Feeling overwhelmed [Mormonism - Open]

Mark Cares ^ | Feb. 16, 2011 | Mark Cares

[Colofornian]

The Ensign (official LDS monthly magazine) has a regular column entitled “Questions and Answers”. Each month a different question is posed with answers supplied by LDS members. The February issue poses this question: “I often feel overwhelmed because I don’t feel I measure up to all that’s expected of me in living the gospel. How can I learn to rejoice in the gospel when I feel like I may never by able to become or do all the Lord requires of me?” This question is followed by the answers of eight different individuals. (To see the whole article, go to www.lds.org/ensign)

What struck me was how all the answers acknowledged the struggle but put the burden back on the person. The advice was to take it one step at a time; to keep priorities straight; obey the commandments; remember that the Lord is encouraging us, etc. Not once was the Lord’s forgiveness mentioned. I wonder how these answers give true lasting relief.

Here’s my answer.

I can understand why you feel you aren’t measuring up. You feel that way because you, or nobody else for that matter, can’t! Sin has so devastated us that no matter how focused we are or how much effort we exert, we will fail. Even the apostle Paul had to confess: “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” (Romans 7:19) Nothing is more sobering and overwhelming than taking a honest inventory of ourselves and seeing how often we don’t measure up to God’s commandments.

That is why God, in the Scriptures, tells us the wonderful news that Jesus has already done everything required – and he did all this, not just as our example, but mainly, as our substitute. “by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19)

Seeing that is the secret to joy. Seeing that God counts me as already perfect because Jesus was perfect for me instills a joy that is truly indescribable. The key to joy is not focusing on your efforts, but on Christ’s efforts and the fact that he has already done all that is required for you. That gives me joy each and every day. I pray that you can have that same joy.

[colorcountry]

How do Mormons explain non-Mormons who have lived “blessed” lives? Large fortunes, many children, large houses, new cars, etc, all the earthly treasures that Mormonism wears like a badge of godliness?

Satan's temptations? << shrug>>

[dragonblustar]

I remember a while back a certain poster, she-who-must-not-be-pinged, insisted that that’s how she knew Mormonism was true, by the prosperity that has been given her family.

By that reasoning, the Saudi King must be a Mormon Prophet with all his money, children and harem of women.

I like how Mormons say because Joseph Smith said so. That's suppose to end all arguments.

[svcw]

Posting from actual lds links, posting actual lds words -exposing mormonISM for what it actually is - place marker

[ejonesie22]

[aMorePerfectUnion]

PLACEMARKER ➝ ➝ ➝ ➝ ➝ ➝ ➝ ➝ ➝ ➝ ➝ ➝ ⊗

[Tennessee Nana]

I feel like I may never by able to become or do all the Lord requires of me
________________________________________________

Good you are suppose to feel like that...

God is able...you are not...

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21

And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it. John 14:13, 14

Lets look at that statement...

1. all that (the lord) requires of me...

Who, what which is “the lord” according to mormons ???

When a mormon mentions “the lord” what does that mormon mean ???

Are the “requirements” written down somewhere ???

When we read the Christian bible and what the LORD Jesus Christ has to say, we find that there are no individual requirements set just for a particular person...

the requirements are the same for all believers...

So if the lowest person on the totem pole must do something so must the one at the top...

However in mormonism the highest guy, Tommy Monson does not do what he requires of the peons...

For instance, Ask Tommy Monson demands that the lowly members of mormonism clean the toilets of the mormon buildings..

Ask Tommy Monson calls this unpaid employment a “calling” from the mormon god...

Thus something that is one of those “all the lord requires”

Since this secular activity is consdered “holy” in mormon circles why doesnt more-holier-than-any-other Ask Tommy insist on doing all the toilets himself so that he will be holier even more so ???

His amount of “holiness” could cause all those toilets to be sparkly-clean-eat-off in 2 seconds flat...

another point would be the greed err need for the mormon god to use the tithes and offerings of the lowly members to buy land, businesses, build malls that only Ask Tommy and a selected few could afford to shop in..

Why isnt Ask Tommy and the Romneys and the Marriotts and the other multi billionaire mormon CEOs not forking over all their money till it hurts as they require the lowly mormons to do ???

