GLOBAL CHRISTIAN OUTREACH
Preaching the Gospel to All Creation
Mark 16:15
In other words, Jesus is the Creator, not among the created. Mormons also claim Jesus saves by “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the [LDS] gospel” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:4; Third Article of Faith), but Christians testify that Jesus saves only by his grace, his “underserved favor” (Romans 9:12–24; 11:6; Galatians 3:2–11; 5:4; Ephesians 2:8, 9; 2 Timothy 1:8, 9; Titus 3:3–7).
Is Global Christian Outreach “anti-Mormon”?
No more than Jesus is “anti-Jew.” Compared to Jesus Christ and his gospel, the narrow gate leading to eternal life (Matthew 7:14), all competing systems of salvation must be exposed for what they are—false and futile (see Galatians 1:6–9).
Do you hate Mormons?
No, quite the opposite. As the Christ commands, we love our neighbors (Mark 12:31), even those in the LDS church. But speaking "the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15), we expose Mormonism's "unfruitful deeds of darkness" (Ephesians 5:11). Global Christian Outreach is a worldwide Web-based ministry to Mormons and those interacting with them. However, we’re not “anti-Mormon.” Rather, our mission is to defend and proclaim preach the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ.
C’mon, aren’t you attacking the Mormon Church?
Again, no. Global Christian Outreach merely defends and proclaims Christ’s good news from a biblical perspective. We’re not attacking Mormonism any more than Joseph Smith was attacking Christianity when he claimed all churches were wrong and that all their professors were corrupt (Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith—History 18, 19).
What’s Global Christian Outreach's mission statement?
“Based on the Bible and enabled by the Holy Spirit, Global Christian Outreach defends and proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the earth.” It’s simple and direct. We have no hidden agendas.
Your strategic plan?
As noted, our IRS-approved 501(c)(3) Christian ministry’s purpose is to defend and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ whenever and wherever possible. However, we don’t cast our pearls before swine or give what is holy to dogs (Matthew 7:6). Matthew 29:19 and 20 encapsulate our strategic plan: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you . . . ” Like Paul, we preach “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).
What are Global Christian Outreach’s Three Biggest Obstacles?
First, Christians who don’t understand the spiritual dangers of Mormonism. Many of these otherwise faithful followers of Christ think all belief in Christ is equal, even if the Christ involved is “another Jesus” than the one the apostles preached (2 Corinthians 11:4). Potentially our biggest supporters, these Christians fail to apprehend the biblical mandate to proclaim the real Jesus and the true gospel.
Second, Mormons who don’t understand the spiritual dangers of Mormonism. Lost in legalism and buried in Christian terminology, most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints don’t see the eternal destruction awaiting them if they don’t know God and obey his gospel, which means to receive the biblical Jesus (John 1:12, 13; 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10). As verified earlier, there’s no salvation in a false gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6–9; Ephesians 1:13).
Third, non-Christians who consider their unbelief as religious tolerance. It’s one thing to “live and let live” regarding other people’s religious faith. You can disagree without being disagreeable. That’s religious tolerance. But anyone who speaks against the truth, especially someone who criticizes Jesus, has the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:3).
What are Mormonism's most dangerous doctrines?
Sad to say, the LDS church pawns many counterfeit truths. Perhaps the most dangerous is its doctrine of God. For example, Mormonism teaches that “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s . . . ” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). But the Bible says, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Interestingly, the Book of Mormon denies that the Father has a physical body. It claims he’s a spirit. For instance, one passage that troubles Mormons reads, “And then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit? And he said, Yea. And Ammon said: This is God . . . ” (Alma 18:26–28).
