Plant Camp Notebook

GOSPEL GRACE CHURCH
120 Fort Douglas Blvd

Salt Lake City, UT 84113
www.gospelgracechurch.com
Name:
Church:
2
WELCOME!
Welcome to Salt Lake City, and Gospel Grace Church. Whether you
are here to experience ministry in another context, or to be stretched in
your understanding of the Gospel, or just here for a missions experience,
we are glad you are here and excited about what God is going to do both
in you and through you this week. As you go through this week, you will
make many memories and experience many things that are unique to Salt
Lake City. Undoubtedly you will be stretched in your skills in presenting
the Gospel. But our primary desire is that you would embrace Jesus
Christ personally, and extend Jesus Christ passionately to others. Our
Spiritual Theme for this week is from Colossians 3:1-17 Seeking Things
Above. We have taken the theme and woven it through out the week to
help you be saturated by this particular text. We have broken it up in the
following way.

Colossians 3 Sessions
This provides notes for better understanding of the text we are
studying.

SHAPE Group Discussion Questions
These questions are provided to help guide your discussions in your
SHAPE group times.

PERSONAL Study
This contains 4 daily expositional studies form Colossians 3:1-17 as
well as 4 devotional studies that are directly tied to Colossians 3.

Memory and Meditation
This section is meant to help you take what you learned this week
and have it in your heart and mind for use throughout the day every
day.

3
Once again, Im thankful for friends of Gospel Grace Church that invested
many hours of study and preparation in making these resources available
to us. Our prayer here at GGC is that amidst the excitement, cultural
experiences, fun, and even ministry that you have here in SLC that the
Word of God will be the highlight as you grow in your understanding of
who Jesus is and your obedience to Him.

Thanks so much for ministering to and with us for the Gospel!

Lead Pastor, Lukus Counterman
4
GENERAL
INFORMATION
INFORMATION - 5
6 - INFORMATION
GUIDELINES
& SAFETY
Because we are representing Gospel Grace Church and more
importantly Jesus Christ to the community of Salt Lake City we would
ask that you comply with the following guidelines.
GUIDELINES
Please obey any and all instructions from leaders of GGC.
No personal outings dont take a vacation from the group for fun
Dress modestly - see your youth staff if you have questions about
this.
No sensual contact with members of the opposite sex (unless of
course, you are married to them)
No smoking, tobacco, or any other type of substance abuse.
Please follow the following: Read your Bible, Sleep when youre
supposed to sleep, and dont do anything stupid.

SAFETY
You may keep your cell phones with you (unless otherwise
directed by youth staff). It may be that it will be useful to contact
someone if you nd yourself in a situation where that is needed. You
may want to upload pics etc. of things you are doing, but please use
discretion and try and stay off the phone unless needed.
Always go in groups. You should never wander off alone. Make
sure you are in groups of at least 2 or 3.
Make sure your youth staff knows where you are at all times.
INFORMATION - 7
Please adhere to street markings and crossing instructions
while out on the streets.
If traveling via public transportation, stay alert so that you do not
get separated from the group.
If you have an emergency please contact your youth sponsors, if
they are not available or need further assistance please contact Josh
Roland 303-726-2566.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
NAME PHONE NUMBER
_________________________ _______________________________
_________________________ _______________________________
_________________________ _______________________________
_________________________ _______________________________
_________________________ _______________________________
_________________________ _______________________________
_________________________ _______________________________
8 - INFORMATION
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10 - INFORMATION
SPONSOR
PARKING
INFO
LOCATIONS

Central Christian Church
Streets around the Church are available
Library has public parking across the street (below street level
parking garage) $$
Suggest dropping of kids and then driving south a couple of blocks
and parking on the street on (300E) 3 blocks down to 700S

Temple Square
Under City Creek Mall 1st hr is free, then $1 for 2hr, $2 for 3hr and
$5 for 4hrs

Ensign Peak
Free parking

Street Time
along the streets and in the parks parking

Liberty Park Parking
parking all around the square mile, (2 entrances to park trafc
goes all the way around counter clockwise one way)
INFORMATION - 11
Library
Parking the same as for Central Christian Church

Mill Creek Canyon
a $3 fee for vehicles to enter the National Park, but free parking
along the road and at camping spots.

At the University
$1 an hour University Union Parking Lot. Only one road that goes
through the middle of campus Central Campus Drive and it dead
ends at the Union in the parking lot.

Around the City
A few blocks from main downtown there is free street parking, the
closer you are to down town the metered parking begins.
Other places in the city are mostly free street parking
12 - INFORMATION
S.H.A.P.E.
GROUP
LEADERS
Thank you so much for being willing to lead a small group. I believe it
will be to your advantage and growth to be involved in a personal way in
the lives of the individuals in your group this week.
You may have some hesitation in your heart about how you can lead a
group. You may even question your own personal qualication. That is
completely normal. I can guarantee that you will be blessed as you strive
to disciple others and as you are discipled by them in return.
This week is in no way going to be the be-all-end-all discipleship
experience. Discipleship is a life long process and is a way of life rather
than a program or product you can apply for a time and then leave alone.
We are planning on helping you this whole week long through this
process. Every day you will be given some discussion questions that will
be based on the following days teaching time through Colossians 3.
Please do the following to prepare.
1. Pray over the questions as well as for your group individually.
2. Read and Answer Questions If you have the questions already
answered in your own heart and mind, then when we go through the
study you will be equipped the best to help others understand and
apply concepts to their hearts
3. Apply personally The questions are designed to make
conversations based on the information given in the lesson.
However, that is not all, they are also aimed at life application and
Gospel Meditation.
INFORMATION - 13
4. Guide your S.H.A.P.E. group Just lead, dont dominate. Allow
the teens/group to discuss things. Keep things moving, but really try
and help all of them understand. If you open up and are honest
yourself this will help guide the discussion as sometimes it is hard to
get started.
5. Involve Everyone If possible try and involve your entire group.
Getting the talkative ones to listen and the reserved ones to open up
can be a challenge, but addressing specic individuals with
questions can often help with this. Sometimes the quite person adds
more to the conversation with 10 words than the outgoing person
with their 100 words.
Thank you again for your willingness to help in this
way. If you have any questions please feel free to talk
to any of the GGC staf as we would gladly help if we
can. We pray that God will use this week in a mighty
way in your lives personally.
14 - INFORMATION
COLOSSIANS
STUDY
COLOSSIANS STUDY - 15
16 - COLOSSIANS STUDY
OUR NEW
IDENTITY
Colossians 3:1-4
Christ ____________ __________ because Christ is ______ ______, and if
you are ________ ___________________, He is __ _____ you!
IF YOU ARE IN CHRIST, MAKE __________
____________________ TO KNOW JESUS
(___________ ___________)
United to Christ __________________ (Psalm 8, Rom 5, I Cor. 15)
United to Christ __________________
!
Spiritual ____________ (through Faith Eph 3:17, Col 2:12) (by
the Spirit I Cor. 12:13, Rom. 8:9)
!
Spiritual ____________ (experience with Christ)
United to His _______________ (Gal. 2:20, Rom. 6:4 14,
Col. 2:12, 3:3, 2 Cor 5:14)
United to His _______________ (2 Tim. 1:10, Eph 2:5-6,
Rom 6:5,8, Col 2:12-13, 3:1, John 14:19)
United to His _______________ (Eph. 1:3, 2:4,6, 2 Tim.
2:12, Rom. 8:34, 39)
United to Christ _________________ (Analogies)
__________________ (John 6:53-57)
__________________ (Eph. 1, 4)
__________________ (John 15)
abiding, bring forth fruit (Gal 5), enjoying
United to Christ __________________ (Gen 2:23,24, Eph 5, John 17:23)
United to Christ __________________
!
Before time (Eph 1)
!
After time (Rev 22:4, I Thess 4, 5)
IF YOU ARE IN CHRIST, _____________________
JESUS, BECAUSE ALL AFFECTIONS FOR CHRIST
WILL PROVE WORTH IT.
NEW
LIVING
#1
Colossians 3:5-11
YOU MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE REALITY OF YOUR
_________________________. (VS 5-6)
!
The __________________________________________ of the esh
distract you from Jesus
!
The Flesh cannot be _______________________. (Rom. 7:8)
!
Fleshly living brings Gods ____________________________.
List 5 Indulgences of your Flesh
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
YOU MUST WAGE ____________________ WAR
AGAINST SIN. (VS 5)
!
This means death __________________________________.
!
This can only be done with a new ____________________.
YOU MUST RECOGNIZE YOUR
NEW____________________________. (VS. 5-11)
!
Christ ___________________ has power to restrain the esh.
!
Christ is _________________________________ that matters.
List 3 things you tend to want to be identied with
1.
2.
3.
NEW
LIVING
#2
Colossians 3:12-14
YOUR NEW ______________________ AS
A BELIEVER ENABLES YOU TO PUT ON
NEW LIFE ____________________.
!
You do __________ _____________ these new virtues.
!
You are ______________________________ in Christ
!
The believer has a new ________________________ in Christ
THIS NEW LIFE LOOKS LIKE _________
!
Compassion pity and tenderness
!
Kindness goodness, graciousness,
!
Humility mindset of honesty before God
!
Meekness gentleness
!
Patience Longsuffering
!
Forgiveness reciprocating Gods forgiveness freely
!
Above all put on Love
What is the diference between Mortifying and asceticism?
What is the diference between Legalism and putting
on?
What is the diference between Mysticism and faith?
COMMUNITY
OF CHRIST
Colossians 3:15-17
THE GOSPEL MUST ________________
OUR _________________________. (15)
!
Peace begins with ______________________ through Jesus.
!
Peace ows from our ______________________ to the body.
(_____________________ _______________________)
THE GOSPEL MUST BE AT HOME IN OUR
___________________ LIFE. (16A)
!
The Word of Christ is the ______________________ of Christ
!
The Word of Christ ________________ our lives completely.
THE GOSPEL MUST ________________
INTO OUR _____________________ OF
BELIEVERS. (16)
!
The Word of Christ cannot stay ________________________.
!
The Word of Christ lls other believers from _____________ lled
life.
!
The Word of Christ produces ___________________ to God. (for
God and others)
THE GOSPEL IS TO BE OUR _____. (17)
!
Jesus must be the banner own by our _________________.
!
Jesus must be the banner own by our _________________.
!
True Gospel Living is only ______________ ______________.
SHAPE
GROUPS
SHAPE GROUPS - 25
26 - SHAPE GROUPS
SHAPE
GROUPS
What is a S.H.A.P.E. Group?
The S.H.A.P.E. Group is the small-group ministry of Plant Camp that
assists in building and maintaining healthy spiritual lives of both the
leaders as well as the campers during the summer. It is comprised of a
group leader (youth staff) and 4 5 campers. The group meetings include
Bible study, prayer, personal accountability, and ministry responsibility.
S.H.A.P.E Groups meet daily for mutual fellowship, edication, and
encouragement.
What are the core values of a S.H.A.P.E. Group?
S
Scripture is the basis for our fellowship as it is ultimately how we
can truly know God and truly know each other.
H
Honesty and transparency is a crucial part of being rightly related
to one another and helping one another be healthy.
A
Accountability is needed as we all tend towards unhealthy habits
in our responsibilities of personal holiness, and genuine ministry to
others.
P
Prayer is essential in developing and maintaining healthy grace-
dependent lifestyles and ministry
E
Encouragement will be needed as we wrestle in this life to live
lives that are focused on Heaven not on this earth.
SHAPE GROUPS - 27
Why have S.H.A.P.E. Groups?
1. To understand the biblical principles of multiplication (II Timothy
2:2)
2. To involve healthy believers in a biblical format for discipling;
3. To enhance skills of spiritual leadership; and
4. To see the power of Gods Word as it is assimilated in life.

28 - SHAPE GROUPS
OUR NEW
IDENTITY
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
Colossians 3:1-4
1. What are some ways that you tend toward legalism in your own life?
Mysticism? Asceticism?
2. What is the motive behind your desire to be completely done with
temptation and sin?
SHAPE GROUPS - 29
3. What are some things that tend to get your attention and focus
instead of knowing Jesus and the Gospel?
4. What are ways that you can stir up affections for Jesus and His
Gospel?
5. What is the difference between your answer to question 4 and your
answers to question 1?
6. Are you In Christ? How do you know?
30 - SHAPE GROUPS
NEW
LIVING #1
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
Colossians 3:5-11
1. What are the top 3 manifestations of your esh?
2. In what ways do you wage war against the esh? Are these ways
successful?
SHAPE GROUPS - 31
3. What are ways that you can stir up affections for Jesus?
4. What are 2 things that you tend to try and nd your identity in?
5. What are some Gospel Affections that will help you think truthfully
about your eshly appetites? (apply the Gospel to the moments of
temptation)
32 - SHAPE GROUPS
NEW
LIVING #2
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
Colossians 3:12-15
1. List 3 identities that try and steal your affection.
2. What virtues/clothes of Jesus do you see God working in your life on
a consistent basis give credit where due
SHAPE GROUPS - 33
3. What virtues /clothes of Jesus do you see lacking in your life
4. Who do you have the hardest time forgiving?
5. How is love unifying?
34 - SHAPE GROUPS
COMMUNITY
OF CHRIST
DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
Colossians 3:5-11
1. How does your peace with God affect your dealings with your fellow
believers? (Are you a peacemaker?) (concept of bending grace)
2. What are 3 areas in your private life that you need to allow the Gospel
of Jesus to renovate?
SHAPE GROUPS - 35
3. What are ways that you need to let the Gospel change your thinking
about Church and true fellowship?
4. What is the aim of your life right now, and does it lend toward all
things being done in the name of Jesus Christ?
36 - SHAPE GROUPS
SESSIONS &
WORKSHOPS
SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS - 37
38 - SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS
UNDERSTANDING
THE GRID

What is the Mission eld of GGC?
Geographic/Local Community
!
This community is the people who are POTENTIALLY connected to
the church by their locale.
!
Each member of the church has POTENTIAL relationship with people
in the neighborhood, co-workers, etc. that they are around on a
regular basis.
!
These POTENTIAL relationships are increasing in quantity, when
combined with the Community Group, and as one gets closer to
where the church is meeting on a regular basis.
!
So, the Community Groups form the epicenter for the churchs
potential relationships.
Relational Community
!
This community of people is those whose connection to the church is
current ONGOING relationships with individual members of the
church.
!
Each member of the church has ONGOING relationships with people
in their family, neighborhood, work-place, etc.
!
These relationships make the quickest connection with the
Community Groups and then the Church as a whole.

