The following was sent to a Mormon Bishop after we met several times to discuss the gospel. Tragically, this describes the predictable end to most efforts to lead the lost LDS to Christ.
Dear Bishop,
I was sorry but not surprised by your last message.
Mormons are so predictable. They begin with an intent to have a gospel discussion. All too often they soon falter. I am very careful to never accuse and instead quote official sources and ask questions. But still, most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints quietly and sometimes loudly fade away.
Our most recent discussion was because you asked about a sermon I delivered on Jude. Jude is framed in the need for us all to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” And now, I am compelled to ask, why are you pulling back?
Human behaviour is a strange thing. When unable to answer simple questions, people often end reasonable dialogue and accuse the message bringer. This motivation is exactly why they killed Jesus, His apostles, and Christian martyrs.
I am shocked you are happy about my Christian journey. Mormons often say that and I will never comprehend the reason why. Your Book of Mormon says I am of the church of the Devil (1 Nephi 14:10}. How can you find joy when a person follows the Devil and joins his church?
I, on the other hand, am heartbroken over my people, the Mormons. I echo the words of Paul, My hearts desire for them is that they would be saved.
We are both bound by the commandment to leave the ninety and nine and seek the lost one. I have visited many homes in Rockland. I will continue!
Stake President Rock Permann alone asked me to return to Mormonism. I agreed if he could give me a Mormon assurance equal to or better than 1 John 5:13. He agreed and promised to return in a week with that assurance. That was in the summer of 2020. He has not been back. Permann is your spiritual leader and he remains hopelessly confounded. What does that suggest?
I scatter seeds. Some wither among the rocks, others chocked by weeds, and others are carried away by birds. Your inability to answer questions or talk further is an indication you are beginning to wither.
Perhaps you are already dead. I asked, “If you discover that God’s truth and Mormon truth do not match, which would you desire most?” I will always remember the hardness in your eyes as you silently stared at me, refusing to answer. My heart breaks.
But, a few seeds take root in good ground and produce delicious fruit for the kingdom of God. When that happens, it is wondrous to behold.
I am here for you and will always love you.
Lance
I led this man to the promise of justification and peace with God, Romans 4:1 – Romans 5:1. I warned of the impending loss of grace, Galatians 1:6-9 & Galatians 5:1-4. I spoke of my assurance of eternal life, 1 John 5:11-13.
35And Jesus said unto them, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” 36“But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.” 37“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” 38“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” 39“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.” 40“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
John 6:35-40, KJV
Sadly he refused to believe! There is nothing left for me to do except this, I will leave him in the hands of God and lift him in prayer.
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