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October Events: Occupy Wall Street & Mormonism Introduction: There are two events and multiple issues that we want to look at from the month of October. I) Occupy Wall Street A) Background 1. The Occupy Wall Street movement actually started in September but gained steam in October. They are a group of people who are protesting "abuses on Wall Street." a. Bank Bailouts in 2008 and onward. b. High unemployment rate above 9% c. Cost of students loans d. They want the "rich to pay more" as they say the 1% need to pay their fair share. 2. They have been "camping out" and there has been immoral behavior, use of drugs, lawless behavior, etc. 3. They are perceived as being largely anti-capitalist and more socialistic in nature. 4. On various occasions people will try to bring religion in to politics and say that Jesus was a socialist. a. Socialism seeks to make everything a part of the collective. Society to take care of each individual. b. Therefore, whatever the individual makes is societies to use. 6. They look to Matthew 19.21; Acts 4.32ff. This begs the question: Was Jesus a socialist? B) Looking to the Bible. 1. First the Bible points out the sin of hypocrisy. Saying one thing and doing another, Matthew 7.21. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for public display and praise instead of private servitude and praise from God, Matthew 6. 2. Immoral behavior, recreational use of drugs are sinful. 1 Cor. 6.9; Galatians 5.19ff. 3. Individual responsibility for our actions. Read the Proverbs and you will see individual application. Prov. 3.1ff. a. The soul who sins shall die, Ezekiel 18.20 b. Accountability to God on the Day of Judgment, 2 Cor. 5.10. 4. Each person or family has the responsibility to work for their daily bread, 1 Timothy 5.8; 2 Thessalonians 3.7-13 a. To pay their bills, Romans 12.17; Ecc. 5.5 b. To think of the cost of their borrowing, Psalm 37.21; Proverbs 22.26-27 5. What is the government's responsibilities? Romans 13.1ff. a. Protect the law abiding citizens. b. Punish the evil doers. 6. What is the responsibility of the church? a. To aid the needy in times of need, Acts 4.32ff; Acts 6; Acts 11.27 b. Notice that it was not the common practice of the church to send money to those who were simply poor but to those who were needy. 7. Individual responsibility to his/her fellowman, Galatians 6.10; James 1.27. a. This according to one's ability and opportunity. b. How we carry this out is up to us as individuals. 8. Did Jesus command every rich person to sell what they had and give to the poor? Or was it a point of illustration for us. To place God first. a. Is every Christian to sell all their possessions and give to the needy saints of their congregation? b. Is every "rich Christian" to sell everything they have and give to the poor? c. The question is not whether we are to help the poor but how? Individual basis or societal? II) Is A Mormon A Christian? A) Issue came up last month at a political rally when a preacher backing Rick Perry stated that he did not believe Mitt Romney to be a Christian 1. "Rick Perry's a Christian. He's an evangelical Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ," Jeffress said. "Mitt Romney's a good moral person, but he's not a Christian. Mormonism is not Christianity. It has always been considered a cult by the mainstream of Christianity." Robert Jefferies, the pastor at a Baptist congregation in Dallas, TX. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/11/romney-asks-perry-to-disavow-pastor-perry-says-no/#ixzz1cYvwG8RB 2. Mitt Romney and others criticized Jefferies for his statements. B) Is Mormonism Christianity? 1. Does it believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God? 2 Timothy 3.16-17 a. "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. . ." (8th Article of Faith of the Mormon Church). b. They believe the Book of Mormon, Doctrines and covenants, and Pearl of Great Price are inspired to God and the true word of God. 2. What do the Mormons believe about the New Testament church? a. They believe it ceased to exist due to the corruption of the Bible. Only when the Book of Mormon was given was the New Testament church re-established. b. Therefore they do not believe non-Mormons are Christians. 3. What do Mormons believe about Jesus? John 8.24 a. Jesus is the literal spirit-brother of Lucifer, a creation (Gospel Through the Ages, p. 15).
b. "The birth of the Saviour was as natural as are the births of our children;
it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood - was
begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers," (Journal of Discourses,
vol. 8, p. 115). b. Jesus is not eternal, equal to the Father, but a lesser god. 4. Do Mormon's follow the teachings of Jesus? a. They do believe Jesus to be the Savior of the world, but by what authority? b. Multiple wives c. Baptism for the dead d. Modern Day Levitical Priesthood e. Man will become a god Conclusion: We have to make sure we are studying our Bible, rightly divide the word of God, and do what the law of Christ demands. Do not be mislead by modern doctrines and movements.
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