gdp's Comments

Mormon Coffee : Sacred Mormon Garments Work Like a Charm

Wed, 25 May 2011 20:08:00 +0000

Now I believe there is great benefit to God's Word - that God promises the Spirit is carried with the Word, convicting us of sin and bringing God's Word of forgiveness in Christ to our sinful hearts. And Christ instituted the Lord's Supper and Baptism (which also carry God's Word)- so I see much benefit in receiving from Him these great gifts. But I don't see Mormon underwear anywhere in the Scriptures and I don't believe it carries any benefit at all - but rather is another strange adaptation that Joseph Smith made from Free Masonry.

Mormon Coffee : Sacred Mormon Garments Work Like a Charm

Wed, 25 May 2011 20:07:27 +0000

So Donny Osmond seems to indicate that the underwear are just a reminder, while other sources say there are much greater benefits to the underwear. Couldn't just about anything could be a reminder? - a yellow wristband to remind one of the gold plates and the new/restored revelation, a Moroni necklace to remind one of their temple vows, or an "after all you can do" AAYCD acronym on a wall plaque. Or even a beautiful Mormon CTR necklace like this could be a reminder - http://www.ctr-ring.com/lds-book-store/colored-ct... . You can't even see underwear, and its always best when you can't even feel them. I am prone to believe that there is (in Mormon theology) some inherent spiritual benefit to the holy underwear.

Mormon Coffee : How Many Mormon Gods for Us?

Mon, 16 May 2011 16:17:22 +0000

One question I have is what about the other wives - wouldn't there be MANY heavenly mothers?? Isn't that the rationale behind polygamy as explained by Smith/Young? Hypothetically, everyone posting comments here on Mormon Coffee could have a differnent Heavenly Mother - then the Mormon Godhead would be expanded to include all those goddesses. The idea of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother as thought up by the Mormon prophets is confusing and non-Scriptural. Joseph Smith restored/converted to a religion of sorts, it just is not Christianity.

Mormon Coffee : Why Join the Mormon Church?

Tue, 10 May 2011 03:29:39 +0000

The Church is to turn us to Jesus in His Word, in Communion, in our Baptism. Communion shows us Jesus death on the cross for our sins. In Baptism we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection. The Chruch is Jesus' people. God's Spirit is present in these things showing us Jesus death for our sins, his free forgiveness freely offered, and calling us to come rest in Him. If Jesus is not the focus - if you are invovled in a self-improvement religion, eventually you will realize this scheme is not working (and here's a secret I found out, it's not working for anyone else there either!). Turn to Jesus and find forgiveness and rest. I do rely on my Church to turn me to Jesus, to show me Jesus - I need my Church because I am a sinner and I would definitely drift from Christ is I was doing it on my own. The Church is where I hear about Jesus for a desperate sinner like myself.

Mormon Coffee : Why Join the Mormon Church?

Tue, 10 May 2011 03:29:00 +0000

The role of the Church is to point us to Jesus Christ death on the cross for our sins, just as the Apostle Paul wrote that he focused exclusively on Christ crucified for our sins. The Church is that invisible fellowship of believers worldwide united in that simple faith in Jesus. Also, I believe their is definitely a role for the local Church fellowship to which a Christian belongs. Once again the role of the local Church is to point sinners, both believer and non-believers, to the forgiveness of sins found in Jesus death and resurrection. Sure - other good things flow from that, but without that focus on Jesus, without Him at the center? Well without Jesus at the Center - his death for our sins as the sole focus, it's worthless, and eventually it will drain you, it will become a burden, it's lifelessness will drive you to despair. When those who partcipate in Christless religion realize their self-improvement scheme isn't working, and they're still hearing the motivational seminars at "church," that's when the despair sets in. Followed by unbelief and rejection of this empty religion.

Mormon Coffee : Keeping “our radar focused” on the membership

Sun, 1 May 2011 04:46:47 +0000

dickkopf, There is a variety of opinion among Christians on the subject of losing faith/salvation. Many claim it is not possible, while others think it is. I believe it is possible to renounce your faith and leave it behind - I have seen people do it. It is not something that just happens as the result of a sin or sinful pattern, but comes from a life lacking repentance and finally a rejection of the faith they once believed. Here are some of the Scriptures which indicate that we should be listening to God's voice in His Word, repenting, and constantly receiving His Gift of unmerited favor and forgiveness given to us in Jesus: Luke 8:13 "Those on the rock are those who receive the Word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe a while but in time of testing they fall away. Galatians 4:19 My dear children for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you. 1 Timothy 1:19-20 You may fight the good fight of faith, hold on to a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction. 1 Corinthians 10:12 So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall. We must alway hear the good news of Jesus death on the cross for our sins, how we fail to measure up and are sinful, and live a life of repentance before the Lord. Our hearts can become hardened if we will not listen to God's Word (the Scriptures) or hear it preached. It reveals our sin and brings us to faith. Jesus taught us to pray daily "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." Our salvation is sure because we humbly rely on the gospel - Jesus mercy and grace: 1 Peter 1:3-5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 5:10-11 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. Phil 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:8,9 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. These two sets of Scripture appear to be contradictory, but we know both to be true. By faith we accept both God's promises and His warnings, and rely on God to hold us upright and push us on in faith. That's the difference between Peter and Judas, King Saul and King David. When confronted with our sin, listen to God's Word and promises and turn in faith and repentance to receive forgiveness. Do not harden your heart and turn away. (Drawn from Life with God by Pastor Laurence L. White)

Mormon Coffee : Are Their Words Really Scripture?

