What I actually believe -- sharing love of Christ

  • Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.

    You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Jane_Doe22

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2018
5,241
3,442
113
116
Mid-west USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Hi,

So I’m being highly distractible at work today, and was wandering around old threads. And there are a LOT of misconceptions about what I and other member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (nicknamed “Mormons”) believe. So am going to just say what I believe. This is probably against my better judgment because…
--people got a lot of crazy ideas out there and frequently aren’t willing to think I believe anything other than that craziness. Which annoys me.
-- I like talking about Christ. He’s my King and Savior. And these conversations people seem to be interested in talking about anything but Christ. Which really annoys me.
-- I’m not interested in proselytizing, either giving or receiving. I 100% respect whatever it is you believe, and in fact I’ve probably attended services at your church and studied those beliefs too (cause I’m just that big of an interfaith nerd). I have zero interest in proselytizing anyone here. Or getting proselytized at, and will decline any lectures with that intention.

Those disclaimers took a long time… I’ll start a new post with actual beliefs. Note: I’m an OCD honest person. I give things to you straight (sometime more straight than is politically correct J )
 

Jane_Doe22

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2018
5,241
3,442
113
116
Mid-west USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
(Actually talking about beliefs)

I believe in Jesus Christ. He is my Savior and King. The Son of God, who created this world, and without whom we’re all doom. I think of Him everyday—He is the core of who I am.

I am Christ’s disciple. I attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Again, Christ is the center of everything--- the Lord of Lord, Son of God. The nickname “Mormon” was originally a slur, based (indirectly) off one guy’s name (a guy named Mormon). While the nickname doesn’t offend me… it does feel inaccurate. I’m not Mormon’s disciple; I’m Christ’s disciple. I may not be Christ’s disciple who attends at a Catholic Church and believes everything as they do, or a Baptist one, but we are all His disciples.

Let’s talk about Jesus: my favorite subject! Jesus Christ is the Son of God! King of Kings! I LOVE Christmas and celebrating when He, the almighty, came into this world as a tiny helpless baby. I celebrate His life—sinless, so giving, and His sacrifice. His death, burial for three days, and then amazing resurrection. It is only thorough faith in Him that we can be saved. (Note: “Mormons believe salvation comes through works” is a complete myth). Christ is not the Father, or the Spirit, but they are three different persons. Three different completely divine persons, in ONE God. (There are a mountains of myths there I could address).

I LOVE God. I love His words. Yes, I 100% read the Bible and love it as God’s words. My pre-school daughter and I are currently reading the NT together— it’s a highlight of the day to “read Jesus book!” (as she calls it). Oh, the “Mormon Bible” is the KJV. Though I have read other versions of the Bible too (of various book counts), and own half a dozen of them. God is still living, and I don’t limit His words to just the 66 book Bible after all (no sola scriptura here). I do acknowledge Him speaking to people today (individually and collectively) and other books of scripture.

Praying and speaking with God are HUGE part of my life and walk with God. I… words can’t express how important prayer and talking to God are to me….

I’m debating where to go into next…. There are a million myths I could address out there, but I think for now, I’ll just get the real info out there. If any crazy myths need addressed, I can just cross them off as they come along. Again, I have zero interest in proselytizing- giving or receiving. I have enjoyed my time on this forum, listening to different perspectives, chatting with people, and you guys have been a soothing balm sometimes when life has been bumpy.
 

Jane_Doe22

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2018
5,241
3,442
113
116
Mid-west USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
One example of prayer--

When I was ~6 six years old, I was going through a really rough time in life. I was bogged down in the difficulties of life and in pain this existence can bring. I also felt weighed down for my own shortcomings- that I couldn’t do this or that, that I wasn’t good enough, or that I had done wrong things, even things which brought pain to those I loved. There was so much I regretted, so much I wanted to get away from—part of me even hated myself for all of this. I felt very alone in all this, that no one self could understand what I was going through.

During this time I would frequently go out the backyard swing set for solace to think with hanging upside on the monkey-bar swing for hours, just thinking. Sometimes I would get bogged down in my self-hatred. Sometimes I would say a prayer to fight off those demonic feelings. I wonder the purpose of it all. On one such day, a song came into my mind that I had learned at church that day:

“Heavenly Father, are you really there?
And do you hear and answer ev'ry child's prayer?
Some say that heaven is far away,
But I feel it close around me as I pray.
Heavenly Father, I remember now
Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:
"Suffer the children to come to me."
Father, in prayer I'm coming now to thee.”

