Ezekiel 37: 15-19 When we study the Book of Mormon, our understanding of the doctrines in the Bible is clarified. Ezekiel 37:15-19. “The stick or record of Judah … and the stick or record of Ephraim … are now woven together in such a way that as you pore over one you are drawn to the other; as you learn from one you are enlightened by the other. They are indeed one in our hands. Ezekiel’s prophecy now stands fulfilled. “With the passing of years, these scriptures will produce successive generations of faithful Christians who know the Lord Jesus Christ and are disposed to obey His will. … “… The revelations will be opened to [new generations] as to no other in the history of the world. Into their hands now are placed the sticks of Joseph and of Judah. They will develop a gospel scholarship beyond that which their forebears could achieve. They will have the testimony that Jesus is the Christ and be competent to proclaim Him and to defend Him” (“Scriptures,” Ensign, Nov. 1982, 53). “Love for the Book of Mormon expands one’s love for the Bible and vice versa. Scriptures of the Restoration do not compete with the Bible; they complement the Bible” (“Scriptural Witnesses,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 43).

@@MaxineSoakaiMusic that would be nice, but the teachings of the Book of Mormon and the lds church do not clarify or expand on the gospel in the Bible; they actually contradict on the most important principles. I wasn’t aware of this fact myself until recently, so I understand if that sounds shocking and upsetting. 🧡 But compare for a moment. Lds authorities teach that in order to be saved from our sins we have to work for it. We have to obey all of God’s commandments (3 Nephi 12:20), receive mormon religious ordinances (A of F 1:3), and give our total best effort at righteousness (2 Nephi 25:23) before we qualify-before God’s grace is sufficient to save us (Bible Dictionary, Grace). The Bible teaches that we are NOT saved in any way by our works, but by the grace of God (Romans 3:23-28), and that a Christian’s faith, righteousness, and good works are a part of that gift and not of ourselves (2 Cor. 5:21)-in fact, the minute we try to add works to our salvation, that disqualifies us from God’s grace altogether (Galatians 5:4)! “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Lds also teaches that there are multiple gods (Bible Dictionary, “God”) and that humans can become gods someday (D&C 132:19-23, D&C 88:107). The Bible teaches that there is only one God, that He has always been God (Psalm 90:2), that there has never been and will never be another God besides Him-that He, an all knowing God, doesn’t even know of any other gods (Isaiah 44:8)! “Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and there is no savior besides Me.” (Isaiah 43:10-11) These are just a few scriptures, but if you are curious to read more I would be happy to discuss. Joseph smith’s teachings about God and the gospel of salvation are contrary to the Bible. The Bible authors warned against this kind of teaching many times, including in 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, because a false god and a false gospel cannot save you. I share this with all humility, in the hope that your eyes and heart will be opened to see and accept God’s Word and truth (1 John 4:1, John 17:17), and out of the most love and respect for you. 🧡 Thank you for responding:)

@@katwalker2035 Your belief is called entitlement. Grace is given to all that keep His commandments. That is why Moses in Deuteronomy 5:6-21 revealed the 10 commands. Those who do not keep the commands choose to not recieve God's grace. Those who Lie, commit adultery, molest children, rob, still, murder, etc. Do not want Grace that is offered. They do not want to keep the commandments and they don't deserve the same reward as those who have chosen to live the 10 commandments. Entitlement to grace without works is dead. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul taught, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1). When God teaches an important principle, He sends another source to confirm it. The Book of Mormon is a second witness to the Bible’s teachings. The Bible the Book of Mormon support each other. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. Each book supports the other’s teachings. Both describe God’s interactions with people in a different area of the world and teach the same principles. The Book of Mormon confirms what the Bible says about Jesus Christ and clarifies many other Christian doctrines. Both books are evidence that God lives and wants to help all of His children. A passage in the Book of Mormon teaches that the Bible and Book of Mormon work together. It tells us that one purpose of the Book of Mormon is to support the Bible. “Therefore … lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, not only in this record but also in the record which shall come unto the Gentiles from the Jews [the Bible], which record shall come from the Gentiles unto you. For behold, this [the Book of Mormon] is written for the intent that ye may believe that [the Bible]; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them.” Mormon 7:8-9 How can the Bible & the book of mormon that testify of Jesus Christ contradict itself when they both support each other in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The book of mormon is to complex for a man or woman to have written it without the revelation of Jesus Christ. And a evil man would never write the book of mormon that testifies of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Our understanding sometimes leads us to believe that only one side of the world could have experienced Jesus Christ's presence. The Book of Mormon proves that God loves and appears to all His children around the world. And those same commandments found in the Bible are the same commandments given to all His children around the world confirmed by the witness of The Book of Mormon. My family is from Tonga. In Tonga we keep records that prove Jesus Christ loves, and blesses those people upon the Isles of the sea. The Book of Mormon was revealed to Joseph Smith through the power of Jesus Christ and confirms that God loves the people of Tonga. I study the Bible and The Book of Mormon daily with prayers & questions that I ask Christ about. One who truly wants to know if The Book of Mormon is true will never go to men or women, they will do as Joseph Smith did and ask Jesus Christ. The Joseph Smith song I wrote is my personal testimony that God lives and that He still speaks to me when I choose to hear Him. I'm grateful for Joseph Smith. If God can revel truth to a 14 year old boy. Then He can revel truth to me.

