Unveiling Grace Podcast: Recent Episodes
Joel Groat and Lynn Wilder
What happens when you have it all and still feel empty? Todd came home from a successful mission, married the LDS girl of his dreams in the Mormon temple, had kids, a job and callings in his local Mormon ward. Yet, at the end of the day he wanted more and he wanted the truth. So he prayed and asked God to guide him to the truth, wherever that was. He almost missed the answer, but God showed up through humorous circumstances to show Todd the truth he so desperately wanted. There was no "anit-Mormon" literature, no troubling historical facts, no Christians pestering him with questions, just the Holy Spirit leading him to the grace that brought healing to his spirit and fullness to his soul.
Todd's pioneer family crossed the plains to Utah and settled in American Fork at the direction of Brigham Young. He talks openly about his double life, wanting to please his faithful LDS mother to keep up appearances, but also wanting to please his friends and have fun. It's an inside look at growing up LDS, lying to your bishop, and going on your mission feeling like you don't belong. Amazingly, many years later, Todd remembers the Bible verses a Christian pastor shared with him on his mission. He never let on at the time, but those verses, shared in love, planted a seed of truth that would later bear the fruit of faith and lead Todd to a grace that healed and saved his life.
In our final episode of this series with Sandra Tanner she shares how Utah Lighthouse got its name, and then explains several myths Mormons have been taught about the Bible, priesthood, and salvation that often keep them from considering biblical Christianity. We also share encouraging stories about trusting God to bring fruit from the seeds of truth we plant, and why this may take months and years to come. She also talks briefly about how the Mormon and Christian gospels are different, and how grace as a gift radically transforms our lives from the pressure of performance to the freedom of doing good works that overflow from a heart of gratitude. It's an insightful concluding episode to this delightful series with one of the pioneers in ministry to Mormons, Sandra Tanner.
Sandra Tanner talks candidly in episode 6 about how and why the LDS church is losing credibility with its own members, and some of the signs the Mormon church as a whole is in decline. Sandra addresses the Hoffman murders, Hans Mattson and the Swedish Rescue, and the impact Mormon of moms not being able to offer the weekly sacrament to their children during Covid. Sandra also talks about where people go after Mormonism, and how divisions and splinter groups have always been a part of LDS history. It's a fascinating, wide-ranging, and insightful conversation that will help anyone looking to better understand their LDS faith or share truth and grace with those in the Mormon religion.
Jerald and Sandra Tanner became some of the most beloved and despised people ever to research the historical roots of the Mormon religion. In this series of episodes with Sandra (Jerald is now home with Jesus) she shares their story. In episode 5 Sandra shares the wonder of God's grace and provision in expanding the ministry, lawsuits from the LDS church, donated land, and even softening the hearts of unfriendly visitors to their bookstore.
Jerald and Sandra Tanner became some of the most beloved and despised people ever to research the historical roots of the Mormon religion. In this series of episodes with Sandra (Jerald is now home with Jesus) she shares their story. In this fourth episode she chronicles the rise of Utah Lighthouse Ministry from its humble beginnings as Modern Microfilm, creating mimeographed sheets of LDS source material for doubting family and friends, to eventually printing the epic length volume Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? Along the way Sandra and Jerald connected with Wes Walters, and were influential in the lives of historians like Dan Vogel, Michael Marquardt, and Brent Metcalf, creating a new wave of Mormon historical research that started a "cold war" of between LDS and non-LDS historians of Mormonism to determine its true origins and how that story should be told. Their faith and trust in Jesus to provide for their family was rewarded time and again with just what they needed to keep moving forward.
Jerald and Sandra Tanner became some of the most beloved and despised people ever to research the historical roots of the Mormon religion. In this series of episodes with Sandra (Jerald is now home with Jesus) she shares their story. In this third episode she shares the difficult process of letting go of the Book of Mormon, and why it can be so hard for life-long Mormons to do this. In the end they both found freedom and all the truth they needed in the Bible, and a message of grace that changed the whole course of their lives.