FROM AN INDIVIDUALS PERSPECTIVE
FROM GOSPEL GRACES PERSPECTIVE
WHY DOES
THE CHURCH
MATTER?
PASTOR LUKUS COUNTERMAN
THE CHURCH MATTERS BECAUSE IT IS GOD'S
_________________ (EPH. 2:11-22).
In an age where there is so much racism, antagonism, schism, and conict,
God has unveiled the church. It is an expression of his wisdom and it has
been his intention since the very beginning of the world.
a. It's God's _______________ for _______________ with others.
b. It's God's ______________ for __________________ with Him.
THE CHURCH MATTERS BECAUSE IT IS THE
OBJECT OF GOD'S _______________ (EPH.
5:25).
John Stott once wrote, "If the church is central to God's purpose as seen in
both history and the gospel, it must surely also be central to our lives. How
can we take lightly what God takes so seriously? How dare we push to the
circumference what God has placed at the center."
a. Christ's passion for the church hasn't ___________________ He
still calls it his "___________________________________."
b. Jesus loves the church. Do __________? Is it your passion?
THE CHURCH MATTERS BECAUSE GOD SAYS
YOU ___________ IT (EPH. 1:22-23).
Many people today view the church as a nicety not a necessity. They've
turned into consumers who shop for the best deal for the price of their hour
on Sunday.
a. God designed the church to be like a ___________________ of
interconnected members.
b. The spiritual journey of life was never intended to be traveled
_____________________________________________.
WHY PLANT
CHURCHES?
LUKUS COUNTERMAN
The time for church planting is now! We live in a era where the worlds
population has exploded. Today there is an estimated 7,123,851,500
people. Only 2% of them are nominally Protestant and the population is
growing ten times faster than th e church.
JESUS' EMPHASIS ON THE ____________
(MATT. 28:19; ACTS 1:8).
The disciples were to be witnesses to world starting in Jerusalem then
spreading to the uttermost parts of the earth.
THE ________________________ SPREAD OF
THE GOSPEL.
The good news of Christ was the topic of preaching, the cause of
martyrdom, the bridge between cultures, and the motivating message for
countless missionary journeys.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN __________
THE GOSPEL AND _________ CHURCHES.
Churches are the organic product of the gospel at work. It is all part of
Gods grand design to extend his grace to the whole world.
THE ___________________________ FOR
___________________ CHURCHES TODAY.
In 1916, 53% of Americans were involved in the life of the church and
identied themselves as religious adherents. Today the number has
dropped to less than 18%. What needs to happen today is that new
churches need to be planted. Church plants best reach new generations,
new residents and new people groups.
THE NEED FOR NEW CHURCHES IN
_____________________________ AREAS.
As you read through Acts, Pauls strategy was pretty simple. He went to the
largest cities of the region, evangelized, and planted churches. In the U.S.,
more than 83.7% of the population lives in metro areas.
There are regions today that need to be reached with the Gospel. There
are some 2000 languages that have no portion of the translated Bible.
We can be drunk with private concerns and indifferent to the great
enterprise of world evangelization, but God will simply pass over us and do
His great work while we shrivel up in our little land of comfort. John
Piper.We must get going! Will you embrace this endeavor to evangelize
the world?The time for church planting is now.
WHAT IS A
HEALTHY
CHURCH
MEMBER?
PASTOR JON KOPP
HEALTHY CHURCH MEMBERS ARE NORMAL
BELIEVERS TOTALLY AFFECTED BY THE
__________________________________ OF GOD.
What kind of normal activities does the glory of God cause church
members to devote themselves to?
HEALTHY CHURCH MEMBERS DEVOTE
THEMSELVES TO THE _________________.
Healthy church members remember their ignorance. We are the ones who
have foolishly cried, Crucify Him by our many acts of rebellion against God.
We devote ourselves to nding truth.
THEMSELVES TO __________ _____________.
Healthy church members share their lives. We realize how much we have
been helped by the truth, and we are drawn by gospel love to help and be
helped by others. This rst church loved each other so much, they were
willing to let other things go to hold on to each other.
a. They held their ____________________________ loosely.
b. They held their ____________________________ loosely.
"Satan watches for those vessels that sail without a convoy." - George
Swinnock
THEMSELVES TO ________________________.
Healthy church members cling to their life-source. When we gather together,
we consistently remind each other that Christ and His word is our life. This
early church met together for the breaking of bread to remind themselves
of that. Healthy church members live off Jesus work on the cross.
THEMSELVES TO ________________________.
Healthy church members are dependent. A very revealing test of health in
any church member is their life spent in needful prayer with God. This rst
church had experienced an incredible display of the power of God, but they
never stopped needing Him.
May God humble us all to display His glory as normal church members
holding onto truth with each other around Christ in worship.
WHAT IS THE
GOSPEL?
PASTOR JON KOPP
If you ask a group of self-professing Christians to dene the gospel,
you will likely get a myriad of different answers. When pressed to
dene the core of what we believe about Jesus, we often drift into a mumble
of spiritual sounding technicalities and nervous Well...you knows. Is this a
problem? Can we dene the gospel however wed like? Is it okay for us to
wander into wishy-washy sentimentality about exactly what the gospel is? Or
to ask it another way, is it important to accurately dene the gospel? Yes.
We believe it is, and Paul tells us why.
PRECISION IN THE GOSPEL
Paul points to the ________________________ message he preached.
Paul points to the ___________________ of the message he preached.
OBJECTIVITY IN THE GOSPEL
The gospel is not primarily about something you __________________.
The gospel is primarily about something God has _________________.
DEFINITION IN THE GOSPEL
God is completely _______________. He demands perfection from His creation.
Man is thoroughly ________________. He can do nothing to merit Gods favor.
Christ died _____________ as our Savior. He didnt stay dead. He rose again.
Response - Man must ________________ and believe. He can receive
forgiveness and eternal life.
ENOUGH IN THE GOSPEL
The gospel _____________ alone. It needs nothing ____________ to it.
The gospel dees worldly ________________. It is Gods chosen plan.
SUBSTITUTION FOR THE GOSPEL
God ___________________ you God is your _____________
God is ____________________ God must be ____________
HOW DOES
GOD USE
HEALTHY
CHURCH
MEMBERS?
PASTOR JONATHAN ALBRIGHT
How does God use healthy church members?
He uses them to function as ___________ of His grace to others.
MOTIVATING REALITY: THE END OF
ALL THINGS IS AT HAND (V. 7)
(CHRISTS RETURN IS IMMINENT)
Two Actions we must take in light of the imminent return of Jesus
Christ.
1. Seek the Priority of Right ______________________ with God and with
Others. (v. 7b-10)
2. ________ each other with the gifts God has given us. (v. 10-11)
How are we to function as channels of Gods grace?
We are to serve one another with the _______ God has given us.
HE HAS GIVEN EVERYONE A GIFT
As each has received a gift
HE HAS GIFTED US TO SERVE OTHERS
.use it to serve one another, as good stewards of Gods
varied grace:
HE HAS GIVEN SPECIFIC GIFTS
whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever
serves as one who serves by the strength that God provides
!
_________________ gifts: The source of the words (God)
!
_______________ gifts: The source of the strength (God)
HE HAS GIVEN THESE GIFTS FOR HIS
GLORY
in order that in everythingGod may be glorified through Jesus
Christ. To him belong glory anddominion forever and ever.
PRACTICAL STEPS IN LIGHT OF
THESE TRUTHS
!
Maintain right ______________________ with God and others.
!
Feed your soul daily on the _____________________________.
!
Take ________________________________________ to serve.
!
Be willing to be ______________________________________.
!
Guard yourself against ________________________________.
!
Constantly ask yourself if your serving is
_____________________________________ Christ or yourself.
HOW TO
SHARE JESUS
ACROSS
CULTURES
PASTOR JONATHAN ALBRIGHT
Working Denition of Culture: Culture is the characteristics of a particular
group of people, dened by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social
status, music and arts, ideology, sexual orientation.

