On the matter of authority I disagree with Joseph Smiths claim that any unique or special authority was conferred by God upon the church. Words of encouragement for our time of crises. I really hate that. I think we fail whenever we lose sight of those elements when we assume some are outside the salvific effect of our ordinances, limit our application of Gods grace to only those who appear to be like us (hence, Elder Wirthlins talk), or start worrying more about what we say or think or believe than what we do and become. I recall that Joseph would often bypass the bishop in Zion and address his letters of concern to the newspaper editor. Order today on DVD, or stream The Days of Noah online on Amazon . For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:4-5). Laymen Ministries is an independent missionary organization. That universal application of grace is the core of the way we view ordinances, and it is uniquely participatory which leaks into #3. workers around the world. In many Christian churches doctrinal understanding may be more professionally addressed, illuminated and emphasized given that those who preach are usually trained for the task, but I would consider intellectual commitment a minor or non-motivator for most who are church goers. The story is really quite amazing! In no way does it enhance the authority of those in leadership, and I think it may undermine it to a tangible degree. By imbuing divine revelatory precedent down to the local level, it allows the church to preserve a loyalty to the hierarchy, its mission and unique restorative authority while also creating a doctrinal malleability and flexibility at the local church and adherant level. Protestant Christians (aside perhaps strict Calvinists) believe that God has the power to reach out and save each of His children who will accept Him in faith. Thanks for all the great responses and insights. And ultimately in the LDS experience there is a more engendered climate where the individual filters messages for pressing efficacy all per the individuals spiritual witness more than measuring it against scriptural standard, tradition or past authoritative statements. In short, Laymen Ministries is not an officially recognized Mormon organization, but it does draw from LDS Church teachings and values. You will get one text message, every morning. In addition to encompassing the roles of the others, elders were to lead all meetings, ordain other elders, and confirm membership in the church by the laying on of hands and the giving of the Holy Ghost. Elders were explicitly equated with apostles, and many early elders referred to themselves as apostles. The movement took on the name Bible Standard Ministries under Bernard Hedman some years earlier, but Ralph Herzig, according to these separatists had changed the name illegally. Questions about the bible, What Was Adam And Eves Last Name: The High Councils soon became the churchs leading legislative and judicial bodies. As I said, I think we will be judged by what we become by how valiantly we strive to become like Jesus to live what we understand, whatever that is. Granted, I think youre wrong, JfQ. Ive believed for a long time, even when I was Mormon, that divinity can certainly manifest in the LDS experience like it can in other Christian faiths, but I think it is by Gods grace, in spite of the authoritarian hierarchy, not by virtue of it. I know this torques some Christians, but I phrase it this (not unique) way: Based on the common definition of salvation employed within Protestantism, if denominational affiliation were not known and ONLY the core principles of the Gospel were discussed, Protestants believe all of us will end up in what we call the Terrestrial Kingdom. Still the faith does have unique strengths that has allowed it to be probably the most distinct American religion ever, and to carve a small place for itself in world religions. I dont want to insinuate I dont think the LDS church has inspiration. In fact, they are at zero growth in the United States, with probably half their members no longer active. They are the church of Joseph Smith, a false prophet who taught that Jesus is the literal spirit brother of Satan and was not born of the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Mary, but was conceived through physical incest. This life is the time to repent, and those who would not accept in this life, will not do so in the next. If you are running Windows XP or Vista, you may consider downloading Firefox or Opera for continued support. Our goal is to empower lay people in all par See more 3,388 people like this 3,746 people follow this http://www.lmn.org/ (800) 245-1844 office@lmn.org Nonprofit Organization Photos See all Videos See all 9:47 family! The Truth: Mormonism is far different from biblical Christianity. Ray said, Very well said, JfQ except for those who condemn Mormons and JWs and Catholics to Hell for not believing in the real Jesus. Women (according to this study) are highest in historically Black Protestant (60%), but men are higher (~60%) in Hindu or unaffiliated categories. The lay clergy creates a different type of engagement & growth for individuals, and the three degrees of glory brings hope and charity together nicely. The view you have expressed is not a traditional Christian view. We send devout Christians, just like