Jerald and Sandra Tanner became some of the most beloved and despised people ever to research the historical roots of the Mormon religion. In this series of episodes with Sandra (Jerald is now home with Jesus) she shares their story. In this second episode she speaks candidly and humorously about meeting Jerald, their unusual courtship, the discoveries in Mormon history that convince them both it's not God's church, and how they are both ultimately drawn to faith in Jesus and trusting the Bible.
Jerald and Sandra Tanner became some of the most beloved and despised people ever to research the historical roots of the Mormon religion. In this series of episodes with Sandra (Jerald is now home with Jesus) she shares their story. In this first episode she speaks candidly and humorously about growing up as a fifth generation Mormon (descended from Brigham Young, and Brigham Young, Jr.), her first encounters with Christianity, and the early questions and issues raised by her own mom, that got her labeled a trouble-maker in seminary and institute. Looking back, even then the God of grace was pursuing her heart and mind, though at the time she was content within her LDS faith. If you know the name "Sandra Tanner" this episode is for you. Then again, if you don't know who she is, all the more reason this episode is for you.
In this final episode, Daniel shares his growing disenchantment with atheism and it's lack of integrity and untrustworthiness with the historical facts. As he studies more and also begins attending some Christian churches, he discovers how Christian beliefs and relationships have been misrepresented by his Mormon religion. Brought face to face with the undeniable evidence for Jesus' resurrection and the incredible love and grace God is offering him in Jesus, Daniel decides to accept Jesus with both his head and his heart. The experience with a grace that saves and heals is unlike any he's ever had. See the show notes for Daniel's top picks for books that provide compelling evidence for the existence of God and the resurrection of Jesus.
Daniel and Edith have hit a crisis in marriage and faith. Daniel can no longer ignore the evidence Edith has shared with him, and his experience as a lawyer has trained him to follow the evidence to the truth - wherever that leads. The conclusion is undeniable - Mormonism cannot be true. While Edith knows Jesus is real, Daniel takes a deep dive into agnosticism and atheism, which really scares Edith. But Daniel can't leave Jesus alone and so he reads widely on both sides, ultimately concluding Jesus was a real person and the Gospels are authentic accounts of his life. But what will this mean for his faith? It's a roller coaster ride for them both and grace is never far away.
Daniel and Edith get married and live the happy Mormon life, complete with work, kids and a temple marriage. But for Edith, there are certain LDS teachings that don't match her reality. She's living the Mormon commandments but not being blessed. Meanwhile, close friends who are not Mormon live out their faith in Christ by loving others, drink coffee and wine, and are experiencing tremendous blessing in their lives. What gives? Daniel, in the meantime, as a Mormon bishop, is trying to ignore his wife's troubling questions. They both research the issues on the LDS church website and soon conclude much of what they were taught their whole life was a lie. Can grace keep their faith in God intact?
Daniel returns from his LDS mission to find Edith is now a single mother. Disappointed, he leaves her to go to BYU. A while later he returns and asks her to marry him, and she reluctantly agrees. But once engaged, the pain of judgment from the LDS community continues. In part 2, they navigate the pressures and expectations of the Mormon religious system while they look forward to a marriage his parents do not approve of. How and when will grace invade their lives?
Daniel was a bishop and from a multi-generational highly regarded family. Edith, his wife, was a multi-generational Mormon as well, but with a less than stellar past. In this series we hear their stories of how God brought them together, kept them together, and rescued them from the treadmill of performance religion. In part 1, Edith shares candidly and with great vulnerability how devastating it can be to fail within the LDS religious system.
Chip Thompson is a frequent visitor to Israel with his own mini-museum of artifacts from Bible lands. In this episode he shows us a dagger from the time of the Judges, and a nail, spearhead, hammer, and bronze Roman dice all connected to the crucifixion of Jesus. Amazing stuff. We end with a Roman key and talk about what Jesus meant when he told Peter he'd be given the keys to the kingdom and how grace has swung open the gates of heaven to everyone and anyone who has the faith to walk through them. It's an episode that will challenge your mind, encourage your heart, and nourish your soul.
