Mind over matter

 Mormons tell us all the time that we just need to pray and God will reveal to us the truth of the Book of Mormon.  But is that what God's Word tells us we need to do?  I have encouraged Christians to start conversations by asking Mormons what feelings aren't preceded by a thought.  Why is this the case?  Everything starts with the mind.  Our attitudes that we have come from what we think before anything we feel.  What does God's Word say about this? Here are a few verses...

Romans 1:28
Romans 8:5-7
Romans 12:16
II Corinthians 4:4
II Corinthians 11:3
Ephesians 2:3
Ephesians 4:17
Philippians 3:19
Colossians 1:21
Colossians 2:18
Titus 1:15

This is why he calls us to renew our minds...

Romans 12:2
II Corinthians 4:16
Ephesians 4:23
Colossians 3:10
Titus 3:5

As a result we see the attitudes of a renewed mind...

Isaiah 26:3
Jeremiah 17:10
Jeremiah 20:12
Matthew 22:37
Romans 14:5
I Corinthians 2:16
Philippians 2:5
Philippians 4:8
Colossians 3:2
Hebrews 8:10
Hebrews 10:16
I Peter 1:13
Revelation 2:23  

 The human mind has been programmed with natural "established attitudes".  These are beliefs, thoughts, ideas, opinions, convictions, prejudices that we have concerning ourselves, others, objects, activities, God, etc.  These can be instilled in us by things such as our educational system, society (books, television, movies, news, etc.) and religious training. We can acquire them through personal observation, experience, and compromise. These "established attitudes" permeated with personal interest are done for aspiration, gratification, and reputation with a possibility of one of 3 "f"s; Fight, Fright, or Flight.
 If your life were recorded on film would you want it played back? For God knows our every thought as we see in Jeremiah 17:10, 20:12 as well as Revelation 2:23. If this doesn't reveal the need for our minds to be renewed with a Godly attitude I don't know what does. This however isn't a one and done deal.  We see this in the following verses...

Titus 3:5
I Corinthians 2:16
Hebrews 8:10
Hebrews 10:16
Philippians 2:5
Philippians 4:8
Colossians 3:2

 This is why it's so important that we don't open ourselves up to anything we want to be true.  We will seek out whatever means necessary in an effort to confirm it and convince ourselves it's from God.  Prayer is important but NOT at the expense of God's Word.  It MUST be in line with God's Word and he never tells us to pray to see if something is true. The verse you'll often hear brought up by Mormons is James 1:5.

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5).

They'll follow this by pointing your to Moroni 10:4 which reads...

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things,"

We don't see this from God's Word.  In fact we see the opposite in verses such as...

Acts 17:11
Jeremiah 17:9
II Timothy 3:16

  Please take God at his Word and don't allow anyone to tell you personal feelings (which are subjective) can override or supersede God's Word which is absolute.

Are Jehovah's Witnesses False Prophets?

Pastor Brian Mitoraj and Brock Weigum discuss the recent passing of disgraced radio personality Harold Camping and how his false prophecies have eerie similarities to that of the Watchtower Society.
Can Jehovah's Witnesses rightfully call Harold Camping a false prophet without shooting themselves in the foot?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-0ND_4Pycc

Santa or the Book of Mormon?

All too often we hear Mormons say they don't need evidence to believe the Book of Mormon. Well...

Every December children across the world look forward to Santa coming on December 25th because he's bringing them presents.  They believe this not because they've seen Santa, his reindeer, or even an elf. Quite the opposite in fact.  They've been told he's real by Mom and Dad.  Even told that they had better be in bed when he gets there or else he'll pass them by.  They read stories about Santa, watch movies and sing carols. Yet all the time never having seen him or anything that would indicate he's more than the stories they've read. They don't need evidence because they "know" Santa is real.   They can feel it.


What does this have to do with Mormonism you ask? Well.... Let's change some words around and you'll see...


