Welcome back! We’ve all heard them—little phrases that sound wise, comforting, or even spiritual—but they’re not true. In this series, we’re exposing some of the most common believable lies people buy into about God, life, and faith.

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

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Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

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They sound right at first, but when you dig deeper, you realize these lies can actually lead you in the wrong direction.

Last time we looked at the lie that “God is a killjoy.” The truth is, God created everything for our joy and good, but within the boundaries of His wisdom. Adam and Eve rejected His definition of good and the result was shame.

That brings us to today’s believable lie: “I’m too far gone for God.”

Maybe you’ve thought this before:

• “If He only knew where I’ve been or what I’ve done, He would never want me.”
• Maybe it’s your past mistakes—crossing boundaries, addictions, broken relationships.
• Or maybe it’s not even what you did, but what someone else did to you that left you feeling unworthy.

The truth is this: No one is too far gone for God.

To prove it, let’s look at two stories—one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. Both reveal God’s heart of mercy for people who seemed beyond hope.

The city of Nineveh was infamous for its cruelty, violence, idolatry, and immorality. If anyone seemed too far gone, it was them. Yet when Jonah preached judgment, the people repented in humility—and God forgave them. Jonah himself confessed the truth about God: “You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” (Jonah 4:2 NLT).

This echoes God’s character revealed throughout Scripture—Exodus 34:6-7, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 103:8, Joel 2:13, and in the New Testament, 2 Peter 3:9. God does not want anyone destroyed but desires everyone to repent.

In Jesus’ parable, the younger son insulted his father, wasted his inheritance, and ended up in utter disgrace. He was convinced he was unworthy of love and hoped only to be a servant. Yet when he returned home, the father ran to him, embraced him, and restored him as a son.

The prodigal’s story proves that no matter how far you’ve run, God is watching and waiting for you to come back.

The Ninevites weren’t too far gone. The prodigal son wasn’t too far gone. And neither are you. Whatever your past, God’s love is greater. He wants you to repent, turn back to Him, and receive His mercy.

Here’s God’s honest truth: No one is too far gone for God.

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In this episode, Bryan and Layne unpack the final temple recommend questions—showing how LDS “worthiness” tests create pressure and why the Bible offers true confidence through Jesus’ finished work, not our performance.

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

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Temple Recommend Questions (Part 2): Worthiness and the Gospel

In this episode, Bryan and Layne continue their conversation about the 16 temple recommend questions every Latter-day Saint must answer in order to be considered “worthy” to enter the temple. Picking up at question nine, they explore the topics of honesty, tithing, the Word of Wisdom, divorce obligations, temple covenants, serious sins, and the final worthiness questions.

Layne shares from his own experience as a former Mormon how these interviews shaped his view of God and created constant pressure to prove his worthiness. Together, Bryan and Layne contrast that system with the Bible’s message of grace—where worthiness is not earned by man but fully given through Christ.

You’ll hear how:

• Honesty and integrity matter, but only Jesus was perfectly honest.
• Tithing becomes a “fire insurance” requirement in Mormonism, but the Bible calls us to joyful generosity.
• The Word of Wisdom mixes biblical wisdom with added, shifting rules.
• Temple covenants are heavy and impossible to keep perfectly—yet Jesus kept the law on our behalf.
• True confession begins with God, not with a bishop or stake president.
• Our worthiness is found in Christ alone, not in passing a list of man-made questions.

This episode helps listeners see the difference between the pressure of man’s system and the freedom of Christ’s finished work.

Welcome back to the podcast! We’ve all heard them. Little phrases that sound wise, comforting, or even spiritual—but they’re not true. In this series, we’ll uncover some of the most common believable lies people buy into about God, life, and faith.

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

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Believable Lie #1: God Is a Killjoy

We’ve all heard little phrases that sound wise, comforting, or even spiritual—but they’re not true. One of the most common is this: God doesn’t want me to have any fun. Christianity is painted as a straightjacket, filled with rules and regulations designed to rob us of joy. But when we look at the Bible, we discover the opposite. God is not against our joy—He designed us for it.

When God created humanity, His very first action was blessing.

From the beginning, God was for humanity, not against them. He gave people:

• The blessing of family (“be fruitful and multiply”)
• The blessing of purpose and responsibility (“fill the earth and govern it”)
• The blessing of authority as image-bearers (“reign over all the animals”)

This is not a killjoy God. This is a good Father who wants His children to flourish.

God also provided generously for His people.

From food to meaningful work, God filled their lives with everything needed for satisfaction. Genesis even describes Eden as a “protected place of pleasure.” Far from being restrictive, God’s design was overflowing with joy and provision.

But God also gave the first moral boundary.

This wasn’t about killing joy—it was about protecting it. Boundaries are part of love. Just as good parents set limits to protect their kids, God gave Adam and Eve a command for their flourishing.