Chip Thompson is a frequent visitor to Israel with his own mini-museum of artifacts from Bible lands. In this episode he talks about the woman in the window, and how archaeology validates the existence of Goliath, a shows us a stone similar to the one that took him down. It's a fun, fascinating, and fast-paced episode that will leave you wanting more.
Chip Thompson is a frequent visitor to Israel with his own mini-museum of artifacts from Bible lands. He talks about and shows some of his favorite pieces (see the show notes for pictures) and explains how pottery, weapons, manuscripts, and money all back up the veracity of the Bible and provide evidence the translations of the Bible we have today are accurate and reliable. It's a fun, fascinating, and fast-paced episode that will leave you wanting more.
Joel and Lynn continue exploring a recent column in the Salt Lake Tribune that suggests 20 changes the Mormon Church should make for the sake of its members. From tithing to mission-shaming to men wrongly assuming the place of Jesus, it all adds up to the same thing - demands for performance will end up negating our need for grace and our dependence on Jesus as our only link to God the Father. In the end, less performance requirements will not fix the Mormon religion. Lynn and Joel weave scripture and stories together that will encourage you to experience a grace that heals.
Joel and Lynn explore a recent column in the Salt Lake Tribune that suggests 20 changes the Mormon Church should make for the sake of its members. However, will less performance requirements actually fix the Mormon religion? Lynn and Joel share scripture and specific reasons why making it easier to be an LDS member is still no substitute for the grace of Jesus. Having fewer rules simply won't fix a broken system that is based on works.
Joel and Lynn share scriptures and a biblical perspective on how to find peace in Jesus and comfort in a God who is both personal and powerful during troubled times like our current Covid pandemic. Lynn contrasts her life now, 14 years after leaving the Mormon religion, with the fear and despair that were so much a part of her life back then. While this is a replay of episode 081 that aired at the beginning of the pandemic, the hope and encouragement we can find in Jesus is just as relevant, and needed today as it was then. Listen in and experience a grace that heals.
In this episode Lynn and Joel talk with Costi Hinn (nephew of Benny Hinn) about his newest book, "More Than a Healer: Not the Jesus You Want But the Jesus You Need." Costi shares why revenge is so attractive, why some people stay with their anger and addictions, and he gets candid about where he is most tempted to turn for comfort (so do Joel and Lynn). They also talk about more parallels between the prosperity gospel and the Mormon religion, and how relationship with Jesus is the key to breaking free from despair, guilt, shame, and loneliness. It's an episode full of hope for the soul and who we need to experience a grace that heals.
Growing up in the Hinn family (Benny Hinn is Costi's uncle) Costi and his family enjoyed lavish affluence. Still, as within most performance-based religious systems, for Costi there were cracks in the dam that eventually led to Jesus breaking into his life with both truth and grace. In this episode Costi outlines core false teachings of the "name it and claim it" gospel and shares what changed in his life when he met the Jesus of the Bible. He also talks about his newest book, "More Than a Healer: Not the Jesus You Want But the Jesus You Need" and why we need a "Jesus awakening." Lots of good stuff here to listen and share.
Carl Wimmer was on the fast-track to the heights of political success. Outwardly, both he and Sherry were living the LDS dream, but under the surface God was moving to disrupt their tranquil Mormon waters and bring them to a grace that would heal their souls. In this episode God brings together a Christian concert, secret research into Mormon origins, and an LDS bishop who asks them to lie, to bring both Carl and Sherry to Jesus and his gift of eternal life. Together, they and their whole family got to experience the very personal God of the Bible and his grace that heals.
It looked like Carl Wimmer was on the fast-track to the heights of political success. After a landslide victory for his Utah House of Representatives seat, Carl set his sights on the national political stage, and was confident of a win... until he lost, in a big way. Outwardly, both he and Sherry were living the LDS dream, but under the surface God was moving to disrupt their tranquil Mormon waters and bring them to a grace that would heal their souls.
Less than six months ago Audrie and her husband lost their baby shortly before his expected due date. Audrie shares their journey and how God used the hurt and brokenness of this life to bring healing and restoration to their family. She also highlights the amazing little and big ways God showed up and with Jesus how they experienced a grace that heals. This final segment of Audrie's story provides an honest and raw inside look at how pain, grief, grace and hope can co-exist through the most difficult of circumstances.
