Unveiling Mormonism

Baby Jesus couldn’t tell us anything about his birth, because he was fully baby. But grown-up Jesus can. In this episode we'll look at three reasons Jesus came into the world... in his own words.

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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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05 Baby Jesus (Christmas Eve)

Title: Three reasons Jesus came into the world (in his own words)

I’m not sure if kids really write letters to Santa anymore. You can probably just tweet at him or send him your wishlist on Instagram. But I did come across a couple actual letters from kids to Santa that I wanted to share with you:

• Dear Santa,
• You did not bring me anything good last year.
• You did not bring me anything good the year before that.
• This is your last chance.
• Signed, Madison
• Dear Santa,
• There are three little kids who live at our house.
• There is Jeffrey; he is 2.
• There is Ashley; she is 4.
• And there is Norman; he is 7.
• Jeffrey is good some of the time.
• Ashley is good some of the time.
• But Norman is good all of the time.
• I am Norman.

Kids love Christmas. Do you know who was the first kid at Christmas?

• Jesus! (Did you ever think about that?)

Tonight we’re finishing our Christmas series

• The Story of Christmas from People Who Were Actually There
• The innkeeper: make room
• The shepherds: 
• The wise men:
• King Herod:
• Today: Baby Jesus

The most important person who was actually there is… Jesus. 

• We don’t have his viewpoint as a baby
• Because he was fully baby, so he doesn’t remember
• How many of you remember when you were a baby?
• Some people claim to remember their birth, but that’s bogus:
• We have "infantile amnesia," the inability to recall events from the first few years of life. 
• Memory formation, particularly episodic memory (the ability to recall specific events), begins to function more reliably around the age of 3–4.
• My earliest memory is about 5 
• Sunday morning, brother’s face bit by a German Shepherd
• So, baby Jesus couldn’t tell us much about his birth
• But grown-up Jesus can
• At Christmas we tend to think of Jesus as a baby, but Jesus didn’t come to just be a baby, He came because He’s Immanuel, “God with us” 
• Today: three reasons Jesus came into the world (in his own words) 

John 3:16 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son….”

• Jesus came as the ultimate demonstration of God’s love
• Principle: the gift you give is a demonstration of your love
• Not everyone understands this (me, AJ)
• “This is how _____ showed his love: he gave me ______”
• God understands this principle, that’s why he gave his one and only son
• Ultimate demonstration of his love
• Not like giving Kenzie’s hand in marriage
• That will be a blessing to her
• He gets to provide and protect now
• God gave his Son for a brutal purpose
• That’s the second thing…

John 3:17 (NLT) 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

• What a simple, powerful verse
• So many people see God as judgmental
• Christmas proves that he is not
• He sent his son to save the world
• To do that, he would have to die in our place
• (Come back for Easter to learn more)
• Come back on Sunday to learn about the difference between conviction (good) and condemnation (bad)
• Jesus didn’t come to condemn us, but to set us free
• But this doesn’t mean we’re free to live wreckless, sinful lives…
• That’s what Jesus’ final quote is all about…

John 12:46 (NLT) 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

John 8: 12 (NLT) 12 Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world.  If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

• Light is a fun theme at Christmas time
• Star of Bethlehem (the light above our drum cage)
• Lights on houses, trees, etc.
• But the real reason lights are connected to Christmas is this:
• If we follow Jesus, He leads us out of the darkness of
• Selfishness
• Pride
• Addiction
• Anger
• Anxiety 
• Hopelessness
• Fear
• Grief
• Purposelessness

Some modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish.

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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.

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In this series: The Big Three Christian Cults (disclaimer #2)

• Mormonism (17 million)
• Jehovah’s Witnesses (8 million)
• Seventh Day Adventists (22 million) - Is it or is it not a cult? Debated for 70 years

Define "cult" in a religious context:

1. Groups that claim to be Christian but deviate significantly from core biblical doctrine.
2. Disclaimer: Not every person who is in these groups aligns with everything we are going to cover

How do cults start?