Plus theres the new resorts which the lowly mormons will also not be able to afford to stay at...

Why would Ask Tommy go to a place his followers could not go ???

The LORD Jesus Christ never went anywhere good that we cannot go to...

Hes coming back to take us to that wonderful resort called Heaven...

Hes already bought and paid for our tickets and rooms and food and activities and vacation clothes with His blood upon the Cross..

Whens the last time Ask Tommy ever took some poor widow women or other poor people to Hawaii ???

Whens the last time Ask Tommy ever let his wallet bleed outside his little cabal circle of fellow henchmen who would pay him back ???

No little mormon, its not God who makes these “requirements” of you...

Its Ask Tommy and his cohorts who demand from you your money and time for their glory and advancement and to line their pockets...

God gets nothing from your slavery to the demonic institution called mormonism...

2. I may never be able to become or do

we were never meant to struggle along, alone, and try to do it all ourselves...

Thats why the LORD Jesus Christ sent us the Holy Ghost ...

To be a helper, a comforter, a teacher, a guide...

And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:16:18

But the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26

Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. John 16:13

and thats just another glaring difference betwen mormonism and Christianity

Mormonism is not Christianity...

[aMorePerfectUnion]

An Open Letter to Mormons who are
sincere about their faith...

 

(and are embarrassed! by the posts of self-styled
"defender-mormons" who can't or won't defend)

 

If you peruse the Free Republic religion forums
you will notice a pattern. There’s a group of
Christians who spend a great deal of time posting
from Official Mormon Sources - both the Book of
Mormon as well as Mormon Prophets and Church
materials - real quotes from real mormon materials.

 

You will also notice that many of these Christians
are former Mormons who left Mormonism and come to
know the Biblical Jesus Christ and His Gospel of Grace.

 

They have a passion to reach Mormons to share what
they learned about Salvation by grace and apart
from the never ending treadmill of human works...

 

Of course, they are attacked regularly by a very,
small group of Mormons who have zeal, but no real
knowledge beyond what the Mormon Church has told
them. You've seen this with your own eyes on this
thread and others, so I'm not telling you anything

you don't already know.

 

Why can't these so-called "defenders" provide any:

 

… Objective Facts
… Objective Evidence
… Or Logical support

 

Anything OBJECTIVE that any reasonable person would
see and agree that it lends support the claims of
Mormonism.

 

Why can't they do this?

 

If Mormonism is true, why is it based only on

subjective feelings and why doesn't it have the

same kind of objective support the Bible does?

 

Has God changed?

 

Is He no longer able to weave His story into history,

into the fabric of human DNA, into the findings of

archeology, and into geography? Do you believe He has

become powerless?

 

I bet you do not believe that.

 

So why would God provide every kind of objective support
for the Bible's rich history and none for the Book of
Mormon? Why?

 

These "defenders" post links over and over again that
“address” things yet never provide an answer that is
buttressed by the ring of truth, echoed by history,
archeology, genetics, geography, etc.

 

If they could support the claims of Mormonism with facts,
you know they would. But it never happens here. You may

be new to these threads, but I've read almost every one

for the past 6 years. I can tell you that it is always

the same as this thread. No facts, no evidence, no logical

argument. 

 

People deserve more than subjective feelings and useless
links to non-answers.

 

You deserve more than feelings and hollow links.

 

After reading both sides on this thread and others,
you may very well be wondering about what you were
taught when you joined the LDS church. You also may
be wondering how to resolve the lack of facts, evidence
and logical suport for Mormonism's claims.

 

You are not alone in wondering this.

 

Many have approached those of us who are Christians
asking where to find out more and some, even, to ask
how to come to know the Biblical Christ and some even how
to gracefully leave Mormonism and start a new life with
Christ.

 

Many here have already set out to finally and joyfully know
the true God and Savior. They understand the terrible choice
of being totally sincere about your faith, but increasingly
concerned that it isn't everything you once believed and hoped

for.

After coming to know the truth, they are on a path that gives

them the rest God promised to His children and the certainty

of His ultimate plan for them. Nothing brings them greater joy

than helping a friend who has the same questions.

