In this episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast, we share a sermon from Pastor Mark Parsons titled The Rescue, based on Ephesians 2:1–10. This message powerfully explores the heart of the gospel: that salvation is not something we contribute to, but something entirely accomplished by Christ and received through faith.

Pastor Mark begins by linking two important passages—Numbers 21 and John 3. In Numbers, God instructs Moses to lift up a bronze serpent so that anyone bitten by snakes could look at it and live. Jesus later refers to this moment in John 3 to explain his own mission: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.” These passages reveal a central truth—salvation comes not by doing, but by looking in faith to the one lifted up for us.

To bring this message to life, Pastor Mark shares the compelling real-world story of the 2018 Thai cave rescue, using it as an extended illustration of what it means to be truly rescued. Like the twelve boys trapped in a dark, flooded cave with no way out, we were spiritually dead—unable to save ourselves. The rescue required skilled divers to come from the outside, carry the boys out one by one, and do everything for them. Some initially suggested training the boys to swim their way out, but rescuers quickly realized that wouldn’t work. The boys couldn’t contribute to their escape—they could only trust their rescuers.

In the same way, Ephesians 2 tells us that we were dead in our sins, not merely struggling or needing guidance. But God, rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ. We are saved by grace, through faith, and even that faith is a gift, not something we generate. Not by works, so that no one can boast.

This episode equips Christians with a vivid and relatable way to explain the gospel, especially when speaking with those who believe their eternal life depends on personal worthiness or moral improvement. The story of the cave rescue becomes a moving picture of the biblical truth that we don’t rescue ourselves—Jesus does.

In this episode of Witnessing Christ, Mark is joined by Grace and Charlie to explore Tearing the Veil: A Guide for Sharing Grace with Mormons by Michael Flournoy. This insightful book, written by a former LDS apologist turned Christian, is a practical tool designed to equip Christians to witness effectively to Latter-day Saints.

The conversation highlights Flournoy’s unique perspective as a seventh-generation Mormon who once sought to defend his faith but was ultimately converted by the very words of Scripture. The hosts discuss his strategic IRIS acronym—Impossible Standard, Reckoned Righteousness, Indomitable Gift, and Settled at Faith—which outlines a step-by-step approach to gospel-centered conversations with Mormons.

Together, they unpack key themes from the book, such as the burden of Mormonism’s impossible expectations, the transactional nature of LDS theology, and the transformative power of reckoned righteousness through Christ. They also explore how Flournoy leverages the Book of Mormon itself to sow seeds of doubt in LDS teachings and emphasize the importance of discerning each person’s primary “conversion type”—doctrinal, social, or spiritual—to tailor the witness effectively.

Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to play the long game in evangelism, patiently guiding Mormons toward a grace-filled understanding of the gospel. The team reflects on the emotional cost of leaving Mormonism, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the value of expressing personal testimonies that incorporate LDS language to foster understanding.

Whether you're meeting with missionaries, witnessing to loved ones, or just beginning to understand Mormon doctrine, this episode offers invaluable tools and heartfelt encouragement. Tune in to hear how Flournoy’s journey—and the gospel he now shares—offers hope, clarity, and true rest in the righteousness of Christ.

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FAIR USE NOTICE:

This podcast explores published works written by former-Mormon Christians, highlighting their journeys to faith in Jesus Christ and their insights into the transformative power of the gospel. As part of our episodes, we occasionally quote excerpts from these copyrighted materials.

We do so under the Fair Use provisions of U.S. copyright law (17 U.S. Code § 107), which allow limited use of copyrighted content for commentary, critique, education, and discussion. Our use is transformative, offering biblical reflections, theological analysis, and witnessing insights to help Christians share the gospel in love and truth.

Our intention is not to replace or replicate the original works but to provide thoughtful engagement that encourages listeners to seek out and purchase these valuable resources for themselves. All quoted content remains the property of its respective copyright holders.

In this episode of Witnessing Christ, Mark and Jon delve into The Shelf Breaker: How Jesus Drew Our Family Out of Mormonism by Damien Tracy. This powerful memoir begins with Damien’s traumatic upbringing marked by abuse, leading him into cycles of sin and despair. Despite his earnest efforts to achieve worthiness through Mormon teachings, Damien found himself trapped in guilt, fear, and unworthiness.