• “Many cults begin with a charismatic leader or group claiming special revelation or insight that goes beyond or distorts the Bible. They often address unmet spiritual or emotional needs, offering certainty in confusing times or claiming to restore ‘lost truths.’ Over time, they develop exclusive doctrines, emphasize obedience to their authority, and create a sense of dependency by isolating followers from outside perspectives. The common thread is a departure from the core gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, replacing it with human authority, works-based salvation, or extra-biblical teachings.”
• Second Great Awakening, burnt over district, restorationism
• Cane ridge revival 1801
• Back to basic Christianity
• End Times fervor
• 1844
• If not careful we see this happening on YouTube today.  

Explain that any deviation from these essentials leads to a distorted or false version of Christianity. 

So what are some of the essentials?

• Sufficiency of Scripture (Sola Scriptura): 
• The group uses its own interpretation of the Bible or an altered version of Scripture to fit its teachings.
• The authority and sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Extra-biblical writings or revelations are often elevated to the same level as, or higher than, the Bible.
• Example: Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation and Mormonism’s Book of Mormon.

• The group teaches a view of the deity of Christ that diverges from the traditional Christian view of Jesus being fully human and fully divine

• The group teaches that salvation is earned through strict adherence to their specific rules, laws, or practices.
• Grace and faith in Christ alone are downplayed or redefined.
• Example: Emphasis on Sabbath-keeping by SDAs or door-to-door evangelism by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

• The group is led by a single charismatic leader or a small group of leaders who demand unquestioning loyalty and obedience.
• Leaders often claim divine authority or special revelation, making their words equal to or above Scripture.
• Example: Ellen G. White's writings being treated as authoritative by SDAs.
• The BITE acronym, developed by Steven Hassan, is a framework used to identify cult-like behavior by analyzing how groups control their members. BITE stands for:
• Behavior Control
• Regulates individual behavior, often through strict rules, schedules, or restrictions on personal freedom.
• The group discourages relationships or interactions with non-members, labeling outsiders as dangerous or untrustworthy.
• Members are often isolated socially, emotionally, or even physically.
• Information Control
• Limits access to outside information and promotes only the group’s teachings as truth.
• Encourages censorship, misinformation, or monitoring.
• Thought Control
• Discourages independent thinking and critical analysis.
• Promotes an “us vs. them” mentality and enforces group doctrine as absolute truth.
• Emotional Control
• Manipulates feelings to instill fear, guilt, or loyalty.
• Uses emotional pressure to maintain control and discourage leaving the group.

• The group believes it is the only true way to God, salvation, or enlightenment. All others are considered deceived or lost.
• Membership in the group is often seen as essential for salvation.
• Example: SDAs view themselves as the "remnant church" with unique truth.

• Emphasize the importance of discernment:
• (INTERNAL): Protecting believers from false teachings (Matthew 7:15, 1 John 4:1).
• We talk about how easily and quickly many of these cults began. They began with private Bible studies that distorted scripture. 
• (EXTERNAL): Encouraging Christians to engage lovingly and effectively with members of these groups.
• Highlight the urgency of addressing cults because they claim to be Christian but distort the gospel, leading people away from freedom in Christ and sometimes even salvation.

• Lay out a biblical approach to addressing members of these groups:
• Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
• Avoid debates and focus on the gospel.
• Ask questions that challenge their assumptions without attacking their beliefs.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in conversations.

Bryan, Bo and KD talk about the multiple accounts of the First Vision and the article in the Gospel Topics series.

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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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Find the article here. 

The First Vision is one of the most pivotal events in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), regarded as the moment when Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, received a divine visitation from God the Father and Jesus Christ. This vision, which Smith claimed to have experienced in 1820 in the woods near his home in Palmyra, New York, is foundational to LDS theology, marking the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel and the establishment of the LDS Church. As such, the account of this vision is central to the faith of millions of Latter-day Saints.

In an effort to address the complexities surrounding the multiple accounts of the First Vision, the LDS Church published an article titled "The First Vision Accounts" in its Gospel Topics series. The article is part of the Church's broader effort to engage with historical scholarship, acknowledging that there are discrepancies between the various accounts Joseph Smith gave of his vision over the years. While the article seeks to harmonize these differences and present the vision as a consistent and inspired event, a closer critical examination reveals several concerns, particularly regarding its treatment of historical context, the inconsistencies between accounts, and the theological implications of these discrepancies.