Mormonism also teaches there are many Gods (History of the Church 6:473–479), and that men can become Gods (Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–62; 132:19, 20, 37). But through the Bible, the Lord emphatically denies both doctrines. Scripture reveals, “There is no one holy like the Lord . . . ” (1 Samuel 2:2). And David exclaimed, “ . . . You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You” (2 Samuel 7:22). Identical teachings are found throughout the Bible, including Psalm 71:19; 2 Kings 19:15; Nehemiah 9:6; John 17:3 and 1 Corinthians 8:4–6. At Global Christian Outreach, we love the wording of Psalm 86:10. Speaking of the Lord, it reads, “For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God” (ESV, italics added).
A false Christ is central to Mormonism too. For instance, they believe God the Father had sexual relations with the Virgin Mary, thereby conceiving Jesus in the flesh. In affirmation of this satanic doctrine, Brigham Young declared, “The birth of the Savior was as natural as 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 our fathers” (Journal of Discourses 8:115, 116). Christians stand by the Bible, however, which verifies Jesus was “conceived of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20; also see Luke 1:35).
Mormons believe that Christ’s atoning work occurred largely in the Garden of Gethsemane as well as on the cross (Gospel Principles, 1997, p. 73). But the Bible says Christ paid for our sins on the cross, not in the Garden of Gethsemane (Ephesians 2:13; Colossians 1:10; 1 Peter 2:24).
Was Joseph Smith a prophet?
Yes, a false prophet. Every false prophet resembles God’s true messengers. False prophets are like counterfeit currency. For example, they utter prophecies that don’t come true. Most false prophets claim special insight into the nature of God, which either subtly or blatantly contradicts the Bible. False prophets also say Christians must follow them in order to receive eternal life. This contradicts scripture too. And finally, among many other signs, false prophets write prose that masquerades as the word of God. Joseph Smith was guilty of all these—and many more.
Can someone remain a member of the LDS church and gain eternal life?
Some Christians insist that no one who remains in the Mormon church can be saved. Global Christian Outreach disagrees. Ideally, a Mormon turned Christian should leave the LDS church. In many areas of life, especially worship, Christians are to separate themselves from unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14–17). But this isn’t always the best approach. For example, an LDS husband and wife might attend church together. In her heart, though, the wife might be a Christian who has called upon the Lord to save her by grace alone (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:4, 11, 13). She’s still a member of the LDS church and attends their meetings, yet she’s met the biblical requirements for salvation. The wife might be active in Mormonism simply to keep peace in the family. Bottom line, Jesus put it very simply, “ . . . He who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47). That includes people who have turned to the Christ of the Bible but remain in Mormonism because of a job, marriage or for other reasons.
Aren't Mormons good people, though?
Mormonism does have positive aspects . . . but so do Islam, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Judaism and Roman Catholicism. And "good people"? All of humanity are sinners and need Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Consequently, Paul says humans are "by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind" (Ephesians 2:3 ESV, italics added). Remember, too, that Paul confirmed, “There is none righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). Before receiving the biblical Jesus—not the Christ of Mormonism—all are "strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). So, good people? Jesus even called the twelve apostles “evil” (Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13). Without forgiveness of sins and eternal life, which Christ gives only through his grace, not by our works, all people will be condemned forever (Matthew 25:41, 46; John 3:36; 5:29; Revelation 14:9–12).
What role do honesty, good character, sexual morality and other “good works” play in worship and salvation?
Good works are the fruit of salvation, not its root (Galatians 3:1–12, 24; 5:4; Ephesians 2:10). Christians’ good works serve several godly purposes, however. For example, they glorify the Father (Matthew 5:16), lead people to the light found in Jesus (John 3:19–21), and provide visible evidence of believers’ faith Christ (James 2:20, 26). When Christians perform good works as God intends, they’re working out the salvation he has worked in them (Philippians 2:12, 13). But nobody could ever do enough good works well enough to merit eternal life (Romans 3:10–18; 5:12, 18; Galatians 3:22).
If you had five minutes with Thomas S. Monson, current LDS church president, what would you say?