Context: Urban USA
DISCERN THE ________________ OF
THOSE YOU ARE TRYING TO REACH.
Understand their mindset so that you can be understood
a. Consider the reality and inuence of the way the world thinks
! What is the common thinking of our day?
_____________________________________
a. Charecteristics
NO _________________________ TRUTH
NO _____________ MEANING OF TRUTH
b. What does it look like?
Religious _______________________
_______________________________
Humanism
_______________________________
Mindlessness
Biblical ________________________
! How does it exert its subtle inuence?
Pauls warning in Romans 12 - do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
b. Identify any specic, unique obstacles that need to be overcome.
___________________________________________
Obstacle: Pride of Self-Effort
Gospel Answer: There is only one way to have your soul freed from
the guilt of sin and there is one source of perfect Righteousness,
Jesus Christ
___________________________________________
Obstacle: Deny God, Try to be God
Gospel Answer: The message of hope found in the gospel will
never leave you empty or wanting.
___________________________________________
Obstacle: Self Sufciency and Self Satisfaction
Gospel Answer: The only source of perpetual satisfaction is found
in Jesus Christ.
___________________________________________
Obstacle: Despair, Hopelessness
Gospel Answer: God has true compassion on the needy because
he suffered. It is only by His grace that true needs can be met.
KNOW THE _____________________
!
GOD - God is completely holy.
!
MAN - Man is thoroughly sinful.
!
CHRIST - Jesus died in our place as our Savior.
!
RESPONSE - Man must repent and believe.
ASK ___________________________
Questions convict the conscience, accusations harden the will
!
Religious
What is your __________________________________________ of
how to have a right standing with the God of the Bible?
Are you looking to your own ___________________________ to be
accepted by the God of the Bible?
!
Immoral / Homosexual
It doesnt do a person ensnared in sin a lot of good for you to win
an argument about homosexuality in the Bible or wider society. They
need to be convinced that when God calls them to obey him, he is
not taking away the cookies - hes taking away the poison. When
Jesus calls us to lose everything, hes giving us a far greater treasure
in himself. - Michael MiKinley
Can you still be friends with me even if I think homosexuality is a
____________________?
Hypothetically, if you knew that God _____________________ of
homosexual behavior, would you stop and obey him?
Are you __________________________?
DONT WASTE
YOUR LIFE!
(MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE)
Can you imagine the pain of coming to the end of your life and
realizing that it was a waste? In the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon
communicates the anguish of a wasted life. Thirty-seven times he uses the
word vanity waste, emptiness, futility. (Ecc. 2:11) Then I considered all
that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold,
all was VANITY and striving after wind
At the end of a wasted life, Solomon begs people not to follow his path.
Instead he says, Develop your relationship with God! That is whats
worthwhile, that is whats signicant, that is what has value.
DEVELOP YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH
GOD BECAUSE YOU DONT KNOW HOW
____________ YOU HAVE (V. 1-7)
!
Age is like the unstoppable approach of a _______________ (v. 2)
!
You will _____________________________________ down (v. 3-5)
!
You will ____________________________________________ (v. 6)
GOD BECAUSE IT IS THE MOST
_____________________ THING (V. 13)
!
Your relationship with God is the ______________________ of life.
!
Your relationship with God is the whole _________________ of life.
GOD BECAUSE YOU WILL BE
___________________________ (V. 14)
A wasted life is avoided by developing a relationship with God. The essence
of this relationship is summarized in (v. 13), _______________________ God
and _____________________ His commandments.
In other words, pursue a moment by moment awareness of God and his
presence and follow through with an appropriate response of obedience.
DISCIPLESHIP
MEANS
FOLLOWING
Take down all your bible verses, religious artwork, Facebook prole,
necklaces with crosses, bracelets, tattoos, and any other external markers
that indicate you are a Christian. Take all of them down How well will
people be able to identify you as a disciple of Jesus?
If someone were to look at your life, would they attribute the name
Christian to you? Not by a badge or a necklace, or one of those cool
bracelets would they call you a Christian based on how you follow Christ?
If you are going to be a good disciple, you have to be a good follower!
FOLLOW JESUS IN
____________________ (MARK 1:17)
There are only two categories of people on this earth according to (Luke
11:23).
There are ______________________________________ and there are
________________________________________. Which one are you?
FOLLOW JESUS IN
___________________ (JOHN 15:20)
True disciples stop living for ease, safety, and
___________________________________________________________.
They expect to face persecution (2Tim. 3:12)
FOLLOW JESUS IN
___________________ (JOHN 12:25)
If you dont treasure what Jesus treasures, then you are going to struggle
with any call to _________________________ (Matt. 19:27-29)
FOLLOW JESUS IN
______________ (LK 14:26; MK 2:14)
Discipleship means that we learn to follow Jesus lead in relating to
_____________ (Luke 14:26) and to our _______________ (Mark 2:14).
This discipleship thing is tough. It means following Jesus. If it seems
costly, youre starting to get it. My friends, salvation cost us nothing, but
discipleship costs us everything. Thats probably why Jesus encouraged
people to count the cost. Following Jesus is costly, but there is nothing of
greater worth in this world. (Matt. 5:12) Your reward is great in heaven.
TOOLS &
STUDY HELPS
TOOLS & RESOURCES - 67
68 - TOOLS & RESOURCES
HELPFUL
VERSES
FOR
EVANGELISM
GOD
God is creator
Genesis 1:1In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
God is holy
Isaiah 6:3And one called to another and said: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory![a]
God is good and just
Exodus 34:6-7The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the
Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in
steadfastlove and faithfulness, 7keeping steadfast love for thousands,[a]
forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear
the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's
children, to the third and the fourth generation.
MAN HAS SINNED
1 John 3:4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices
lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
James 2:10For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has
become accountable for all of it.
Have you ever told a lie, stolen something, had lust in your heart,
used Gods name in vain, or been angry with someone?
JUDGEMENT & HELL
Hebrews 9:27And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that
comes judgment,
Ezekiel 18:4Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the
soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.
Revelation 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book
of life, he was thrown into the lake of re.
JESUS IS GOD & SAVIOR
Romans 9:5...from their race, according to the esh, is the Christ, who is
God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For
God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order
that the world might be saved through him.
JESUS DIED ON A CROSS FOR YOU
Romans 5:8-9 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us. 9Since, therefore, we have now been justied by
his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so
that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD
Luke 24:46and [Jesus] said to them, Thus it is written, that the Christ
should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
1 Corinthians 15:3-4For I delivered to you as of rst importance what I also
received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with
the Scriptures,
YOU MUST REPENT AND BELIEVE
REPENT OF YOUR SINS
Isaiah 55:7let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on
him,and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST
Romans 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be
saved.
JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY
John 1:12-13 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he
gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of
bloodnor of the will of the esh nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No
one comes to the Father except through me.
Acts 4:12And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name
under heaven given among men[a] by which we must be saved.
HELPFUL
VERSES FOR
EVANGELISM
WITH
MORMONS
Helpful Tips
Use the King James Version: Since Mormons respect and use the King James
Version of the Bible, I recommend that you use this version when witnessing to
Mormons. You do not want Mormons to get distracted by the various Bible
translations.
Know the Gist: It is not always necessary to have memorized the entire verse
word for word. Generally it is okay if you can accurately summarize the verse or
give the basic gist of what the passage says. However, I strongly recommend that
you at least memorize a few key verses.
Know the Location: It is extremely helpful if you know the exact chapter and
verse where a particular Scripture is located. Sometimes it is sufcient to just
know the chapter, but it is helpful if you can also know the verse.
Resource available at http://carm.org
GOD
One God Only
Isaiah 43:10: "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I
have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am
he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me."
Isaiah 44:6, 8: "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer
the LORD of hosts; I am the rst, and I am the last; and beside me there is
no God. 8Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time,
and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me?
yea, there is no God; I know not any."
If there were only two Bible verses that you had to know when
witnessing to Mormons, I would recommend that you know Isaiah
43:10 and 44:6, 8.
One God Only
Psalm 90:2: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst
formed the earth and the world, evenfrom everlasting to everlasting, thou art
God.
Moroni 8:18: "For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable
being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity."
Eternality of God:
Psalm 90:2: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst
formed the earth and the world, evenfrom everlasting to everlasting, thou art
God.
Moroni 8:18: "For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable
being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity."
God Never Sinned:
Revelation 4:8: "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him;
and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."
Also compare Moroni 8:18 above which affirms that God is unchangeable.
Since God is holy now, and is unchangeable, he could not have ever been a
sinner.
JESUS
Jesus always was God (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16-17). Since the Bible teaches that Jesus
is God (John 10:30; 20:28;Heb. 1:8) and God is eternal (Psalm 90:2), then Jesus
must have always been God.
John 1:1-3: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All
things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that
was made."
Colossians 1:16-17: "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven,
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or
dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and
for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
It is important to note that Jesus created all things including Satan. In Mormonism,
Jesus is the spirit brother of Satan who was begotten through literal sexual relations
between heavenly Father and possibly a heavenly Mother. Therefore, in Mormonism,
Jesus did not create Satan. Jesus' spirit body is the result of some sort of union
between heavenly Father and one of the heavenly Mothers. Jesus' physical body is
the result of some sort of physical union between Heavenly Father and Mary.
SAVED BY WORKS?
Ephesians 2:8-10 - For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not
from yourselves; it is God's gift not from works, so that no one can
boast. For we are His creationcreated in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
2 Nephi 25:23 - For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children,
and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for
we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
WHY ARE WE HERE?
The purpose of our existence is to bring glory to God, not to achieve exaltation or
human happiness. Revelation 4:11 says, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory
and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, andfor thy pleasure they are
and were created." Our ultimate fulllment is actually found when we worship God.
TESTIMONIES AND CONTINUED REVELATION
Verses Dealing with Feelings in the Discovery of Truth:
Jeremiah 17:9: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked: who can know it?"
Proverbs 28:26: "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso
walketh wisely, he shall be delivered."
Acts 17:11: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they
received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures
daily, whether those things were so." It is important to note that Paul never
told the Bereans to determine whether Jesus was the Messiah based on
their own personal prayer experience. They were praised since they
searched the scripture daily whether the things Paul taught were true. It is
Scripture that is the authority of determining truth, not our own sinful
emotional feelings.
1 Thessalonians 5:21: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
1 John 4:1: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they
are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
1 John 5:9-13: "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is
greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testied of his Son. 10
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that
believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record
that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to
us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12He that hath the Son hath life; and
he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.13These things have I written
unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that
ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of
God."
WHY PLANT
CHURCHES?
By Lukus Counterman
WHY CHURCHES?
In the midst of a strife-torn world divided by racism, antagonism, sexism, class-
schism, political conict, war, and ideological disparity, what is really needed is
the reproduction of vibrant, healthy churches. The church is Gods means of
shining the light of truth into this dark and dying world. It is His means of
proclaiming the message of reconciliation. The church gives evidence that
mankind can be set at peace with God and one another. This world needs more
churches!
But there is no actual command in the Scriptures to go and plant churches.
Instead the Great Commission is to go and make disciples. Matthew 28-19-20
however doesnt simply end with, make disciples. It commands us to baptize
and teach them. In the New Testament, baptism was a clear declaration of
identication with a worshipping community. Acts 2:41 says, So those who
received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three
thousand souls. What were these believing and baptized people added to?
They were added to the church. These conversions didnt result in individual
believers oating through life on their own. They were gathered into a new
community to learn and grow together. Acts 2:42 says, They devoted themselves
to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the
prayers. The fulllment of the Great Commission is tied directly to the formation
of new churches. Wherever the gospel is spread, the natural result should be the
assembly of believers into new church congregations. [1]
Churches are the organic product of the gospel at work, and that is not by
happenstance. It is all part of the grand design. The church is Gods plan to
extend his gospel of grace to the whole world. It is his Plan A and there is no
Plan B. Nothing else not crusades, radio broadcasts, campus ministries, mercy
endeavors, educational institutions, or cultural renewal programs -- will have the
consistent redemptive impact of the church. We need churches. [2]
WHY NEW CHURCHES?
In 1820, there was one church for every 875 Americans. In the eyes of many
Protestants, this was not nearly sufcient, so from 1860-1900 church planting
boomed. Even though the population continued to grow, by the turn of the
century there was one church for every 430 Americans. At that time, nearly one-
third of all the congregations in the U.S. were less than 25 years old. [3] These
young churches reached into peoples lives and effected a shift in the religious
landscape. The percentage of the countrys population involved in the life of the
church and identifying themselves as religious adherents, rose steadily from
17% in 1776 all the way to 53% in 1916. [4] Did you catch that? More than half of
Americans were in church on Sundays. What has happened over the last one
hundred years? How did we go from 53% of Americans being church-goers, to
the disgrace we face today? Now, less than 18% of Americans go to church on
any given weekend. [5] Could it be that our churches have become old and stale?
Could it be that our churches have lost a zeal and vision for the creation of healthy
new churches?
Church historians have noted that after World War I church planting in the U.S.
plummeted. Towns across the country had their church and felt no need for
additional ones. Turf wars began.There was resistance from older congregations
to any new churches beginning in their neighborhood. Unfortunately the vast
number of congregations peaked in size in the rst 25 years. [6] They either
remained at that size or slowly began to shrink. So as time passed, the American
population continued to grow, while church planting stalled, and current
congregations shrank.
What needs to happen now? New churches need to be planted across the U.S.
Timothy Keller put it succinctly, The vigorous, continual planting of new
congregations is the single most crucial strategy for the numerical growth of the
Body of Christ and the continual corporate renewal and revival of existing
churches. [7] It makes sense when you think about it. New churches best reach
new generations, new residents, and new people groups. [8] McGavran and
Hunter have demonstrated through dozens of studies that the average new
church gains 60%-80% of its new members from people who are not attending
any prior church, whereas churches over 10-15 years of age gain 80%-90% of
new members by transfer from other congregations. [9] New churches best reach
the un-churched, and not only that, they simply grow faster. Research has shown
that churches that are fewer than 100 people in size grow twice as fast
proportionally than churches with 100-200 people. This would suggest that our
country could be reached better if our strategy was planting lots of smaller
churches rather than growing fewer large ones. [10] It is time for a resurgence of
church planting in the U.S.
Some may say, Were not ready, or Were not organized enough, or It wont
work. There is such a thing as an ill-conceived or poorly planned church plant
that is damaging in its effects. But there is also such a thing as a stagnate
Christianity that isnt prepared to risk its comfort for the sake of growing the
Kingdom of God. [11] Its time to step out in faith. Its time to spend and be spent
for a cause greater than ourselves His church. So why plant churches?
Because it is the only wide-scale means of bringing lots of new Christians
into the Body of Christ in a permanent way. We need churches, new ones.
WHY NEW HEALTHY CHURCHES?
Church planting can be about a great many things these days. It can be about
trendy congregations. A man moves to a hipster part of town, buys black plastic-
framed glasses, grows a soul patch, gets a cool tattoo, and wears punk T-shirts
with frayed jeans. He renovates a warehouse, pumps in loud music and sits on a
stool while he talks. His church is lled with 20-somethings and when the service
is done, many of the congregants go to local brew-houses and talk theology.
Church planting can be about trendy congregations. [12]
On the other end of the spectrum church planting can be about traditional
congregations. A man moves to wealthy suburb, wears a suit with a striped tie,
sings with great vibrato, and regularly lauds his Christian alma mater. He sets up
an organ on the left and a piano on the right behind which are the Christian and
United States ags respectively. The congregation is lled with graduates from the
pastors college, some older folks, and a few young families. He preaches from a
certain Bible, and the people sing from a certain hymnal. This church plant is all
about traditionalism.
But let me ask you
something - should church
planting really be about
trendy or traditional? Should
its focus be niche
marketing? Is the big picture
all about tailoring goods and
services to the tastes of
certain people? I would
suggest that church planting
shouldnt be about any of
that. Church planting should
be about establishing
healthy congregations that
increasingly reect Gods
character as revealed in His
Word. [13]Congregations
that listen to God and obey
him may differ in certain
aesthetics, but at their core
they will be healthy. That
health will be seen in several
shared ways.
Healthy churches will seek to exalt God above all else. Their all-encompassing
goal will be to magnify him in public and private worship. Healthy churches will
nd their center of gravity in Christ. They will live and proclaim the good news that
Christ died as an atoning sacrice, was buried, and rose again to conquer sin and
death. Healthy churches will strive to submit to the controlling inuence of the
Holy Spirit. They will demonstrate prayerful dependence in decision-making,
spiritual leadership, communication, and service. Healthy churches will
intentionally try to be saturated with Scripture. Their preaching, teaching, and
counseling will be anchored to the Word in recognition that it alone is what is
necessary for life and godliness. Healthy churches will be gospel-centered in
evangelism and discipleship. They will proclaim the gospel, live it out, and give
evidence to its truth by love and service to those inside and outside the
congregation. [14] Healthy churches will foster a community of brotherly love.
They will freely and responsibly love one another through sacrice, words of truth,
burden bearing and accountability. Finally, healthy churches are strategically
structured toward multiplication. This happens on a micro-level with attempts to
disciple disciple-makers. It happens on a larger scale by incorporating church
reproduction into the DNA of the congregation. A healthy church is not simply a
church. It is a church-planting church. [15] We need churches new ones, but not
just any kind of new church will do. We need healthy new churches.
WHY NEW HEALTHY CHURCHES IN METROPOLITAN
AREAS?
The greatest missionary in
history was the apostle Paul.
As you read through Acts and
note his strategy it was pretty
simple. He went into the
largest city of the region (cf.
Acts 16:9, 12) and then
planted churches in that city.
Roland Allan states it clearly,
All the cities, or towns, in
which he [Paul] planted
churches were centers of
Roman administration, of
Greek civilization, of Jewish
inuence, or of some
commercial importance. [16]
Cities are not the only places
where churches are needed,
but they are perhaps the most
strategic places where
churches are needed. If you
want to permanently inuence a country, it must be through its chief cities. The
most recent census data indicates that more than four-fths (83.7%) of the U.S.
population in 2010 lived in the nations metro areas. Cities are where people are
and will increasingly be. Cities are centers of inuence culturally, spiritually, and in
nearly every other way. Cities are the gateway to suburbs and rural areas.
In spite of the Pauline model and practical rationale, cities have largely been
neglected by church-planters. It has been that way for a long time. Baptist pastor
and president of Brown University, Francis Wayland, wrote more than 150 years
ago, I come now to the case of churches in cities They are, in comparison with
the churches in the country, few in number, and they contain but a small portion
of our entire membership. [17] His voice from long ago resonates with the current
need for churches to be planted in cities. Once again Wayland wrote, [Cities] are
composed, in a considerable degree, of the wealthy and the more highly
educated. They have in their power vast means of doing good The manners, the
maxims, the opinions, the practice of cities, are always rapidly carried into the
surrounding country. They are the centers of inuence, by which the character of
the circumference is determined. [18]
NEW HEALTHY CHURCHES NEED
TO BE ESTABLISHED IN STRATEGIC
METROPOLITAN AREAS.
PLANT FOR THE GOSPEL IS COMMITTED TO SEEING THIS
HAPPEN BY GODS GRACE. JESUS SAID, I WILL BUILD
MY CHURCH. WE LONG TO BE HIS SERVANTS IN THIS
TASK.
[1] Graham Beynon, Planting For The Gospel; A
Hands-on Guide to Church Planting (Norhaven:
Christian Focus, 2011) p. 14.
[2] Timothy Keller and Allen Thompson, Church
Planter Manual (New York: Redeemer City to City,
2002) p. 29.
[3] Ibid., p. 32.
[4] Roger Finke and Rodney Stark, The Churching of
America 1776-1990 (New Brunswick: Rutgers, 1992)
p. 16.
[5] Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck, Why We Love The
Church; In Praise of Institutions and Organized
Religion (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009) p. 30.
The book cites that From 1990 to 2005, the
percentage of Americans in church on any given
weekend fell from 20.4 percent to 17.5 percent.
[6] Lyle Schaller, 44 Questions for Church Planters
(Nashville: Abingdon, 1991) p. 12.
[7] Timothy Keller and Allen Thompson, p. 29.
[8] Ibid., Research points out that new congregations
will bring 6-8 times more new people into the life of
the church than an older congregation of the same
size.
[9] D. McGavran and G. Hunter, Church Growth:
Strategies that Work (Nashville: Abingdon, 1980) p.
100.
[10] Graham Beynon, Planting For The Gospel, p.
16-17.
[11] Ibid., 66.
[12] Mike McKinley, Church Planting is For Wimps;
How God Uses Messed-up People to Plant Ordinary
Churches that do Extraordinary Things (Wheaton:
Crossway, 2010) p. 17.
[13] Mark Dever, What is a Healthy Church?
(Wheaton: Crossway, 2007) p. 40.
[14] Mike McKinley, Church Planting is For Wimps, p.
111.
[15] http://www.Plant4theGospel.com Core
Values (accessed 12/9/2011).
[16] Roland Allen, Missionary Methods; St. Pauls or
Ours? (Grand Rapids: Wm.B. Eerdmans Publishing
Co, 1962 Reprint 1997) p. 13.
[17] Francis Wayland, Notes on the Principles and
Practices of Baptist Churches (Watertown: Baptist
Heritage Press, 1857 Reprint 1988) p. 247.
[18] Ibid., 248
COLOSSIANS
MEMORY
VERSES &
APPLICATION
PROJECTS
S Ts Aove
FOUNDATIONAL SECTIONS
!"#$%&'() +,+-.
SECTION 1 RECITE COLOSSIANS 3:1, 2
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on
the right hand of God.
2 Set your aection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
SECTION 3 RECITE SECTIONS 1-2
SECTION 4 RECITE COLOSSIANS 3:5
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness,
inordinate aection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put o all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, lthy communication
out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put o the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him
that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scyth-
ian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness,
S Ts Aove
humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against
any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body;
and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God and the Father by him.
SECTION 13 RECITE SECTIONS 10, 11, & 12
SECTION 14 RECITE COLOSSIANS 3:1-17
LIFE APPLICATION PROJECTS
!"#$%&'() +,-.,/
SECTION 15 - SEEKING THINGS ABOVE
Write a 100-word paragraph describing how you plan to seek things above when you go home.
In this project, focus on a plan for personal devotions that will help you develop a closer walk
with God.
SECTION 16 - SETTING YOUR AFFECTIONS ON THINGS ABOVE
Write a 100-word paragraph about how you plan to set your aections on things above when
you go home. In this project, focus on the items that could potentially steal your aections
(people, hobbies, entertainment, etc.) and what you should do about it.
SECTION 17 PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST
Read Colossians 1:15-23 and write at least 10 ways that Christ is preeminent (above all) and a
three-sentence paragraph of how to apply this to your life.
SECTION 18 - BOND OF UNITY
Write a 100-word paragraph about how love (charity) should be the bond of unity in your
S Ts Aove
church. Include any circumstances that could cause division (cliques, anger, etc.). Also, include
ve specic ways you could show love in these circumstances.
SECTION 19 - DEEDS OF THE OLD MAN
Copy the list of the items that the Christian is to mortify/put o from Colossians 3:5-9. Circle
the ones that are the greatest struggle for you. Copy the characteristics of the new man and
their denitions from Colossians 3:10-14. Circle the top three that you desire to see growth in.
Then, talk to your counselor or Team Leader about a strategy for removing the old mans deeds
from your life and building the characteristics of the new man into your life.
SECTION 20 - WRATH OF GOD
Colossians 3:6 teaches us who experiences the wrath of Godthe lost. Write a 100-word para-
graph describing how and when you were saved.
SECTION 21 - HUMBLENESS OF MIND
Read Philippians 2:111 and James 4:16. Write a 100-word paragraph about the humility of Christ
and the need for humility in your life. Talk with your counselor or Team Leader about how you
can develop true humility.
SECTION 22 - FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER
Read Matthew 18:2135 and Luke 7:4043. Think though your life and write down 3-5 circum-
stances where you have struggled to forgive others. God has forgiven much and calls us to also
forgive others. Then, write down 3 principles about forgiving others from the passages. Talk
with your counselor about a strategy to maintain a right spirit toward others.
SECTION 23 BE THANKFUL
Read Colossians 3:15. The new man is to have a thankful spirit. List 50 things that you are thank-
ful for, and take a few moments to thank God for them.
SECTION 24 MUSIC IN MY HEART
List 3-5 of your favorite songs and write the top three reasons why each one is your favorite.
Find four verses that should govern your choice of music and write them out. If you need any
help, ask your counselor.
SECTION 26 - KEY TRUTHS TO SEEKING THINGS ABOVE
Read Romans 6:1019. This passage covers the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and
explains the signicance of these events to the believer. Look for the three key phrases in this
passage. Reckon yourselves dead to sin. Let not sin reign in your bodies. Yield yourselves to
righteousness. Find them and circle them in your Bible; memorize them, write two sentences
about each one, and recite the phrases to your counselor or Team leader. Be prepared to ex-
plain what they mean.
2

Mormonism: a History
Beginnings
Joseph Smith Jr.`s initial vision(s):
In 1820, at 14 years old, Joseph Smith journeyed into the woods for a time of intense personal prayer in
reaction to a local religious revival (likely conducted by Methodist preachers). Smith claimed that during
his prayer-time, angelic beings appeared and told him not to follow any known Christian denominations.
The angels, Smith confessed, warned that all modern Christian denominations had perverted Christ`s true
church (called 1he Great Apostasy). They further revealed that Christ would unveil His pure religious
teachings to Smith alone. Notably, several versions of the First \ision exist. Church officials, however,
accept only the 1836 version of the Sacred Grove Experience which has Smith visited by two angelic
beings. The Great Apostasy remains a large factor in Mormon ideology and is perhaps a reason why non-
denominational churches in the Salt Lake-area have seen more initial success than churches with
traditional denominational monikers.

Smith`s life from 1820-1827:
Smith`s parents, both members of the occult, practiced palm reading and fortune telling. Smith continued
in his parents` trade and was eventually arrested in 1826 for fortune-telling and treasure hunting - he
convinced people that his 1upiter 1alisman or Seer Stone would find hidden treasure on their property.

1827-1830 - Creating the Book of Mormon
After several angelic visitations Smith claimed that the angel Moroni, a descendant of the Nephites
(supposed Jewish descendants who migrated to North America beginning in the 7th century BC), led him
3
to Cumorah Hill, a secluded location just outside Palmyra, NY. Buried somewhere on the hill were
golden plates that contained histories of previously unknown Jewish descendants: the Jaredites,
Mulekites, Nephites, and Lamenites. These documents purport to record events spanning 600 BC to 400
AD. Smith gathered the plates on his fourth visit to the hill and, along with the plates, later collected
diamond-lensed spectacles and seer stones by which he could 'translate the New Egyptian language
written on the plates. He dictated his translation to his wife, Emma. The translation process is variously
told, but most sources recount that Smith buried his face in his hat and recited from the glowing plates.
He later claimed to have destroyed the seer stones, the spectacles, and the plates upon the orders of
Moroni, but allowed three witnesses to view them prior to their destruction.

Growth, Exile, and Split
Organization of the Church of Christ (later added: Latter Day Saints):
In 1829, one of the three witnesses of the golden plates, Oliver Cowdery, re-established with a baptismal
ceremony what they called the Aaronic Priesthood. After forming the priesthood, adding another
influential member, David Whitmer, and writing several other key documents like initial versions of the
Doctrines and the Covenants, the early Mormon converts (about 70) moved to Kirtland, Ohio, where the
movement added members and developed infrastructure (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, First
Presidency, patriarchs, high priests, Stake directors, etc). The movement quickly grew in light of their
communal living and rapid birth rate (plural marriage secretly began in Kirtland). After running into local
political issues in Kirtland (the surrounding communities were alarmed over Mormon block-voting),
Smith claimed to have a vision that Christ would return in eastern Jackson County, Missouri
(Independence). There, in Independence, the Mormons would build a Temple dedicated by Smith`s very
own hand. This prophecy, however, has never, to borrow the most used phrase in the Book of Mormon,
come to pass.