 

There are places online that you can visit to learn more about

Mormonism.

 

If something is true, it can withstand any question, no matter

how tough. If it is false, it is better to know while your life

is in front of you. You can read these resources without fear.

 

http://www.irr.org/mit/default.html
http://www.exmormonsforjesus.org/
http://4mormon.org/ex-mormon.php
http://www.exmormon.org/
http://www.mormoncurtain.com/

 

Links may raise more questions and concerns and sometimes it
helps to have someone who has already wrestled through these
issues.

 

I invite you to private FReep-mail any of the Christians
on this thread to ask questions about the concerns you have.

 

We always do our best to directly answer your questions with
facts, evidence and logical support.

 

Take a step.

 

Roll the dice.

 

What do you have to lose at this point? And you have much to

gain. 

 

There is peace and rest waiting for you.

 

 

All the Best,
ampu

An Open Letter to Mormons who are
sincere about their faith...

 

(and are embarrassed! by the posts of self-styled
"defender-mormons" who can't or won't defend)

 

If you peruse the Free Republic religion forums
you will notice a pattern. There’s a group of
Christians who spend a great deal of time posting
from Official Mormon Sources - both the Book of
Mormon as well as Mormon Prophets and Church
materials - real quotes from real mormon materials.

 

You will also notice that many of these Christians
are former Mormons who left Mormonism and come to
know the Biblical Jesus Christ and His Gospel of Grace.

 

They have a passion to reach Mormons to share what
they learned about Salvation by grace and apart
from the never ending treadmill of human works...

 

Of course, they are attacked regularly by a very,
small group of Mormons who have zeal, but no real
knowledge beyond what the Mormon Church has told
them. You've seen this with your own eyes on this
thread and others, so I'm not telling you anything

you don't already know.

 

Why can't these so-called "defenders" provide any:

 

… Objective Facts
… Objective Evidence
… Or Logical support

 

Anything OBJECTIVE that any reasonable person would
see and agree that it lends support the claims of
Mormonism.

 

Why can't they do this?

 

If Mormonism is true, why is it based only on

subjective feelings and why doesn't it have the

same kind of objective support the Bible does?

 

Has God changed?

 

Is He no longer able to weave His story into history,

into the fabric of human DNA, into the findings of

archeology, and into geography? Do you believe He has

become powerless?

 

I bet you do not believe that.

 

So why would God provide every kind of objective support
for the Bible's rich history and none for the Book of
Mormon? Why?

 

These "defenders" post links over and over again that
“address” things yet never provide an answer that is
buttressed by the ring of truth, echoed by history,
archeology, genetics, geography, etc.

 

If they could support the claims of Mormonism with facts,
you know they would. But it never happens here. You may

be new to these threads, but I've read almost every one

for the past 6 years. I can tell you that it is always

the same as this thread. No facts, no evidence, no logical

argument. 

 

People deserve more than subjective feelings and useless
links to non-answers.

 

You deserve more than feelings and hollow links.

 

After reading both sides on this thread and others,
you may very well be wondering about what you were
taught when you joined the LDS church. You also may
be wondering how to resolve the lack of facts, evidence
and logical suport for Mormonism's claims.

 

You are not alone in wondering this.

 

Many have approached those of us who are Christians
asking where to find out more and some, even, to ask
how to come to know the Biblical Christ and some even how
to gracefully leave Mormonism and start a new life with
Christ.

 

Many here have already set out to finally and joyfully know
the true God and Savior. They understand the terrible choice
of being totally sincere about your faith, but increasingly
concerned that it isn't everything you once believed and hoped

for.

After coming to know the truth, they are on a path that gives

them the rest God promised to His children and the certainty

of His ultimate plan for them. Nothing brings them greater joy

than helping a friend who has the same questions.

 

There are places online that you can visit to learn more about

Mormonism.

 

If something is true, it can withstand any question, no matter

how tough. If it is false, it is better to know while your life

is in front of you. You can read these resources without fear.