I remembered that song. I remembered the story of Jesus which went along with it. I remembered how He asked specifically for the little children to come to Him, and blessed them. I remember how He lived, prayed, and died to understand all of us and to save us from evil. He suffered for all of it—He understood all of it—even the littlest thing. Like Jesus understood exactly what it was like to have a sister-with-a-temper! He also understood the more complicated things I was going through. And there was a reason for it! The end of all this struggle was so glorious—such amazing great things to come! God hadn’t forgotten about me or anything- I was His child- He cared beyond measure.

I sat on that swing and just poured my heart out in prayer. I can’t express the relief to have someone to talk to- to have someone to understand. That feelings of welcome and love….And then, to have someone to that could Heal on top of it—that knit up my heart so much that day. To express it in words…. “the best hug ever!” is what my little self called it, and those are probably the best words I still have at ~28 (or however old I am now).


As I grew up more, I had more moments and wavering and certainty in faith, and in God. I knew God was the person whom Understood everything I was going though: my wishes, my desires, my pains. I devote myself to Him every day: He is my Lord, my Savior, the only begotten Son of God.
 

Jane_Doe22

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2018
5,241
3,442
113
116
Mid-west USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Some good memories from visiting other churches (cause this is huge passion of mine)

-- The most beautiful church building in town is the historic Episcopalian cathedral. Last Christmas there was a huge interfaith caroling time there, and I happily devoted my Friday night to it. The event was a huge hit—I showed up 20 minutes early and there wasn’t even in-building standing room left. But, seeing that I had my little girl with me, an usher came up and said “we have one open seat in the front row, if your little girl can sit on your lap”. I happily accepted, but little girl… was very frightened of all the people here. And when we got to the front row, she SCREAM at the top over lungs…. And did I mention this historic cathedral has fantastic acoustics the entire building can hear what people in the front row say? So embarrassing… thankfully everyone took it in a “we’ve been their stride”.

-- My husband’s Calvary Chapel baptism was one of the most transformative thing in his life, and by extension mine. His choosing to come to Christ literally transformed him from the rage-filled boy into the fantastic man of God I love today.

--- I had a friend who was raised with a strong faith and then went wayward for a time. She found a new church (a mega church actually) that really touched something in her. I massively saw the transformaition in her, and was thrilled. Thrilled that she was becoming such a better person and (on a selfish note) I had a great friend to about God! That totally rocked!! I visited her church several times, and when I had mindless work stuff, would call her up and ask “hey which sermons were good lately so I can listen to”.

--- My niece’s Methodist infant baptism on Easter morning. It… simply a beautiful event.
 

Mayflower

Well-Known Member
Jul 14, 2018
7,820
11,768
113
Bluffton
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Posting to remember to read when I return from Texas. When I was dating someone who was Mormon about 5 or 6 years ago, I visited the missionaries and visited the tabernacle. My issue was it focused more on Joseph Smith then Jesus Christ. And mostly on the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon mostly reads like he copied it straight from the Bible in many places. I do believe in Jesus Christ and am glad you worship Him as well. But I do not believe in the Book of Mormon or Joseph Smith's vision. But I'll read your posts deeper in a couple weeks sister. I got quite a bit on my plate. Glad you are doing this!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nancy

Jane_Doe22

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2018
5,241
3,442
113
116
Mid-west USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
When I was dating someone who was Mormon about 5 or 6 years ago, I visited the missionaries and visited the tabernacle.
Cool.
My issue was it focused more on Joseph Smith then Jesus Christ. And mostly on the Book of Mormon.
If you're meeting with missionaries, their default assumption is that you have a Christian background (and if you say you do, then it's not much of an assumption :) ). Therefore, they (being teachers) are going to spend less time on teaching "there was this baby born in Bethlehem" (cause you already know/believe that) and more time on stuff you're less familiar with.

General LDS far far less Joseph Smith involved. Let me think back to last week at church and what we talked about.... it was open-mic-share-your testimony week so those ranged a variety of topics, Sunday School was on the latter chapters of Isiah and Christ's second coming, and women's group was a discussion on 'how to better teach the Gospel at home'. My personal studies range all over the place. My scripture reading with my daughter was women-at-Christ's-tomb and Christ-ate-with-and-taught-his-dispcles stories.
I do believe in Jesus Christ and am glad you worship Him as well.
Thumbs up!!
But I do not believe in the Book of Mormon or Joseph Smith's vision.
And I totally respect that.


Have a good trip to Texas and Christ lifts your burden with you!
 

Mayflower

Well-Known Member
Jul 14, 2018
7,820
11,768
113
Bluffton
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Cool.

If you're meeting with missionaries, their default assumption is that you have a Christian background (and if you say you do, then it's not much of an assumption :) ). Therefore, they (being teachers) are going to spend less time on teaching "there was this baby born in Bethlehem" (cause you already know/believe that) and more time on stuff you're less familiar with.

