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How do you witness to a Mormon?

Discussion in 'Evangelism, Missions & Witnessing' started by Gina B, Apr 24, 2001.

  1. Will

    Will New Member

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    Jimmy,

    You make some good points. I have had similar experiences when witnessing with Mormons. If you confront their beliefs too quickly, they will quickly become defensive and try to go on the offensive by attacking Christian beliefs. I think Paul gave us wonderful examples on how to witness to other belief systems when he dealt with the Greeks, by first talking positively about them and parts of their worldview, then presenting the gospel. This is the approach I have tried with Mormons. To do this though, Paul had to understand their worldview, something we must do with Mormons to be effective.
     
  2. Ars

    Ars New Member

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    I know this post is kind of old, but I think the following passages are quite appropriate for this topic. Especially for those who are still on the "milk".

    If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
    2 John 1: 10 and 11


    [ June 02, 2001: Message edited by: Dajuid ]
     
  3. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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  4. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    If anyone is an ezboard member, there was just a pretty interesting discussion going with someone who came on defending mormonism. http://pub15.ezboard.com/bhimchristiandebateboard80778
    :cool:
    He got banned for the time being, but he joined Hard Truth, so it otter be interesting.
    Gina
     
  5. Robert J Hutton

    Robert J Hutton New Member

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    Warm Christian greetings!

    As a street evangelist I have come across them from time to time. I find the best way to approach a conversation is to ask the question "If you were to die tonight and God said 'Why should I let you into Heaven?' what would you say?" Because their religion is based on faith plus good works (like all the false cults) they will not be able to answer with absolute certainty that they are definitely going to Heaven. You can then share you own personal testimony, and how you came to have an assurance of Heaven.

    I personally feel that a Christian's testimony is often worth more than an intense doctrinal debate.

    Kind regards

    Robert J Hutton
     
  6. StMartinLuther

    StMartinLuther New Member

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    I find that the LDS are quick to agree with you on everything you say, and then say something totally different, or highly evolved. Also, they will not continue to take you through their 10-step discussions unless you confess the Book of Mormon to be inspired. I continued to talk to them, until they told me they couldn't talk to me anymore unless I confessed the Book of Mormon. When I talk to them, I just keep hammering (in a nice way and sometimes in a way that exerts Jesus' authority) salvation, works AS A RESULT, and eternal security.

    >>Luther
    And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18)
     
  7. Frogman

    Frogman <img src="http://www.churches.net/churches/fubc/Fr

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    I use to work in a local grocery store, as a meat clerk. My meat manager was an elder in the LDS. We often had discussions, however, my story involves two missionaries. Two young men who began to come into the store to purchase groceries. I always found myself very busy whenever they came in and could not find an opportunity to speak with them, but I always looked for an opportunity. This began in the Fall and Winter of 2001.

    By April I had taken another job within the same grocery chain, working third shift. One morning I had a doctor's appointment and afterward my wife and I went by my mom's. Almost as soon as I walked in the door, (located in the back of the home), a knock came at the front door, I walked straight through the house to the front door and found these two missionaries from the LDS.

    I invited them in, I told them I was a missionary Baptist preacher and asked them if they still wanted to talk. They agreed. We sat in my mom's front room from around 11:15 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. discussing things.

    Everything they attempted to use, from their witness list, the Spirit provided Biblical refutation. One of the young men finally began to listen more rather than attempt to counter. He, I think was being dealt with. The other, however, was stronger and continued to press for the truth of the Mormon beliefs. Finally they said they were late in returning to their apartments and should be going. They loaned me a book of Mormon to read and said they would return in a week to collect it.

    The following week the 'stronger' of the two young men returned, this time to my home and he was accompanied by a new missionary, though of relative age. I inquired of the other one and was informed he had returned to Utah.

    We began again to rehash much the same issues as before in my mom's home. Finally they asked me if I was giving any serious thought to the facts presented in the Book of Mormon. I told them I did not see the 'facts' they saw, but only a literary work any one of us could write. They said they would challenge me to write such a comparable work, I said o.k. When I was undaunted by the challenge offered, one of them said they needed to be going and asked me if it would be fruitful for them to return. I told them they had no hope in converting me, but their return may prove fruitful regardless. They said they would perhaps not return and thanked me for the hospitality I had shown to them on both visits, telling me most Baptists would not even speak to them.

    I believe the one which had been sent back to Utah will ultimately find the truth. I believe this because God does not operate in possibilities where His purpose is not fulfilled. I pray for the other two and for my former supervisor, who I still talk to quite often.

    This was a wonderful experience to me, which taught me to always seek the time God has appointed for the witnessing of His truth.