Life in Independence, MO:
The fledgling group moved to Missouri in 1831 and many times were forced to relocate once local groups
learned of their theology and practices. There were two great crises while in Missouri: the Bhitmerite
Schism and the Mormon Bar oj 1838. After the Mormon Bar oj 1838, Smith was imprisoned (for his
own safety) while other Mormon refugees fled to Nauvoo, IL.

Life in Nauvoo, IL:
Smith and other leaders escaped custody from the Missouri prison 1839 and rejoined the group in
Nauvoo. There, Mormonism adopted some of its more controversial practices: mandated polygamy,
baptism for the dead, endowment, and the Second Anointing. Also, Smith, the town`s elected mayor,
4
became politically active. While running for President of the United States, Smith raised a 5,000 man
militia to protect his town. Smith later declared himself Prophet, Priest, and King of the Mormon church,
an action which drew the ire of a growing group of church dissenters who grew increasingly
uncomfortable with Mormon practices, especially polygamy. They published a newspaper called 1he
Nauvoo Expositor to criticize their founder and his runaway power-grab. Enraged, Smith retaliated by
destroying the paper and its printing press. The town`s upheaval snowballed to the point that regional
authorities had to restore peace. In the process, Smith was arrested and jailed in Nauvoo. That night, a
vigilante group broke into the prison, shot Smith and his brother, Hirum, and then desecrated their bodies
in the city`s square. Mormon authorities often recall Smith`s 'martyrdom. Smith, however, is no martyr -
he died while jumping out of a window. Before jumping, he emptied his six-shooter, wounding two.

Crisis in Leadership:
Smith`s death created a crisis in succession. The group splintered into as many as twenty different
entities, but the majority followed the Quorum oj the 1welve Apostles, led by Brigham Young (the pro-
polygamy party) and journeyed to Utah where they finally settled in 1847. The succession from Smith to
Young provided the precedent for the transfer of Presidency leadership: the longest standing member of
the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles succeeds the deceased living Prophet. Two groups are noteworthy.
First, the group formerly known as RLDS (Re-Organized Latter Day Saints) now Community of Christ
(as of 2000) followed Joseph Smith III and eventually landed in Independence, MO. This group was anti-
polygamy from the start (Emma was never a fan) and were the original representatives of the Nauvoo
Expositor. Second, the FLDS (Fundamental Latter Day Saints) broke away from the Salt Lake branch
about three decades after arriving in Utah. FLDS traditionally practice plural marriage and do not permit
negroes into the church`s priesthood. The largest FLDS moved to Colorado City, UT in 1986.

Current /njluence
The current, mainstream LDS church boasts of 12 million members worldwide and is reported to possess
assets of nearly $6 billion in annual income through tithes and stock sales; LDS assets are at an estimated
$30 Billion. At last year`s Semiannual Conference, the LDS President, Thomas Monson, announced the
construction of five more Temples, with eleven others already in the works. Any financial known
numbers are unofficial figures leaked to media outlets - the LDS Church holds their financial information
in strict secrecy. The modern LDS hierarchy steadfastly refuses to divulge even the smallest financial
details. Mormon leadership has grown increasingly wary over the Wasatch Front`s growing
secularization. In response, the LDS Church is redoubling their efforts to Mormonize Utah - they are
already dispatching growing numbers of missionaries to Salt Lake, Ogden, and the surrounding areas.

5

LDS and Revelation

Mormon Canonical Literature
Book of Mormon
History:
In 1823, Joseph Smith, Jr. claims that the angel Moroni led him to Comorrah Hill just outside Palmyra,
NY where Smith found additional Scripture. After several failed attempts to retrieve the documents,
Smith finally passed Moroni`s tests and located the buried documents in 1827. Smith claims he found a
box containing three items: the golden plates upon which the Book of Mormon (BOM) was recorded in
Rejormed Egyptian, the Urim and 1hummim (crystal/stone glasses used to 'translate the golden plates),
and the Sword oj Laban (a steel blade with a golden hilt that dated back to the 6th Century BC).
Over the next three years, Smith 'translated the writing on the golden plates. Smith dictated the book`s
story to his wife, Oliver Cowdery, and various other secretaries. To translate, he dawned the Urim and
1hummim spectacles and buried his face into his hat, which contained the golden plates, and dictated the
text. Mormon historians disagree over how exactly the words came to Smith. Originally Smith said that
the English translation appeared under the Rejormed Egyptian characters. Later, he claimed that the words
only appeared for a short time and, then, after his translation abilities improved, the words ceased
appearing. Early Mormon leaders insisted that Smith had a literal, word-for-word translation of the plates
that was perfect in every respect. Due to some embarrassment over grammatical errors, theological
problems, etc, Mormon authorities now claim that God simply filled Joseph Smith`s mind with the ideas
and he then transmitted them to his secretary. Any errors, according to Mormon authorities, are due to
secretarial or publishing errors. Mormons commonly claim that the original publisher deliberately
6
sabotaged the BOM (meaning Mormons must now fix the malevolent alterations). The original publisher,
John H. Gilbert, however, secured a court-issued affidavit stating that he neither altered nor manipulated
Smith`s content, but printed the book exactly the way Smith presented it. For a full review of this history,
see www.bible.ca/mor-1830-changes.html.

Content:
The BOM tracks four migrations of Jewish descendants to the New World and their history in it. The
supposed historical records span from 2247 BC at the first migration to the destruction of the Nephites in
approximately 400 AD. Four different people-groups are featured: Jaredites, Mulekites, Nephites, and
Lamanites. The Jaredites migrated first, immediately after the Tower of Babel. God allowed Jared and his
descendants not to have their language and customs confused if they came to the New World. After
crossing the ocean, experiencing several successes and failures throughout their time in the Americas, the
Jaredites finally wiped themselves out in a civil war around 600 BC in a great battle at Commorah Hill.
The second and third migrations were the descendants of three brothers, two of which banded together:
Nephi (the Nephites) and Laman and Lehi (the Lamanites). These groups landed in the New World in
approximately 600 BC and warred with each other throughout their existence. Typically the Lamanites
tormented the Nephites, which resulted in God cursing them with progressively darker skin. Jesus visited
the Lamanites at one point and converted them all to Christianity. For two hundred years they followed
Christ and lived in harmony until they fell from grace forever. The Lamanites eventually wiped out the
Nephites in the second battle at Commorah Hill.
A fourth group, the Mulekites, are discovered when the Nephites are forced to flee from the Lamanites.
While on the run, the Nephites discovered the Mulekite capital, Zarahemla. Mulek was an unknown
descendant of Zedekiah, the last prince of Judah who fled to the New World with his descendants and
established Zarahemla. Zarahemla was also the refuge of a man named Coriantumr, who was the last
known descendant of the Jaredites. He recorded the story of the Jaredites on a stone, which eventually
came into the possession of Mormon, a Nephite descendant who fled to the city of Zarahemla. He
supposedly edited the various sources into his own personal anthology, which later became the Book of
Mormon. Mormon recorded his story on golden plates in Reformed Egyptian and, before his death, gave
the plates to his son Moroni.

Problems:
(1) Contradiction with the Bible. John 17:17 says that the Word of God is 'truth. Psalm 18:30 declares
that the way of the Lord is perfect, 'the Word of the Lord proves true. Again, Psalm 19:7 says that the
law of the Lord is perfect. In the NT, James says that the law is perfect (Mormons will often cite James
1:5 in an effort to get believers to doubt the veracity of the Bible). And Jesus says in Matthew 5:18 that
'until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is
7
accomplished. Yet, the BOM states that 'plain and precious covenants have been taken away from the
Bible (1 Nephi 13:23-29). Keep in mind, many different doctrinal differences could be listed, but this is a
very provable one that cuts to the heart of the debate
(2) Historical Discrepancies. The BOM is filled with anachronisms, that is, historical references that pre-
date the historical use of the mentioned item. For example, the BOM mentions the following items as
being in North America, none of which has any shred historical evidence predating their introduction by
European settlers: horses, chariots, metallurgy, knowledge of blood circulation and hemispheres,
chariots, bow and arrow, silk, wheat, barley, domesticated elephants, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and
synagogues (which is especially interesting since the BOM usage predates their invention by the Jews
themselves). Furthermore, not a shred of evidence exists proving the presence of vast people groups
described in the BOM: sprawling cities, civilizations in the millions, wars, etc. For a full study, see
www.badarchaelogy.net/forgotten/mormonism.php.
(3) Plagiarisms. The BOM obviously plagiarizes from Ethan Smith`s \iew oj the Hebrews (1823),
Spaulding`s Romance oj the Bible (1822), and the KJV. In fact, Smith plagiarizes even from the KJV`s
translation errors (2 Nephi 14:5, compare to Isaiah 4:5; 2 Nephi 15:25, compare to Isaiah 5:25.
(4) Changes. The BOM has over 3,000 changes relating to doctrine. See www.bible.ca/mor-1830-
changes.htm.
(5) Seriously??? Statements. Several concepts reveal a complete ignorance of Bible scholarship: no
BOM extant manuscripts (thousands of extant Bible manuscripts); 1-4 Nephi, etc (1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings,
etc. were not split until the 1500`s); Rejormed Egyptian and Smith`s faux-Hebrew phonology; and
ideology in the BOM that is very far removed from any Middle Eastern outlook, but views that are
historically unique to 19th century New York state.

Doctrines and Covenants
History/Content:
The DC is a compilation of selected sermons or dictations - mostly by Joseph Smith, but others
contribute, especially in later editions - originally published on 8/17/1835. The DC makes little attempt to
categorize the material in any chronological or logical sequence. Thus, the DC is a scatter-shot document
that touches on various topics ranging from the God-head to basic Ward government to natural
phenomena.
Problems:
(1) Multiple Editions. Aside from the extremely problematic theological issues, there are over 138
editions of the DC.
(2) Deletions. When analyzing the different deletions, one discovers that the church has deleted some of
the more objectionable elements: polygamy, blacks not being able to hold the priesthood, etc.
8
(3) False Predictions. DC 84:1-5, 31 is a prophecy by Joseph Smith stating that both a city and a temple
were to be built 'in the Western boundaries of the State of Missouri and dedicated by the hand of Joseph
Smith. The revelation was given September 22-23, 1832. The prophecy states that this generation will not
pass away until it comes to pass (DC 84:4-5). Several Mormon prophets re-affirmed that the temple and
city would be built in western Missouri: 1864 (George Cannon), 1870 (Orson Pratt), 1900 (Lorenzo
Snow), and 1931 (Joseph F. Smith). The temple and the city still have not been built. And Joseph Smith
Jr. died long ago; his hand certainly will not dedicate it! See also DC 87:1-8 where Smith predicted that
the American Civil War would bring war to all nations, earthquakes, lightening, and a full end of all
nations. Mormon missionaries often brag that Joseph Smith correctly predicted the war would begin in
South Carolina (not a huge surprise; Andrew Jackson correctly predicted it, too). Encourage them to read
the whole prophecy!

Pearl of Great Price
Content:
The Pearl of Great Price (PGP) has five sections: (1) Book oj Moses (Joseph Smith`s 'translation of
sections of Genesis); (2) Book oj Abraham (Abraham`s supposed journey to Egypt); (3) 1oseph Smith -
Matthew (Joseph Smith`s 'translation of sections of Matthew); (4) 1oseph Smith - History (account of
Joseph Smith`s 'First Vision and other early Mormon historical accounts); and (5) Articles oj Faith
(thirteen affirmations early Mormon leaders drafted for their first public relations effort; they presented
these precepts to the general public to prevent a violent reaction against their theology).
Historical Problems:
The major problem with the PGP is the history behind the Book oj Abraham. In 1822 Antonio Lebolo
discovered three Egyptian drawings on papyrus (vignettes) and eleven mummies. He brought them to
New York and sold them to Michael Chandler, who later sold them to Joseph Smith. A scanned image of
one of the three vignettes is pictured on the first page of this document. Smith 'translated the vignettes,
which resulted in the Book of Abraham. Some of the vignette has been destroyed, which many scholars
attribute to Smith`s doctoring as he attempted to craft a story. In 1873 an American pastor sent pictures of
the three vignettes to renowned Egyptologists with Smith`s 'translation. Here are three of their
assessments:
(1) Dr. James Breasted, Chicago University, 'these three facsimiles of Egyptian documents in the Pearl
oj Great Price depict the most common objects in the mortuary religion of Egypt. Joseph Smith`s
interpretations of them as part of a unique revelation through Abraham, therefore, very clearly
demonstrates that he was totally unacquainted with the significance of these documents and absolutely
ignorant of the simplest facts of Egyptian writing and civilization.
(2) Dr. W.M. Flinders of London University, 'It may be safely said that there is not one single word
that is true in these [Joseph Smith`s] explanations.
9
(3) Dr. A.H. Sayce of Oxford, 'It is difficult to deal seriously with Joseph Smith`s impudent fraud.

Mormon Living Revelation
Revelation through the Living Prophet
Mormons believe that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles receive direct Revelation from God. In recent
years, Mormons have backed off their initial statements concerning the Prophet. Currently, prophetic
revelation can only come when the Prophet speaks in conference and then those words are later printed in
a Mormon publication. This caution, however, was not always the case. In the late 1890s, Apostle
Wilford Woodruff said, 'Whatever I might have obtained in the shape of learning by searching and study
respecting the arts and sciences of men . . . , yet if the prophet of God should tell me that a certain theory
or principle which I might have learned was not true, I do not care what my ideas might have been, I
should consider it my duty at the suggestion to abandon that theory or principle (Discourses, V, 83).
Apostle Kimball wrote, 'If Brother Brigham tells me to do anything it is the same as though the Lord told
me to do it. This is the course for you and every other saint to take (Discourses, I, 161).

Consider Luke`s statement about the Berean Jews: 'these Jews were more noble than those in
Thessalonica; they received the Word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these
things were so (Acts 17:11).

Individual Revelation through Emotional Stimulation
Mormons will often testify to the truthfulness of their doctrine because God gave them internal
confirmation, a burning in their hearts, that the BOM and Mormonism are true. This concept is based on
Moroni 10:4, '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.
Modern Mormon publications say it like this, 'In answer to our prayers, the Holy Ghost will teach us
through our feelings and thoughts . . . typically through feelings of their hearts and thoughts in their
minds (Preaching the Gospel, 2004, pg. 39). Mormon missionaries will often ask that an individual 'pray
sincerely and ask the Lord to confirm whether the BOM is true. Notice the subtle manipulation: if one
prays sincerely, God will give it. In other words, if someone fails to receive the confirmation, it`s their
fault for not praying sincerely enough. Mormons look to James 1:5 to prove this (see earlier comment on
James 1:22-23). They will also quote Luke 24:27-32. After Jesus revealed himself to the two travelers on
the road to Emmaus, they said, 'were not our hearts burning within us? Notice, however, that (1) these
two already believed before they received the burning, (2) they were never encouraged to pray for that
burning, and (3) the burning came as a result of Bible teaching, specifically OT teaching.
10
The Thousand Dollar Question: Is it biblically appropriate to pray whether the BOM is true? (1) Neither
Jesus nor Paul, nor any other NT writer/preacher ever encourages their audience to pray if the message is
true. They already knew and asserted it`s truthfulness. (2) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:3 affirms that
the Bible is everything we need; we need no emotional experience to affirm anything! (3) Jeremiah 17:9
warns us not to trust our hearts, 'the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick, who can
know it?

