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.

Jehovah's Witnesses Admit Error!

You misrepresent my faith while I misrepresent yours?

  If you've engaged any LDS apologists as of late I'm sure you've heard something along the lines of  "You have no idea what we believe", or "You're misrepresenting our faith".  This is usually being said to someone who is former LDS and most often a former Temple Mormon.  When this part is brought up they will often they say that they obviously didn't have a true confirmation from the Holy Spirit. Yet what they are missing are the facts that clearly show Mormonism is nothing more than a modern day blasphemy. They either don't care or turn a blind eye to the teaching manuals from their own church that clearly show how the quotes posted by former leaders reflect that which is taught within the LDS church.

 At some point during the conversation after they realize their points have no validity or you have asked them a question they know they can't answer honestly without admitting their wrong, you are almost assured that they will bring up how you follow the Nicene creed. Rather than rehash the same old argument I encourage you to read Eric Johnson's posting on the MRM Blog.

Can we see evidence of the trinity in scripture?  Absolutely for it's written all throughout Gods Word which you can see in the chart above.  However there is another way that might be able to help those who question or deny the trinity understand it a little better. How many Old Testament Tabernacles/Temples where there? One. How many parts to the tabernacle where there? Three, Outer court, Inner court (Holy Place), and the Holy of Holy's. Three parts to the temple yet only one temple.  Each part no less important than the other two and the temple wouldn't be the all three parts.  Those who deny the trinity refuse to realize that the Godhead as illustrated above is seen from even Genesis when God said "Let US make man in OUR own image".  This example also shows how a modalistic view of God is impossible.  All three exist at the same time and are separate from each other at all times. Each part has it's own distinct function yet as stated before is no less a part of the temple.

  Because the LDS feel they have to work in order to make themselves worthy before God they in turn see the Bibles grace as cheap. For if a person claims to be forgiven before they earn it then they can go around killing, stealing, and lying with no worries of punishment for the sin. You will often see Mormons use the second half of Philippians 2:12 out of context to show how we need to work for salvation however lets look at it shall we.

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

As we can see from the first portion of the verse he is addressing those who are already saved, not those who are working towards it. As a result of being saved we then go out for works knowing the price that was paid for them. (Ephesians 2:10)

  As a result of a Mormons upbringing they assume that the church is the building a person attends and defines their version of truth. They think that the church we attend defines our definition of truth like it does theirs.  Any Born Again Christian understands knows that the building someone choices to worship in doesn't always define their beliefs.  A true Christian rely's on the Word of God to mold their will to His, not a self proclaimed prophet. Jesus is our Truth (John 14:6) not a church.

Foolishness or Defense?

When your apart of a ministry such as Ephesians 2 you tend to get quite the reaction from LDS apologist.
One such apologist who's name is Victor messaged me asking why I refused to allow him into a group our ministry has on facebook.  This group is for Christians who support Ephesians 2 Ministry and to allow them to ask for prayer or advise with any and all situations (ministry related or not).  Now why would an LDS apologist want to be a part of this other than to cause issues?  I have stated from the very beginning that Ephesians 2 Ministry is not for those who are content being LDS regardless of facts presented to them.  As the old saying goes you can lead a horse to water you just can't make them drink.  He started out the conversation by saying...

"I find it amazing how a ministry founded to reach out the the "lost" actually avoids those they claim are lost.  Or, better yet, a ministry that merely targets those with weaknesses in their faith, all the while avoiding those who actually have a strong faith and an ability to respond to the claims of said ministries.  Since when did the Great Commission omit any person?"

Now don't get me wrong.  Reaching the lost is the ultimate goal for Ephesians 2.  Not only by those who are a part of our team but making sure all those we serve have the knowledge and understanding to do so.  However there is a difference in trying to reach those who are lost and engaging those who are only out to argue. 2 Timothy 2:23 "Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights."

I often refer to their mindset as the "Red pill, Blue pill" argument. So you can understand what this means you can watch the video here. For someone such as Victor who has seen all the evidence against his faith and refuses to acknowledge the falsehoods and convince himself that facts don't exist is doing exactly what you hear in the video.  Believing what you want to, not what is real. Now after informing him I wasn't interested in getting into debates with him he commented saying...

"Not a debate, just biblical Christianity. Jesus Christ never missed an opportunity to teach those who were misguided."

Never missed an opportunity yes.  However he also knew when those around him were only looking to pick a fight as we see in Mark 14:61.  As you can see he is following the norm.  Seeing where the conversation was going to go I asked him no end the conversation and to not contact me further till he was done defending a lie.  He responds with..

""Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the Word of God." How shall the uninterested then hear if ministries, such as E2, only seeks out those with interest in hearing?"

Again he would be correct that faith comes by hearing.  A conversation like this would go nowhere with someone who not only isn't interested in hearing how their church is a fraud, but avidly defends it spite the facts. Now again don't misunderstand me.  Engaging LDS in conversation is vital if they are to realize what they've gotten themselves involved in.  However in the case of an apologist that will not be the case. He then attempts to defend his case by saying...

"How un-biblical you can be. Saul defended a lie, yet Jesus Christ sought him out on the road to Damascus.  He didn't say to Saul, "when you are done defending a lie feel free to look me up."

Thank you for comparing yourself to Saul defending a lie Victor, however you are trying to compare Saul conversing with Christians to Jesus encountering Saul.  I pray you yourself one day receive a similar vision and stop attacking God's Word. His intentions after this became even more clear as he spends just as much time attempting to correct the errors made in my responses done by my phones auto-correct feature.  This is why Ephesians 2 will never tolerate LDS apologist attempting their slight of hand on our facebook page or any other form of social media.  They will be quick to say we are trying to hide the truth while at the same time attempting to silence those who oppose their church.  When you engage someone who is LDS that you do not know personally do keep this tactic of theirs in the back of your mind.  Be aware that their purpose may only be to waist your time.

May God bless you and keep you safe.