Every day Mormons across the world read the Book of Mormon because they long to be exalted.  They believe this not because they've seen the Golden plates, a Lamanite , or even a Book of Mormon coin . Quite the opposite in fact.  They've been told it's real by Mom and Dad, or their local Bishop.  Even told that they had better doubt their doubts than doubt their faith or else they'll miss the highest level of Heaven.  They read stories about Joseph, watch movies and sing hymns. Yet all the time never having seen or heard anything that would indicate it's more than the stories they've read. They don't need evidence because they "know" the Book of Mormon is true.   They can feel it.

Most Mormons don't seem to understand there is more evidence to show Santa is real than there is for the Book of Mormon and yet they'll believe the Book of Mormon over Santa.  Let's look at some shall we?  First off not one person, place, or thing specific to Mormonism has been validated, not one.  There isn't even any mention of any person, place or thing specific to Mormonism outside of LDS literature.

We've all heard he gives away presents.
(Historical fact he existed and did this)

We've all heard that he

 lives in the North pole. 

(Archaeological  fact that it exist)

We've all heard he has reindeer. 

(We see these everyday)

These are only 3 examples to help support the existence of Santa Clause.  Yet Mormons have more faith for the Book of Mormon than they do Santa. Maybe that's because over time Parents finally stop trying so hard to put on a show. Or it could be that kids try harder to catch Santa only to find out it was Mom and Dad the whole time.  Mormons will be quick to tell you that you can't prove Lamanites weren't real or that they weren't annihilated at the Hill Cumorah.

Although it would help their case tremendously to show ANY proof they we're real most of us have come to realize it's just as much fiction as "The night before Christmas".  I'm also willing to bet that those who choose to ignore the lack of evidence do so because they continue to repeat the things they see and hear as children. As they get older they never stop seeing and hearing the same stories being told not realizing or caring that it is nothing more than a story. Most have invested all if not most of their lives into the story for it not to be real.

It's not in the script.

When you engage LDS in conversation and you have presented facts about their church you'll often find a common response.  That being that the facts presented aren't faith promoting (meaning it doesn't put their church in a good light) and therefore they honestly don't care about them. They've had their personal experience which to them confirms the truth of the Book of Mormon and feelings will ALWAYS override facts.  However I have witnessed something that shows this mindset isn't just limited to how they view their faith. It extends to all aspects of life.


My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Steve Dealy of the Nauvoo Christian Center.  During our time there we went to visit some of the LDS historical sites who are ran by older missionaries.  Since it's considered a tourist town they don't want to push Mormonism too much because they want people coming back.  However when you enter any of their historical sites you'll get a brief history of the location along with how it fits into the importance of Mormonism.  Not to be concluded without showing how it's an example of how Mormonism is true.  All done which expressing a heart felt emotion in their tone.

One such site was where a older sister missionary walked through how the old pioneers would make their candles.  After her presentation was over Steve asked her a follow up question. Which she then followed with how some visitors will try and explain to them another possible way people may have done the process on how the candles are made.  Her following statement left me shaking my head.

She said...

"I just let them know that isn't in our script, and that's what we've been taught to say."

If this isn't a perfect example of how they apply facts to their faith I don't know what does. If the facts aren't in their script they aren't important. This is a prime example of what we call "Lying for the Lord".  It may not be intentional for this lady was being very sincere by letting us know she can't be bothered with too much information that what she's been told to say.

This continued as the next place we stopped at gave us LDS pride at it's best.  Explaining how one mans inventions had world wide implications and how it all tied back to that location.  However he went "off script" in the other direction.  Explaining how others who stayed there were not a part of the listed history for the location but he felt the need to tell us because it helped show how important the church was.

What really got concerning was how one location had a gentleman making statements that included the phrase "Fact is" when it was clear he was making things up as he went along.  Sounds a lot like Joseph Smith and how his revelations came to be.  There is a script when it comes the missionaries that show up at your door as well. The constant tug and pull of the emotional strings to get you to buy into the program.  LDS Apostle Dieter Uchtdorf summed up this mindset by stating...