Join us as we explore Damien's journey—from confronting his deep-seated struggles to his transformative encounter with grace. We discuss key stress points such as the burden of worthiness, the inconsistencies between LDS teachings and practice, and Mormonism's transactional nature. Central to Damien’s story is the metaphor of the "shelf," representing accumulating doubts and contradictions that eventually broke under the weight of truth.

Damien’s narrative candidly reflects on how personal relationships with faithful Christians, consistent biblical teaching, and genuine grace opened his eyes to a new, liberating identity in Christ. This episode emphasizes the power of relational evangelism, listening compassionately, and consistently pointing to the complete forgiveness found in Jesus alone.

Whether you're witnessing to Mormon friends, grappling with doubt yourself, or eager to understand the profound contrasts between LDS theology and biblical Christianity, this discussion will provide encouragement and practical insights. Tune in to hear how Damien moved from the overwhelming pressure of performance to resting in the unconditional love of Christ.

Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Support Truth in Love Ministry here.

FAIR USE NOTICE:

This podcast explores published works written by former-Mormon Christians, highlighting their journeys to faith in Jesus Christ and their insights into the transformative power of the gospel. As part of our episodes, we occasionally quote excerpts from these copyrighted materials.

We do so under the Fair Use provisions of U.S. copyright law (17 U.S. Code § 107), which allow limited use of copyrighted content for commentary, critique, education, and discussion. Our use is transformative, offering biblical reflections, theological analysis, and witnessing insights to help Christians share the gospel in love and truth.

Our intention is not to replace or replicate the original works but to provide thoughtful engagement that encourages listeners to seek out and purchase these valuable resources for themselves. All quoted content remains the property of its respective copyright holders.

In this episode of Witnessing Christ, Pastor Mark and Calvin dive deep into The Journey to Jesus: Finding Christ After Leaving Mormonism by Brandy Bronson. This compelling book chronicles Brandy’s faith crisis sparked by doctrinal inconsistencies and historical revelations from LDS sources. As her trust in Mormon teachings unraveled, Brandy embarked on a search for truth that led her to the Bible and ultimately to Jesus.

Join us as we explore her journey, from the initial cracks in her LDS faith to her profound discovery of biblical truth. We discuss key stress points like the reliability of the Bible, the LDS emphasis on feelings over objective truth, and the pressure to suppress doubts. Brandy’s narrative not only provides a powerful apologetic for the Bible but also serves as a compassionate guide for those who feel trapped between faith and truth.

Whether you're a Christian witnessing to Mormons, a former Mormon wrestling with doubt, or someone seeking to understand the differences between LDS doctrine and biblical Christianity, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. Tune in and discover why Brandy says, "I left Mormonism because of its problems, but I stay with Christ because of his promises."

Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Support Truth in Love Ministry here.

FAIR USE NOTICE:

This podcast explores published works written by former-Mormon Christians, highlighting their journeys to faith in Jesus Christ and their insights into the transformative power of the gospel. As part of our episodes, we occasionally quote excerpts from these copyrighted materials.

We do so under the Fair Use provisions of U.S. copyright law (17 U.S. Code § 107), which allow limited use of copyrighted content for commentary, critique, education, and discussion. Our use is transformative, offering biblical reflections, theological analysis, and witnessing insights to help Christians share the gospel in love and truth.

Our intention is not to replace or replicate the original works but to provide thoughtful engagement that encourages listeners to seek out and purchase these valuable resources for themselves. All quoted content remains the property of its respective copyright holders.

Welcome to another episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast! In this installment of our Latter-day Saint book review series, Mark, Molly, and Grace dive into After All We Can Do by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a prominent LDS apostle whose winsome style and nuanced take on grace has captured attention within and beyond his faith tradition.

Uchtdorf attempts to reinterpret 2 Nephi 25:23—“it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do”—in a more hopeful and less burdensome light. But does his message reflect biblical grace or reinforce the same exhausting cycle of works righteousness with softer language? Our team engages this question as they thoughtfully explore the book’s high-sounding promises and troubling inconsistencies.