I remember “Brother” Monson well from when I was LDS (1973–1984). He’s heavy on storytelling but light on scripture. But that’s another issue. What would I tell him? I would preach him the gospel taught by Peter, John, Paul and the other apostles. It’s the only gospel that’s true and the only one that saves
(1 Corinthians 15:1–8; Ephesians 1:13). I would tell President Monson that I know Joseph Smith was not a prophet of God, that the “restoration” was not needed and did not occur, that the Book of Mormon is not history or scripture, and that the LDS church today is not God’s true church. By that time, church security would rush me from his office.
What’s the best way for Christians to witness to Mormons?
There are many ways to help Mormons turn to the Christ of the Bible. These include confronting them with their church’s numerous doctrinal contradictions, pointing out changes in its so-called modern-day revelations, and exposing the Mormon church’s historical inaccuracies. But I believe the most effective way to reach Mormons for Christ is to do what Jesus and his apostles did—preach Christ’s death and resurrection, mankind’s need for repentance from sin, and the forgiveness of sins believers receive only through his name and his work on the cross (Luke 24:47). Those who belong to Christ will hear the word (John 8:47; 10:27; 1 John 4:6). Others won’t. However good your preaching is, though, don’t expect to win everyone to Christ. The Master didn’t do it . . . and neither will you.
How can I receive prayer from your prayer team?
It’s easy, free and anonymous. Trusting Christ’s promises (John 14:13, 14; 1 John 5:14), our prayer team promptly takes all of your prayer requests before the Lord. The Bible affirms that “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16). And Jesus sovereignly declared, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7). Finally, Paul urged: “ . . . In everything by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). If we can pray for you, please e-mail prayer@gco4lds.org.
What free online counseling does your ministry provide?
We counsel anyone who contacts us regarding biblical issues, especially the gospel of Jesus Christ as it relates to Mormonism. Leaving the LDS church can be excruciating mentally, emotionally and spiritually. However, it’s easier with our help. Global Christian Outreach’s compassionate and experienced staff members offer free counseling and support. We also share biblical teachings about repentance, forgiveness, eternal life and other vital topics. If we can assist you in any of these areas, please visit our Eternal Life Line.
What are the three best ways to leave the Mormon Church?
There are several good ways to leave Mormonism. The “best” will depend on your circumstances. Here are three popular strategies:
A. Resign
Perhaps the most effective and efficient way to leave the church formally is to resign your membership in writing. Send a copy of your resignation letter to your bishop and stake president. Also mail a copy to the LDS Church Member and Statistical Records Dept., 50 E. North Temple St., Rm. 1372, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-5310. For guidance about what to write, see the sample resignation letter on the upper left side of this page. In your letter, be clear, concise and forthright. After sending it, you can refuse to participate in bishop’s courts and other so-called disciplinary hearings..
B. Request a Bishop’s Court
Want to be proactive? Ask for a bishop’s court session. Best initiated in writing, this option has two major advantages over a resignation letter. First, you can confront church leaders face-to-face. If desired, you can dialogue. And second, you can testify of the biblical Jesus, describing your newfound life in him. During all correspondence and hearings, specify you’re leaving the church at your own request. Be prepared to be labeled an apostate, though.
C. Walk Away
Yes, you can simply walk away from Mormonism—no letters, courts or recriminations. To smooth this often-difficult process, you could move to a different neighborhood, city or state. In short, disappear. The church might consider you inactive or unable to locate, but in your heart—and in effect—you’ll no longer be LDS.
Do former Mormons serve on the Global Christian Outreach staff?
Yes, GCO president and executive director Loren Franck is a returned Mormon missionary. At age 19, he was baptized into the LDS church and was called to the South Dakota-Rapid City Mission 17 months later. After returning home to Los Angeles in 1977, he married in the L.A. temple and began attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, the following year. When active in the church, Loren served in many callings, including elders quorum president. He’s been through six temples, including Salt Lake City’s, and has completed more than 100 endowments for dead people. Loren graduated from BYU in 1981, and after extensive study and prayer, resigned his Mormon church membership in 1984. He received the biblical Jesus in 2001.