 

http://www.irr.org/mit/default.html
http://www.exmormonsforjesus.org/
http://4mormon.org/ex-mormon.php
http://www.exmormon.org/
http://www.mormoncurtain.com/

 

Links may raise more questions and concerns and sometimes it
helps to have someone who has already wrestled through these
issues.

 

I invite you to private FReep-mail any of the Christians
on this thread to ask questions about the concerns you have.

 

We always do our best to directly answer your questions with
facts, evidence and logical support.

 

Take a step.

 

Roll the dice.

 

What do you have to lose at this point? And you have much to

gain. 

 

There is peace and rest waiting for you.

 

 

All the Best,
ampu

[Tennessee Nana]

Dear Ask Tommy

I often feel overwhelmed because I don’t feel I measure up to all that’s expected of me in living the gospel. How can I learn to rejoice in the gospel when I feel like I may never by able to become or do all the Lord requires of me?

Ensign Reader

Dear ER

Are you paying your tithe ?

Are you obeying the Law of Consecration ?

Are you obeying the Fasting Sundays doctrine ?

Are you supporting your bishop with your offerings ?

Are you true to your callings ?

Have you fulfilled your calling to a two year mission ?

Do you sustain the prophet Joseph Smith as king err mormon god err mormon lord err prophet ?

Do you know that the book of mormon is true ?

If you are obeying all the requirements then you will be happy.

Maybe you need to be a missionary to the Online mission field where there are many unfortunate souls who have never heard of the prophet Joseph and the restored mormon thingy

Now to show your ultimate thankfulness for this ex-templa revelation, cross my palm with silver err send in your mega bucks err show your support for our team by sharing our colors, green and green, dollars that is, with those unfortunates who are forced by the lord to suffer for you in the pentehouses err the penitance of temple square.

Ask Tommy

[dragonblustar]

I hate the thought of taking any advice from a man who was a repeat adulterer.

[svcw]

[greyfoxx39]

Words of wisdom from an exmormon:

 

"The Church" is actually the mormon deity"

 

"How else do audacious statements like these come to roll of the tongue of members without so much as a thought?

"I know the church is true"
"The church is perfect, the people are not"

God, er heavenly father is just a guy a few years ahead of us in school, and doing really well for himself. But his ways are mysterious and he doesn't even know how to make sense to us.

Christ is a guy who couldn't set up a church to last more than 50 years.

But the COJCOLDS, this perfect, true entity is absolutely beyond reproach and the worst sin a member can commit is to publically question it".

[Graybeard58]

I like how Mormons say because Joseph Smith said so. That's suppose to end all arguments.

The thinking has already been done, just follow the "prophet"

Bumping the thread right along.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

I no longer believe in the false religion I started!

Yet day after day, the people I led astray keep posting on FreeRepublic and knocking on doors to mislead people. Please, I beg you, stop!!!

Oh, how I regret how Satan used me to lead millions astray! If only I had a second chance to change things! FLEE! Before it is too late! Flee the cult of mormonism! I testify to you, I lied. I now know the danger of the fraud I committed against humanity. Do not follow my path.

posted on Sat Nov 27 15:23:02 2010 by Joseph Smith

[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies | Report Abuse]

---

If a repentant Joseph Smith, who now knows the truth, is testifying to us all, I believe it may be the first instance where he said something true and we should listen. If you are sincere, you will hear his voice repenting of his demonic activities and not follow him down to the darkness.

I no longer believe in the false religion I started!

Yet day after day, the people I led astray keep posting on FreeRepublic and knocking on doors to mislead people. Please, I beg you, stop!!!

Oh, how I regret how Satan used me to lead millions astray! If only I had a second chance to change things! FLEE! Before it is too late! Flee the cult of mormonism! I testify to you, I lied. I now know the danger of the fraud I committed against humanity. Do not follow my path.

posted on Sat Nov 27 15:23:02 2010 by Joseph Smith

[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies | Report Abuse]

---

If a repentant Joseph Smith, who now knows the truth, is testifying to us all, I believe it may be the first instance where he said something true and we should listen. If you are sincere, you will hear his voice repenting of his demonic activities and not follow him down to the darkness.