The article begins by acknowledging that Joseph Smith gave several accounts of the First Vision over the years, each with varying details. This is a notable step in the Church's public engagement with historical criticism, as it is an issue that has long been raised by scholars and critics alike. The article lists the key versions of the First Vision: the 1832 account, the 1835 account (given to a man named Joshua, later written down by a scribe), the 1838 account (which is the version published in the History of the Church), and later retellings in the 1840s.

The acknowledgment of multiple accounts is an important admission, especially given that some critics have argued that the differing versions undermine the credibility of Joseph Smith’s vision. The article explains that these differences are not contradictions, but rather reflections of Joseph Smith's evolving understanding of the experience, the audience he was addressing, and his desire to emphasize certain aspects of the vision depending on the context.

While this approach offers a plausible defense for the differing accounts, the article could be seen as somewhat dismissive of the deeper implications of these discrepancies. A more robust engagement with the question of why Joseph Smith's retellings varied so widely, both in terms of content and theological emphasis, would provide a more nuanced perspective.

The article emphasizes that the differences between the accounts do not invalidate the event itself. Instead, it suggests that the variations are natural and even expected, given that Joseph Smith was recounting a profound spiritual experience over the course of several years. The article points out that the 1832 account, for example, mentions only a single divine being, while the 1835 and 1838 accounts describe both God the Father and Jesus Christ appearing to Joseph Smith. The differences in the descriptions of the vision's purpose and the timing of the event are also addressed.

However, the Church’s explanation often minimizes the significance of these discrepancies. For instance, the 1838 account, which is the most widely cited version and the one included in the Doctrine and Covenants, is markedly different in tone and detail from the earlier accounts. In this version, Joseph Smith describes being told that all existing churches were wrong, and he is directed to join none of them. In contrast, the 1832 account is more introspective, focusing primarily on Smith’s own search for forgiveness and peace. The question of why Smith’s understanding of the vision shifted so dramatically between these accounts remains largely unexplored in the article.

A deeper exploration of these variations would be valuable for those seeking to reconcile these differences with the Church’s theological narrative. Why did Joseph Smith choose to emphasize the condemnation of other churches in the 1838 version, when earlier accounts do not mention this? Why did his earlier descriptions of the vision focus more on personal spiritual longing and forgiveness, while later accounts stress the Restoration of the gospel and the rejection of existing Christian denominations?

The article makes a strong case for the idea that the differing accounts of the First Vision reflect Joseph Smith’s evolving theological understanding and his need to adapt his narrative to the needs of different audiences. It suggests that as Smith’s ministry grew, his understanding of the vision became more doctrinally developed, with the 1838 account aligning with the Church’s later teachings on the nature of God, the rejection of traditional Christian denominations, and the coming Restoration.

However, this emphasis on the theological evolution of the First Vision raises significant questions about the historical authenticity of the vision itself. If the details of the vision evolved so substantially over time, can it be said that the vision was a singular, unchanging experience? Alternatively, is it possible that Joseph Smith’s retellings were shaped by his growing theological views and the evolving context of his religious movement, rather than being a direct account of an unchanging historical event?

The article could do more to address these concerns directly. While it is understandable that Smith’s understanding of the vision would evolve as his theological framework developed, the wide discrepancies between the accounts (particularly in terms of the nature of the vision’s message and the number of divine beings involved) invite a critical reflection on how the vision may have been shaped by Smith’s later doctrinal developments. To what extent was the vision interpreted through the lens of later LDS teachings, such as the doctrine of the Godhead, which was clarified in the 1830s and 1840s?

For modern Latter-day Saints, the First Vision is a foundational event that underpins their belief in the divine restoration of the gospel. The account of the vision provides theological legitimacy for the unique doctrines of the LDS Church, particularly the nature of God and the rejection of traditional Christian teachings. However, the theological significance of the First Vision rests on the assumption that the vision was a consistent and divinely inspired event.

The article’s attempts to harmonize the various accounts may be comforting to some members of the LDS Church, but they do not fully address the theological tension that arises from the inconsistencies between the accounts. If the vision was truly a divine revelation, why did Joseph Smith present such different versions of it? Can modern believers continue to rely on the vision as a historically accurate event, or should they focus more on its theological and symbolic meaning?

