I got back last night from my trip to Ogden, Utah. The primary religion there and in all of Utah is Mormonism. Mormonism is a cult. They believe that the Bible is God's revelation for the Old World and is not sufficient by itself. So Joseph Smith interpreted a new book which was shown to him by the angel Moroni, called the Book of Mormon. This book according to Mormons is God's revelation about the New World. They do not believe that Jesus is not fully God but is actually the son of God. They believe that through their good works they can make it to the highest level of Heaven where they become gods and rule their own planet with their eternal family.
There is so much pressure for Mormons to be absolutely perfect. We talked to some Mormon teens and some of them had been in programs to get rid of their drug addictions. One of the girls said she had tried to commit suicide.
John 8:32 says, "And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." These people need to hear the truth of the gospel. They are so blinded and so deceived by this cult. For example, we spoke with a Mormon man who told us that no where in the Bible did it say one is saved by grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." Also, Titus 3:5 says, "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit." However, They believe salvation is by works.
Mormons claim to be Christians, but when we visited the Mormon temple in Salt Lake City, we saw the blatant pagan aspects. There were stars, moons, and suns decorating the outer walls. The angel Moroni was at the top, not Jesus, and there were golden bulls in the decor.
They do not believe that Jesus alone is the way of salvation. Their prophet says that you must believe in Joseph Smith in order to be saved, but Acts 4:12 says, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven by which we must be saved."
In Utah, we went door to door, hung posters, and walked around down town talking to people. I am glad to report that the many were invited to hear God's Word and the gospel was proclaimed to Mormons and non-Mormons. Please pray for the Kolkow family as they transition their church into Ogden. Pray for those who heard the gospel of Jesus Christ not Joseph Smith.
Isaiah 64:6 says, "For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away." We, who are filthy, have been loved by a holy God. How much more should we love the lost, even if they are stooped in a pagan religion!So next time Mormons come to your door, make sure you share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them because it may be the only time they hear it. Soli Deo Gloria! (To God alone be the Glory!)