you, text messages every morning, straight from the Bible. The Nauvoo Legion-Civil and Religious Rights, Occultic and Masonic Influences on Early Mormonism, The Order to Destroy the Nauvoo Expositor, Final Moments at Carthage Jail and the Death of Joseph Smith, Six Days in August: Brigham Young and the Succession Crisis of 1844, Abraham Lincoln's Connections to Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. First of all, it has to be understood that all members of the Church are full members, each with his own calling and responsibility. Questions about the bible, Is Laymen Ministries Mormon: Laymen Ministries is widely recognized as being a non-Mormon organization, although it does draw from Mormon teachings and values. LAYMEN MINISTRIES - FEATURED ARTICLES Featured Articles Download featured articles from Laymen Ministries Magazines. Mormons believe that there are literally millions of gods; these gods populate their own planets and rule over them. From the outset, the Bible was defined as untrustworthy, save intercession through the Prophet as to what had not been mistranslated; new scripture and revelation became an open canon that is constantly in flux (or treated when needed as in flux), therefore practical loyalty is, really, to confidence in the current leadership, its titles and keys, and not to tradition, canon nor historical precedentat least not on any level comparable to Christianity or Judaism. but, it has fueled the growth of the church all these years to have actively engaged members who have a job to do. When Mormons claim growth statistics, this is growth outside the United States, largely in Catholic countries like the Philippines and Central and South America where people have easily been led astray by their false teachings cloaked in Christian terminology. Id like to say theres light at the end of the tunnel in my schedule, but I dont see it . love to edify the Church and also those with no knowledge of God. Missouri State Archives-The Missouri-Mormon War, Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs' Extermination Order. Admittedly, the approach between denominations is different, and is founded on very different understanding of salvation doctrine and is a point of examination and fair debate. post-production facility. I think that this is a challenge that lay leadership continues to present in the Church. Thats not just Calvinists. the Gospel message to people in Nepal, operating prison ministries in Romania and The Philippines, and TV production both in India The Laymen's Ministry is an Auxiliary of the Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, Inc. Many people I know are living a great, terrestrial life, trying their best to follow Christ, which we are taught will yield something along the lines of a traditional Christian heaven (minus the trampoline-clouds and harps). Meet Luna Day, a gifted content creator at Bible Hint. Either faith tradition is full of plenty of folks who make it their business to judge whos been saved or not. I thought about how gender-balanced our Sunday attendance seems to be, at least in my Stake, and wondered whether one of the reasons we perhaps havent experienced the same degree of decline in male attendance in the LDS church owes to the fact that men in the LDS church are given responsibilities and callings that make them feel valued and needed, which gives them more of a reason to show up to church each Sunday. Thats pretty glorious if you ask me. Im not being dismissive in saying that; I believe it is a legitimate approach and that your views are thoughtful and uplifting, but I simply disavow it as a traditional Christian view. In addition to providing members with a simplified version of the gospel, Laymen Ministries also provides various programs and services that are designed to help people grow spiritually. Their website "www.biblestandard.com" offers a look into their understanding of the Bible with various magazine articles, links to foreign LHMM sites, and an interactive button where Bible questions can be asked and answered. God is there it help us, if we will let Him. I found it earth shattering for me when I found out that the original settings apart in Priesthood offices happened in Kirtland, far away from Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna River, with some seeming idea of Peter, James, and John being a kind of afterthought, at least according to Bushman. Is this fair to say? If the scriptures and the prophets are to be believed at all, then all of the blessings mentioned in the scriptures are open to all of Heavenly Fathers children, so long as they are willing to accept the grace of the atonement into their lives. For example, I can believe the creation narrative to be figurative; I can argue that abortion is not ALWAYS prohibited; I can be open to the possibility that social and moral standards can change over centuries and within cultures; I can accept the Churchs new position on homosexuality; I can change my mind on any number of issues without once thinking that it should threaten my testimony specifically because I am focused on becoming and recognize that the doctrinal squabbles really dont mean squat in the long run. #2 can be functionally found quite easily in other Christian denominations. I have never personally met a single soul who met the description of a son of perdition deserving of outer darkness, and I have only met a few who would qualify for the lowest (telestial) of the three degrees of glory. The Book of Mormon has been shown to be an absolute fraud, a collection of fictional stories and plagiarisms written by Joseph Smith with no Divine inspiration whatsoever. We need not depend on human measurements to judge whether God is accomplishing His work; we trust He delivers on His promise, and reaches all who have or will have saving faith. Yes, I believe the lay clergy is a genius of Mormonism but true genius can be both enlightening and destructive. and here in the United States. 