The LDS Church's article "The First Vision Accounts" represents a significant step forward in acknowledging the historical complexities of the First Vision and the discrepancies between Joseph Smith's various retellings of the event. It is a commendable effort to engage with historical criticism and present a faith-based explanation for the differences between the accounts. However, the article falls short in addressing some of the deeper theological and historical questions raised by these inconsistencies.

While the Church’s explanation that the differences reflect Joseph Smith’s evolving understanding of the vision may provide a satisfactory answer for many believers, it does not fully address the implications of these differences for the historical authenticity of the vision. A more comprehensive exploration of the cultural and religious context of Joseph Smith’s time, as well as a deeper reflection on the theological consequences of the variations in the accounts, would provide a more nuanced and rigorous response to the challenges posed by modern scholarship.

Ultimately, for those who seek a deeper reconciliation between faith and history, the article leaves several important questions unanswered. Nevertheless, it is an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue between history, theology, and the LDS community’s understanding of its foundational narrative.

The LDS church released a gospel topics essay on Masonry... and the eerily suspicious overlap of Masonic rituals and symbols with the Mormon temple. Then they removed it from their Gospel Topics section. Let's talk about that.

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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].

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In 2013 the Mormon church released a series of four essays on polygamy (they call it "plural marriage") to try to explain away some of the more difficult episodes in their brief history. For many LDS members, the strategy backfired. Bryan and Bo talk about it in this episode.

Find the official gospel topics essays here.

Learn more about Mormonism vs. biblical Christianity at pursueGod.org/mormonism.

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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].

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Mormons believe in the doctrine of "exaltation"- that worthy Mormons can become gods of their own planets some day. They believe God was once like us, and we can someday become like him. Let's unpack that heresy.

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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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Welcome back to the podcast! Cultures create an environment for faith or disbelief, so today we'll be looking at the question: is your culture keeping you from God?

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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.

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Q. Is Your Culture Keeping You from God?

• Last week (ch 16) we looked at households of faith
• parents create an environment for faith or disbelief
• Generational blessings and curses
• The greatest generational blessing: salvation
• Today: we zoom out from the household to the culture at large
• Here’s the thing: Cultures also create an environment for faith or disbelief
• Countries, regions, cities
• Also religions, churches, faith traditions
• Today we’ll look at 3 different cultures
• As Paul continues his second missionary journey
• And shares the Good News in 3 different towns
• Two of these cultures kept people from God
• First: Religious culture in Thessalonica
• Shocking to think that a religious culture can keep you from God!
• But that can definitely happen
• Legalism
• False religion
• Second: Popular (secular) culture in Athens
• Remember, the gospel was just now going out to Gentiles
• Today we see it reach Greece for the first time
• Athens was home to some of history's greatest philosophers:
• Socrates (469–399 BC)
• Plato (427–347 BC)
• Plato founds the Academy in Athens (c. 387 BCE), the first institution dedicated to philosophy and scientific study. 
• Aristotle (384–322 BC)
• Cicero (106–43 BC): Roman statesman, orator, philosopher, and writer. A pivotal figure in transmission of Greek philosophy to the Roman world. 
• The Academy was closed by Emperor Justinian in 529 AD, marking the symbolic end of Athens as a center of ancient philosophy.
• The point: Athens was the center of pop culture by time of Acts
• And would be for a long time
• America is even influenced by this
• Opposite ends of the spectrum
• Pause and think about the culture that most influences YOU
• Is it religious culture?
• Or is it popular culture
• And is this culture building your faith or destroying it? 
• Let’s get to the text

Thessalonians: Religious Culture

Acts 17:1-4 (NLT) 1 Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. 3 He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” 4 Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.

• Trying to reach Jews first
• Notice: women mentioned again! 
• Some people were open to the message and found God

Acts 17:5-6 (NLT) 5 But some of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. They attacked the home of Jason, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd. 6 Not finding them there, they dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too.”