How should a Christian respond to a Mormon asking this question: (1) Have you ever considered
Proverbs 28:26? 'He who trusts in his own heart is a fool. (2) Here is an appropriate prayer, 'Open my
eyes, that I may behold wondrous things from thy law (Ps. 119:18). This prayer assumes the truthfulness
of the Word and the Word alone. (3) Have you ever sincerely prayed that the Lord would tell you whether
Mormonism is untrue? Have you ever sincerely and humbly and fervently prayed whether your faith is
false? (4) How do you test the burning? There are documented cases where Mormon men murdered
individuals because of the burning they received (in 1984 Ron and Dan Lafferty murdered a mom and her
18 month old child because of a burning they believed was from the Spirit). How can a Mormon
definitively say their burnings were false? Once they say, 'you have to test the burning by Scripture,
they`ve lost the argument.
11

Basic LDS Theology

Overarching 1hemes
Progression
Mormons believe that in the past eons of time the god they call Elohim, also known as Heavenly Father,
procreated a finite number of spirit children with Heavenly Mother (or a harem of spirit wives). Of these
celestial spirit-children, Jesus Christ was the firstborn and chief. These spirit children (of whom consist
Jesus, Lucifer, the Holy Spirit, all angels, and all humans) were/are free moral agents with the ability to
act righteously or to rebel. At some point, Heavenly Father, knowing that his spirit children could not
themselves progress to godhood, decided to send them to earth so that they could inhabit earthly bodies,
procreate (and thus provide earthly bodies for the remaining spirit children to embody), form families that
would be sealed for all eternity, 'gain knowledge, and if they obeyed his ways, return to him to become
gods of their own planets.
Before Heavenly Father finalized the Plan oj Salvation, he called a council of all the other gods and other
spirit children to pose a question: When the spirit children get to earth and sin, how will they return to
heaven? Both Lucifer and Jesus presented plans to the council. Although Lucifer`s plan paved a way for
the entire human race to return to Heavenly Father, human obedience was obligatory - Heavenly Father`s
spirit children would lose the freedom to choose. The council concluded that neither Heavenly Father nor
the humans themselves would garner any glory from Lucifer`s plan, but only Lucifer himself. Jesus` plan,
on the other hand, did not preserve the entire race, but only those who chose Heavenly Father`s ways.
12
Humans would retain free-moral agency, yet would also risk the chance of rebellion. The council ruled
that Jesus` plan was superior because it preserved free-will and maximized Heavenly Father`s glory. The
council`s unanimous acceptance embittered Lucifer, whose subsequent rebellion sealed his expulsion
from heaven (a celestial body on or near a planet called Kolob).

Creation and Fall
LDS theologians do not teach that Heavenly Father created the earth from nothing, but with the help of
other gods and celestial beings, reorganized extant matter. After 'creating earth, Heavenly Father sent
Adam and Eve as the first earthly parents with two commands: (1) refuse to eat the fruit of the tree of
knowledge of good and evil and (2) procreate. Although Satan tricked Eve into eating the fruit, he did not
lie to her: he told her she would gain knowledge and become as a god, all truthful according to Mormon
theology. Adam, however, was not tricked; he knew Eve had disobeyed. She would suffer banishment
from the garden and two kinds of death: physical (separation of spirit from body) and spiritual
(estrangement from Heavenly Father). Thus, Adam faced a moral dilemma: obey the lower command not
to eat and disobey the higher command to procreate.
Mormons believe Protestants err on this point: they teach that the fall was outside of the Protestant God`s
scope, that He was caught off guard by the fall, that He had a greater plan (sinlessness) and a lesser plan
(Christ`s redemption). Mormons believe that the Fall was always in Heavenly Father`s plan and Adam
executed the plan flawlessly. Adam had two commands: don`t eat the fruit and procreate. Since Eve`s
expulsion precluded procreation, Adam chose to obey the higher command (procreate) by disobeying the
lesser command (eating the fruit). He chose to join Eve`s disobedience, share in her banishment from the
Garden, and pave the way for men to attain godhood (remember: without mortal bodies, these pre-existent
people would not be able to progress to godhood). Thus, Adam acted sacrificially: he not only allowed
Heavenly Father to send his spirit children to earth so that they could procreate and allow more spirit
children to come to earth, but allowed Jesus to execute his pre-temporal plan of redemption. Mormons
commemorate Adam`s great sacrifice at funerals by placing a fig leaf apron on the deceased.

Jesus and Salvation
Jesus came to earth when Heavenly Father had actual, physical relations with Mary in order to conceive
Jesus. Thus, Jesus was the spiritual and earthly offspring of Heavenly Father in every sense of the term.
He was the only man to live a sinless life and, when his earthly ministry reached a pinnacle, atoned for
man`s sin in the Garden of Gethsemane when he sweat great drops of blood.

Christ`s atonement has two universal, unconditional benefits for mankind: (1) It paid for Adam`s sin (but
not for the sins that we ourselves commit) - no human is held responsible for Adam`s sin. (2) Every
member of the human race will have his/her human body and spirit body reunited at the resurrection.
13
Christ`s atonement also has conditional benefits: total forgiveness from sin and a reuniting with Heavenly
Father, communion with the Holy Ghost, and many more. These gifts, however, are conditional and
dependent entirely on one`s repentance, pledge of faith, baptism, and faithful following of Christ`s ways
as taught by the LDS Church. Mormons, therefore, believe salvation is a mix of grace and works. They
attempt to qualify for certain privileges through obedience, even though their obedience by no means
obligates Heavenly Father to respond graciously. Mormons put themselves in a position to receive
Heavenly Father`s blessing through their obedience. Heavenly Father, out of his own good grace,
sovereignly blesses only those who follow. Mormons also teach that Christ`s atonement covers children
who die before the age of accountability and/or the mentally challenged. The atonement also covers those
who never heard the Mormon message, but would have accepted it had they heard it.

People who believe the Mormon message, follow it`s tenets, receive baptism in a Temple, and marry in a
Temple qualify themselves for the highest heaven. Mormon individual eschatology anticipates three
heavens: the telestial, terrestrial, and celestial. The telestial, the lowest heaven, is reserved for those who
have rejected the Mormon message. The terrestrial is for Mormons who maintained connection with the
Church throughout their lives, but were lukewarm in their pursuit. The Celestial, which also has three
layers, is for those who believed and followed as they are told. These individuals only qualify themselves
to become gods, create their own spirit race, and fellowship fully with Heavenly Father. Early Mormons
also believed in a hell, which was for apostate Mormons, but the LDS church now teaches a form of
annihilationism. Mormons believe that after every spirit child has lived his earthly life, God will resurrect
the human race and reunite them with their spirit bodies. Once resurrected, everyone will face judgment
and be placed in one of the three heavenly destinations (or Hell for Mormon apostates).

When people die, their spirits go to a post-existent holding state where they will hear Heavenly Father`s
gospel message a final time. If they accept that message, and if one of their family members receives
earthly baptism on their behalf in a Temple, they, too, can land in the highest heaven.

1heology Proper
There are several core Mormon teachings about God that wholly contradict basic Old and New Testament
teaching. This document will highlight key doctrines and will list contradictory verses. Perhaps the most
important element is Mormonism`s soft polytheism (technically henotheism, many gods with one primary
god). Mormons claim that there are a nearly infinite number of gods just like Heavenly Father, who
himself also served a god at one time. Scripture, however, is overwhelmingly opposed to this notion:
'Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me (Is. 43:10); 'I am the first and the last,
14
besides me, there is no god (Is. 44:6); 'I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no
God (Is. 45:5).

Mormons also claim that Heavenly Father was a man before he became Heavenly Father. In fact,
Mormons insist that Heavenly Father is still a man, simply a man who has progressed into godhood. The
Bible unanimously affirms, however, that God has always been God and can never be anything but God.
'God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind (Numbers 23:19);
'For He is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him (Job 9:32); 'for I am God and not a man, the
Holy One in your midst (Hos. 11:9); and 'God is a Spirit (John 4:24).

Mormon missionaries attempt to declare monotheism by asserting that earth is a closed system, i.e.
Heavenly Father is the only god of this planet/system. Thus, LDS missionaries casuistically profess faith
in one god alone, Heavenly Father. Nevertheless, a question remains: how could God have more clearly
proclaimed his exclusive existence? How could human language more accurately express true
monotheism? The fact is, Mormon theology is not truly monotheist. For public relations purposes they
deceive the listener into thinking they believe 'like all Christians. Their god is not the God of the Bible,
but an invention of Joseph Smith and his followers.

1eaching on 1esus
As with God, Mormons initially sound traditional concerning their teaching on Jesus Christ. Take, for
example, Gordon Hinkley`s statement (Hinkley was a former LDS Prophet), 'Members of the LDS
Church pray and worship in the name of Jesus Christ. He is the center of our faith and the head of our
Church. The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus and witnesses of His divinity, His life, and
His atonement (see lds.org under 'Basic Beliefs). Consider, however, the Bible`s emphasis that Jesus is
a part of the eternal Godhead and not a created being as Mormons claim: 'In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God and the Word was God . . . and without Him was not anything made that was
made (John 1:1,3); '[God speaking of Jesus] But of the Son he says, thy throne, O God, is forever and
ever`' (Heb. 1:8); and '[alluding to Is. 44:6] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the
beginning and the end (Rev. 22:13). Mormons likewise teach that Christ is a saved being, as Mormon
theologian Bruce McConkie states, 'Jesus Christ came to earth to work out His own salvation . . . . After
His resurrection, He gained all power [i.e. He didn`t possess it before]. In fact, in Mormon Doctrine,
McConkie states emphatically, 'Christ is a saved being (pg. 129). Isaiah 53:4-6 makes clear that Jesus
died not for Himself, but for us and in our behalf. Jesus is God who came to seek and save that which was
lost, not to save himself.
15
1eaching on Salvation
Mormon theologians openly loathe the Protestant doctrine of justification by faith alone. Former prophet
James Talmage calls it 'a most pernicious doctrine and former prophet Joseph Fielding Smith says
'mankind is damned by the faith alone doctrine. Again, McConkie declares, 'many Protestants
erroneously conclude that men are saved by grace alone without doing the works of righteousness.
Former prophet Heber Kimball said, 'I have power to save myself, and if I do not save myself, who will
save me?

Among many verses, two passages used in tandem are particularly powerful in refuting Mormons on this
point. First, Paul says in Galatians 2:16, 'We know that a person is not justified by works of the law, but
through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith, and
not by works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. Could language be
more clear? Faith, not works, justifies. At this point, one should confront the Mormon with something
Paul said earlier in the same book, Galatians 1:8-9. Twice here Paul says that even if he or an angel
(Moroni?) preached a different gospel than salvation by faith, let him be accursed. Considering
Mormonism`s history, this verse chain is a very powerful refutation.

16

LDS Administrative Structure

First President
President + Two Counselors (First Presidency)
Selected the Quorum of the Twelve through revelation (traditionally longest standing member of Q`12)
2 Counselors selected from Q`12 by President after installation
All three considered Apostles, Prophets, Seers, and Revelators
Current President: Thomas S. Monson
Role: Run the whole show

Quorum of the Twelve
Consists of fifteen individuals: President + President`s Counselors + the Twelve
Typically promoted from the 70`s Quorum, but could be any High Priest
Selected by the First President per 'revelation
All 12 considered Apostles, Prophets, Seers, and Revelators
Lifetime appointment
Function typically involves more international affairs

The 70`s Quorum
Aka: The Seventies
The 70`s are an administrative layer bridging local levels (Stake and Ward) to the Home
Base/Administrative levels.
17
There are multiple Quorum of 70`s (currently eight Quorum of 70`s)
First Quorum of the 70 is a Special Unit
o General Authorities who retain apostle-like power when the President and Q`12 are not in session;
generally high ranking people in the LDS church
o Serve until they`re 70 or health fails
o Directly answer to the Q`12 and often accompany the Q`12 to meetings at stakes, wards, or
conferences
Second Quorum of 70`s: serve only 5-6 years and in roles similar to that of the First Quorum (to be
honest, I`m not real sure how they`re different from the First Quorum)
3rd-8th Quorum of 70`s
o First layer of leadership who are not employed full-time by the LDS church
o Not required to live near Salt Lake church headquarters
o Primary function is to oversee Stake and Ward level functions in different regions of the world: Third
oversees Africa and Asia; Fourth oversees Central and South America (Northern and Western
portions) and the Caribbean; Fifth oversees North America West; Sixth oversees North America East,
Midwest, and Southeast; Seventh oversees South America (Southern and Eastern portions); Eight
oversees Asia and Pacific Islands.

Local Level 1: Stakes
Run by the Stake President and his two counselors
Each stake ideally consists of 10-12 Wards, but in less proselytized areas of the world constitute a
region.
Each Stake has clerks, Primary Leaders (children`s workers), Primary Boy Leaders (teens), Primary Girl
Leaders, Relief Society Presidents and Counselors
Local Level 2: Wards
Run by one Bishop and his two counselors
Each Ward has President of Primary children, Young Men and Young Lady leaders, High Priest leaders,
and Elders Quorum

Note: The layers of leadership noted above are merely basic levels. Within the LDS church titles abound
in a nearly endless web. In fact, in reading Mormon literature, there are an abundance of abbreviations
that are nearly impossible to understand even with the structure laid out here. For example of the
preponderance of titles, note that in Mormon mission communities, they appoint Area Presidents, Mission
Presidents, two Mission President Counselors, two Missionary President Assistants, zone leaders,
assistant zone leaders, and district leaders.

18
LDS Organi:ational Chart \isuali:ed

19
LDS Priesthood Chart

Aaronic Priesthood
Melchizedek Priesthood
'Re-instituted in May 1829 during an angelic
visit by John the Baptist to Joseph Smith and
Oliver Cowdery, who were praying in the
woods. Smith baptized Cowdery and then
Cowdery baptized Smith.

Considered Lesser Priesthood, aka 'Preparatory
Priesthood

Typically, Mormon boys are ordained into the
Aaronic Priesthood at 12 where they receive the
ordination through baptism and receive the
office of Deacon

Mormon converts over 18 are baptized after one
year of examination into the Aaronic
Priesthood and given the office of Priest

Four Offices in Aaronic Priesthood:
1) Deacon - typically taken at 12 with baptism and
examination from the Bishop; given keys of
angels; given small tasks in the Ward
(collection of tithes, passing of sacraments, etc);
Home 1eaching with Father; begins worthiness
interviews
2) Teacher - typically taken at 14; can home teach
with any Elder; prepare sacraments
3) Priest - typically taken at 16; may bless the
sacrament; baptize; give others the Aaronic
Priesthood; and ordain others to the offices of
Priest, 1eacher, and/or Deacon.
4) Bishop -This is the highest office of the Aaronic
Priesthood; even though categorized by
Mormons in the Aaronic Priesthood, one must
attain to the higher priesthood to be considered
a bishop. Bishops run the local Ward with his
two counselors; aka Bishopric; conducts
worthiness interviews
'Re-institution date is unsure; Smith was
unspecific about details; most LDS historians
place it at or prior to 1831. Again, Cowdery and
Smith were conferred with the office, but this
time by Peter, James, and John, who laid their
hands on them.

Considered the Higher Priesthood

In the same ceremony, young men (typically 18-
20) are ordained into the MP and then given the
office of Elder; they retain the MP and the
office for life

All Mormon missionaries have the office of
Elder with the MP

A third priesthood is called the Patriarchal
Priesthood; Mormon authorities, however,
debate whether it is its own priesthood or a
subset of the MP. Joseph Smith said knowledge
of the PP would be filled out at the completion
of the Temple, but the Temple was never
constructed; later Mormon authorities connect
the priesthood with Celestial Marriage and the
Patriarch`s ability to be a god of his own planet
Offices in Melchi:edek Priesthood:
1) Elder - Confer gifts of the Holy Spirit; give
blessings through laying on of hands; ordain
other Elders
2) High Priest - age is the key, usually over 30;
eligible for higher calling (Bishop, Stake
President, etc.); may ordain other High Priests
3) Patriarch - gives Patriarchal Blessings to the
people (identify one`s Israelite tribe, bless with
knowledge, give advice)
4) Seventy - see above
5) Apostle - see above
20

Life in the LDS Church
Borthiness
Borthiness best describes the Mormon`s ultimate goal. Personal worthiness factors into nearly every
religious decision and, as we shall see, is a requirement for the religion`s pinnacle experience: Temple
attendance. Borthiness - often discussed, not often defined - refers to the Mormon`s personal adherence
to the doctrines and regulations of the LDS Church. Worthiness is something objective, something the
LDS church member can attain. It is important at the outset to demonstrate how the LDS concept of
worthiness and the Bible`s teaching differ. The New Testament is emphatic: we can never be worthy in
ourselves (Matthew 3:11; 8:8). Christ rewards a brokenness of spirit, an attitude that says, 'I am not
worthy of you. Christ condemns the person who believes himself worthy (Luke 18:11-14). LDS teaching
misses a key NT concept: we are never encouraged to make ourselves worthy, but to act worthily. We are
fallen, unworthy people seeking to live worthy of the gospel. Paul encourages believers to walk in a
manner worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27; Col. 1:10). But making a person worthy is God`s
work: 'to this end we pray for you, that our God make you worthy of His calling (2 Thess. 1:11). Our
own righteousness amounts to nothing (Is. 64:6). God`s righteousness, which He imparts, transforms both
objectively and subjectively.
Duty
Worthiness demands constant attention to the duties the church requires. Several publications teach
Mormons their duties: Standards jor Bishops, Pursuit oj Excellence, Fuljilling my Duty to God, Basic
Manual jor Latter-Day Saint Bomen, Duties and Blessings oj the Priesthood, etc.
21
Pursuit oj Excellence: The LDS Church encourages members to excel in five areas: Spiritual, Intellectual,
Physical, Service, and Character. Children are given a small booklet that guides them through faith
projects so they can grow in these five areas. This booklet provides insight into to the LDS culture -
religion is about growing, excelling, doing, and being righteous. The booklet embodies several trends: the
preference of LDS extra-biblical material over the Bible, a tendency to live out one`s faith by executing a
religious plan, and the encouragement to report one`s progress to a spiritual leader.