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 16:42:13 +0000

So truth is relative and determined by the listener? Each person can have their own truth? Is this what you are saying? I thought Mormonism claimed to be true? If you are subscribing to each person determines his own truth, the Book of Mormon and Mormonism truly has nothing to offer. On the other hand - if there is truth, and Holy Scripture is the true revelation of God to sinful and fallen people - offering forgiveness through Jesus death on the cross and resurrection, then that changes everything.

Mormon Coffee : Are Their Words Really Scripture?

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 15:00:30 +0000

If the prophets are Jesus' voice to the Church, actually to everyone in the world today, then the utmost reverence and sincere adherance to their words spoken should absolutely be the rule. To hear the voice of God speaking to us and turn away and reject even one thing this spokesperson says would be a rejection of God Himself. However, it is not us who don't believe these Mormon teachers are real prophets who discount and take-away the authority of their prophet who supposedly teaches in the place and stead of Jesus - no, it is not us - they do it themselves! Any troubling thing the prophets have spoken (and I agree, many things they have said are troubling) is discounted, voided of meaning, and cast aside. Is it any wonder, when Mormons treat their own prophets whom they believe to be the voice of God, which such disrespect that they so easily cast aside God's Holy Scripture when it does not agree with their preconceptions? As Christians we have the standard of God's Word given to us by God and preserved by God. Mormons have a pick-and-chose doctrine that does not even line up with their own statements on either the authority of Scripture nor the authority of the prophets.

Mormon Coffee : “Following the Prophet” = “Continuing Personal Revelation”

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 17:43:00 +0000

There is a new archeological discovery in the news. It is puported to be an ancient metal book of possibly 1st century Christian origins! Since Mormon prophets are known for their gift of translation, I wonder if Monson has been consulted. If not, why not? Perhaps this is, at long last, the chance to vindicate Joseph Smith and PROVE all of those long lost doctrines not found in Holy Scripture or the Book of Mormon for that matter. Secret temple ceremonies, eternal families, progression to godhood. Just let Monson get his hands on these hot little plates, and we may be amazed at what he finds. Or not. None of this "Mormon translation" business can be taken seriously (why not?? hmmmm). They said some of the plates were written in secret code - which makes me think these may not be Christian after all and some kind of mystery religion - which may be more akin to Mormonism after all!

Mormon Coffee : God Never Sinned Feature Video Launched on YouTube

Mon, 7 Feb 2011 01:06:09 +0000

Yes, we are evil. Jesus said "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! God does not sin, nor does He lie, He is not a man - His Word about us is trustworthy. Numbers 23:19 "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" We are called by God to be perfect - this is true. How deos that work? Scripture reveals we are sinful; therefore not perfect. We are perfect because while we were STILL sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) "For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17) Our righteousness, our perfection is a FREE gift, given to us through faith by Jesus death on the cross - He took our sins and atoned for them. We are credited with His righteousness, His perfection.

Mormon Coffee : God Never Sinned Feature Video Launched on YouTube

Mon, 7 Feb 2011 01:05:44 +0000

Clyde - Isaiah 64:6 says that all our righteousness is as filthy rags or a polluted garment. It isn't just Calvinist who rightly say we are depraved and sinful. All of the Christian confessions hold to the Biblical belief in original sin - even the Roman Church believes this. It is a truth that everyone can see with their own eyes - we are sinful, fallen, wicked and evil. Romans 5:12 says "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." Pslam 51:5 says "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me."

Mormon Coffee : God Never Sinned Feature Video Launched on YouTube

Sat, 5 Feb 2011 16:11:40 +0000

Most of the people in this video, whether they say yes or no demonstrate a severe lack of understanding of the holiness of God. Only the woman about half-way through who says 'heavenly Father is not like us' emphatically is even close to the truth. Even those who say 'no' display a lack of outrage or total rejection of even the premise of the question. When I first heard of the Mormon concept of man becoming god (eternal progression) together with the idea that their god was once a man, I was stunned. It is such an ugly and reprehensible idea - it completely undermines the holy eternal nature of God. It turns God into a created being, merely a by-product of some greater cosmic force or principle. It is a complete lie and without any Biblical support whatsoever. Mormons seem to like the idea because it takes away the separation we feel from God because of our sin - rather than God who takes away our sin through Christ's death and resurrection so that we can be with Him, Mormons have a god who is a sinner and is just like them (and thus no separation) and ascended through principles which they too can follow. It is just paganism repackaged with a picture of Jesus placed on top.

Mormon Coffee : Packer’s Atonement Parable: Refinancing Your Debt

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 03:24:06 +0000

A slight cross symbolism made a fleeting entrance in the shot of the measuring balance - Mormons don't want too much emphasis on the cross. .