The next chapter of Audrie's story is marked by surprise at an unexpected pregnancy that quickly turns difficult. Through sickness, uncertainty, and then a diagnosis that meant she could lose her child at any time, Audrie's faith is tested like never before. This an honest and raw episode providing an inside look at how pain, grief, grace and hope can co-exist through the most difficult of circumstances.
Audrie's life has not been easy, but her story is one of God's grace and pursuit. She's seen him at work through her LDS childhood, her parents' divorce, and meeting Jesus at age 11. Later, she and her husband find their world rocked by the birth of a son with a rare and serious chromosomal condition. Audrie's testimony of God's goodness in the face of difficult circumstances provides encouragement and a reason to go deeper with Jesus. In him we can experience a grace that heals.
Tensions escalate as Jason moves toward Jesus and away from the LDS religion until Jason's boss reveals he too has doubts about Mormonism. Together they explore Scripture and find grace and truth and Jason finds his anger dissipating. Meanwhile, Amber's world is rocked by discovering Lucifer's role in the Mormon temple ceremony. In the end, they both find grace, bringing new peace to their relationships with God and each other.
Jason and Amber traced their LDS ancestry back to the 1800s. They were multi-generation LDS, married in the temple, committed, stalwart Mormons until ... Jason's experiences within the LDS leadership hierarchy, coupled with personal research into LDS history caused him to re-evaluate the claims of his Mormon faith. Suddenly they are a house divided, and Amber fears losing everything that's most important. In part 1 they candidly share their journeys, struggles, and what happens when Amber calls in an LDS General Authority to talk to Jason about his concerns. Can grace bring them back together? Join us this week and next to find out.
Have you ever felt drawn back to your performance-based religion, even when you knew it was toxic and false? Ever wonder why people go back to abusive situations they know are bad for them? In part 3 of this series Joel and Lynn explore the core lies common to performance religion, how we wrap these around our wounds, and what we need to do to break free. It's a personal, practical, and fast-moving episode with personal stories and scripture to help you experience a grace that heals your past, redeems your present, and gives hope for your future.
Have you ever felt drawn back to your performance-based religion, even when you knew it was toxic and false? Ever wonder why people go back to abusive situations they know are bad for them? In part 2 of this series Joel and Lynn explore the triggers that can create the attraction or cause people to react in the extreme. They then provide personal and biblical insight, as well as practical steps for protecting yourself so you can experience a grace that heals your past, redeems your present, and gives hope for your future.
Have you ever felt drawn back to your performance-based religion, even when you knew it was toxic and false? Ever wonder why people go back to abusive situations they know are bad for them? In this series of podcasts Joel and Lynn explore how performance religions create dependency, what are the triggers that create the attraction, and what are some of the lies that leave us vulnerable. They then provide personal and biblical insight, as well as practical steps for protecting yourself so you can experience a grace that heals your past, redeems your present, and gives hope for your future.
Unemployment, health issues, religious shaming - none of it fun stuff, yet it was some of what God used to bring Richard and Melissa out of their performance-based religion and into faith in Jesus. And to them, it was all worth it to have the weight gone, the pressure off, and see the benefits to their health, their spiritual lives, and their marriage. Listen in as they share how they experienced a grace that heals. The same can be true for you.
Baptists, busses, and baptisms - all played a part in Richard and Melissa's Mormon story. They candidly share about their in-and-out, up-and-down history with the LDS church. Richard talks about his culture shock going from Arizona to Kentucky for his mission, and Melissa opens up about what it's like to have everything be fine within a performance-based religion -- until it's not. Sometimes grace beats down the door, and other times it simply sneaks in a side window. Either way, it brings healing and hope to spiritually hungry hearts.
Our previous episode (155) ended with Brandy feeling doomed to a life that would never know mental healing or spiritual peace. In this episode, she finds both. Brandy talks about what God used to open her eyes and her heart to grace, and the huge relief at finding out her husband also had concerns about their performance-based religion of Mormonism. For Brandy, grace brought mental, emotional, and spiritual healing beyond anything she'd ever experienced.