Fulfilling My Duty to God: This booklet is for young men from 13-18 (the Aaronic Priesthood: Deacons,
Teachers, and Priests.) It guides him through the teenage years so at the appropriate age he can accept the
Melchizedek priesthood and, thereby, accept the missionary call. Common themes emerge: plan your
faith, invent a faith project, get your plan approved by your parents or Quorum leader, and be diligent in
the execution of your plan. The goal of the booklet is to prepare young men for a mission: it assumes
they`ll attend and encourages them to begin saving at an early age for the $10K price tag. For example, a
quote from page 84 is typical, 'During your years as a priest, use the steps on the following pages to
create a project that will help you prepare to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and serve a fulltime
mission. This section typifies many Mormon how-to guides: create a project that will instill certain
values, execute your plan with diligence, and then report on your plan to your authority. The headings for
this section are: Learn, Create a Project, Report Your Experiences (a fine summary of LDS life).

Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood (Men): [Note: I purchased only Part A, a 278 page document that
covers a broad range of topics.] Duties for LDS men focus on the home and family, especially teaching
the family`s religion, providing for their family`s needs, saving necessary food stuffs, tithing, and
accepting callings from the church. A huge emphasis is placed on the external: work ethic, budget,
appearance, cleanliness, physical fitness, etc. Older men are considered Patriarchs who can dispense
'patriarchal blessings. These are talked about often in Mormon circles. Say, for example, a Mormon lady
has a doctor`s appointment she`s worried about. She can request a Patriarchal Blessing wherein the
Patriarch lays his lands on her head and offers a prayer for the appointment. At that moment, Mormons
believe that the Patriarch is being given direct revelation and can predict the future. If the Patriarch says
the woman will be healed, she will be healed. Many Mormons experience guilt-ridden lives as a result of
Patriarchal Blessings that went unfulfilled since they assume personal unworthiness prevented them from
the Patriarchal blessing.

The Latter-Day Saint Woman: This book [again, I purchased only Part A] is a catch-all book filled with
advice and regulations for nearly every area of life. It covers everything from basic Mormon doctrine to
immunization guides. For example, it outlines in specific detail how to stock-pile a year`s supply of food,
22
how to cultivate a home garden (a prophetic requirement), and how to properly meet the family`s
nutritional needs.

My point is not to list all the requirements of the Mormon faith, but to demonstrate its tenor: Duty, Work,
Responsibility, etc.

Sabbath Day Activities
In years past, the Wards organized the service order so that members remained at church literally all day.
Now Salt-Lake area Wards operate on a three-hour block rotation. Most Wards begin the first hour and
fifteen minutes with the Sacrament Meeting. This worship service includes a challenge as written by the
Home Office, hymn singing, and taking the sacrament (communion). The first Sunday of the month is
Fast Sunday. On Fast Sundays the Sacrament Meeting is replaced with a Testimonial Meeting. There is
no formal challenge, but members are encouraged to bear testimony for what the Lord has done for them.
LDS members are encouraged on those days to fast for two meals, then contribute the cost of the two
missed meals to the Ward`s benevolence fund.

Following Sacrament Meeting, attendees split into individual sessions: children 0-18 months stay with
their mothers (no nursery); children 18 months-3 years go to Little Ones, ages 4-12 attend Primary, 13-18
attend oung Men/Bomen; 18 and over ladies attend Reliej Society, and men ages 18 and above attend
Priesthood. Everyone 18 and under remains with their groups for two hours. Those over 18 attend a third
and final 45 minute Sunday School session. The classes are instructional and divided, again, by age and
gender. The Sunday School classes have a three-year topic rotation: Old Testament, New Testament, and
the Book of Mormon.

Once a month on Sunday evenings, one particular group of the church holds a Fireside, which is simply
an event for fellowship, fun, testimonies, etc. Worthiness interviews are conducted on Sundays, as well.
Other weekly activities include: Home 1eaching (men are assigned a family to visit, instruct, and report
findings back to the Bishop - always Monday); \isiting 1eaching (same as H1, but for women); oung
Men/Bomen; and Boy Scouts.
1emple Attendance
Temple Attendance is the pinnacle religious experience for the Mormon and the place where one must
travel to receive the highest spiritual blessings: Endowment, Eternal Marriage, Baptism for deceased
relatives, and Family Sealing. Basically, one cannot progress to the highest heaven if one does not attend
Temple at least semi-regularly (LDS authorities encourage people with access attend at least once a
month).
23

Entering the Temple
Attending Temple activities is not easy. A quote from the LDS publication Preparing to Enter the Holy
1emple illustrates, 'We must be worthy before we go to the temple. There are restrictions and conditions
set. They were established by the Lord and not by man. And, the Lord has every right and authority to
direct that matters relating to the Temple be kept sacred and confidential. All who are worthy and qualify
in every way may enter the temple, there to be introduced to the sacred rites and ordinances (page 2).
Before anyone can even enter the Temple, he/she must secure a Temple Recommend from the Bishop and
the Stake President, which requires a 'worthiness interview at least every other year. There, bishops ask
a series of 14 questions, but the four primary ones are: (1) Do you know the church to be true? (2) Are
you tithing? (3) Are you sympathetic to any apostate groups? (4) Is there anything in your home life that
runs counter to church teaching?

LDS Wards keep very close tithing records and more than one Bishop has threatened to check up on the
honesty of one`s answers. Home Teaching times are reported back to the Bishop and filed; these often
come up in worthiness interviews. Incidentally, tithing is a major issue. It is an important topic in every
LDS publication as an expression of obedience and is almost always the first thing doubting Mormons
jettison (even before the Temple Garments, which we`ll get to). Many are afraid that when they stop
tithing, they`ll receive a rebuke from their Bishop or Stake President. Many Mormon communities have
developed a culture of suspicion, distrust, and, frankly, gossip. Gossip is a very real fear; Temple
Recommends might be withheld or confrontations might result.

Non-Mormons and people without Temple Recommends are by no means allowed inside the Temple
complex. In fact, in the book Preparing to Enter the Holy 1emple, there is an extended section on how to
handle a family member who is not a member of the church. Many mothers and fathers have been greatly
disappointed because their converted child would not get married in a place other than the Temple (if one
gets married outside the Temple, he must wait two years for an additional Temple Sealing ceremony).

Endowment
One`s first visit to the Temple is the Endowment ceremony where he/she gains full access to the covenant
and secret rites. It is considered a rite of passage into greater Mormon blessings. Most Mormon young
people participate in the ceremony sometime after they turn 18, but before they get married (required to
be married in a Temple). Before 1990 the ceremony was extremely bizarre: personal discomfort and near
nudity before others, graphic symbols of throat slitting and gutting, graphic portrayal of rejecting both
Satan and the Christian Minister (played by live actors), and, of course, dawning the Temple Garments
for the first time. And even though they have since altered the ceremony, it is still uncomfortable enough
24
that many Mormons begin doubting their religion during the Endowment ceremony itself. At Endowment,
Mormons receive their first pair of Temple Garments (garmies in Mormon parlance), which are
undergarments to be worn at all times except to shower, change, etc. The garments are intended to be a
constant reminder of one`s covenant vows and to promote chastity/modesty (it`s hard to wear a mini-skirt
with your Temple Garment sticking out!). In Mormon culture, wearing sleeveless shirts to show one has
abandoned his Temple Garment is a statement of rebellion against the church.

Temple Sacredness
Mormons are sworn to secrecy with regard to Temple Ceremonies. Mormons believe that these rites were
the identical ones used by King Solomon of the Old Testament. In reality, the endowment ceremony is
nearly an exact replica of Masonic entrance ceremonies. Regardless, I have made it a point not to know
what goes on in the Temple. If Mormons make a vow to keep it secret, then I respect that vow. But,
Mormons are bound by conscience not to talk about their Temple experiences. And asking anybody to
violate their conscience is a very risky spiritual game.
Mormon Missions
Motivations
From very early in the young person`s life, he is encouraged/expected to take a mission calling. Here are
some of the common themes I`ve encountered while studying missionary motivations.
(1) Rite of Passage: Young men go off as boys and, supposedly, return as men. They`ve lived two years
independently of their parents, in many cases are fluent in another language, and gain perspective that
comes with traveling abroad. Gaining this rite comes with several advantages: it qualifies them to find a
Mormon mate (certainly at the top of this list), job placement (missions look impressive on resumes
anywhere, but especially in the Wasatch Front), and fulfills family expectations (many
parents/grandparents save money the child`s entire lifetime to finance their mission).
(2) Obedience to God: Despite Mormon denials to the contrary, it is commanded that every young man
go on a mission. Missions are not just encouraged, but expected in nearly all church material. Yet, several
young men want to obey what they believe is true of God. They want to 'gain a testimony, in other
words, receive some sort of proof that Joseph Smith is a true prophet and that the church is true.
Mormons likewise believe that before the veil oj jorgetjulness was raised, they received marching orders
while still in heaven. Many of them believe that it is part of their destiny, for the lack of a better term, to
attend. Likewise, several young ladies go on missions because of their desire to help others. Young ladies
proselytize less and, in general, perform more humanitarian activities.
(3) Sense of Adventure: Did you know what you wanted to do for the rest of your life at 18? Most
Mormons don`t, either. The mission provides an opportunity to live independently in some exotic place
25
(hopefully - one never knows, Laramie, WY is a distinct possibility). But many young men either are
searching for what to do or don`t want to start life quite yet, so they take two years to attend a mission.

The Life
Missionary life is tough. After the missionary-candidate gets the required approvals and fronts the $10K,
he spends the first eight weeks at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT (MTC) where he works 12
hour days and begins obeying all the missionary rules. He sees his parents one more time at the SLC
airport for 15 minutes before he flies away to his new home for the next 22 months. Most missionary
dorms are poorly furnished, are even more poorly stocked with food, and have few creature comforts.
Missionaries are never, ever alone. They spend every waking moment with their missionary companion.
Missionaries study their scriptures for two hours every morning, follow a very strict code of conduct, and
proselytize for ten hours a day people who don`t necessarily want to be proselytized. Failure to secure
baptisms is blamed on the missionary`s lack of faith, obedience, prayer, etc. Missionary life is much like
other LDS activities: Read LDS literature, set goals, make a plan, jollow the rules, and execute the plan -
in work you`ll jind happiness. The rules are overwhelming for some missionaries. Interestingly enough,
the first missionary rule is this: Learn and obey all the missionary rules. Among many other things,
missionaries are never alone, never read or view materials without Church sanction, never leave dress-
code, may not write family more than once a week, are subject to reduced daily stipend without warning
or explanation, may not watch television/ listen to the radio or CDs, may not attend or participate in
sporting events without permission, may not call parents, may not ride in a car with any non-church
member, and may not purchase souvenirs.
How to Use This Document
I have found this particular section to be most helpful in striking up meaningful conversations with my
LDS friends. Telling humorous stories about a weird missionary companion, expressing the nervousness
they felt before discovering where Church authorities have sent them, or relating the awfulness of the
MTC all get my LDS friends talking about religion in a very disarming way - they don`t feel threatened
by those topics. Further, just being familiar with LDS concepts will earn you a hearing (it is a culture very
unique to Utah) - Sacrament Meeting, Endowment for teenagers, family angst over Home Teaching,
Worthiness Interviews, or worse, excluding a non-LDS family member from the Temple Marriage
ceremony. All of these concepts are talking points where you can freely begin to talk about the free
gospel of the New Testament.

26

Witnessing to LDS Friends

Step #1: Establish the Bible`s Supremacy
Question #1: Do you believe the Bible is true?
Trained Mormons usually answer, 'I believe the Bible so far as it is correctly translated. Also, most
Mormons will express confidence in the KJV. At this point, it is good to ask if they know of any incorrect
translations. Although very few will list any objections, some may note differences between Matthew
27:5 and Acts 1:18`s account of Judas`s suicide. These passages are merely supplemental, not
contradictory. Yet, it is important to establish that they are unaware of vast amounts of translation errors
so that later in the conversation they cannot claim an erroneous translation that relates to an important
doctrine. Try to find common ground - perhaps the red words in a red-letter KJV New Testament is a
good starting point.

Some might quote 1 Nephi 13:23-29: several precious promises have been omitted from the Bible. LDS
authorities taught that the Roman Catholic Church around the time of Constantine omitted sections of the
Bible. (Rest assured, history is absolutely clear that this claim is patently false. Besides, the RCC did not
exist when Constantine was alive!) You should not respond to that charge quite yet since you are
attempting to find common ground. Ask them if they believe the words that haven`t been omitted. In
other words, even if items have been omitted, is everything there still true? If they balk at this question,
you may want to quote Matthew 24:35, 'heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words will not pass
away. Simply see if they can agree with you that the Bible as it now stands is truthful.
27
Question #2: Which is more reliable, the Bible or your feelings?
As we`ve learned earlier in this study, Mormons are taught to seek confirmation of truth by asking God
for a burning feeling. LDS people typically avoid this question, but you must make them choose, 'If you
had to choose one or the other, which is more reliable? Here are few verses that drive home the point,
Jeremiah 17:9, 'the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it?
Proverbs 28:26, 'He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool. When typical Mormons encounter
theological difficulty, they fall back on the burning feeling. It is important to cut off this escape route.
Likewise, keep the conversation theologically black and white, as Mormons quickly run to mystery to
avoid the spiritual entanglements their system weaves.

Question #3: When considering religious teachings, what should be the standard?
Since attempting to prove theologically that the canon is closed can be a time-consuming conversation
that likely gets you nowhere, and since most lay-Christians feel inadequate to delve that deeply, I would
not make the cannon an issue in these conversations. Your goal is to establish the Bible as a standard.
Mormons believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God who communicated truth and gave the world
more Scripture. We must use Scripture to test whether the Book of Mormon is indeed Scriptural.

1he Bible provides two tests jor men who claim God has given them prophetic revelation:
1) Later revelation will not contradict former revelation (Isaiah 8:20)
2) If a prophet makes a prediction, the prediction will come true (Deut. 18:20-22)

The writings of Joseph Smith must pass these two truth tests. If your Mormon friend disagrees with you,
it is good to quote what other Mormon prophets have said regarding Smith`s teachings: 'If his claims to a
divine appointment be false . . . the superstructure cannot be stable (James Talmage, Articles oj Faith);
'If Joseph Smith was a deceiver, who willfully attempted to mislead people, then he should be exposed;
his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false, for the doctrines of an imposter cannot
be made to harmonize in all particulars with divine truth (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines oj Salvation,
vol. 1, pg. 188).

At this point it may be appropriate to affirm that you will be reasoning and reading from the Bible - it is
your divinely-given standard of truth. If any so-called revelation disagrees with the Bible or is proven
historically false, then this revelation, according to the Bible, must be rejected.
Step #2: Establish Central Mormon 1enants
This step is extremely important as it allows you, not your Mormon friend, to establish the terms of the
debate. If you ask in a friendly way, you can establish several points which you will revisit later. I have
28
found success in asking this question, 'Would it be alright if I gave you my broad understanding of
Mormon teachings? And if at any point I go astray, you correct me? Every Mormon I`ve talked to agreed
to this arrangement.

Here are the highlights you should hit, and I recommend this order:
1) The Mormon concept of God (once a man, progressed, we are Heavenly Father`s spirit children).
2) The Mormon concept of progression (God knew we could not progress unless we became corporeal;
Adam`s choice between sin and procreation; and now man has the opportunity to progress to deity).
3) The Mormon concept of Jesus (was one of God`s spirit children; Lucifer`s brother who presented a
better plan for man`s redemption; in Gethsemanae atoned for Adam`s sin; provided resurrection for every
human).
4) The Mormon concept of Salvation (if we have faith in God and Jesus and obey God`s laws as
expressed in Mormon teaching, we, too, can progress - I would not delve too far into particulars, focus on
salvation by works).
5) The Mormon conviction that Joseph Smith, the founder and primary Revelator of the movement, was
God`s true prophet (you may want to review the Sacred Grove experience, the 'translating of the BOM;
avoid saying anything negative about Smith`s character - sometimes saying things plainly highlights the
absurdity).

Ask if there are any corrections. Remember, you want to keep it simple; you want them to agree with you.

Step #3: Demonstrate /ncontrovertible Biblical Disagreement
Question #1: Is the God of the Bible the same as the God of Mormonism?
God`s Nature: 'God is a spirit (John 4:24); 'God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he
should change his mind (Numbers 23:19); 'For He is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him (Job
9:32); 'for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst (Hosea 11:9).

