Shell72

Do you believe that those who do not believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet are not saved?

That doesn't add for me. If he saw Angels, and in another telling he saw God, and in another telling God said one thing, and in another telling God didn't say anything. Don't you think if something as monumental as God actually uttering audible words to you happened - that would not be a detail that you would not tell immediately? I'm not trying to be disrespectful, I assure you, I just dont' understand.

I suppose you have a point there. But.. in that argument God sent his own Son. Joseph Smith was a plain old human no different than you or I and his first vision changed greatly throughout his years of telling the world of it if I am correct in what I am reading.

I'm a non LDS and I am here because a family member joined an LDS church and I just found out about it. I have a lot of questions, concerns and am mostly looking for answers as to what he has gotten involved in. Sometimes I get fiesty but I really do try to remain respectful.

I don't believe that the pastor in this story hired these men - I believe that this story carries a strong message about how it is easy for any person to sit within the comforts of thier church and speak and agree with what is being said, but as in this story - when faced with the true battle that God wishes us to fight - for him, many cower and do not have the faith that we should. I think instead of finding the negative in this email - a positive lesson could be learned, although I do agree with your comments however that Jesus does not want us to be forced or guilted into loving him. So many talk the talk yet do not walk the walk - that is the message here I believe.

Why would any human be concerned with God and sex in the same sentence? This does seem to be rather disturbing that someone would put thought and words into the subject.

Which I have a great problem with. Why - when our God is the all being and all knowing and expects total devotion from his followers - would He wait until the 1800's - basically 3800 years after He created Adam and Eve to fully reveal Himself? Do people believe that they are more worthy and accepting than those created prior to this time period and only they are going to reach the "top level" ?

Number 2 - No.. "religion" isn't mentioned. The only way is believing that Jesus is your Savior. I believe "religion" is manmade and not of God. What everyone should be striving for is a personal relationship with the One who matters. Number 3 - Yes people will know by our acts - but I believe we also have a responsibility ( not a requirement to get to Heaven) to do God's work while we are on earth. Number 1 - yup - wouldn't be referred to as a "model prayer" for no reason :)

I didn't see "highest level of glory" in his post.

1: John 14:6 - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." 2: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 3: Romans 10:9 - If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved

Shouldn't people have known all along not to argue with God?