Performance religion defined much of Brandy's life. She was raised a Jehovah's Witness, but following her parent's ex-communication and later divorce, her family moved to Utah and as a teenager found herself a stranger in a strange land. Drawn by friendships and family culture she converted to Mormonism. Fast forward through some rough years she finally found herself with the husband, family, and temple marriage she thought would bring her peace. Instead, her exterior world only masked growing feelings of unworthiness and despair, something she felt doomed to feel forever. But God was about to intervene and change everything.
As a former Mormon missionary, how do you go back and tell the people you converted to Mormonism what you taught them was a lie? With one family that Micah baptized into the LDS church after the death of their young child, helping them leave was a long, difficult, and painful process.
What is one of the most effective things we can do to reach Mormons, especially ones that are hostile to the message of grace?
How do you navigate the danger of knowing so much about Mormonism (or any other religion) that your knowledge might actually hurt the effectiveness of your witness?
Lynn, Joel, and Micah explore all these topics in this deep, rich, and at times emotional episode. Join us for a podcast full of insight and moving stories that will encourage and move your heart as you experience a grace that heals.
When Ashley, a Baptist, starting dating Adam, a Mormon, her parents were not happy. Despite all their efforts, her new romance won out over her religious background, and Ashley not only married Adam she converted to Mormonism. In this episode, we discuss why attacking Mormonism seldom works, and learn how God rescued both Adam and Ashley out of the Mormon religion and brought them both into deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus and each other.
Adam was a faithful 3rd generation Mormon. When a friend sent him a video of Micah Wilder's testimony, he set out to prove Micah and his friend wrong. In the process, he ran across several issues that rocked his LDS world, and discovered truth from the Bible that touched his heart. After coming to faith in Christ his biggest question was: "Where is my Mormon father who died with a testimony of Joseph Smith and the LDS Church?" Together with Adam, Lynn and Joel address that question from Scripture. Then Adam shares his transition out of Mormonism that culminated in a tearful, heart-cry to God while on his knees in his living room. Jesus answered with healing grace and Adam has never been the same.
Adam was a faithful 3rd generation Mormon. When his Baptist girlfriend started working with him at Dairy Queen, they fell in love, he converted her, and he married her instead of going on his LDS mission. But that's just the beginning of their story. Adam shares candidly about deliberately keeping certain Mormon teachings hidden from Ashley, even while he was troubled himself with certain parts of LDS doctrine. He provides a fascinating inside look at life as a committed but sometimes questioning Mormon.
Lynn and her husband Mike have been on the road touring with Adam's Road Ministry. In this episode, she shares some of the many stories she's heard from people who have been rescued from performance religion and whose lives have been radically changed by the healing power of God's grace. Lynn also shares a Mormon temple experience that stunned her spiritually. It dramatically altered her perception of the Mormon God the Father. We also provide insights that will help you have life-transforming conversations with Mormons and others caught in performance religion.
Charles and Mireille both concluded that Mormonism was keeping them from the relationship with Jesus they both wanted and needed. But leaving the LDS religion created its own set of relational struggles as they now had to face themselves and their marriage with honesty and authenticity. In this candid, and sometimes raw interview, they share what has carried them through and why they have so much hope for the future. If you are struggling with life on the other side of Mormonism this episode will provide some much-needed encouragement and direction. The grace that brought healing to them is also available to you.
Lynn and Joel interview Jessie, whose popular Youtube channel, "It's Me Jessie" has over twelve thousand subscribers. Her videos have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times and shared around the world. In this podcast, we explore what draws people to her channel and share key insights on how to winsomely present Jesus to Mormons - and anyone else who may be listening in. If you have a heart for reaching Mormons this episode will provide the guidance and resources you need.
When two LDS missionaries showed up at their door on a cold Colorado evening, Jessie and her husband invited them in. That started a 4-month long odyssey of sharing, caring, and learning that changed them forever. When Mormon leadership finally broke up their meetings, Jessie took her knowledge and heart for Mormons to Youtube with her now popular It's Me Jessie channel. Part 1 of her story is a mix of laughter and tears as Jessie shares honestly the joy and heartbreak of loving and sharing truth with Mormon missionaries.