General LDS far far less Joseph Smith involved. Let me think back to last week at church and what we talked about.... it was open-mic-share-your testimony week so those ranged a variety of topics, Sunday School was on the latter chapters of Isiah and Christ's second coming, and women's group was a discussion on 'how to better teach the Gospel at home'. My personal studies range all over the place. My scripture reading with my daughter was women-at-Christ's-tomb and Christ-ate-with-and-taught-his-dispcles stories.

Thumbs up!!

And I totally respect that.


Have a good trip to Texas and Christ lifts your burden with you!

Thanks Jane! Yes and I am sure I was focused in on anything about Joseph Smith at the tabernacle being from a Christian background too. In the end, I just wanted my focus to be on Jesus Christ alone. And felt too distracted by both the boyfriend and Joseph Smith's account. But Ill get back and listen to you when I am less distracted.
 

larry2

Active Member
Jun 14, 2018
201
215
43
Arapahoe
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
There are a LOT of misconceptions about what I and other member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (nicknamed “Mormons”) believe.
Hi Jane_Doe22, and thanks for the opportunity to state what I believe of my studying the Book of Mormon.
Not only is the Book of Morman not what God's word says, it opposes it and is heresy.

Example: Galatians 1:8 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.
What is that gospel preached by Paul?

Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Did Paul really say what he did in the following scripture?
Colossians 1:25 "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God." Strong's concorcance give the following meaning of the words "to fulfil." 1) to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full.

Any idea what Joseph Smith came along and said? 2 Nephi 29:9-10 . . "Because I have spoken one word, ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another: for my work is not yet finished. . - (10) Wherefore, because that ye have a bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written."

It seems either the bible or Joseph Smith is wrong. I have read the Book of Mormon and it is not the word of God, though I am sorry for them trapped in such teaching.

May our Lord bless you to discover the truth in Christ Jesus.
 

Jane_Doe22

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2018
5,241
3,442
113
116
Mid-west USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Hi Jane_Doe22, and thanks for the opportunity to state what I believe of my studying the Book of Mormon.
Not only is the Book of Morman not what God's word says, it opposes it and is heresy.

Example: Galatians 1:8 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.
What is that gospel preached by Paul?

Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Did Paul really say what he did in the following scripture?
Colossians 1:25 "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God." Strong's concorcance give the following meaning of the words "to fulfil." 1) to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full.

Any idea what Joseph Smith came along and said? 2 Nephi 29:9-10 . . "Because I have spoken one word, ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another: for my work is not yet finished. . - (10) Wherefore, because that ye have a bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written."

It seems either the bible or Joseph Smith is wrong. I have read the Book of Mormon and it is not the word of God, though I am sorry for them trapped in such teaching.

May our Lord bless you to discover the truth in Christ Jesus.
Hi @larry2!

Galatians 1 is one of my (many) favorite and faith-affirming chapters of scripture. I really love the emphasis on going first and foremost to God for Truth-- totally moving there. If you'd like to hear more about my love of Christ or about a specific passage, I'm happy to chat about it. If not, that's cool too.

God be with you!
 

larry2

Active Member
Jun 14, 2018
201
215
43
Arapahoe
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Galatians 1 is one of my (many) favorite and faith-affirming chapters of scripture. I really love the emphasis on going first and foremost to God for Truth-- totally moving there. If you'd like to hear more about my love of Christ or about a specific passage, I'm happy to chat about it. If not, that's cool too.
Dear Jane_Doe22, from your testimony I truly believe you to be in Christ, and seeking truth, but me having come from another Christian religion with much error, I do realize that we all have much to discern of truth. I do hope we can have a profitable discussion toward that purpose. Thank you for your reply in Jesus' name.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mayflower and Helen

Jane_Doe22

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2018
5,241
3,442
113
116
Mid-west USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Dear Jane_Doe22, from your testimony I truly believe you to be in Christ, and seeking truth, but me having come from another Christian religion with much error, I do realize that we all have much to discern of truth. I do hope we can have a profitable discussion toward that purpose. Thank you for your reply in Jesus' name.
I appreciate the sentiment @larry2 , but your post here is sounding very much like a proselytizing attempt. I said in the very first post here, I zero intrest in proselytizing (receiving or giving), so why I appreciate the sentiment, I am going to decline the invitation to be proselytized at.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: bbyrd009
D

Dave L

Guest
Hi,

So I’m being highly distractible at work today, and was wandering around old threads. And there are a LOT of misconceptions about what I and other member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (nicknamed “Mormons”) believe. So am going to just say what I believe. This is probably against my better judgment because…
--people got a lot of crazy ideas out there and frequently aren’t willing to think I believe anything other than that craziness. Which annoys me.
-- I like talking about Christ. He’s my King and Savior. And these conversations people seem to be interested in talking about anything but Christ. Which really annoys me.
-- I’m not interested in proselytizing, either giving or receiving. I 100% respect whatever it is you believe, and in fact I’ve probably attended services at your church and studied those beliefs too (cause I’m just that big of an interfaith nerd). I have zero interest in proselytizing anyone here. Or getting proselytized at, and will decline any lectures with that intention.