In Genesis 3, the serpent planted the first seed of suspicion:

Notice the distortion—turning God’s generous “every tree but one” into a restrictive “none of the trees.” This is manipulation 101: sow doubt about God’s character before telling the direct lie.

The serpent reframed God as withholding something good. Eve began to misquote God’s command (“or even touch it”) and to question His goodness. This opened the door to sin.

Eve’s next step was to redefine what was “good”:

Instead of trusting God’s definition of good, she relied on her own perception. This is still our temptation today:

• In relationships, we call pleasure “good,” even when it goes against God’s design.
• In money, we call success “good,” even when it’s built on greed.
• In life, we call freedom “good,” even when it leads to bondage.

Redefining good apart from God always leads to brokenness.

The serpent promised their “eyes would be opened.” But the reality was very different.

Instead of joy, they got shame. Instead of freedom, they felt exposed. Sin always overpromises and underdelivers.

God is not a killjoy. He created us for joy, abundance, and satisfaction in Him. True joy comes from His provision and within His boundaries. The lie of the enemy is that God’s commands limit us, when in reality they free us to flourish.

Don’t fall for the believable lie: God is a killjoy. The truth is this: from the beginning, God created everything for our good.

Next week we’ll look at another believable lie: I’m Too Far Gone for God.

In this episode, we explore how biblical parenting is about more than rules—it’s about helping your kids move from “renting” values to truly owning a faith that lasts.

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The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

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The Principle of Ownership in Parenting: A Biblical Approach

One of the greatest responsibilities a parent has is to raise children who are equipped to navigate the world with strong, biblically grounded values. A fundamental principle of parenting is the idea of “ownership”—that the ultimate goal is for our children to leave home with the values we have instilled in them firmly rooted in their hearts. This means moving from a phase where they "rent" these values—temporarily adopting them while under our guidance—to a place where they "own" them, making those values personal, enduring, and guiding their decisions as independent adults.

Scripture provides a foundation for this principle, particularly in passages that emphasize training, teaching, and passing on faith to the next generation. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." This well-known verse reflects the heart of biblical parenting—intentional training in godly ways. However, for this promise to hold true, children must internalize the faith and values taught to them. They must “own” these teachings so that they continue to live by them when parents are no longer watching.

Moses also spoke about this principle in Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” The goal is not merely that children hear the commandments but that they become imprinted on their hearts. Moses was calling parents to make God’s truth a natural part of everyday life, ingraining it deeply in their children so that it would influence them long after they left their parents' homes.

A crucial distinction for parents to understand is the difference between children being "renters" of values versus being "owners." As long as children are under our care, there is a temptation to assume that because they obey the rules, they are fully committed to the values behind those rules. However, rented values are often temporary—children follow them when it’s convenient, but they haven’t necessarily embraced them as their own. The danger is that when parents are no longer present to enforce those values, the children may abandon them.

Ownership, on the other hand, happens when children take personal responsibility for their beliefs and decisions. When children “own” the values you’ve taught them, they continue to live by those values even when no one is watching. In Luke 6:45, Jesus says, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” The values in their hearts will naturally influence their words and actions. True ownership transforms these values from external obligations into internal convictions.

Model the Values You Want Them to Own

Children learn by watching their parents. They may not always listen to what we say, but they closely observe how we live. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” As parents, we need to ensure that our lives reflect the values we desire for our children. If we want them to own biblical truth, we must first live it consistently ourselves.

Ask Questions to Encourage Discovery

Asking thoughtful questions can help your children discover and internalize biblical truths on their own. Jesus often used questions to lead His followers toward deeper understanding (Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 16:13-20). By asking questions, you encourage critical thinking and help your children connect their faith to real-life decisions, fostering personal ownership of biblical values.

Create a Culture of Conversation

Encourage questions and discussions about faith, values, and moral decisions. This cultivates an environment where children feel free to wrestle with doubts and make sense of their beliefs. We already looked at Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Through healthy conversations, children move from passive acceptance to active engagement with the truths they’ve learned.

Encourage Friendships with Those Who Share Your Values

The company children keep has a significant influence on their lives and decisions. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Encouraging your children to develop friendships with others who share their biblical values can help reinforce those values. Being surrounded by peers who live out their faith will challenge and support them in their walk with Christ. Help them find communities—whether in church, youth groups, or at school—where they can form meaningful, godly friendships.

Pray for Transformation

Ultimately, the transformation from renting values to owning them is a work of the Holy Spirit. As parents, we must fervently pray that God will soften our children’s hearts and open their minds to fully embrace His truth. Ezekiel 36:26 speaks of God giving us new hearts: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” This new heart is what makes our values their values, so pray for it in your kids!