Why should I financially support Global Christian Outreach?
Your donated dollars help defend and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to Mormons and others who haven’t received the biblical Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Financial contributions also support our online prayer ministry and online counseling center. Global Christian Outreach is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) Christian ministry, so your donations are completely tax deductible. Please click here to support our efforts to glorify Christ.
How can I best help your ministry?
First, pray for us to reach all people, whether Mormon or not, who will receive the Christ of the Bible through our ministry. Second, spread the word. Tell people about Global Christian Outreach and direct them to our home page at www.gco4lds.org. Finally, support Global Christian Outreach financially. Please visit our donate page; or send your generous checks and money orders to Global Christian Outreach, Inc., PO Box 5761, Playa del Rey, CA 90296-5761. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Your giving helps our ministry preach the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone who needs it.
©2011 Global Christian Outreach, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Are Mormons Christians?
No. Many people claim to be Christians, but they embrace counter-biblical doctrines about the Savior and his gospel. For example, Mormons believe Jesus’ spirit was created in the “preexistence” (Abraham 3:21–28). Yet Christians know that Jesus is “God over all” (Romans 9:5 ESV) and that he created all things (John 1:3, 10; Colossians 1:16).
YOU HAVE THE POWER
When you’re ready to improve your life, empowerment is paramount.
Empowerment is especially important in your relationship with God. For instance, you need God-given power to understand Christ’s saving truths, to separate yourself from Mormonism and other religious cults, to receive forgiveness of all your sins, and to possess the gift of eternal life. Speaking of Christ’s loving outreach to “those in opposition,” Paul wrote, “ . . . God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:25, 26).
When God grants repentance to unbelievers, plus through the Bible and Holy Spirit escorts them to the truth, they obtain God’s power to escape the adversary.
How to obtain that power? Ask God for it. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,” Jesus instructed, “how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (Luke 11:13). Paul explained the process in these words: “For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:11–13 ESV).
With the Lord’s help, you have power to leave the Mormon church—or any other manmade religion. You have the power to avoid their meetings, to stop tithing, and to quit obeying their leaders. You can stop believing their foolish, damning doctrines and begin to believe in Jesus as revealed in the Bible. Paul said you can call upon the name of the Lord and be saved—no tithing, no temple, no Mormon “prophet.”
You don’t need religion or its leaders. All you need is a new life in Christ. And with God on your side, you have the power to receive it.
—Loren Franck
SAMPLE RESIGNATION LETTER
Dear Bishop:
Effective immediately, I hereby re-sign my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout all relevant LDS church records, you are to designate that this action is at my own request. I simply want my name removed from the records of the church.
I will not attend or participate in church courts, hearings or other so-called disciplinary actions. Neither will I speak with home teachers, members of bishoprics, members of stake presidencies or with other church officials unless I initiate contact.
However, please notify me in writing when my name has been removed from church records.
Yours truly,
[your name and address]
WANT TO BE A
GOOD SAMARITAN?
You can help people who need it most. Log on to www.wshola.org for details.
HOW CAN YOU BE SAVED?
Visit our Eternal Life Line for details. Jesus promised that "whoever believes will in Him have eternal life" (John 3:15). Several verses later, the Bible teaches, "He who believes in the Son has eternal life" (John 3:36). Scripture also declares, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).
AWARD-WINNING BLOG
“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Galatians 6:14
WANT TO KNOW?
1. The Great Apostasy: Fact or Fiction? Find the truth here.
2. Did Elijah give sealing power to Joseph Smith? The answer is here.
3. What are the seven best biblical reasons to leave Mormonism? Click here to find out.
4. Was Christ the Father’s first begotten Son in the preexistence? The truth may surprise you.
5. What’s on our readers’ minds concerning Christ, his gospel and the false teachings of Mormonism? Our e-mails and letters column tells you.