[greyfoxx39]

FLEE! Before it is too late! Flee the cult of mormonism! I testify to you, I lied. I now know the danger of the fraud I committed against humanity. Do not follow my path

A great big AMEN! to that, Brother Smith!

[Colofornian]

"The Church" is actually the mormon deity" "How else do audacious statements like these come to roll of the tongue of members without so much as a thought? "I know the church is true"

Q.Discernment-wise, how do we know whether people are led by the Holy Spirit?

A. At the very least, we know that the MAIN testimony is not to an institution. Especially a cultic hierarchical one that replaces Jesus Christ as the Permanent Head Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ on earth (Heb. 1:1-2).

The HQ of the true church on earth isn't beholden to being in Salt Lake City. The HQ is heaven.

The Holy Spirit testifies to the Person, Jesus Christ, not to an institution. (Note, too, Jesus said in John 5:39 that even the Bible testifies to Him!) If you want Biblical proof for the Holy Spirit's ongoing testimony of Jesus -- and not a church structure -- see...
...John 15:26...
...Romans 8:16; 9:1
...1 Peter 1:11
...Acts 5:32; 6:10
...1 John 5:6
...Rev. 22:17

By sharp contrast, if you ever were to attend a Mormon monthly testimony meeting, many testimonies focus on the Mormon church and on a mere man, Joseph Smith. These are substitutes for Jesus Christ...frankly, idolatry.

Coming up this April is the 50th anniversary of the one of the more prominent examples of Mormon idolatry re: a statement made by a Romney! You see Mitt Romney's father had a cousin named Marion G. Romney, who was one of the top three hierarchical guys in the Mormon church.

Each year, the Mormons have two general conferences where the words of their leaders are regarded as near Scripture-like revelations to their followers. Now what did Marion G. Romney have to say in lifting up the Mormon church as THE competitor to what the Bible says about Jesus Christ in John 14:6?

"This Church is the ensign on the mountain spoken of by the Old Testament prophets. IT is the way, the truth, and the life" (Conference Report, April, 1961, p. 119)

Wow! Utter idolatry! Only by God's grace was SLC not opened up and sent into the chasm right then and there. Jesus Christ ALONE qualifies as "I am the Way, the truth, and the life. NO man comes to the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

Q. Does the Mormon church regularly substitute the Mormon church for Jesus Christ?

A. Well, let me provide you another example. Last March, Greyfoxx posted an article by Lds "apostle" Jeffrey Holland. Here's an excerpt from that article: Latter-day Saints believe that other aspects of Christ's gift are conditional upon obedience and diligence in keeping God's commandments. For example, while members of the human family are freely and universally given a reprieve from Adam's sin through no effort or action of their own, they are not freely and universally given a reprieve of their own sins unless they pledge faith in Christ, repent of those sins, are baptized in his name, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and confirmation into Christ's church...

Q. Now what was Holland claiming there? Especially "Christ's church" -- does He mean the church at-large? Or just the Mormon church?

A. Just the Mormon church. Furthermore Did you all catch the rest of what this Mormon "apostle" was claiming??? Per Mormonism -- this means that if you join the "wrong" church, your "reprieve of" your "own sins" isn't going to come from your pardon-Governing god. (More "conditions").

This Mormon "apostle" claims: they are not freely and universally given a reprieve of their own sins unless they...receive...confirmation into Christ's church... (meaning the Mormon church!)

So the church then -- in this case the Mormon church -- becomes the "substitutionary replacement" as the sin-bearer of your personal sins vs. Jesus Christ. What blasphemy!

What is it about Lds general authorities that they think they can toss around Christ's blood as to who it will reprieve and who it won't? I mean that's what the whole Lds false historical doctrine of blood atonement was all about! Why don't grassroots Mormons ever hold their leaders accountable for obvious past (& present) false doctrines? (Even things they patently know are false!)

I call upon this false apostle (Holland) to repent, and for Mormon grassroots to find the backbone to realize God holds us accountable for replacing Christ and His blood with a church structure. The same "woe" Jesus gives in Luke 11 is appropriate to leaders of the Mormon church: "Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering." (Luke 11:52)

This is a serious warning Christ gave. Heed it as such.