4221 Five Ways To Get Rid Of Pastor. Sit up front, smile, and say "Amen" every time he says something good. Why cant you study the Bible, a little bit, each morning, Theres no need to keep putting it off any longer, Check out our Frequently Asked Questions here: FAQ, Sign up for a daily text message (SMS), now, Use our Religion Calculator to see how religious you are. This story is one of the best known stories from the Bible, and it is important to understand why this story is significant. laymen ministries jehovah witnesswvu mechanical engineering research. Ministries. We first started working in former All with this faith will be saved and enjoy communion with God in heaven, though the rewards in heaven do differ according to the kind of lives the Children of God have lived. This leads me to a couple of questions: To what extent was this distinction the engine that fueled the early churchs success? Both believe in a powerful and loving God who will save all who are His. JfQ I really wasnt trying to call you out. In 1834, twelve high priests in Kirtland were called to a new High Council of the church. For example, how many members have been uplifted and saved (in a very real way) by a loving Bishop or RS Pres or HT/VT who had no way of knowing what was needed but provided it anyway? It drives me up the wall, and I just think its a blatant lie. My immediate response is more training at every level by the direct Priesthood leader (and support structure). Our main purpose is to enlist men and boys of the Christian faith for fellowship and service through It seems a funny mental picture to paint that Mormon Hell still smells of roses while Christian Hell smells of sulfer. Whether you want to learn about Emotions In The Bible or Bible Study, weve got you covered. In her free time, Luna enjoys volunteering at her church, leading Bible studies for children, and reading Christian literature. In 2006, after Hedman's death, another schism arose under the leadership of Richard Blaine and Robert Branconnier, insinuating that the new executive trustee had made violent changes to the teachings of the movement, in an attempt to draw off followers of their own. It also publishes and makes available to the public the 17-volume set written by Professor Paul S.L. Often, immediately following baptism and confirmation, new members were ordained as elders of the church. variety of books, Bibles, music CDs, DVDs, study guides and other resources to equip lay people with the We have been producing mission-focused magazines with thought provoking lead articles designed for the laymen dealing with current issues and practical experiences since 1985. we consider our movement to be the result of the protestant conviction sola scripturathe. Link will take you to the Laymen Ministries Online Store. Follow THE DAYS OF NOAH SERIES on Facebook. Mormonisms claim in the Book of Mormon, that American Indians are Jews who came from Jerusalem has absolutely been destroyed by modern DNA studies. View. The same argument could be used to say that our full-time missionaries are clergy. What Was Behind Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon Being Tarred and Feathered? organized in 1988 and then received non-profit status in 1991. for the laymen dealing with current issues and practical experiences since 1985. For true Christians, our faith is found in the proclamation of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone (Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 5:11-13). Kudrow was born into a Jewish family, the daughter of Lee and Nedra Kudrow. First, God has told us that he alone is God; there are no other gods besides him (Isaiah 44:4-8; Isaiah 45:5-22; Isaiah 46:9). I am rereading Rough Stone Rolling right now and am up to about 1835 (when these visuals are applicable). Priests had the additional authority to administer the sacrament (communion), to baptize members and to ordain teachers and other priests. It gives specific advice about what to say and what NOT to say when you share your faith with them. Learn how to get daily Bible verse alerts here: sign up for daily Bible verse alerts here. Do Latter-day Saints Think Jesus and Lucifer Were Spirit Brothers? I hesitate to consider this LDS structure as genius because I think there would be more proof in the pudding; the LDS church really doesnt have the data behind it making it appear to me to be a more inspired and divine structure compared to other denominations. A Temple Recommend: Being Worthy to Enter the Temple, A Spiritual and Intellectual Journey from Mormonism to Deism, New Light on Mormon Origins from the Palmyra Revival, Joseph Smith's Changing First Vision Accounts, Brigham Young's Teachings on Blood