    God Bless you all in your walk and service to Him.
    Bro. Dallas
     
  8. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    Hopefully the one that returned would, but the deal usually is if a missionary can be shaken by a prospect, they are automatically shipped away, ministered to, and come out all the stronger in their belief unless they get up the nerve to not "follow the leader", which is rare, out of fear if nothing else.
    Gina
     
  9. Frogman

    Frogman <img src="http://www.churches.net/churches/fubc/Fr

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    sounds like a sad predicament. I do remember he exhibited a 'fear' when we were discussing things. He was the one who lost his focus and could not find any strength in his outline arguments. (They had little note cards with topics and outlines, with KJV references on them). Only the "stronger" one was able to use them.

    Working in telephone construction I have met and witnessed to several "denominations" such as these. In another incident with a former Baptist converted to Mormonism the same strengths you outlined were instrumental on him. He argued the belief that the Word of God was affected in the fall of man and we had to now take from every known religion if we are to ever know any truth. Also involved a sort of logical emotionalism arguing how God could be just in condemning great numbers of natives in the new world if they never had the opportunity to know the gospel message.

    This, at least to me is their strongest arguement for the legitimacy of Joseph Smith's book.

    You may be correct, I pray at least the one sent back will see the error of his teachers and seek God in truth. And also for the others that visited me, though they seemed thoroughly indoctrinated.

    I use to work locally in Glasgow for the Housing Authority, we were prohibited to mention religion, though it often became a topic of conversation as many residents learned I was a preacher. I noticed in several homes a copy of the book of mormon. I was told one afternoon by one man I could not hope to preach any kind of truth without including the book of mormon in my theology.

    This seemed to be another effective tactic, (generally speaking) many of these residents were not well educated nor well read, they do not attend any type of church that even appears to foster truth (most cases many do not drive). A growing work seems to be among this population. I was finally laid off for reasons we won't go into, but I have no regrets and God has provided for me since. Many times I wonder if people would not rather believe any thing that they hear rather than to study for themselves and seek knowledge from the only True source.

    God Bless.
    Bro. Dallas
     
  10. Helen

    Helen <img src =/Helen2.gif>

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    I've been around LDS folk most of my life. Here is what I have found effective:

    1. Friendliness. I am friendlier than they are when they discover I am not just not a Mormon, but against Mormonism. I keep on being friendly. I give them plant divisions from my yard, extra bulbs, etc. Last night I received my first gift from one of them -- a new neighbor who I guess doesn't know any better? -- a whole tin of potato pearls when I had run out of instant mashed for the top of a potato pie that I was in a hurry for and called her in a panic (I had two boxes of instant potatoes in the cupboard and both empty -- teenage daughters! ugh!). She not only brought over the potato pearls, she gave me the entire tin! What a love!

    2. My house and yard are kept up. I know this sounds funny, but Mormons are taught to keep up outward appearances at all costs, as a witness, and their homes and yards are supposed to be really neatly kept. I would keep mine that way anyway, but living in this neighborhood it is even more important to show that this type of witnessing is not limited to Mormons.

    3. In a religious discussion, focus on the person of Jesus. Don't worry about anything else the first time or times. Knowing well that I may only have this one time to -- totally nicely and diplomatically -- state my case regarding the biblical Jesus, and knowing that is the most important thing of all -- that is where I direct the conversation. The person and work of Jesus. If I can plant that seed, it's easy to trust the rest to the Lord and just keep on being really friendly and keeping up my house and yard.... :D
     
  11. Frogman

    Frogman <img src="http://www.churches.net/churches/fubc/Fr

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    3. In a religious discussion, focus on the person of Jesus. Don't worry about anything else the first time or times. Knowing well that I may only have this one time to -- totally nicely and diplomatically -- state my case regarding the biblical Jesus, and knowing that is the most important thing of all -- that is where I direct the conversation. The person and work of Jesus. If I can plant that seed, it's easy to trust the rest to the Lord and just keep on being really friendly and keeping up my house and yard....

    Certainly the most effective method.

    God Bless.
    Bro. Dallas
     
  12. Gayla

    Gayla New Member

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    Gina, I also think you should write a tract or pamphlet about your experience with the Mormon church.

    My Mother-in-law lives in Layton, UT, about 35 miles North of Salt Lake City. This year I finally got to spend a couple weeks there instead of 2 days like in the past.
    We went to Temple Square and I had this strange feeling, "oppressive" seems a good way to describe it.

    I asked why the Big Dipper was over one of the doors to the temple, I was told that since we look to the North Star for guidance, it is a reminder to look to "The Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Prophets" for guidance.
    I also noticed a series of circles down one side of the building, only later did I realize it was the phases of the moon. So they seem to throw in some astrology, too.
    I am currently reading "The God Makers", does anyone know if the video is still available?
     
  13. Gayla

    Gayla New Member

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  14. Mike McK

    Mike McK New Member

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  15. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    Wow, talk about a flashback! :eek:
    I'm VERY thankful to God for showing us the truth. A few years ago I was telling my daughter's about Joseph Smith, now I'm telling them about Jesus Christ and my oldest is about to be baptised. What a difference! Thanks for bumping this and reminding me Mike. [​IMG]
    Gina
     
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