The ultimate goal of Christian parenting is to see our children leave home not just adhering to the rules we set but embracing the values we’ve passed on. This journey from "renting" to "owning" values is a gradual but critical process. Through modeling, encouragement, conversation, friendships, and prayer, we can help our children take full ownership of their faith and values, ensuring that they will continue to walk in God’s ways long after they have left our homes. As they do, they will become not just reflections of us, but true followers of Christ, equipped to navigate the world with His wisdom and love.

In this part 1 of 2 episodes, Bryan and Layne pull back the curtain on Mormonism’s temple recommend—walking through the 16 worthiness questions, why they emphasize loyalty and performance over Jesus’ finished work, and what the Bible says about true access to God.

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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In this episode, Bryan and Layne take listeners inside one of the most important—and least understood—practices in Mormonism: the temple recommend interview.

For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), receiving a temple recommend is like getting a spiritual passport. Without it, you cannot enter Mormon temples, where sacred ordinances such as baptisms for the dead, eternal marriages, and endowments are performed. To get one, every member must answer the same 16 “worthiness questions” in interviews with both their local bishop and their stake president.

Layne, who held temple recommends for decades before leaving Mormonism, explains what these questions are, what they test, and how they compare with the Bible’s teaching about salvation, worthiness, and grace.

A temple recommend is a physical card (now often digitized) that allows a Mormon to enter any LDS temple worldwide. It is valid for two years, after which the member must repeat the interview process to renew it.

For many Mormons, obtaining a recommend is the pinnacle of religious devotion. From childhood classes to teenage priesthood offices, LDS culture builds anticipation for the temple. Preparation includes six weeks of temple prep classes and then the recommend interview.

The interview itself consists of 16 standardized questions. These questions are designed to measure whether someone is “worthy” to enter the temple. But as Layne explains, they often test external performance more than internal faith.

The first few questions sound straightforward:

1. Do you have faith in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?
2. Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His role as Savior and Redeemer?

At face value, many Christians could answer “yes.” But the problem arises in the definitions. A biblical Christian would describe God as one eternal Being in three persons—the Father, Son, and Spirit. Yet Mormonism defines them as three separate gods. Similarly, Mormons often emphasize Jesus’ suffering in Gethsemane rather than His finished work on the cross.

The result? The questions aren’t just about belief in God or Christ—they’re about belief in the LDS version of God and Christ.

Other questions reveal more clearly the institutional loyalty expected:

• Do you have a testimony of the “restoration” of the gospel through Joseph Smith?
• Do you sustain the current prophet and apostles as seers and revelators?
• Do you support or promote any teachings contrary to those of the LDS Church?

One “wrong” answer can disqualify you from temple access. As Layne puts it, these questions measure whether you are following the system—not whether you truly trust in Jesus.

Some questions also probe deeply into personal morality:

• Do you live the law of chastity (sexual purity)?
• Is your family life in harmony with church teachings?
• Do you keep the Sabbath day holy by attending church and avoiding prohibited activities?

For young people, this can mean sitting in closed-door interviews with male bishops who ask about pornography use or sexual struggles. Layne reflects as a father how troubling this practice is—especially for daughters as young as 12 who are required to answer these questions alone with an older man.

While purity matters, the Bible makes clear that true cleansing comes through Christ’s sacrifice, not through checking boxes in an interview.

The temple recommend questions highlight the contrast between Mormonism and the Bible. In Mormonism, worthiness is measured by performance, institutional loyalty, and adherence to man-made rules. In the Bible, worthiness is found only in Christ:

• “It is finished.” John 19:30 (NLT)
• “God saved you by his grace when you believed… Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
• “People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

The gospel is not about earning access to God through interviews or rituals. It’s about receiving His finished work by faith.

For LDS members, the pressure to qualify for a temple recommend can be overwhelming. Many live in fear of failing to measure up. Some bend the truth to get a “yes.” Others are tormented by conscience, wondering if they’re ever “good enough.”

The good news of the Bible is that no one is good enough—and that’s why Jesus came. His perfect righteousness, not ours, is what gives us access to God.

As Layne reflects, “These questions are laying out my righteousness. But the gospel points me to Christ’s righteousness.”

• A temple recommend is required for Mormon temple worship and is renewed every two years.
• Members must answer 16 questions about belief, morality, and loyalty to LDS leadership.
• Many questions sound biblical but carry LDS definitions that differ from historic Christianity.
• The system measures outward performance, but the Bible emphasizes inward faith in Christ.
• True worthiness before God is found in Jesus’ finished work, not in our answers to man-made tests.

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we wrap up our Thessalonians series with the "O" word. In this lesson, we’ll see why Paul made "Obedience" his closing challenge.

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

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As we close our Thessalonians series, Paul leaves his readers with one final reminder: the Christian life is not only about believing the right things (orthodoxy), but also about practicing the right things (orthopraxy). And the word that ties it all together—the “O word”—is obedience.