Atonement, Latter-day Saints and Biblical Christianity. Laymen Ministries is also involved with Television production in India, where we own and operate another TV studio under the name . The August 30, 1924 issue of the National Baptist Voice stated the purpose of the Laymen 's Movement: A second bishop was created in December of that year for Kirtland. the jungles of Vanuatu or travel with us to India to see the sights and sounds as well as taking in the *grin* I just dont think it will make any difference in the long run, with what Ive seen of you here. The clergy are those members who have a special service within the body, and not over it or apart from it. Both believe in a powerful and loving God who will save all who are His. The truth is that each faith tradition believes in the reality of hell a place of separation from God and that this is ultimately a regretful state, even if the allegories about it seem so divergent. All that a sense of apartness does is enhance the idea that the lay members of the church (as opposed to those who are called to give up their secular lives, such as the Twelve and the First Presidency, which are a small group indeed) are not worthy of the same blessings or inspiration that the high leadership is. While their teachings are drawn from the Churchs teachings, they do not adhere to the doctrinal requirements or the ecclesiastical structure of the LDS Church. It is not the fastest growing denomination in America. see what is happening in these various countries. Sensitivity training? My view has always been that if Mormonism is wrong (which I do not beleive), then the worst case scenario for me is that I would have done too much to merit my reward since I have done exactly the same thing as the Christian does to obtain his/her salvation plus a WHOLE lot more. We want to make the most of new technologies and avenues for sharing the everlasting gospel, such as social I apologize for not being interactive Ive been working around the clock rendering a corporate promotional documentary which saps all of my computers processing capacity and all of my brains willpower. The office of deacon was soon added beneath teacher with the primary assignment of assisting the other offices. Its because the way we represent the doctrinal differences ends up being condescending and argumentative, mostly because our natural man perspectives are to distinguish and discriminate and label and exclude out of a strong protective reflex. Toll Free: 1.800.245.1844 Elder was the highest position. These Mormon doctrines are in direct conflict with the truth that God has revealed to us in Scripture. I have a hard time envisioning Celestial glory and Im not sure who I know is living at that level (I cant see into peoples hearts). Some numbers separated and have continued with a work of their own which in the main was to wage a battle of words. We have been producing mission-focused magazines with thought provoking lead articles designed They believe god is married to a goddess wife and that they sexually begot all people on earth, whom previously were spirit children waiting for bodies on Earth to possess. I mentioned Calvinists, well, because the hard-core elective predestination sorts dont believe that all or necessarily many will be saved, and especially wouldnt agree with what I articulated about what I consider a compelling, hopeful, powerful, gracious and compassionate salvation doctrine. Mormons have created a system of works and human effort whereby they believe that they might attain their own personal godhood. And this book [the Book of Mormon] is another testament of him.. children. And such a warm and reassuring thing to know the nature of God., The Truth: Joseph Smith was the founder of the Mormon church. I agree we have MUCH in common, but there are significant differences that I personally think are inspired or genius. Erasing the line between laity and clergy reinforces this already natural human tendency. Email: office@lmn.org, schools for indigenous Teachers were to exhort the membership and see that they meet often. We also utilize a YouTube Channel. Not easy to have productive dialogue. Let me be a little more precise, while agreeing that we really do have FAR more in common than most people (Mormons and other Christians) realize. Still I believe the Holy Spirit can work to call men to works which glorify God, and the commitment of many LDS then and now are testament to how this certainly can be true for the good service so many members accomplish. If you would like to know projects around the world that air on the satellite network 3ABN. All donations are tax deductible. But while youre out, I disagree that the so-called (non-LDS) Christian view of Heaven & Hell as held by most adherents is much like the three degrees of glory at all. His name is in the name of the church. For questions, email us at, The Mormons: Who They Are, What They Believe, Sharing Your Faith with Latter-day Saints, A Seer Stone and a Hat: Translating the Book of Mormon, Seer Stones - the Occult in Joseph Smith's Day, Setting the Record Straight About Native Peoples: Lost Tribes of Israel, Native Americans and Jews: The Lost Tribes Episode, Review of Sidney Rigdon: A Portrait of Religious Excess, Smith and Rigdon are Tarred and Feathered.

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