• Look at what these religious people were doing:
• They attacked
• Who? Businessmen (marketplace) and politicians (city council)
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The designation of these bad men (andras ponērous) as 'marketfolk' (agoraiōn) is interesting (NRSV 'some ruffians in the market-places'; ESV 'some wicked men of the rabble'). In the ancient world, the term agoraioi designated common labourers, artisans, and people who traded in the town centres. In terms of social status, they were regarded as 'people of low birth . . . contrasted with the nobility or upper classes.'
• They twisted truth
• Accused Paul and Silas of being trouble-makers
• But they were the trouble-makers!
• Still happens today
• Christian ideology is a blessing, not a curse! 
• But the world will twist this, gaslight
• Ex: abortion
• Ex: gender
• Ex: sexuality
• Here is a group of spiritual seekers in Thess who did NOT find God
• We’ve seen this a lot already in Acts 
• Religious Jews who rejected Jesus
• Let’s give this a name so we can generalize: Dead Religion
• Here’s a defn: Dead religion is any belief system that leads people away from Jesus.
• Don’t misunderstand: it can still appear very fervent, sincere, even faithful
• But if it leads people away from the One Way, it’s a dead religion
• Here’s the point: People in dead religions think they’ve found God, but they’re wrong.
• Islam – Approximately 1.91 billion followers
• Hinduism – Approximately 1.2 billion followers
• Buddhism – Approximately 507 million followers
• Christian Cults
• If this sounds exclusivistic, it is. 
• There’s only one way to heaven, and it’s through Jesus
• That’s what Paul preached in Thessalonica, and that’s why he was rejected.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 (NLT) 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too. They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins.

Let’s skip to the bottom of the chapter to find our next culture

Athenians: Popular Culture

Acts 17:16-17 (NLT) 16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. 17 He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The verb paroxynō in the passive means 'become irritated, angry' (BDAG, cf. 15:39, paroxysmos, 'irritation, sharp disagreement'). In the imperfect tense, the verb expresses 'not a sudden loss of temper but rather a continuous settled reaction to what Paul saw.'
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The pain or anger which Paul felt in Athens was due to 'his abhorrence of idolatry, which aroused within him deep stirrings of jealousy for the Name of God, as he saw human beings so depraved as to be giving idols the honour and glory which were due to the one, living and true God alone.'

Acts 17:18 (NLT) 18 He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.”

• The Epicureans were followers of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher (341–270 BCE), whose school of thought emphasized the pursuit of a happy, tranquil life characterized by peace of mind and freedom from fear. They valued the absence of pain (both physical and mental) and advocated for a life of simple pleasures, friendship, and reflection rather than indulgence in material excess.
• Were materialists and believed that everything, including the soul, is made of atoms and ceases to exist at death. They argued that the gods exist but do not interfere with human affairs, so people should not fear divine retribution or an afterlife.
• The Stoics were followers of a school of philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE. Stoicism emphasized living in harmony with nature, accepting events outside one's control, and cultivating inner virtues as the foundation of a good life.
• Believed in a divine, rational principle governing the universe (often identified with "Nature" or "Logos"). They viewed the universe as a single, interconnected organism guided by divine reason. Stoics saw life as a training ground for virtue, with each event part of a greater rational order.
• While Epicureans focused on achieving tranquility by minimizing pain and pursuing simple pleasures, Stoics emphasized cultivating virtue and accepting life’s challenges as part of a larger, rational order. Epicureans pursued personal peace by avoiding public involvement, while Stoics actively engaged in society, seeing virtue and duty as integral to a meaningful life.

Acts 17:19-21 (NLT) 19 Then they took him to the high council of the city (Areopagus). “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. 20 “You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.” 21 (It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.)

• Sound familiar? Back then it was called the Areopagus (Hill of Ares, or Mars Hill)
• Ares being the Greek god of war, while his Roman counterpart is Mars
• Today it’s called entertainment, social media, podcasts
• The place we discuss latest ideas
• But these are all empty philosophies of man
• Our best guess at how to think about the world

Acts 17:22-23 (NLT) 22 So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, 23 for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.”

• Contextualize!
• He goes on to explain the God of the Bible in a way the pagans could understand
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) …sounds more like a reflection on the opening chapters of Genesis (even though no text is actually cited), moving from a proclamation of the one true Creator, to an assertion of his purpose for humanity, and concluding with a declaration of universal accountability before God as judge.
• For today we’ll skip to the end…

Acts 17:27 (NLT) 27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The verb psēlaphēseian ('to look for something in uncertain fashion, to feel around for, grope for', BDAG) expresses the idea of 'groping for God in the darkness, when the light of special revelation is not available.
• Special revelation comes in two primary ways:
• Reading Scripture (see Bereans)
• Hearing the Good News
• This is why Paul was sharing in the marketplace!