Jon decides to assess the evidence for the New Testament documents and in them encounters Jesus. Through a series of providential interventions, Jon discovers a world of color and warmth and freedom he never knew in Mormonism or Atheism. His challenge at the conclusion of his story in this episode gave Lynn and Joel chills. This is an episode about finding both hope and grace that heals, one you'll want to share with others who are looking for spiritual answers.
After concluding the Mormon Church was not the true church it claimed to be and sharing this heartbreaking news with his parents, Jon explores numerous religious and philosophical options, including atheism and nihilism. With his world turning grey, Jon is exposed to set theory while studying mathematics and is challenged spiritually by his discoveries. He also discovers extensive evidence for the reliability and historicity of the Bible and learns what he was taught as a Mormon was a gross misrepresentation of the facts. Jon is drawn to reassess biblical Christianity. Will he finally find warmth for his cold soul and experience a grace that heals?
In this episode, Jon talks candidly about the mounting pressure of going on a Mormon mission, the shame and guilt of a pornography addiction and the lies he had to tell to cover it up, and the mounting evidence he was discovering that indicated the Mormon Church was not all that it claimed to be. He also shares the one piece of Mormon history that "broke his shelf" and allowed him to finally conclude the Mormon Church simply was not true and it shouldn't have a hold on him. Jon's honesty and authenticity makes for an engaging episode that many will relate to, and explains why so many disenchanted LDS church members turn to atheism and agnosticism when they lose their Mormon faith.
Growing up Mormon is never easy, but for Jon Kim, being on the autism spectrum added a whole set of new challenges. In this interview with lots of laughter and a crazy connection to one of Lynn's former boyfriends, Jon shares candidly about his struggles. At the end we are left wondering - will Jon go on the expected Mormon mission? Jon's engaging style makes for a fascinating episode you don't want to miss.
As a former Mormon missionary, how do you go back and tell people you converted to Mormonism what you taught them was a lie? With one family Micah baptized into the LDS church after the death of their young child, it was a long, difficult, and painful process.
What is one of the most effective things we can do to reach Mormons, especially ones that are hostile to the message of grace?
How do you navigate the danger of knowing so much about Mormonism (or any other religion) that your knowledge might actually hurt the effectiveness of your witness?
Lynn, Joel, and Micah explore all these topics in this deep, rich, and at times emotional episode. Join us for a podcast full of insight and moving stories that will encourage and move your heart as you experience a grace that heals.
In this week's episode, Micah shares more from his new book and talks about hurricanes, the Love Elders, and how God used the leadership of the LDS Church and their missionary policies to help him see why following the Mormon religious system would never bring salvation or eternal life. He shares candidly about how the love of God was changing his heart. Micah shared this about the impact of the 4th hurricane:
"I remember this sickness in my stomach that I was going to put on a white shirt and tie and try and convert people to Mormonism when I knew that people were devastated. People had lost homes, they had lost power, they had trees through their roofs, and I remember praying about it and talking it over with my companion." In the end, Micah and his missionary companion decided to put on street clothes and do what Jesus would do - not proselytize, but give people help where they needed it most. That decision came with a price. Listen to the podcast
We continue our series of interviews with Micah Wilder's whose book is out soon! Micah talks candidly about the Pentecostal pastor, the Baptist pastor, and the enigmatic Eric -- all people God used to draw Micah's heart to faith, grace, and the love of Jesus. His love for Jesus ultimately led to his dismissal from his mission. Over the next several episodes, Lynn and Joel talk to Micah about his faith journey and what led him to write his book, Passport to Heaven: The True Story of a Zealous Mormon Missionary Who Discovers the Jesus He Never Knew.
