith and obedience.
        To receive FORGIVENESS of any and all sins, one must: Believe in Jesus (John 8:24; 3:16), Repent of sins (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; 17:30), Confess Him before men (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:37), and be Baptized in water for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-6, 17- 18; 1 Peter 3:21).
        Don’t let Satan blind your mind to the truth (2 Cor. 4:4). Don’t make excuses regarding your life. Repent and be Baptized (Mark 16:16). You CAN live a faithful Christian life (Rev. 2:10). And, you WILL hear the Lord say, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34).
      

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        Strong drink is indeed “the great destroyer.” Drink has shed more blood, hung more crepe, sold more homes, plunged more people into bankruptcy, armed more villains, slain more children, snapped more wedding rings, defiled more innocent, blinded more eyes, dethroned more reason, wrecked more manhood, dishonored more womanhood, broke more hearts, blasted more lives, driven more to suicide, and dug more graves than any other scourge that has cursed the world.
        Alcohol as a beverage destroys internally, externally and eternally. There are many “woes” connected with alcoholic beverages.
        Please consider the woe of PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES: A disturbed stomach, a diseased liver, a weakened heart, a feverish brain, an early grave (Isa. 5:22; Prov. 23:29-35).
        The woe of A DERANGED MIND. Drunkenness beclouds reason, impairs memory, inflates imagination. While under the influence of an intoxicant, a man is insane. He errs in vision and stumbles in judgment.
        The woe of FINANCIAL DISASTER (Prov. 23:21). Whiskey incapacitates man, makes him unfit for usefulness. Because of intemperance or drunkenness, men lose their jobs. For this reason, drunkenness brings the man and his family to rags and crumbs.
        The woe of SOCIAL OSTRACISM. The drunkard is considered, and rightly so, an enemy of society.
        The woe of MORAL CALAMITY. Intoxicants arouse dormant passions. The sin of drunkenness is often followed by other sins. One of these is sexual sin. Another is falsehood. While under the influence of liquor, man’s word is unreliable. Another sin is wrath. A drunkard will fight his best friend.
        The woe of GOD’S JUDGMENT. The almighty has spoken his displeasure and pronounced his judgment. No drunkard can inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

• Every 20th alcoholic is pre-teen (5%).
• Alcohol damages every gland and organ in the body (100%).
• America sees alcohol abused or advertised on television every few seconds.
• Four out of every 10 hospital admissions is alcohol related (40%).
• Half of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol (50%).
• One of every five divorces are caused by alcoholism (20%).
• Alcohol is cited as a major contributor to 1 of 3 suicides in Michigan (33%).
• Nearly 2/3 of all murders in America are committed under the influence of alcohol (64%).
• Over half of all child abuse cases involve alcohol (60%).
• Alcoholics outnumber drug addicts 10 to 1 (1,000%).

—As Relevant Today As It Has Always Been

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        The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is driven largely by a creed of thirteen “Articles of Faith.” To see our ongoing examination of these “Articles,” go to seektheoldpaths.com/stop2014.htm.

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

        First it is significant to detail Mormonism’s tainted approach to Baptism. While the LDS Church in general claims to teach Baptism for the remission of sins, their tradition of what they accept as the age of accountability and why one is baptized and what happens, comes with polluted explanations. Unless one is converted later in life, the standard age to be baptized in the Mormon faith is eight years old.
        The LDS website states,

Not long after Moroni was called to be a prophet, disagreements arose in the church about whether little children should be baptized. Moroni wrote a letter to his father, Mormon, asking for advice. Mormon prayed to Heavenly Father and received an answer: “Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin” (Moroni 8:8). Mormon wrote back to Moroni, telling him, “It is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children. “Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin. “And little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance unto the remission of sins. “But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world.” (Moroni 8:9-12.) In our own time, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that children should be baptized at the age of eight. (See Doctrine and Covenants 68:25,27 [D&C 68:25, 27]). Each year thousands of righteous children reach the age of accountability and are baptized into the Lord’s church. (www.lds.org, “The Age of Accountability: Why Am I Baptized When I am Eight Years Old?“)