"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."

He tries to portray this as someone who doesn't think they can live up to the churches standards.  First off no one including Monson can live up to the churches standards.  Jesus himself didn't live up to LDS standards because he wasn't married for all time and eternity.  So what could be a key thing to take from this?  Maybe if the 'facts' show us that the "only true church" isn't true they need to be looked at.  Maybe 'fact' is the Word of God isn't corrupted and the Book of Mormon is nothing more than a novel compiled by Joseph. Hopefully if you claim the title Christian you always consider yourself a missionary.  That each person we come in contact with is in our mission field.  If we don't let the Holy Spirit lead the conversation we won't be an effective witness. For each of these people we come in contact with have a different story and following a script will never work.

Helen Ann Hulse of Mormon Missions Midwest Outreach

As you get involved with apologetics and start to rub LDS apologists the wrong way you will soon get attention that you may or may not want. I myself could care less for if they are trying to go after me then that just means they will leave others alone. To me some of the comments you see are funny. They claim they are Christian however I will show you some of their comments and I will let you be the judge of that. 

The original title of this blog was "Oh the Child's Play" because I had the pleasure of noticing that a certain Anti-Christian (LDS apologists)or so I thought, who went under a fake facebook profile by the name of Porter Rockwell had become fascinated with me. For the privacy of others that were involved I will stick with their first names only but I'm sure most of you will know who they are. Because the person in question has decided to go after our ministry I decided to play right back by letting them notice my profile picture. Sure enough it didn't take long however their reaction went even further than I expected. This is exactly what you need to be aware of because this is the real reflection of their hearts of which God is no part of it. This is how the conversation started.

What makes the following conversation more interesting is the fact of who was behind Porter Rockwell.  That's right it is a so called "Christian" who runs a 501c3 ministry to Mormons.  I never could understand why an apologist would invest the time to try and research my past and it turns out they didn't.  Because I told this person over Skype the information who then in turn tried to use the information to make me look bad.  Who is this person you ask?  Helen Ann Hulse of Mormon Missions Midwest Outreach.  I have wanted to avoid bringing up issues like this because I was wanting her to leave the past in the past.  Now that she insist on trying to run peoples names through the mud I thought some of you might be interested in knowing the reality behind her so called "Christianity".  Feel free to view her confession and then please feel free to read how she hides behind the image of an LDS Danite.

Why is this important you may ask.  Well for years Helen has cried that her ministry has been under attack by a few people on facebook.  Funny thing is most of the information that was being fed to them if not ALL of it was being done so by Porter Rockwells profile.  Why the need for this?  Now that she has gotten rid of the Porter profile she has turned her attention to any and all people who have once helped her or stood up against her un-Christ like behavior. FYI When the following conversation took place I was under the impression I was talking with a Mormon.

John Merilatt - Porter. You seem intimidated by my pic.  I'm messing with you and I?  I live in Vancouver Washington.  Feel free to swing my way.  I'll have coffee waiting.

Porter - You are a joke. Me intimidated by you John? Now that's funny!

John Merilatt - I'm not saying you are. I am just going off your posting.

 Porter - You've never been Mormon so what the hell are you up too?

John Merilatt - You are correct.  I've never been.  Does that disqualify me from wanting to share the Gospel with the LDS?

Porter - keep your gospel

John Merilatt - I will.  And I will also share it with those who know hey can' live up to yours.  God Bless.

 Porter - use your wives face cream or make remover on the photo... you don't look good like a joker or clown.

John Merilatt - You are correct I don't.  However Joseph and his religion of many colors does. 

Now at this point since he knows she won't convince me of "the error of my ways" the normal thing you will see them do is go character assassination mode. They do this in order to get you upset or to get you frustrated to the point you may say something you normally wouldn't.

Porter - get some dental work done!

John Merilatt - Wow.  That is the best you can come up with?

John Merilatt - Please.  If you want to play children's games there are playgrounds for that.

Porter - you would know, right? 