In this episode, you'll hear a critical yet compassionate assessment of the LDS doctrine of “enabling grace,” Uchtdorf’s use of the parable of the prodigal son, and his attempts to merge gratitude-based obedience with conditions for exaltation. Through it all, Mark, Molly, and Grace contrast LDS teachings with the biblical gospel—that salvation is God’s free gift, not a reward for effort, and that hope and righteousness come from Christ alone.

Join us as we examine how to lovingly respond to LDS friends drawn to Uchtdorf’s tone but still burdened by the call to prove their worth. Learn how to point them to the true hope, rest, and rescue found only in Jesus.

Access the Prodigal Son resources we mentioned in the episode:

• Listen to the sermon Pastor Mark preached on Luke 15, along with practical witnessing tips: Witnessing Christ from Luke 15: The Prodigal or Two Lost Sons.
• Share this article with your LDS friends to illustrate both the depth of our sin and the boundless grace of God: The Two Lost Sons: An Invitation to the Father’s Embrace.
• Take the Quiz! Which Son Are You? (Take this with your LDS friends for a good discussion on which of the two sons you most relate to and why.)

Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Support Truth in Love Ministry here.

FAIR USE NOTICE:

This podcast explores published works written by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a particular focus on topics such as grace, salvation, and the character of God. As part of our episodes, we occasionally quote excerpts from these copyrighted materials.

We do so under the Fair Use provisions of U.S. copyright law (17 U.S. Code § 107), which allow limited use of copyrighted content for commentary, criticism, education, and discussion. Our use is transformative, offering biblical responses, theological reflection, and practical witnessing tips to help Christians share the gospel in love and truth.

We want to make it clear: We do not intend to replace or reproduce the original works, nor do we seek to disparage their authors. Instead, our goal is respectful engagement, inviting honest dialogue around eternal questions and the hope found in Jesus Christ. All quoted content remains the property of its respective copyright holders.

Welcome to another episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast! In this session, we continue our short series reviewing Latter-day Saint books on grace—this time diving into Grace to Become by Emily Belle Freeman.

Mark, Molly, and Grace unpack the second installment in Freeman’s grace-themed trilogy, exploring the LDS concept of “exalting grace” and how it differs significantly from the biblical gospel. This book builds on the previous volume (Grace Where You Are), shifting the focus from comfort in hardship to striving for godhood through personal effort and divine assistance.

In this episode, the team thoughtfully engages with Freeman’s language of “becoming like God,” her views on motivation and self-improvement, and her portrayal of grace as a ladder we climb rather than a gift we receive. Along the way, they contrast this with the biblical message of grace—God’s unearned favor given to the undeserving, not to enable progress toward exaltation, but to give righteousness, restore relationship, and grant eternal life through Jesus.

Join us as we explore how to speak compassionately and clearly with LDS friends who are overwhelmed by the burden to become, and how to point them to the rest and rescue found only in Christ.

Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Support Truth in Love Ministry here.

FAIR USE NOTICE:

This podcast explores published works written by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a particular focus on topics such as grace, salvation, and the character of God. As part of our episodes, we occasionally quote excerpts from these copyrighted materials.

We do so under the Fair Use provisions of U.S. copyright law (17 U.S. Code § 107), which allow limited use of copyrighted content for commentary, criticism, education, and discussion. Our use is transformative, offering biblical responses, theological reflection, and practical witnessing tips to help Christians share the gospel in love and truth.

We want to make it clear: We do not intend to replace or reproduce the original works, nor do we seek to disparage their authors. Instead, our goal is respectful engagement, inviting honest dialogue around eternal questions and the hope found in Jesus Christ. All quoted content remains the property of its respective copyright holders.

Welcome to another episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast! In this session, we begin a short series examining LDS books on grace—starting with Grace Where You Are by popular Mormon author and speaker Emily Belle Freeman.

Mark, Molly, and Grace engage in an insightful and honest conversation about the theology behind Freeman’s message. While the book uses familiar Christian language and offers comfort to the overwhelmed, the team highlights key doctrinal differences beneath the surface—especially regarding the LDS view of grace, the Fall, the role of Jesus, and what it means to be "enough."