Those disclaimers took a long time… I’ll start a new post with actual beliefs. Note: I’m an OCD honest person. I give things to you straight (sometime more straight than is politically correct J )
So you subscribe to the Mormon creeds? If so, how do you justify your aversion to creeds being man made?
 

Jane_Doe22

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2018
5,241
3,442
113
116
Mid-west USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
One of the (many) reasons I dislike online proselytizing on forums is because it's very driven stereotypes, and not by real love & seeing that person. To often I've seen the following scenario happen: Bob hears Mike is group X and Bob immediately seeks to 'rescue' the X-er because Bob 'knows' X-ers believe all of these crazy wrong things and Bob needs to 'rescue' the 'poor trapped' X'er that have never heard the 'truth'.

You notice how much of the above was actually about Mike? None of it. All of it was about the stereotypes in Bob's head: that the X'er believed so-and-so, that needs X'er rescuing, that the X'er is trapped, and the X'er doesn't know any better. No where in here is anything actually about Mike. Bob hasn't even really seen Mike, let alone experienced the individual love Christ holds for Mike. And the more and more Bob tries to force his blind proselytizing of Mike, the more and more that lack of love is apparent and Mike more actively resents Bob and Bob's message.

I've seen the type of blind proselytizing TO and BY so many different people of different groups. Atheists, Baptists, Catholics, Orthodox, Wiccans, Scientists, political groups, Muslims, LDS, Calvinists, Mega-church goers, evolutionists, etc. And it's really come to grate on my nerves.

Rather than blind proselytizing, let us actually SEE each other as INDIVIDUALS. Ask questions and LISTEN to the answers. Come to better understand and love each other. If along the way someone grows closer to Truth, all the better. But we cannot control such an action nor should be try to. We each can only better see and love individuals in our lives.

Ok...that totally turned into a soapbox. Heh, it's something I'm passionate about.
 

Jane_Doe22

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2018
5,241
3,442
113
116
Mid-west USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Do you believe that you have existed eternally as an individual 'intelligence'?
(I'm going to rephrase your question slightly)

When I hold a newborn baby, I do not believe that that person and their spirit has only exists for ~9 months. I just don't. Rather, I believe that this person is far older than that and this spirit was literally known by God before their physical body was created in the womb. I know that other people interrupt Jeremiah 1:5 in other ways (and I respect that), but for me, it is very literal.

Now if you want to address that question about me specifically it's the same answer +30 some years.
 

Blueberry

Well-Known Member
Nov 2, 2018
340
277
63
Texas
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Ask questions and LISTEN to the answers.

Do you believe that people can reject the Gospel, the testimony of Jesus, the prophets and the everlasting covenant, who were liars, adulterers, murders, thieves and others who flouted God's commandments still enter the Telestial Kingdom?
 

Blueberry

Well-Known Member
Nov 2, 2018
340
277
63
Texas
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Do you believe that you have existed eternally as an individual 'intelligence'?
(I'm going to rephrase your question slightly)

When I hold a newborn baby, I do not believe that that person and their spirit has only exists for ~9 months. I just don't. Rather, I believe that this person is far older than that and this spirit was literally known by God before their physical body was created in the womb. I know that other people interrupt Jeremiah 1:5 in other ways (and I respect that), but for me, it is very literal.

Now if you want to address that question about me specifically it's the same answer +30 some years.

By "far older", how much older do you mean? Are you saying that you believe that you are not eternal in some form?
 

Jane_Doe22

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2018
5,241
3,442
113
116
Mid-west USA
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Do you believe in baptism for the dead?
Well naturally. We go out at 8 pm, dig up some corpses, dunked them, but then got to have them back by 10 before the graveyard keeper comes around.

^That is completely a joke.

Baptisms for the dead doesn't involve any corpse or anything gross like that. Or any "making someone Mormon". Rather, it is a baptism done by proxy for each person, and that person (who is biologically deceased, but still has a living spirit) has the choice whether or not to accept that baptism and taking upon Christ's name.