        There are several factors to weigh with these teachings. One, if children are not capable of committing sin, then why the need for baptism? It must be understood that Baptism is for the condemned. Baptism for the remission of sins means that sin is involved and baptism washes that sin away. Paul writes, “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Something must be done to take care of it. Notice how their own doctrine changed and flip-flopped on the subject. Further, what do they mean by “baptism is unto repentance?” On the Day of Pentecost when the Jews were pricked in their hearts they asked, “What shall we do” (Acts 2:37)? Peter responded, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Repentance was separate from baptism and yet of equal importance in order to receive the remission of sins. One cannot receive remission of sins without repenting. One cannot receive remission of sins without baptism. They involve different things. One does not automatically repent upon being baptized, just as one is not automatically baptized upon repenting.
        Further, where in the Bible does it confirm that the age of accountability is eight years old? Children develop and understand differently from one another. The age of accountability indicates that one is fully aware of the decision between doing right and wrong. Scripturally, they must demonstrate a recognition of who Christ is. They must realize what repentance is and why it is imperative. They must recognize what will happen if they are not baptized. They must be willing to put God first. Baptism is a commitment. John writes, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). Is every eight year old child capable of understanding Christ’s law? This is the most important decision anyone will make in this life. Where eternity is spent is contingent on repenting, being baptized and knowing why.
        The LDS website also states, “Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the first saving ordinance of the gospel and is necessary for an individual to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to receive eternal salvation.” This is not what Peter taught. He explains, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them [emphasis mine, NF] about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Acts 2:47 says, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” No one can become a member of anything, as it is the Lord who adds them. One may be able to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but if one wants to be part of Christ’s church, only the Lord can add them based on the commands given by Peter and other apostles.
        Mormons also teach that “The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism” (Doctrine and Covenants, 20:73). However, not one conversion in the Bible attaches this command. If that were the case, baptism would depend on two people and not just one. What if no one had “authority” according to the Mormon definition? Would one’s baptism then be invalid? Would one be lost? There is no Biblical account that states one has to have any special authority to baptize another who has confessed Christ and repented and is ready to have their sins washed away.

        It is difficult to get a satisfactory answer from anyone in the Mormon faith when asking about the gift of the Holy Ghost, much less the laying on of hands to receive it.
        Joseph B. Wirthlin, a member of the LDS Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, writes,

The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: “There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him.” The gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, is obtained only upon condition of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands by authorized servants endowed with the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is a most precious gift available only to worthy members of the Lord’s Church. In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord calls the gift of the Holy Ghost “the unspeakable gift.” (D&C 121:26) It is the source of testimony and spiritual gifts. It enlightens minds, fills our souls with joy (D&C 11:13), teaches us all things, and brings forgotten knowledge to our remembrance. The Holy Ghost also “will show unto [us] all things what [we] should do.” (Wirthlin)

        None of this coincides with Bible explanation. The Holy Spirit has revealed what everyone needs to do through the inspired word. Those who received the Holy Spirit received it by the miraculous abilities. It enabled them to perform miracles. A good example of this is when Peter and John entered Samaria (Acts 8:14-17). Only the apostles had the authority to lay hands on others for them to receive miraculous gifts. Those who received the gift from the apostles were able to perform miracles. If anyone were to receive it the same way today, they would be able to do the same miracles as described in the New Testament.
        The purpose of miracles were to confirm the word (Heb. 2:1-4; Mark 16:20). Under New Testament, the apostles had the ability given by God to lay hands on people in order to impart a miraculous gift. Miracles such as prophecy are like scaffolding to a building. Once the building is complete, there is no more need for scaffolding. Such was the case with prophets (Cates 27-29). Paul talked about wanting the best gifts (1 Cor. 12:31). However, there was coming a time when all of it would end. Paul wrote, “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away” (1 Cor. 13:8). Notice that prophecy would fail. Tongues would cease. A supernatural type of knowledge would vanish away. The only thing still in effect when miraculous gifts ceased would be love. Paul continued, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Cor. 13:9-10). That which is “in part” refers to the sharing of knowledge and includes prophecy, tongues, and miraculous knowledge. That which is “in part” will be done away. It would lead to the end of the miraculous gifts. Why? It is because they would no longer be needed. What was “done away” was the “in part” system of delivering truth. The “perfect” (complete) word of God would be revealed and completely delivered. The “perfect” in this text is not the Christ, as Christ had already come and ascended back to heaven. Paul said that there would not always be a need for prophets. He then offered an analogy: “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11). He put away childish things as the church would put away the needs of a prophet and miraculous gifts. “For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Cor. 13:12).
        If the “first principles and ordinances of the [Mormon] gospel” are not viable, how can any of it be trusted? The Bible has always been consistent and agreeable with itself. The Mormon ordinances are nothing more than an attempt to redefine what the Bible has already made clear. Further study will expose even more irregularities in a system that has a pattern of changing. Paul writes, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Eph. 4:14).

        Works Cited
        Cates, Curtis. “Does the Holy Spirit Work Miraculously?” Pillars -- The Holy Spirit. Duluth: Rampart Productions, 2007. 27-29.
        The Age of Accountability: Why Am I Baptized When I am Eight Years Old? Feb 2000. 5 Mar 2014 .
        Wirthlin, Joseph B. The Unspeakable Gift. May 2003. 5 Mar 2014 .
               921 W Vine St.
               Kissimmee, FL 34741

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