@@MaxineSoakaiMusic Respectfully my friend☺️ Christianity is not entitlement, it’s the very opposite. The Bible teaches that God’s grace is undeserved; it’s given to all whom He chooses to save, not based on who keeps the commandments or works, but according to His own purposes (2 Timothy 1:8-9). A religion like Lds, that says you must qualify by doing XYZ to receive God’s grace and favor-now, THAT is a gospel of entitlement. 🧡 “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans‬ ‭11:6‬) ‭”Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,” (Romans‬ ‭4:4-5‬) I highly recommend you read the epistle to the Romans all the way through a few times, to better understand why God gave the Law, and how the law, works, and grace apply to us. Since the KJV is pretty hard to read and understand, you might also enjoy reading the ESV or NASB versions as well (they are free on the YouVersion Bible app). This will also help clarify and give greater understanding to the epistle of James, since it’s often quoted out of context. Jesus warns that many false religions will claim to teach His gospel and use His name to lead people astray (Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 24;23-27). For example Scientologists and Muslims say they believe in Jesus and follow His teachings, but that doesn’t mean they actually are His teachings. So it’s not enough if a religion professes to teach His gospel, we have to test if it actually lines up with what His gospel says. And in the comparison I showed you before, Mormon doctrine teaches of multiple gods and a gospel where you earn grace by works. The Bible teaches the existence of only one God, and a gospel where grace is a free gift to His chosen people. This is NOT the same God nor the same gospel. I understand that your belief in this church is a very emotional one, because I have been where you are. I was raised in a very devout, 8th-generation Mormon family, having great-great-grandparents who walked across the plains. I was completely faithful and obedient to the Lds teachings for my whole life. I believed that the Book of Mormon and the Bible were compatible, even though I didn’t understand the Bible much (again, that flowery KJV language! Lol, though it is a good translation.). It made sense to me, I had a testimony of it, and I was determined to work my way to heaven by sheer tenacity. But God led me to open up the Bible and actually read it, honestly, without the lens of my presuppositions from the church I was raised in. He showed me that I, like all other men and women, had been chasing down an idol, a man-made image and not the true and living God. (Romans 1:18-25) He caused me to come to Him, not because of my 26 years of trying to be righteous, but because of His unimaginable grace. He revealed the truth that I had been blinded to (2 Cor. 4:3-6). He covered my unrighteousness with His perfect righteousness (Galatians 2:20-21) and made me His child (John 1:12-13). It is such a beautiful and freeing gospel, I hope you can experience it too! I know this truth is unfamiliar and uncomfortable and may even feel threatening, but again I just humbly urge you to read Romans and pray for wisdom in understanding what the gospel of Christ truly is, for the truth will always stand up to investigation! 🧡 Much love to you, Maxine, and I would love to continue a discussion and hear your thoughts on Romans if you so choose! 🙏

@@katwalker2035 email me and we can continue our discussion. Thanks for reaching out. God is good ❤ My email is: [email protected]

Haha! Thank you Maria 💚 We all need a "message" in the gospel, no matter how active or inactive we are. I'm grateful for your kind words! Wishing you the best as you feel the Savior's love. Ofa Atu

Thank you Louise 💛 I'm grateful to have heard the story of Joseph Smith! Truth is a beautiful testimony of its self. Ofa Atu

Love you guys 💛