Acts 17:32 (NLT) 32 When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.”

• Two groups of people in popular culture
• Mockers of the Good News
• Those who want to hear more

That brings us to our final group of seekers…

Bereans: Seeking God through His Special Revelation

Acts 17:10-12 (NLT) 10 That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 12 As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.

• more open-minded - Not what you think it means
• Today that means follow your heart, anything goes, all roads lead to heaven
• For the Bereans, it meant they were willing to challenge their dead religion
• They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth
• This is the key to seeking and finding God
• Searching the Scriptures
• Submitting to the Scriptures

Close

Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT) If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

The LDS Gospel Topics Essays claim that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham "by the gift and power of God". But upon further review, it seems something sketchy might have been afoot.

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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.

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Welcome back to the podcast! In today's episode, we'll be talking about family curses...and blessings! Are they still a thing? Listen to find out!

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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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Q. Are Family Curses (and Blessings) Real?

• Super scary verse in the OT (Second Commandment):
• Exodus 20:4-5 (NLT) 4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 
• Generational curses? 
• Need to cast out demons? “Bondage Breaker” book
• No! This is more about learned behavior
• Third and fourth generations
• You may have met these people!
• Influence extends to grandkids and great grandchildren
• Principle: parenting matters!
• You will pass on more than you think
• Family idols (even today)
• Alcoholism
• Pride, selfishness
• Materialism (wealth)
• But don’t miss the next verse
• Exodus 20:6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
• God wants to bless your family!
• A thousand generations vs. 3 or 4
• But look at the recipient of this
• Those who love me and obey my commands
• The greatest generational blessing: salvation
• Households where grandparents, parents, kids are all followers
• Nothing better than this
• Very few families have it
• We’re going to see this in action in 3 families in Acts 16 today…

Acts 16: (NLT) 1 Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek.

• This is Paul’s second missionary journey 
• First time we meet Timothy. This guy becomes Paul’s protege. 
• Jewish mom
• Greek dad
• 2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT) 5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.
• Notice: no mention of father
• Dad was likely not a Gentile follower of God
• If he was, he would have had Timothy circumcised
• One more hint about Timothy’s upbringing…
• 2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT) 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
• Taught by mother and grandmother!
• The point: if you want to pass on your faith, teach your kids the Bible early and often

Next passage:

Acts 16:13-14 (NLT) 13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The fact that she is named could mean that she was a person of some status, 'since it was normal in such a Greco-Roman setting not to mention women by personal name in public unless they were either notable or notorious.'

Acts 16:15 (NLT) 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.

• Maybe a widow? Divorced? Either way, seems to be a single mom
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) A woman such as Lydia might have been head of a household in Greco-Roman culture because her husband had died or she was divorced, and less probably because she was a single woman of means.
• Also very wealthy
• Money doesn’t have to be a generational curse
• She’s already using it to be a blessing
• Main point: Look at her impact
• she got saved, the household followed

One more example: a blue collar worker dad, jailer where Paul and Silas were imprisoned:

Acts 16:25-28 (NLT) 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

Acts 16:29-30 (NLT) 29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Acts 16:31-33 (NLT) 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household…. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized.

• Wow. This time a dad gets saved and the family follows

What’s going on here? What can we learn from these three stories

• A young man with a Christian mom and grandma (and unbelieving dad)
• A wealthy single mom
• A blue collar dad

They’re included as a sampling of what was happening in the early church

• People were getting saved
• It was so powerful that it impacted their households
• That’s how it should still work today
• Moms and Dads embrace the message of Jesus
• And they intentionally pass it on to their kids

Back to the verse at the top:

Exodus 20:6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

• Family blessings are real! 
• Parents: your love for God, your obedience to his commands
• Can be passed on to generations

The LDS Church's "Gospel Topics Essays" released in 2013. These essays were written by Mormon experts in an attempt to explain away some of the difficult questions coming against the Church. In today's episode we explore the essay titled "Are Mormons Christians?"

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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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Notes