As a special promotion, we are offering Micah's new book for a donation to the podcast. You can get your book, listen to this episode and all our past episodes, access the show notes, and subscribe to the podcast for free here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com
Exciting News! Micah Wilder's book is out soon! Micah was a zealous and committed LDS missionary when a Baptist pastor challenged him to read the New Testament with the eyes of a child. As he read the Bible to prove this pastor wrong, God pursued and captured Micah's heart with his love and grace. His love for Jesus ultimately led to his dismissal from his mission. Over the next several episodes, Lynn and Joel talk to Micah about his faith journey and what led him to write his book, Passport to Heaven: The True Story of a Zealous Mormon Missionary Who Discovers the Jesus He Never Knew.
Like her husband Charles, Mireille was a totally devout, born-in-the-covenant Mormon. They both served missions, met at BYU, got married in the Mormon temple. Life was good till Charles started having doubts (see the previous episode). Fearing for her husband's eternal destiny and their eternal marriage, Mireille begged God to change him. God's answer rocked her world. This is part 2 of three episodes with Charles and Mireille and the God whose grace brought healing to their lives and marriage.
Charles was an all-in, totally devout, born-in-the-covenant Mormon. His nickname while on his LDS mission in Guatemala was "Flecha" (Arrow) because he was that straight-arrow about his LDS faith. He served, returned, graduated from BYU, married his RM wife, started a family, and joined the ranks of leadership in his local ward. Then things started to unravel, but when they did, Jesus showed up and changed everything. This is part 1 of three episodes with Charles and Mireille and the God whose grace brought healing to their lives and marriage.
For centuries people have questioned the Bible's reliability. How much of what it talks about is rooted in reality? In this episode, Dr. Steven Crane walks through MAPS - a guide to establishing the Bible's trustworthiness using Manuscript evidence (last podcast), Archaeological finds (for the likes of King David and Pontius Pilate), Prophecy (who could have seen that coming), and Statistical probabilities for so many of the details about the Bible's content and conservation. Dr. Steven Crane has traveled the world researching these questions, including three trips to the Holy Land. It's a fascinating, fast-paced, and fact-filled episode that will help you separate truth from fiction when it comes to our Bible and why we can trust it. Whether wanting to deepen your faith, or learn how to better defend it, the next 27 minutes will help your life and relationships flourish.
Did the Council of Nicea invent the Bible in 325 AD? Did a bunch of guys in robes and pointy hats go around changing the text and sabotaging the meaning? How do we know today's translations of the Bible really reflect what the original authors wrote? What evidence is there people haven't changed the text over the last 2000 years? Dr. Steven Crane has traveled the world researching these questions. He's seen some of the oldest manuscripts for the Bible and read parts of the text for himself. In this episode, he does a rapid-fire review of the manuscript and textual evidence and even compares the evidence for the Bible with some of the oldest literary works from antiquity. It's a fascinating, fast-paced, and fact-filled episode that will help you separate truth from fiction when it comes to our Bible and why we can trust it.
After growing up as a pastor's kid in Salt Lake City, Steven Crane followed God's call to Idaho to start a new church. It grew from a house church of 7 to 111 in a rented space, to now over 3,000. Steven shares what was at the core of his teaching that led to this growth, and the types of questions he asks Mormons so his conversations with the LDS people are full of grace and clarity.
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Pua picks up where she left off in episode #132, talking openly about the sexual abuse that started as a young child and continued till she was 11 years old. Her mother's unwillingness to believe her, and her father's pressure to not bring charges against perpetrators who were part of the family and LDS leadership (her father was NOT one of her abusers) pushed her to the brink of suicide. God's love and grace brought supernatural healing and forgiveness. Pua now radiates a love and joy that to her once seemed completely out of reach, and today she ministers to others.
What happens when a devout LDS teenager sneaks out of her house at night to attend a Christian church with her non-LDS boyfriend? In this episode, Pua shares how God used this event to pursue her heart, and the conflict this created with her Mormon Hawaiian warrior family heritage. She also outlines the Mormon Plan of Salvation which she memorized and shared with others starting in elementary school, and how this contrasts with the biblical plan of salvation. Her story radiates her love for Jesus who rescued her from what she calls a time of hell.
