Larry Cotrell

Generally, when I'm discussing things with people of other Christian sects, I do say, "If you want to know what I believe, read the Bible." However, I don't consider Mormonism a Christian sect ( I'd rather not argue back and forth about whether or not it is because we would never agree on that, I'm just trying to help you understand why I believe what I believe). The reason I can't say to a Mormon, "Read the Bible, that's what I believe," is because the same verse might mean something completely different to you based on other "modern scriptures and revelations" that I don't accept. To respond to your other statement, I would say that it does not matter what Christian sect someone is a part of as long as they have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and don't believe in other gods, universalism (the belief that everyone goes to heaven), or something major like that. One of the main things that separates LDS to me, is the belief that men can become gods. (Again I only say this because you emphasize that you want to know why I believe what I believe) And to answer your last statement, I go to a Foursquare church but I don't think my place of worship is any better than that of the Baptist, Assembly of God, Lutheran etc. However, I would say my church is "better" than a Unitarian universalist Church because they teach a false gospel. I think that the main difference between Christian sects is how people like to worship, what they want services to be like, and minor doctrinal differences. Where it gets rocky is how you and I would define Christian sect. It all goes back to the question of who is a true Christian. We all think we're true Christians, so there's no plumb line that we could all agree on. Again, I don't mean any of this with disrespect, I'm just trying to communicate why I believe what I believe because you asked.

What I mean by "Jesus' appearance on Earth" is that Jesus is eternal. He has always existed but appeared on Earth around 0-33 AD. John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. I'm not saying that he was once a man or anything like that. (I'm not trying to debate anything, I'm just trying to clarify what I meant) What I mean is that God hasn't allowed for any doctrinal changes to take place. For example, there has been nearly 4,000 changes to the Book of Mormon since it was originally published in 1830, but I would be willing to bet that you would say none of those change any beliefs, ideas, or doctrine. The Bible may not be word for word exactly the same as it was thousands of years ago, but no ideas have been changed. It still teaches the same things. And most importantly, it is still the word of God.

My response was more from a secular perspective. Here's my response from a religious perspective: Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The power of the devil cannot prevail against God. I know that you won't agree with this, but I believe that God can and has kept His church in tact since the time of Jesus' appearance on Earth. I believe that God has kept the Bible intact as well. I admit that there are verses that were added to the Textus Receptus (thus are in the King James) that aren't in original manuscripts however, these verses don't change doctrine. Many quote other verses and many of these additions restate something already said to clarify the point. The bottom line is that I believe that the Bible has been kept intact by God because nothing can stand in the way of His will. I wanted to clarify because you said that you want to know why people believe things rather than what they believe.

Galatians 1:6-12 "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 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. 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. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." I'll start with the Old Testament, the content in the old testament is the same as the Tanakh. The books are in a different order, which doesn't change the teachings. The Jewish people have taken very good care of documents for thousands of years. Consider the Masoretes. If they made one single mistake, they would have to completely start over again. (I have been to Qumran as well as the Shrine of the Book; it's amazing and I highly recommend going if you get a chance and haven't been before) To compare the transmission of texts to the game telephone is not even close to accurate. The ancient Jews were extremely careful with the texts. The stories in the Old Testament are backed up by archaeology as well as prophetic consistency. Next is the New Testament. With the New Testament, we have manuscripts that are much closer to the time of the actual events. This moves into your other question: how do we know that the claims about Jesus are really true. One great example of this is how the empty tomb was discovered by women. Here's what people thought of a woman's testimony at the time: “But let not the testimony of women be admitted, on account of the levity and boldness of their sex, nor let servants be admitted to give testimony on account of the ignobility of their soul; since it is probable that they may not speak truth, either out of hope of gain, or fear of punishment” (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 4.8.15). “Any evidence which a woman [gives] is not valid (to offer), also they are not valid to offer. This is equivalent to saying that one who is Rabbinically accounted a robber is qualified to give the same evidence as a woman” (Talmud, Rosh Hashannah 1.8). If this story had been made up, men would have been used because they would have been more credible witnesses at the time. Another example of the criterion of embarrassment is the fact the Joseph of Arimathea's tomb was used to bury Jesus. This is significant because he was a member of the Sanhedrin and early Christians were very opposed to the Sanhedrin. Again, if they had made up the story, they wouldn't have chosen to have him buried in the tomb of the Sanhedrin, whom they "hated." There are examples similar to this all throughout the gospels, and the whole Bible. As to what is not in our Bible, there are many books (some added to the Catholic Bible) that do not belong because they are pseudepigraphal. One example of this is Wisdom of Solomon, which is a great book, but was not written by Solomon. There are also many New Testament examples of this such as The Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Judas, Gospel of Mary Magdalene, Gospel of Peter, and The Infancy Gospel of Thomas, just to name a few. However, none of these were written by the claimed authors. I am aware of the letter written to Abgar V (assuming that is what you are referring to). I believe that this is pseudepigraphal as well.

I want to take sufficient time to answer because this is a very important question. I will try to answer that tonight, as I didn't have time yesterday. Until then, here's 2 Timothy 3:16, another one of my favorites. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Maybe I am just more conservative than most. When Bernie fans ask me why I don't like Trump, I say he's too liberal and they don't even know how to respond-somewhere between anger and confusion.

He's lost credibility from me too. He's not really that conservative and was key in supporting Trump on the Republican side even though there were 16 better candidates.

I think Sean Hannity should moderate the next debate to even it out. That will never happen.

The problem is that some republicans are becoming more liberal while others want to remain more conservative. Think of two people pulling on opposite sides of a piece of paper. Pretty soon, it will rip. This is exactly what is happening to the Republican Party. Republicans are playing tug of war and someone is going to lose.