Mormon Coffee : Packer’s Atonement Parable: Refinancing Your Debt

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 02:46:03 +0000

Eric - Thank you for your clarity. The truth of Christ as redeemer is great isn't it? Jesus did not come as a second Moses, giving us more law to obey. He came as our Savior - delivering the gift of salvation by grace through faith.

Mormon Coffee : Packer’s Atonement Parable: Refinancing Your Debt

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 05:44:06 +0000

Now, remember, what you owe is two times the national U.S. debt. Your labor pays you in wooden nickles - absolutely worthless in any monetary system. Christ pays the debt for your sin, and you have nothing to offer Him in return. Oh, and it is easy, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt. 11:29 - 30) - He has done everything to redeem you from your debt, from beginning to end (Isaiah 61:10 - Jesus is the garment of righteousness which covers us, we cannot cover our own sin and are powerless to do so). Our debt has not been refinanced, it has been forgiven, wiped clean - besides, our debt, our separation from God is so immense that any pitiful working or striving to repay would be of no account. Praise be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that we do not work in any way for our salvation, for as Scripture says, salvation is not of works - lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8).

Mormon Coffee : Ecumenicalism makes me uncomfortable

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 01:44:31 +0000

Martin, How far do you extend this? What about prayer together between Mormons and Christians? What about communion? I know , these are extreme examples, I just want you to think about where is the line drawn. I think it is not appropriate to gather in a worship service with nonbelievers. They are welcome to attend a Christian service, but to officially sanction a joint service? I could sit in a Mormon service or another religions service with no problem - I can observe and not participate. But when I begin to speak, or pray together with them and share together with them in worship, that crosses a boundary for me. We have shared Thanksgiving with Hindu friends before - generally we say the prayer and they join in (or don't - not sure what they are thinking or doing). However, I would have a problem with bowing my head while the Hindu believer said the prayer. For these same reasons I have trouble with the National Cathedral in Washington DC where people get together from all different world religions - each speaking or worshiping in turn. It's like Caesar and his pantheon of gods. The President of the U.S.(Bush, Obama) attends services and announces holy days for Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Christian, etc. etc.. Is God a jealous God, or does He not really care? Am I perfect in separating myself from false religion? Absolutely not, far from it - I have had and still have idolatrous thoughts, words, and deeds. I am an idolater, that's why I need Christ's mercy and forgiveness.

Mormon Coffee : Ecumenicalism makes me uncomfortable

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 01:09:35 +0000

Who mentioned smoking and drinking? That's a complete non sequitur. I don't care one whit about that.

Mormon Coffee : Ecumenicalism makes me uncomfortable

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:48:16 +0000

Never should Christians join with unbelievers in worship or a religious endeavor. This is completely wrong. If a prayer was said - to which deity was the prayer offered? When you sing of Jesus, which Jesus is it - the only begotten, God come in the flesh, third person of the trinity - or - the first spirit child of a exalted man, our older brother, a god not THE God (as Mormons believe)? This service surely was not pleasing to God, and did not exalt the one true God, the incarnate God, the Lord Jesus Christ who suffered and died on a cross for the salvation of all people. If the true Christ is not at the center of worship, then it is a non-Christian idolatrous event. Mormons, Christians, and other religions can work together for social causes and non-religious work. To uphold the sanctity of life, work against social injustice, affirm marriage as important to civil society - in these things people of all religions can work together. Worship and praise of God - No. Prayer - No. Christians cannot join others in the worship of false gods.

Mormon Coffee : The Comfort of Knowing God Was a Sinner

Thu, 9 Dec 2010 23:44:27 +0000

Ralph - If I was Mormon I know I would be drinking a lot more beers and wine. I do have an adult beverage every now and then - it is not a sin and legalism has never saved one person. If I were Mormon I would probably be smoking too, and so on. The Mormon faith offers no hope - it turns you inward to reflect on your own condition and striving for your own salvation. Such a religion would drive me to extremes as I am fully aware of my fallen sinful nature and complete inability to save myself. I would utterly despair of "change" and indulge in hopeless reckless abandon. Thankfully, I know it's not about me or what I do. It's about Jesus from beginning to end. It's about His bearing the cross, His holy wounds which cleanse me of all unrighteousness. It's about His forgiveness through His body and blood. It's zero about me. Now THAT gives me hope, leads me to repentance and faith, and cleanses me of all unrighteousness, just as He has promised. Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.

Mormon Coffee : Gospel Principles 2009 as a Significant Perpetuation of Traditional Mormon Theology

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 04:34:11 +0000

Good summary of the Biblical essentials of Christianity. These are all lynch-pin beliefs - if any of these Scriptural doctrines are denied I would run, not walk from this "church." If you remove any one of these essentials, the rest fall apart, or at least fail to make sense. Man's sinful fallen state would be another doctrine that I think all of Christianity does not make sense without, otherwise why do you need a savior?? Of course this could fall under the Bible is the Word of God and is true in what it reveals about man's fallen nature.