This episode helps listeners understand how grace is often framed as divine assistance to become better rather than God’s unearned gift of righteousness. The team also shares strategies for gently redirecting conversations toward the true gospel, which invites us to come to Jesus with empty hands and receive what only He can give.

Join us as we explore how to meet LDS friends where they are—with clarity, compassion, and confidence in Christ alone.

Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Support Truth in Love Ministry here.

FAIR USE NOTICE:

This podcast explores published works written by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing particularly on topics such as grace, salvation, and the character of God. As part of our episodes, we occasionally quote excerpts from these copyrighted materials.

We do so under the Fair Use provisions of U.S. copyright law (17 U.S. Code § 107), which allow limited use of copyrighted content for commentary, criticism, education, and discussion. Our use is transformative, offering biblical responses, theological reflection, and practical witnessing tips to help Christians share the gospel in love and truth.

We want to make it clear: We do not intend to replace or reproduce the original works, nor do we seek to disparage their authors. Instead, our goal is respectful engagement, inviting honest dialogue around eternal questions and the hope found in Jesus Christ. All quoted content remains the property of its respective copyright holders.

Welcome to another episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast! In this session, we wrap up our journey through the Five Pillars of relational evangelism by focusing on the fifth and final pillar: "Proclaim Christ Rather Than Debate Mormonism."

Mark, Molly, Grace, Charlie, Jon, and Calvin share thoughtful reflections, personal stories, and practical advice about how to resist the temptation to win arguments and instead point people to Jesus. It's easy to get caught in endless back-and-forths about Joseph Smith, modern prophets, or doctrinal differences—but what changes hearts isn’t debate; it’s the gospel.

Together, the team explores how to listen for deeper spiritual needs, redirect conversations toward Christ, and trust in the power of God’s word to break through even the hardest hearts. From real-life examples to Scripture-based encouragement, this episode helps equip you to be a witness—not a lawyer—and to proclaim the sufficiency of Jesus with clarity and love.

For more on TILM's Five Pillars, visit tilm.org/our-witnessing-approach.

To watch and listen to Pastor Mark's sermon on the Woman at the Well, please visit https://youtu.be/kp-TLWRDLW0.

Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channels!

If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.

Support Truth in Love Ministry here.

Welcome to another episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast! In this session, we continue our journey through the Five Pillars of relational evangelism, focusing on the fourth pillar: "Speak the Mormon Language."

Mark, Grace, Charlie, Jon, Calvin, and Molly discuss the importance of understanding Mormonism's unique vocabulary and how it differs from biblical Christianity—even when the same words are used. Words like grace, faith, heaven, salvation, atonement, and repentance carry different meanings in an LDS context. This episode equips listeners to recognize those differences and offers practical ways to communicate biblical truths clearly and compassionately.

Learn how to define terms thoughtfully, ask better questions, and avoid misunderstandings that can derail conversations. Whether you're talking about eternal life, the gospel, or who Jesus is, this episode helps you speak in a way that your Mormon friends can truly understand.

For more on TILM's Five Pillars, visit tilm.org/our-witnessing-approach.

Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channels!

If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.

Support Truth in Love Ministry here.

Welcome to another episode of the Witnessing Christ Podcast! In this session, we continue our journey through the Five Pillars of relational evangelism, focusing on the third pillar: "Focusing on Mormon Stress Points."

Mark, Grace, Charlie, John, and Molly engage in an insightful conversation about the key stress points that weigh heavily on members of the LDS community—worthiness, perfection, forgiveness, repentance, and exaltation. Rather than debating theological differences, this approach encourages us to listen with empathy and guide conversations toward the true rest found in Christ.

This episode offers real-life witnessing experiences, scriptural insights, and practical advice on how to gently point our Mormon friends and loved ones to the sufficiency of Jesus. Join us as we explore how to turn moments of spiritual struggle into opportunities for gospel hope.

For more on TILM's Five Pillars, visit tilm.org/our-witnessing-approach.

Share this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channels!

If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.

Support Truth in Love Ministry here.