THE CROSS
Concerned Christians
March 2025
THEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES
THE BIBLE vs. MORMONISM (LDS-thought)
The January and February Newsletters (2025) compared LDS-thought regarding ‘GOD’ and ‘JESUS’, respectively, with the Bible. The differences between the two are obvious. The LDS-God and the LDS-Jesus ARE NOT equivalent to the creator God of the universe and his son Jesus.
When Joseph Smith presented the Book of Mormon to the world in 1830, it was supposed to supersede all that was in the Bible. But it was not enough. Later in 1833 Doctrine and Covenants (D and C) was presented as a new revelation. D and C became an official part of Mormonism in August 1835. After Joseph Smith’s death in 1844 a new revelation named The Pearl of Great Price was canonized in the 1880 General Conference. It purports to be further new revelations of Joseph Smith dated 1838, later published in 1842.
The purpose of this demonstrates the developmental nature of Mormon theology. It is continuing revelation which is a fundamental LDS concept.
The Bible stands in stark comparison. The God of the Bible, being omniscient, never had to update any of His revelation. It is ‘one and done’.
As the comparisons are done between LDS and Biblical teachings one will observe most support does not come from The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, or The Pearl of Great Price, but from future church leaders after the Utah migration.
I am restating; Christian denominations unite on basic Bible truths. The LDS organization is currently claiming to be a Christian denomination. The LDS theology is NOT the same as the Bible. In our booklet NO COMPARISON, there are 10 more theological concepts to compare. They are: 1. SALVATION 2. CHURCH LEADER 3. SCRIPTURE 4. THE CHURCH 5. TEMPLES 6. PRIESTS 7. PRE-EXISTENCE 8. THE CROSS 9. HEAVENLY STRUCTURE 10. BAPTISM.
The Newsletter schedule will be: March items 1, 2, and 3; April items 4, 5, 6, and 7; May items 8, 9, and 10.
Only the differences will be listed. For documentation of the Bible and Mormon literature you will need to contact Concerned Christians to order your copies of NO COMPARISON. Please state the quantity you need, your name, mailing address and email. Your telephone number is also helpful.
SALVATION
The Bible
- The law of Commandments for the children of Israel was abolished with Jesus’ (the Christ) flesh on the cross.
- We cannot earn salvation; it is a gift through God’s grace. We must accept the gift.
- The death and resurrection of Jesus guarantees release from spiritual death and salvation for all those who accept Jesus offer of salvation.
- Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all sin.
Mormon (LDS teachings)
- Obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Mormon Church.
- Righteous effort brings exaltation and ability to live with Heavenly Father in the highest of three heavens.
- The resurrection of Jesus gives release from physical death only.
- The blood of Jesus does not atone for certain sins.
CHURCH LEADER
The Bible
- Christ is the head of His Church. It includes all His believers.
- Jesus’ words are received, accepted, and practiced.
- John was the final prophet. The revelation of Jesus the Christ is all that is necessary.
Mormon (LDS teachings)
- A prophet is the head of the Mormon Church.
- The prophet’s words are received as if they were from the Lord’s own mouth.
- The prophet is needed for continued revelation.
SCRIPTURE
The Bible
- God’s divine Word is all inclusive revelation and sufficient for His followers. Adding to or subtracting from His Word will bring reproof.
Mormon (LDS teachings)
- The Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, the Bible, and the prophet’s words are all considered authoritative.
Your copies of NO COMPARISON are waiting for you now. Be prepared for the young missionaries to visit you. Challenge them to read the booklet with an open mind and make their own comparison.
See you again next month,
Gary Keating
Podcasts – A New Monthly Focus
At Concerned Christians, we are committed to sharing stories of those who are seeking truth. As we leave the LDS organization, many of us struggle to make sense out of our purpose, who God is, and our identity in Christ.
This is our second month sharing stories of those who are on a faith journey. Often times, these individuals have not found peace and comfort in the Grace of Christ, yet are pursuing truth in all they do.
(credit to Mormon Stories podcast with Dr. John Dehlin)
Bishop Jones and his wife, Amanda leave the LDS church
As always, you may visit our website for our own stories of leaving the LDS church and finding the Biblical Jesus Christ.
LDS CARE AND SOCIAL GROUP
Our hope at this ministry is to love and support all who have ties to the LDS church. Many of our loved ones attend the LDS church, are raising children in that faith, or we ourselves grew up in the LDS religion and culture. We may have questions about the ever-changing policies and doctrine of the church. We might have friends and neighbors who are LDS and have questions about the information and changes that have recently occurred in the LDS church.
We are rekindling a group that we held regularly in the early 2000s but with renewed focus and leadership. The LDS Care Group is a safe space for both former and current LDS Church members to share, encourage, wrestle, and grow in their Christian faith journeys with others who have similar life experiences, challenges, and culture. Currently, we meet near Dobson & Ray in Chandler. Please email Kristine Nelson at [email protected] if interested. Or call: 480-833-2537
Do you find joy in your Bible Study and in just the reading of your Bible? I pray that you do!
We are currently in the midst of the Lenten season. Read about the life of Jesus from the time of the last supper up to his glorious resurrection. Read John 13 – 20. Try to make time to do some of this reading every day of the season. You will be blessed.
Blessings,
Paulette
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PO BOX 18, Mesa, AZ 85211
Concerned Christians is a Non-Profit 501 (C) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible. We thank you for your support.
| We at Concerned Christians do meet every week. If you are not local, please set that time aside to voice your concerns from your prayer space. If you are local and would like to attend, we ask you to call 480-833-2537 for time, day and directions. We truly look forward to meeting and praying with you in the War Room. We ask that you add Concerned Christians to your prayer list along with any other Mormon witnessing group you are familiar. The importance of intercessory prayer cannot be stressed enough. We have seen God grant many blessings to us over the years. If you have a ministry related request please send us a short email. [email protected] “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” I Thessalonians 1:2 We pray for opportunities to speak with Christians because we firmly believe “It is easier to keep them out than to get them out.” If you would be interested in sharing your testimony of being delivered from the LDS Corporation into the family of the triune God, please send it to [email protected] Please include contact information. |
Concerned Christians Of Arizona
PO Box 18 AZ 85233