For many of us, “obedience” feels like a word for children. But in Scripture, obedience is at the very center of what it means to follow Jesus. Paul’s final lesson in 2 Thessalonians 3 is simple yet profound: God cares deeply about how we live.

Paul begins by asking the Thessalonians to pray for him and his team. He longs for the gospel to spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes. He also asks for protection from wicked and evil people. The lesson is clear: prayer is not a side activity; it is central to God’s mission. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Paul expresses confidence that the Thessalonians will continue to do the things he commanded. That word—command—makes many modern Christians uncomfortable. Yet Paul reminds us that obedience is not optional for true believers. Casual Christians may resist authority, but disciples embrace it because it comes from Christ Himself. 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5

Paul then gives one of the most practical commands in the New Testament: don’t live idle lives. He even tells the church to separate from believers who refuse to work and to stop enabling cycles of dependency. Instead, Paul points to the dignity of work and the example he himself modeled. Obedience is not just about avoiding “big sins”—it includes everyday faithfulness, diligence, and integrity. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10

Paul reminds the Thessalonians to imitate his example. He worked with his hands so as not to burden the church, even though he had the right to receive support. His life matched his teaching—orthodoxy and orthopraxy together. This kind of modeling is essential for healthy Christian discipleship. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9

Finally, Paul addresses those who refuse to obey. They are to be warned firmly, even shamed by the community if necessary—but never treated as enemies. Correction in the church should always be motivated by love, aiming to restore brothers and sisters to faithful obedience. 2 Thessalonians 3:11-15

Paul closes his letter with a blessing of peace and grace, reminding us that obedience flows out of God’s love and presence in our lives. 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

Big Idea: Obedience isn’t just for children. It’s the daily calling of every follower of Jesus.

Application: Pray for the spread of the gospel, embrace God’s authority in your life, work diligently, imitate godly examples, and lovingly call others to obedience.

What role does the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit) really play in a believer’s life? In this episode, Bryan and Layne explore how Mormonism, the Book of Mormon, and the Bible describe the work of the Spirit—and why those descriptions matter.

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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

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• The LDS view of the Holy Ghost – As Layne shares from his own experience, many Mormons grow up seeing the Holy Ghost primarily as a “burning in the bosom,” a feeling that validates the truth of the LDS Church. But in practice, that “confirmation” is not enough—modern Mormonism teaches you also need prophets, temples, ordinances, and authority.
• The contrast in the Book of Mormon – Interestingly, passages like 2 Nephi 32:5 and Moroni 10:4-5 describe the Holy Ghost much more like the Bible does: as sufficient to lead believers into all truth, without extra rituals or institutions.
• The biblical picture of the Holy Spirit – The Bible consistently teaches that the Spirit is given when we believe (Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 3). He permanently indwells every believer, guiding us into truth, glorifying Jesus, and assuring us of salvation. The Spirit is a He, not an it, the third Person of the Trinity.
• How modern LDS doctrine complicates things – Later revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants change the role of the Spirit. Instead of being sufficient on His own, the Spirit is portrayed as temporary, conditional, and dependent on temple ordinances and priesthood authority. This shift points believers back to an institution rather than to Christ.
• Why the simplicity of Christ matters – Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon highlight the “plain and precious” truth: the Holy Spirit Himself is enough to guide and teach. Jesus promised that the Spirit would never leave believers (John 14:26, John 16:13). Mormonism adds layers of requirements that move away from that simplicity.

• The Holy Spirit’s role is to glorify Jesus and point us to Him—not to a prophet, a church, or an institution.
• According to both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the Spirit is sufficient to guide believers into all truth.
• Modern Mormonism shifts the focus, teaching that prophets, temples, and ordinances are necessary for the fullness of the Spirit.
• The Bible teaches that the Spirit permanently indwells every believer at the moment of faith—no rituals, worthiness interviews, or temple covenants required.
• True freedom and assurance come when we embrace the simplicity of Christ and the sufficiency of His Spirit.

If you’re LDS, former LDS, or just curious, this conversation raises an important question: Is the Holy Ghost enough, or do we need more than the Spirit to truly connect with God? Bryan and Layne show how the answer you give will shape your entire understanding of salvation, faith, and your relationship with God.

Excerpt

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The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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Notes

In this episode, Pastor Bryan sits down with Dr. Carson and Dr. Andrea Morley—married physicians and parents-to-be—to discuss the medical, ethical, and spiritual considerations behind birth control options for Christian couples. They break down how common methods like the pill, IUDs, and barrier methods actually work, explain the difference between preventing pregnancy and abortion from a biblical perspective, and offer personal insights on how couples can navigate this sensitive decision with wisdom, faith, and unity.

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The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected].

Donate Now

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