Despite concerns that the Mormons might try to hinder our evangelism efforts at the Mormon Miracle Pageant, nothing was changed. The LDS Church has bought up some of the property in the area and made this “off limits” to witnessing, but so far, this has not curtailed us at all.

Last night the Lord allowed me to speak to a number of Mormons about the biblical doctrine of grace and how a true Christian can have the assurance that their sins are forgiven. If you’ve ever talked with Mormons for any length of time, you know that their doctrine of works prevents them from knowing if all of their sins are forgiven. With that in mind, and using Matthew 1:21 as my text, I explained that Jesus came to “save ‘His people’ from their sins.” If a person doesn’t know if their sins are forgiven, they have no right to say they are Christian. Oftentimes I was mocked for saying I had such an assurance, but as I walked them through passages like 1 John 5:13, I explained that my assurance had nothing to do with any of my alleged accomplishments. It is all about what Jesus did for me on the cross, and not my desire or ability to impress God by hopefully “sinning less.” One elderly man in particular told me that my question was difficult, but that he would look into what I said more fully. His name was Herb. Tammy was also engaged in several conversations with Mormons who came by to see my “gold plates.” My plates always makes for a good discussion starter.

[Two LDS sister missionaries just rang our doorbell. Be right back.]

Well, just had a great conversation with Sister Callahan and a Tongan sister missionary (whose name I will never be able to pronounce). They probably got our name from the guest card I filled out from our recent visit to the Oquirrh Temple open house. Assuming that may have been the case, I explained how troubled I was by a comment made by Mormon Apostle Jeffrey Holland, who in the introductory video prior to our tour says, “I don’t know how to speak about heaven in the traditional, lovely, paradisiacal, beauty that we speak of heaven – I wouldn’t know how to speak of heaven without my wife, my children. It would, it would not be heaven for me.” I explained that, as a Christian, I would naturally be disappointed should my wife and family not be in heaven, but to say “heaven would not be heaven” without them makes the presence of Christ seem inconsequential or secondary. In actuality, Jesus really plays no role in the Mormon hereafter once those who are “exalted” are given their own world to rule and populate, so I guess it should come as no great surprise for this Mormon leader to make such a horrible comment.

We discussed several issues, including Joseph Smith’s view of God and the lack of evidence for the Book of Mormon, but as always the conversation came back to the subject of forgiveness. As with all Mormons, they confirmed that their forgiveness is contingent on keeping the commandments. When they will be able to keep all of them (and thus have the assurance of forgiveness) they did not know. I politely explained that I could never belong to a religion that prevents me from knowing if God had forgiven me of all my sins. I asked them a question I have asked several Mormons: “Why would I give up what I have, for something that no Mormon seems to have?” I can only pray they realize they have much to think about.

Pray for me as I will be filling in for my pastor who is out of town this Sunday. My text will be from Deuteronomy chapter nine and the charge God makes to the Children of Israel prior to their crossing the Jordan River into Canaan. Pray I can articulate my points in a way that God is glorified.

We thank you for your prayers and support. Speaking of the latter, all of our expenses for the Manti outreach were met in full. God is always faithful.

Serving Him with boldness,