God`s Uniqueness: 'Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me (Is. 43:10); 'I am the
first and the last, besides me, there is no god (Is. 44:6); 'I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides
me there is no God (Is. 45:5).

God`s Eternality: 'Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and
glory forever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:17); 'For when God made promise to Abraham, since he
could swear by no greater, he sware by himself (Hebrews 6:13; the implication being there are no other
gods in the cosmos to swear by)
29

Conclusion: The Mormon God is different than the God of the Bible.

Question: Is Jesus of the Bible the same person as the Jesus of Mormonism?
Jesus is Eternal: 'But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever (Hebrews 1:8).

Jesus is God: 'Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever (Romans 9:5); 'the great God and our
Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).

Jesus is God`s Unique Son: (he cannot be Lucifer`s brother) 'And the Word was made flesh and dwelt
among us and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth
(John 1:14) [only begotten is probably better translated, the one and only).

Question: Is the Gospel of the Bible the same as the Gospel of Mormonism?

1he Gospel According to the N1 Briter Paul . . .
What is the Gospel? The gospel is salvation 'to everyone that believeth (Romans 1:16).
What do we need to be saved from? Sin and it`s penalty 'for the wages of sin is death. (Romans
6:23a).
How does a person get this salvation? /t is a jree gijt, 'the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23b);
the gospel cannot be earned, it is accepted by jaith alone: 'not by works of righteousness, which we
have done, but according to His mercy, he saved us (Titus 2:5); 'Knowing that a man is not justified
by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we
might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law
shall no flesh be justified (Galatians 2:16).
1he Gospel According to Mormonism . . .
'We have to do our part to overcome spiritual death. To be forgiven our sins, we need to repent and
increase our faith in Jesus Christ throughout our lives. We will not be saved simply because we get
baptized or say we believe in Jesus. It takes work.... (from www.lds.org/plan, accessed 1/27/2011).
'The new birth is also a matter of obedience to the law (Joseph Fielding Smith, 1he Bay to Perjection,
pg. 189).

'For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all that we can do (2 Nephi 25:23).
'We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws
and ordinances of the gospel (Pearl of Great Price: Third Article of Faith.

30
Do Paul`s Gospel and the LDS Gospel Agree? What Does Paul Say We Should Conclude If Another
Gospel Disagrees?
'I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another
gospel:
7
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any
other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-9)

But what of Mormonism`s emotional appeal, ~Don`t you want to live with your family forever?
A cornerstone of Mormon theology is celestial marriage. Mormons 'seal their eternal marriage with their
partners in the Temple. This is not just an encouraged practice, but required to attain the highest level of
heaven and then divine progression (DC 132:9-19)

What does Jesus say about marriage in the afterlife?
'And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
35
But
they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither
marry, nor are given in marriage:
36
Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and
are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection (Luke 20:34-36; see also Matthew 22:30
and Mark 12:25).

Step #4: Demonstrate False Prophecies Made by 1oseph Smith
The Bible provides two tests for any doctrinal teaching or prophecy:
(1) Does the teaching agree with existing Scripture? In comparing the Bible`s teachings on God, Jesus,
and Salvation with Mormonism`s teaching, the answer is no, they do not agree. In fact, Mormonism
teaches an altogether different God, different Jesus, and different gospel (no small differences!)

(2) Do the prophet`s predictions ring true? Let`s examine some of Joseph Smith`s prophecies to see if
they were fulfilled. Remember, the Biblical standard is 100% accuracy.

A. DC 84:1-5, 31 is a prophecy by Joseph Smith stating that a temple would be built 'in the Western
boundaries of the State of Missouri and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith - this region would
be the New Jerusalem. The revelation was given September 22-23, 1832. The prophecy states that
this generation will not pass away until 'it comes to pass (DC 84:4-5). Several Mormon prophets
re-affirmed that the temple and New Jerusalem would be built in western Missouri: 1864 (George
Cannon), 1870 (Orson Pratt), 1900 (Lorenzo Snow), and 1931 (Joseph F. Smith). The temple and
31
the city still have not been built. And Joseph Smith Jr. died long ago; his hand certainly will not
dedicate it! See also Revelation 21:22 - there is no temple in the New Jerusalem.

B. DC 87:1-8 Smith predicted that the American Civil War would bring war to all nations,
earthquakes, lightening, and a full end of all nations. Mormon missionaries often brag that Joseph
Smith correctly predicted the war would begin in South Carolina (not a huge surprise; Andrew
Jackson correctly predicted it, too). Encourage them to read the whole prophecy.

C. Demonstrably false statements (see earlier section on BOM historical discrepancies; multiple DC
editions, and other demonstrably false statements made by Mormon Prophets).

Mormon teaching fails both of Scripture's truth tests: (1) it does not align with existing Scripture and
(2) prophetical statements have been proven false.

It is extremely important not to take a judgmental tone in your discussions. Kindly speak with your
friends - their religion is not under attack, it`s simply undergoing Bible comparison. Remember, your
conversation with them will likely be the very first time they`ve interacted with this evidence. You are
telling them that everything they`ve learned religiously is a lie - be sensitive to that shock.

And above all, remember this - 'For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God
for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16). The gospel
is powerful enough in itself to convert your LDS friend.
S Ts Aove
Introuction to Coossians
IDENTITY THEFT CRISIS
Credit card identify theft is one of the great crimes of the 21st century. Many people
have suered from its cruel eects. In like manner, the 1st century believers living
in the city of Colossae faced a crisis of spiritual identity theft. Certain erroneous
teachers had come into the church and, through their message, were attempting to
rob the believers of their identity in Christ.
THE GOSPEL ISNT ENOUGH, RIGHT?
False teachers had come to the church with the following basic message: The gos-
pel they had received from Epaphras (1:7) was suicient to save them, but it was
insuicient to spiritually mature them. In other words, they could not reach their
complete spiritual potential on the basis of the simple gospel message they had re-
ceived. These false teachers promised that their message would give the Colossian
believers an experience of a fuller spiritual life and a greater freedom over ones
sinful nature. Their primary emphasis was a combination of seeking mystical ex-
periences (perhaps with angels) and keeping religious rules and regulations, along
with a strict, ascetic (severe self-discipline) lifestyle to free themselves from the evil
desires of their own sinful heart. The problem, however, is that their message was a
departure from the truth. It would not lead these believers into greater knowledge
and freedom, but into ignorance and bondage.
ALL-SUFFICIENT GOSPEL, ALL-SUFFICIENT CHRIST
Paul writes this epistle to believers he had never met. He emphatically asserts that
the gospel they had received was an all-suicient message, and that Jesus Christ
was an all-suicient Savior. As believers, they were absolutely complete in Christ
alone. So, Pauls challenge was to not allow these spiritual identity thieves to rob the
Colossian believers of who they were as men and women in Christ.
SEEK THINGS ABOVE
The Christian life can be summarized as seeking things that are above. It is because of our
identity with Christs life, death, burial, and resurrection that we can and will seek
things that are above!
S Ts Aove
tuesday
Seein Tins Aove
STEP 1: FIND THE FACTS
Individually read the passage below three times and circle the key words and
phrases in the passage. You may refer to the word list on page 12 for help.
COLOSSIANS 3:1-4
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your aection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in
glory.
Check here when you have read the passage three times and have circled the
key words and phrases.
Do you understand all of the key words and phrases? Yes No
Refer to the word list on page 12 for additional help.
Underline the two commands in Colossians 3:1-2.
Circle the 5 instances that Christ is mentioned in these verses.
Write out the 2 phrases that begin with the word with.
1
2
STEP 2: MEDITATE ON THE TEXT
The Christian life is to result in a passionate hunger for the things of God. It can be
summed up as a life of Seeking Things Above (STA).
S Ts Aove
DO YOU SEEK THINGS ABOVE?
!"#$ &'$ (!) *+,- "./ 0,./ 1+& 012 3+2$4
YES NO

Would the people who spend time with you (family, friends, neighbors, people at
school) say that you love people like Christ loves people?

Would others say you are morally pure?

Would others say you are kind, humble, and forgiving toward people?

Would people say your speech and the language you use reects a heart that
loves God?

Would people say you have a passion for God?
REGARDLESS OF WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT YOU . . .

Can you honestly say that your life is all about seeking after God?
Seeking things above is not primarily about your actions or what others might think
of you; its a heart and life that has been changed by Christ that results in an intense
focus on Christ and things that are above.
This new identity starts with the supernatural work of God in salvation and contin-
ues as He changes us daily while we pursue Him. This life of seeking things above will
eventually be fullled when we are with God in heaven.
I ,e n s r. . C-r.t,
.e- o. .,s w-ic- a. asove.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT
OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST?
Match the following verses to the truth they teach about the work of Christ in our lives.
Colossians 2:20 Appear
Colossians 3:1 Raised
Colossians 3:4 Died
Colossians 3:3 Hid
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Now that we see what the Bible says about our identity with Christ, what do each of
these truths really mean?
DIED WITH CHRIST
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him
through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the
world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
!"#$ &'& ("') &#*(" +,,-./
At the moment of saving faith, the Holy Spirit unites the believer with the crucixion
and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:11; Colossians 3:3)
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Look at the following three verses in the book of Romans and answer the question,
Who died to sin? (Romans 6:2; 6:6; 6:7)

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This death does not mean that the presence of sin has been removed from the be-
lievers life or that the potential of sinning has ended. Instead, the reigning, domi-
nating power of sin in the believers life has been broken! The believer no longer
bears any guilt for his sin because, in Christ, he has already died to them. The Chris-
tian is no longer a slave to sin!
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RISEN WITH CHRIST
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him
through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your
esh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
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Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
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This resurrection takes place at the same moment of our death to sin.
This happens when a person becomes a
Read the following verses to truly understand this: Colossians 3:1; Romans 6:5.
!"- 3.) *#)+**#,(#&2
According to the verses you have read and the truths that you have been learn-
ing, who rose with Christ from the dead?

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According to Romans 6:9-11, the believer is no longer enslaved to sin! A real spiritual
surgery has taken place on the inner man, so that a new principle of life has been
implanted within his heart (the new birth). The Christian has been co-resurrected
with Christ. There is now a new desire to pursue a whole new life.
S.ce ,. a. i.. . C-r.ts
.su-ec, ,. wi .e- .,s asove!
HID WITH CHRIST
Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Paul communicates that the identity of Gods people is hidden. The verb for hid-
den means encrypted or embedded. Believers identity (who they are) and their sta-
tus (with God) are virtually unseen by the world. This demands a life of faith to seek
the things above rather than the things of this earth.
Why does the truth that we are hid with Christ demand that the Christian live
by faith?
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APPEAR WITH CHRIST
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear
with him in glory.
Believers in the present wait with a condent anticipation that the day will come
when Christ will return and all will see their identity in Christ. When Jesus returns,
the whole world will be captivated by His glory. They will recognize that Jesus is Lord,
they will see believers for who they are, and they will suddenly perceive the power
that energizes the Christian to seek heavenly things.
How does this truth serve to motivate the Christian to live with an eternal per-
spective? ______________________________________________________
Review your identity in Christ. When do the following truths take place?
Past Present Future
!"#$ &"'( )(*"+' Colossians 3:3
,-"+#$ &"'( )(*"+' Colossians 3:1
."$ &"'( )(*"+' Colossians 3:3
/00#-* &"'( )(*"+' Colossians 3:4
STEP 3: APPLY THE TRUTH!
For anyone to have a heavenly mindset, it means he has died with Christ and has
been raised with Christ. He has experienced true salvation.
Are you saved? YES NO
How do you know?

In this passage there are two commands for the Christian to obey.
12 3##4 5(6+# 5("78+ 9(":( /*# /;6<#
In what ways do you actively pursue God?

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Thinking through a typical week of your life, which of the following phrases ac-
curately describes your life?
Its all about me.
Its more about me.
Its somewhat about God.
Its all about God.
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What gets your aections throughout the day? (Number these from 1 to 5 in order
of what gets the most attention in your life).
Relational
Electronic
Media
Devotional
Vain
Thinking
Hobbies
Description of each area

Girlfriend,
Boyfriend
Siblings
Parents
Friends
Music
Internet
Video games
Movies, TV,
Texting
Social media
Listening to
sermons
Bible reading
Bible
meditation
Bible
memorization
Prayer
Fear of the
future
Lust for power,
pleasure, or
possessions
Respect from
others
Reading
Playing sports
Outdoor
recreation
Shopping

What are 2-3 specic aspects of the culture around you that make it diicult to
set your aection on things above?
What are 2-3 specic sin struggles that make it diicult for you to believe that
you are dead to sin?
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WORDS TO STUDY:
RISEN - This refers to a co-resurrection
with Christ.
SEEK - to search in order to nd; to
crave or desire in a continual active
sense. This is a command we are to
obey.
THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE - on
high, referring to a location; to pursue
the spiritual qualities that characterize
Christ
WHERE CHRIST SITTETH AT THE RIGHT
HAND OF GOD - The right hand of God
refers to a royal position of honor,
majesty, and authority that Christ now
holds (Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:33; Ephesians
1:20; I Peter 3:22).
SET YOUR AFFECTIONS - a command
that involves continuous action; to feel,
to think, to direct ones mind and will
toward an object or objective
FOR YE ARE DEAD - a one-time, past
event when the Christian died to sin
IS HID - to hide, remain concealed,
locked together with Christ in God
SHALL APPEAR - to make visible what
has been hidden; this will take place in
the future.
IN GLORY that absolutely perfect in-
ward excellency of Christ which is in us,
that will in the future be seen by others.
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wednesday
Puttin O
COLOSSIANS 3:5-9
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, unclean-
ness, inordinate aection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put o all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, lthy communi-
cation out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put o the old man with his deeds;
Check here when you have read the passage three times.
Underline the three commands.
Circle the 13 sins that are to be forsaken.
In your own words write out what it means to mortify.

Based on what we learned yesterday and the verses you have just read, Paul tells us
to not only seek things above, but to actively rid our lives of anything that distances
us from God. The believer must know how to overcome sin; for when sin is left un-
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checked, it destroys the joy of the Christian and devastates the loving atmosphere
of the church. Be intentional about overcoming sin!
Paul gives us three commands in this passage regarding sin. What are they?
1) (vs. 5)
2) (vs. 8)
3) (vs. 9)
MORTIFY
Paul uses a term of death (mortify) to describe how a Christian is to respond to sin
in his life. Death is the ultimate separation. When one dies, life is over. Everything
stops! Everything changes! Paul is saying that every thought or act of immorality
that was permitted in ones old life must receive a death sentence and be executed.
Sin must be put to death. There can be no compromises! God is not going to do it for
you, but He will enable you to do it by His grace.
In your own words explain what we are to mortify (vs. 5).
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According to Colossians 3:6, what happens to people who practice these
things?
Have you ever wondered why Gods judgment is so strong on these sins? Immorality
and materialism rob the worship that God alone deserves. It places what He has cre-
ated above who He is. Gods glory is denied, and His truth is twisted. His judgment in-
cludes present retribution (guilt, addiction, pain) and eternal judgment (hell). These
sins are totally incompatible for the believer and are completely opposite of the
new life in Christ.
PUT OFF AND LIE NOT
Paul also commands believers to put away sin. He compares this action to someone
who changes a set of old, worn-out clothes for a new wardrobe. The attire of the old
life includes anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, and lying.
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Listed below are the six things from Colossians 3:8-9 we are told to put o.
Using the word meanings, dene these in your own words.
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HOW DO WE MORTIFY? HOW DO WE PUT OFF?
The Colossian believers were being inuenced to ght sin with external rituals and
rules. Holy days, worship of angels, and abstaining from earthly pleasures were
thought to somehow conquer sin. Yet according to Colossians 2:23, none of these
things have any value in stopping the esh.
Paul reveals in Colossians 3:1-10 that the old man (our pre-conversion state) is com-
pletely put o (Colossians 3:9) at the moment of salvation, and all believers have
been miraculously transformed into new men and women in Christ. The power of
the old life has been broken, and the believers life has been thoroughly renovated
in Christ! Now that believers are living under the new rule of Christ, the old ways of
living must be evaluated and appropriately changed where needed.
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What was the Christian life like prior to salvation? What do sinners deserve from
God? Read Colossians 3:6-7 and comment.

Paul identies the immoral sins that characterize the depraved life of unbelievers.
These sins are oensive to God and arouse His righteous judgment. Prior to their
conversion, these Colossian believers practiced these kinds of sins. However, faith
in Christ has changed everything! These Colossians have become new creations in
Christ. Paul implies that Gods wrath has been averted because Christ bore that righ-
teous judgment of God against sin by His death on the cross. Paul is now stating that
believers should stop these very actions that were the cause of Gods wrath and
start to reect this new life in their actions.
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Explain why we are commanded to put o sin in Colossians 3:8, when Colossians
3:9 says we already have put o the old man. Read the paragraph below to help
you write out your answer.