John Merilatt - You are correct.  I have 2 little ones.  A part of being a parent.

Porter - Ha! 

John Merilatt - Le me know when you've matured a little.  I'll be around. 

At this point she tried to make the conversation even more personal. She heard my past and tried to use it against me as if I have something to hide. So for those of you who do care let me explain part of my past. After graduating college I got married and moved from a town I refer to as Hickville Oregon up to Vancouver Washington. I then entered the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Upon completion of training it was clear that my wife and I had a separation between us and I couldn't figure out why for some time. After some time passed the truth came out that while I was gone my wife was unfaithful. We attempted to work things out but divorce came and we moved on. This brings me to her next attack.

Porter - with your two wives?

John Merilatt - Your the one who's LDS.  You should know more about that than me.  It isn't in my doctrine.

Porter - I didn't divorce my wives, you did...

John Merilat - You act like I have something to hid.  Yes I am divorced.  And I had every Biblical reason to do so.  As if that is any of your business.

Now if this is not enough here are some other comments made on Porters page.

Greg - I would like to see John Merilatt and any of his supporters give a picture of Mohammed the same treatment and then post that on a Facebook page for Muslims.  It's easy to kick a target that doesn't fight back. It doesn't take bravery to be a bully.

Well Greg Islam is not a religion we know enough about to make that kind of reference to. Even then Greg they don't claim to use the Bible like you do. I also love the reference to kicking a target that doesn't fight back. Joseph insulted us from the very beginning and your pride refuses to allow you move past petty games. Last but not least "It doesn't take bravery to be a bully." You are correct, for you go a lot farther than I ever would. I have never gone after your personal character or anyone else's in order to scare them off. To bad it doesn't work with me.

Peter - The example of John Merilatt and his ministry is the main reason why I do not trust any ministry what so ever when it claims to care to love Mormons, not that I am asking for care or love.  I know my Church is True and that I have a living Prophet that leads me and that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Brother and I say these things in his name..... Amen

Well Peter I wouldn't expect you to trust us. Our goal is to help those in bondage that want a way out to find one. It isn't for Anti-Christians such as yourself. I would ask you this question. If you see a dear friend of yours walking into a field with countless land mines would you keep your mouth shut or allow them to believe what they want? We all know what you "Know". I always love how when there is nothing else to say or you don't have an answer you have to tell yourselves again what you "Know".

This one is one of my favorites...

Peter - I know ha all these ministries that claim o reach out to Mormons are controlled and being led by the children of Satan....... Yes I did say that..... if you have proof that you follow Jesus Christ then give it and don' play games..... if not then go back to Hell with Satan and don't let the doors of Hell hit you in the Ass.

Really? At this point his true colors have come out. So any group that reaches out to Mormons is controlled by Satan huh? Do I have proof I follow Jesus. Absolutely I do. I give my life to serving him however he calls me to. It just so happens that he has laid it upon my heart to try and reach the LDS and JW's. You both claim to be the only true church and organization that can speak for God and yet neither of you have valid answers to Biblical questions we ask. You in turn spit out responses like the one we see here. Can't you just feel the love with his comments?

Last but certainly not least...

Gregory - John, did you forge to wear your WWJD bracelet yesterday?  this isn't very nice.

Well Greg. What would Jesus do? What did he do is the better question. Jesus stood up against those who were perverting his Gospel. Jesus got angry at those who were making a mockery out of his house. He claimed to be the only way of which was not open to interpretation or feelings. He claimed to be the great "I am". We as Christians are called to be salt and light. Salt on an open wound hurts doesn't it? If you don't know try it and get back to me. Ever turned the lights on after having been in a dark room sleeping? Why not look into what the long term affects of being subjected to intense light can do and get back to me.

I hope Helen understands that I want no harm to come to her. I pray that she stops her campaign before she ruins what reputation she has left.  Upon confession, and promise to stop her smear campaigns this article will be removed. Because things like this have to stop.

May God bless you and keep you safe.