True, if people have sinned in the past and God has forgiven them, we should too. However, if their lack of virginity is a sign of deeper disobedience to God, it's probably best not to marry them. It's not about whether or not they are a virgin, it's about whether or not they are living in sin.

As I said before, the things that are absolutely essential are clear in the Bible. All I was saying is that there are things I admit that I am not 100% sure about. For example, some say Satan was an angel, others say he wasn't. I have my reasons and verses for believing that he was an angel, but I don't think you have to share my opinion on that to go to heaven. The bottom line is this: the things that are extremely important are clear. Things like, was Satan an angel, are up for debate but I don't have to be 100% certain about that. Again, if anyone has questions on why I believe a specific doctrine, feel free to message me. I would love to talk about it. We are commanded to "prove all things" and "hold fast that which is good" (1 Thesselonians 5:21).

I would love to see your stand up comedy routine.

Unfortunately, that is too true. I am laughing out loud right now.

I thought Clinton did a pretty good job of keeping Trump on defense, but Trump had some great lines as well. Who did better?

First of all, that is a great question, one that all reasonable Christians have pondered. In response, I would say that how I know what is correct depends on the specific issue. There is not one blanket proof for all of my interpretations of scripture. You have to spend time studying out each individual thing. There has been times where I do believe something and someone uses the Bible to explain to me why it is wrong. At that point, I say, "You know what? Your'e right." As I said, I can't be 100% certain that I am completely correct on everything. For example, some people say that the rapture will happen before the tribulation, others say in the middle, and still others say at the end. I have my opinion on which it is, but the point I am trying to make is that little things like that don't matter all that much. I don't think someone who believes in a post-tribulation rapture is going to hell (or outer darkness). With that said, there are still things that are crucial, such as what someone believes about Jesus Christ, salvation, and other gods. I believe that the things that are crucial are purposefully spelled out clearly in the Bible. You are probably wondering why they are still debated if they are clearly explained. Often, things are distorted through tradition. Satan also distorts truth sometimes to trick people. He has been doing that since the beginning of time. As for why I am sure about these things, my reasoning depends on the question. However, I always turn to the Bible for answers because God uses the Bible to speak to us. If you (or anyone else reading this) have any questions as to why I believe a specific doctrine, feel free to message me. I would love to talk about anything. I'll end with one of my favorite verses. 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."

I think @Traveler, correct me if I'm wrong, was referring to me in his post because he quoted me about the order of days three and four in the creation.

I don't believe, nor did I ever say, that God is undisciplined and unprincipled. All I said was that I believe in the Biblical order of the days of creation. I am sure God had a reason for doing things in the order that He did. We may not understand His reasoning, but He always has a reason for what He does. Hebrews 13:8 is a great verse. It's hanging on the wall in my church as a reminder that "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." I wholeheartedly believe that. I don't believe that just because God can do something that He does either. You can't compare me to an ancient pagan for believing the Genesis account of the creation (and agreeing with the account in the Pearl of Great Price). I don't believe these things that your saying that I believe (for example, that He changes at a whim and is not consistent). I simply believe in the Genesis account of the creation. That's all.

I watched Dumb and Dumber this weekend. It was really weird and really funny, but definitely a classic.

I am not arguing for "sack-potato-salvation" as you define it, and I don't think @mickydo is either. I agree that this is not biblical. But what Boyd K Packer said is that the man had paid his debt in part but not in full. I do not believe that we can earn even part of our salvation. It is purely by the blood of Christ for all who believe. But let me ask you all this, how do you all believe you will get into the Celestial kingdom?

I feel that there is often confusion between LDS people and "traditional Christians" because the same words, such as heaven and hell, mean different things to different people. This is where what @mickydo saying differs from @Jane_Doe, just for clarification. “…for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” —2 Nephi 25:23 Elder Boyd K. Packer explained it this way. "Let me tell you a story.… There once was a man who.…incurred a great debt.…the day came, and the contract fell due. The debt had not been fully paid. His creditor appeared and demanded payment in full.… The debtor had a friend. He came to help.…He stepped between them, faced the creditor, and made this offer. ‘I will pay the debt if you will free the debtor from his contract so that he may keep his possessions and not go to prison.’…And so the creditor agreed. The mediator turned then to the debtor. ‘If I pay your debt, will you accept me as your creditor?’ ‘Oh yes, yes,’ cried the debtor. ‘You saved me from prison and show mercy to me.’ ‘Then,’ said the benefactor, ‘you will pay the debt to me and I will set the terms. It will not be easy, but it will be possible.” —Gospel Principles, 1992ed, pp. 75, 77 John 3:16 is quoted so often in Christian circles that it has almost become cliché but, it is the truth of the gospel of Christ. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Yes, I believe exactly what the Genesis account says. Cush is believed to be in Southern Irag or Saudi Arabia. The Tigris and Euphrates run through Iraq and up to Turkey. I think that geography shifted some in the days of Peleg and also during the flood, so it's impossible to find an exact location. However, I definitely believe that it was somewhere in what is now the Middle East, probably Iraq or Saudi Arabia.

I am no fan of Trump but I would have been okay with Ted Cruz endorsing Trump a couple weeks ago. However, I feel that he was pressured into it and that it wasn't really something he wanted to do. It doesnt bother me that he endorsed Trump. What bothers me is that he caved under the pressure of Reince Priebus and the Republican leaders.

I was just curious what you all think. I agree that it isn't a very important question.

Some wisdom from Paul on the subject (Galatians 3:1-14) O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

I believe that God can keep plants alive for a day while He makes the sun. Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.