Paul uses a metaphor of clothing. He tells the Colossians that they do not have to
be enslaved to sin, as they have put o the old man. The old man is your former
unregenerate life as a descendant of Adam. When you are saved, you are taken out
of the spiritual race of Adam and placed into the race of Christ. The old man with
his evil responses has been stripped o of you. Consequently, you are no longer a
slave to your old sin nature and all of its evil desires. The new birth is a guarantee
that your life can change. Therefore, the process of spiritual maturity is simply living
out what God has worked in your heart at the moment of your conversion. All the
former reactions that once characterized your old life are now no longer acceptable
for a child of God.
STEP 3: APPLY THE TRUTH
In what ways are you tempted to sin morally? (TV, internet, movies, music, sexual
relationships with others, etc.)
Have there been areas of failure that you wonder if you have been or can be
forgiven?
Do you have any areas of morality that could be described as habitual failure?
Whom do you struggle to forgive? Why? What was the circumstance?
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What words do you need to put o?
Who hears you speak with sinful speech?
Write out 5 things to remind yourself of when tempted to sin.
WORDS TO STUDY:
MORTIFY - to make dead, to put to
death, slay; to deprive of power, destroy
the strength of
MEMBERS arms, legs, tongue, our
physical body
FORNICATION originally meant to sell
or buy sexual favors; within this word
is the idea of pornography. It refers to
all deviant sexual behavior, including
adultery, premarital sex, incest, and
homosexuality.
UNCLEANNESS refers to all moral lth;
this would include immoral pictures,
thoughts, and words.
INORDINATE AFFECTIONS Internal,
ungoverned passions where there is no
personal constraint on these forbidden
things.
EVIL CONCUPISCENCE an unbridled
passion set on the corrupt and that is
only satised in corruption
COVETOUSNESS to have. It is a secret
love for money or what it can buy.
WRATH (OF GOD) anger, the natural
disposition, temper, character; anger
exhibited in punishment, hence used for
punishment itself.
DISOBEDIENCE resistant spirit; obsti-
nate opposition to the divine will
ANGER a settled burning spirit; a boil-
ing underneath; like hot, glowing coals;
irritated, irked
WRATH passion, anger boiling up and
soon subsiding again; anger bursting
out; straw catching re and aming out
MALICE desire to injure or hurt; anger
and wrath that cools down into a cold,
calculating acidic spirit.
BLASPHEMY slander; injurious speech
to anothers good name
FILTHY COMMUNICATION foul speak-
ing, low and obscene speech; lthy,
base, cruel jokes; sarcasm
LIE - to speak deliberate falsehoods; to
intentionally deceive one by a lie
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thursday
Te New Man
COLOSSIANS 3:1014
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of
him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian,
Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kind-
ness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel
against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Underline the 3 descriptions of the Christian (Hint: vs. 12).
Circle the characteristics that the Christian is to put on.
Find the 3 times the word put is used.
The fresh, new spiritual life of the believer is called the new man. It stands in op-
position to what you were before Christ came into your life: worn out, corrupt, and
sinful. This event of putting on (literally sinking into) is the work of God and takes
place at the point of salvation; but it also includes the process of renewing, which is
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always occurring in the present. This gradual change is known as sanctication and
takes place through the experiential knowledge of Christ, which is not only intel-
lectual or factual but also spiritual and moral. We change as we get to know Christ
through a daily personal relationship with Him. Putting on Christ is the ultimate
end of this knowledge as the believer is transformed into His likeness or image.
!"#$%&'&$"%&(#) THE LIFELONG PROCESS THAT
BEGINS AT SALVATION. WE BECOME MORE LIKE
CHRIST IN WHAT WE THINK, LOVE, AND DO.
At salvation we become a new man. But Paul tells us we must do something daily with
this new man.
What is it that we must do? (Colossians 3:10)

Just like a baby is a complete human who needs to grow up, so a newborn believer
is a complete Christian who needs to mature. Growth is a natural process for ev-
eryone. A person becomes a new man at salvation but needs to become more like
Christ. He needs to grow up.
Since God wants us to be like Christ, how do we learn who He is?

As a Christian begins to realize his position in Christ, his eyes are opened to the fact
that he is a part of something bigger than himself. Through the gospel, he is a part
of the body of Christ the church (Colossians 1:24).
How does this new mental focus aect my attitude towards people of other races?
Since God is no respecter of persons, the old divisions and barriers that once set
mankind at enmity with one another (religious, racial, or social) are now abolished
in Christ. People who are living in Christ are at peace with one another.
Write out the dierent groups of people listed in Colossians 3:11.

The phrase +,-.&/% &/ "001 "#2 &# "003 communicates that our new position in
Christ enables us to freely love others regardless of their race, culture, personality,
or background.
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God has always spoken kindly of His people. What three descriptions does Paul
use to remind the believers of Gods stance toward His own?

The qualities that Paul commands the Colossians to put on were for the sake of the
church. This is crucial to understand! Among Christians, character development is
often too self-centered - it is for the benet of the individual and for the betterment
of his/her life. This was not the way Paul was thinking! He saw these qualities as the
way to give the world a glimpse of the image of God.
What are some manifestations of self-centered character development?

Paul positively commands Christians to put on or be clothed with the virtues that
reect the character of Christ.
According to Colossians 3:1214, what are these areas and what do they mean?
(Use the word meanings for help.)
AREAS TO PUT ON DESCRIPTIONS
1. !"#$%& "( )$*+,$&
2.
3.
4.
5.
TWO RESPONSES DESCRIPTIONS
1. -"*.$/*,01
2.
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DRIVING MOTIVE DESCRIPTION
Paul described all these desired virtues within the context of human relationships.
Amazingly, Christianity does solve the problems of people living together. When
we pursue the qualities of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuering,
there will be an atmosphere of love, harmony, and blessing.
How does God expect us to respond to those who sin against us (vs. 13)?
God tells us to and .
God has extended complete forgiveness to His children through the sacrice of
Christ. He daily forbears our stubborn resistance and personal weaknesses. He ex-
pects us to do the same toward others.
What is the ultimate virtue that we are to put on?
Love is a seless determination to do what is best for the glory of God and the good
of others. This is the character of God. (I John 4:16) Like ligaments connect and hold
bones together in the human body, love is the thing that binds all believers. The per-
fection that love causes is not the absence of sin, but the presence of all the parts
of the body. When love is central, then everyone functions together. The end result
is the spiritual and numerical growth of the body.
STEP 3: APPLY THE TRUTH
List the 3-5 people who bother you the most.

How are you tempted to react toward them?
Why do you react so strongly against them?
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Are there any Christians whom you judge because of their nationality or race?
YES NO Who?
How does this text exhort you to think and act toward those fellow Christians?
Put down 3 thoughts about Christs forgiveness and why this should be fore-
most in your mind when dealing with people.
Write out and discuss which of the eight virtues you are lacking in your relation-
ships.
Write out 3 ways you can increase in these virtues toward the person you strug-
gle with the most.
How can you contribute to the atmosphere of love and unity in your church?
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HAVE PUT ON - the idea of putting on
brand-new clothes
NEW - recently born, young, youthful
RENEWED - to cause to grow up; new
strength and vigor
KNOWLEDGE - used in the NT of the
knowledge of things ethical and divine
THE IMAGE OF HIM - gure, likeness; im-
age of the Son of God into which true
Christians are transformed
CREATED - God creating the worlds; to
form, to shape; to completely change or
transform
GREEK - a Greek by nationality; in a
wider sense the name embraces all na-
tions, but not Jews.
JEW - belonging to the Jewish nation
CIRCUMCISION - a Jew, a symbol of the
removal of the corrupt desires
UNCIRCUMCISION - a Gentile, a condi-
tion in which the corrupt desires rooted
in the esh were not yet extinct
BARBARIAN - used of any foreigner
ignorant of the Greek language
SCYTHIAN - an inhabitant of Scythia,
modern-day Russia, regarded by many
as the wildest of barbarians
BOND - a slave, man of servile condition;
one who gives himself up to anothers
will
FREE - one who is not a slave
ELECT - picked out, chosen by God to
obtain salvation through Christ
HOLY - a saint, one who is set apart by
God
FORBEARING - to endure; this means to
put up with the annoyances of others. It
could be their personality, likes/dislikes,
lack of consideration and disregard, or
background and upbringing.
FORGIVING - to pardon; to give gra-
ciously, to give freely
QUARREL - to blame, to have a com-
plaint against anyone
CHARITY - brotherly love, aection,
good will, love, benevolence
BOND - that which binds together, a
band
PERFECTNESS - the state of moral and
spiritual maturity in a believers life
WORDS TO STUDY:
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Te Five Virtues
BONUS MATERIAL
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BOWELSThe Hebrews regarded them as the seat of the tender aections, espe-
cially kindness, benevolence, compassion; hence, our heart (tender mercies, aec-
tions, etc.).
MERCIESCompassion, pity; manifestations of pity
This is a Christians response to others needs; sympathetic grief or merciful compas-
sion to the needs of others. This is an internal movement of the heart based on what
you see. Jesus was moved when He saw the following four things:
!" Physical illness and sickness (Matthew 14:14; 20:34; Mark 1:41)
/" Physical hunger (Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:2)
0" The presence of death (John 11:3334)
1" The spiritual needs of shepherd-less sheep (Matthew 9:3638; Mark 6:34)
God wants you to be moved whenever you come into contact with human need. This
was the heart of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33) and of the father of the Prodigal
Son (Luke 15:20).
/" 2.343'))
MORAL GOODNESS, INTEGRITY. Luke 6:35 gives the measure of kindness: love your
enemies, do good to them, bless those who curse you, pray for those who despite-
fully use you, give to those in need, lend without hoping to receive, be merciful, and
dont be quick to condemn. We should not be harsh, biting, or stabbing (Titus 3:35).
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!" $%&'()*)++ ,- ./*0
Having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of ones (moral) littleness, mod-
esty, lowliness of mind. Humility is our ability to...
1" Esteem others more important than yourself (Philippians 2:3).
2" Submit to one another (1 Peter 5:5).
!" Surrender our personal rights. Paul did not insist on his personal rights (2 Cor-
inthians 11:7).
3" Be content with your circumstances (Philippians 4:11).
4" Be comfortable with men of low estate (poor, uneducated, etc.) (Romans 12:16).
3" .))5*)++
MEEKNESS toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings
with us as good and therefore without disputing or resisting. It stems from trust in
Gods goodness and control over situations. The gentle person is not occupied with
self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23).
Meekness involves...
1" Submission to the sovereign control of God over the circumstances of our lives.
2" Teachable spirit with the desire to learn, change, and grow through the circum-
stances.
!" A considerate attitude towards people. We take time to think about them and
their responses so that we can understand them.
Meekness is seen...
1" In the way you respond to those with whom you dier.
2" In the way you treat fallen Christians (2 Timothy 2:2526).
!" In the fact that people can approach you with problems, and you dont react
(James 3:13).
3" In your response to unsaved family members (1 Peter 3:14).
4" 6,*7+%--)8/*7
PATIENCE, endurance in avenging wrongs; willing to suer long under pressure.
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friday
Unit in Crist
COLOSSIANS 3:1517
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one
body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your
hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God and the Father by him.
Underline every reference to God the Son.
Find the 2 references to thankfulness.
Throughout Colossians, Paul has been focusing on the divisive inuence of false
teachers. They taught that the need of all believers was an extra spiritual work sub-
sequent to ones salvation to complete what Christ began in the initial conversion
experience. For believers to withdraw from the fellowship of the local church with
the idea of trying to gain something richer and better is in reality a terrible loss.
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As we come to the end of our study, we have learned what the basis is for being able
to seek things above and to set our aections on things above. We have also seen
what things we are to mortify, to put o, and to put on. Paul concludes this passage
of Scripture with three important reminders that should now govern how we live in
the church.
LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS.
In the Greek athletic games, a governor superintended all the sporting events. This
ruler presided over the athletes and spectators and ensured that peace was main-
tained instead of disorder, disruption, or conict. Paul commands the church to let
Gods peace act as a ruler over all relationships.
What issues can cause disunity in the church?

Why does Paul use the phrase ye are called in one body as a motivator for
peace?

God is commanding believers to make peace a priority in the church. Christ is the
Head of the church. Therefore, it would be wrong for Christians who have been rec-
onciled to God to be living with un-reconciled relationships and unresolved conicts
within the Body.
Read the following verse and write out some meditations on why being at peace
with God is the foundation to be at peace with others in the church.
Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justied by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ:

Is Gods peace the ruler of all of your relationships? YES NO
LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY.
!"# %&'( &) *"'+,-
This is to be the heart and center of the churchs teaching and worship. Pastors are
to enrich the congregation through an abundant supply of Bible exposition that
constantly points to Christ. Believers are commanded to ll our lives with the Word
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of Christ so that it will live within our hearts and minds in an abundant, rich manner.
These words refer either to what Christ actually spoke (as found in the Gospels) or
to the great truths concerning His person and His work (as revealed in the Epistles).
When you store the wealth of Gods truth inside you, it becomes like a treasure chest
of joy for the church and the. glue that holds the community together.
List ve ways a person can ll his or her treasure chest with Gods truth. The
strength is found in a resolve to intensely pursue God, with the hope that He will
strengthen us with His divine power.

According to the rest of Colossians 3:16, how can we tell when the Word of
Christ is dwelling in someone?

Believers are also blessed through congregational singing of Gods Word. Music be-
comes a means for the message of Christ to take deeper root in the community.
What are the three dierent types of songs (Colossians 3:16)?

It is diicult to be dogmatic as to the exact kinds of songs these include, but it can be
said in general that they are songs of Scripture (psalms), songs of praise to Christ
(hymns), and songs of personal experience and testimony (spiritual songs).
Whom do we sing these songs to?

What are the two reasons we sing in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to each
other?

Ultimately, the source of the Christians song is from a heart of gratitude for the
grace of Christ. It is a heartfelt expression of adoration towards God. Through both
speaking and singing, a oneness in Christ is being cultivated in the church through
the Word of Christ.
S Ts Aove
AND BE YE THANKFUL.
Finally, the spirit of unity is maintained through a continual thankful heart. Paul
urges believers to express gratitude in three passages: and be ye thankful (v. 15)
singing with grace (gratitude) in your hearts to the Lord (v. 16)giving thanks to God
and the Father by him (v. 17). Thankfulness is to touch every aspect of the believers
life relationships, worship, conversations, and work.
A proud, ungrateful heart is easily agitated and dissatised with circumstances and
people. In contrast, being thankful elevates the importance of the church, protects
from a complaining spirit, and nurtures a humble spirit. Believers who are full of
gratitude to God for His gracious calling will nd it easier to extend the grace of love
and forgiveness to fellow believers and put aside petty issues that might inhibit the
expression of peace in the community.
Why does a thankful spirit promote unity in the church?

List 3-5 ways that a believer could show thankfulness in the church.

STEP 3: APPLY THE TRUTH!
Is Gods peace really the ruler of all of your relationships? YES NO
What relationships do you have in which it is diicult to maintain peace?

What can you do to promote peace in your relationships with others?

S Ts Aove
Does the Word of Christ dwell in your heart? YES NO
What are some ways that you could work and get more of the Word in your life?

Think through Colossians 3 and meditate on what the Christian is to mortify
or put o. Then spend some time thinking about what the Christian is to put
on. Write out 3-5 areas in your life where you need more of the Word. What are
some specic passages that could address these areas?
AREA SCRIPTURE
Write out three ways that you typically express ingratitude.

Write out three ways that you can regularly promote gratitude in your life.

S Ts Aove
WORDS TO STUDY:
PEACE - a state of national tranquility;
exemption from the rage and havoc of
war; peace between individuals; free-
dom from strife and conict
LET RULE - to be an umpire; to decide,
determine; to direct, control
THANKFUL - mindful of favors, grateful,
gracious; pleasing, agreeable
LET DWELL - to live in a person and inu-
ence him (for good)
RICHLY - abundantly
WISDOM - knowing the truth of God
and obeying what Scripture teaches
TEACHING - to hold discourse with oth-
ers in order to instruct them
ADMONISHING - warn, exhort
PSALMS - to celebrate the praises of
God in song; the text of Scripture set to
music
HYMNS - a sacred song of Biblical truth
SPIRITUAL SONGS - a song of worship
GRACE - delight, sweetness, charm,
loving-kindness
HEART - the soul or mind; seat of the
thoughts, passions, desires, appetites,
aections, purposes

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GOSPEL GRACE CHURCH

120 Fort Douglas Blvd

Description of each area

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