When Mormon missionaries arrived in Hawaii in the 1850s one of their first converts was Pua's grandfather, John Kahumoku. Besides being one of the first Hawaiian Mormon missionaries he also assisted in the translation of the Book of Mormon. In this fascinating episode, Pua weaves in Hawaiian history while sharing what it was like growing up in a devout LDS family with ties to the royal line. She also talks about how God began leading her out of Mormonism to a relationship with Jesus.
Last episode Pastor Ritch Sandford mentioned the top four topics Mormons identified as being different from historic, traditional Christianity. We only covered the first two, so this episode we talk about the final two. These are (1) who has Authority (and how do you get it) and (2) Grace, what is it, and how it relates to faith and works. Once again the conversation takes some surprising turns, and Lynn shares candidly how much her Mormon understanding changed on these subjects as she learned what the Bible really had to say about them.
Pastor Ritch Sandford identifies the top four topics Mormons identified as being different from historic, traditional Christianity as he met with them and talked to them. The top two things Mormons felt Christians got wrong had to do with Trinity and Prophets. In this episode, Ritch shares the talking points he's used to avoid debate and build bridges, and what he learned from listening to the LDS perspective. What he shares is surprising and even unexpected. A little grace goes a long way.
It’s hard to drop into a new culture all alone and start living and working in a place where you know no one. It’s even more difficult when you’ve come to start a new Christian church in a place where the majority of people don’t want or feel like they need what you have to offer. Yet, that is exactly what today’s podcast guest did seven years ago. Today Ritch Sandford pastors a thriving church in South Jordan, Utah. In this episode, he shares what he learned about the Mormon religion from his LDS friends and neighbors.
Spirits, angels, demons, looking to the dead for guidance, not to mention human potential for godhood - these are all themes common to both New Age and LDS worldviews. We explore these with Pastor Dale as he, Lynn, and Joel discuss why we are so attracted to these subjects, and the potential dangers of looking to find our significance and sense of belonging outside a relationship with the God who created it all.
This episode continues our look at the marriage tensions arising when a relationship has one spouse in a performance-based religion and the other has transitioned (or is transitioning) out. Our guest, Dale Thackrah is a pastor and biblical counselor at Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, AZ. Together, he, Lynn, and Joel offer biblical and practical advice on growing in your new-found faith even in the face of opposition and rejection by your spouse. Biblical submission never means being a doormat or putting up with abuse. Rather, submission is far more about trust in a loving and good God than it is about fear of another human being.
What happens to a marriage and family when one spouse realizes their performance-based religion is false and chooses to leave? What are they supposed to do if their mate continues loyal to the church or organization and has no desire to see or hear the truth they've found? In part 2 of this conversation, Lynn and Joel explore the scriptures and share stories that speak specifically to this issue. They also offer practical help to the Latter-day Saint spouse, as well as the newly Christian spouse on how to navigate the tense and troubled waters stirred up when spouses no longer believe the same. Favorite quote: "I was afraid if I messed up God would be mad at me and my flowers would die."
What happens to a marriage and family when one spouse realizes their performance-based religion is false and chooses to leave? What are they supposed to do if their mate continues loyal to the church or organization and has no desire to see or hear the truth they've found? Lynn and Joel explore the scriptures and share stories that speak specifically to this issue. They also offer practical help on how to navigate the tense and troubled waters stirred up when spouses no longer believe the same.
Hilary was torn and uncertain. She, her husband Grant, and their five children were attending both a Christian church and the LDS ward. Grant had accepted salvation by grace as his only way back to God the Father, but Hilary was still unsure. One morning while at the Christian church she asked her five-year-old daughter what church she liked best. Her daughter replied, "Mom, Jesus is here." Hilary explains what she discovered that led her to finally conclude Joseph Smith was not a true prophet and his church was not the true church. Grant and Hillary also share how the grace of Jesus has brought healing to their lives and marriage. Join us for part 2 of their story. It's an episode with lots of laughter and hope.
Grant and Hilary were life-long Mormons, regular temple attenders, living the LDS dream with their two adopted children. Then Grant's lapsed LDS brother asked him to research the Book of Abraham. What started as a quest to bring his brother back to the fold turned his world upside down. Fearing the worst for his marriage, Grant quietly continued his quest for truth, till a question from his wife brought the whole thing to light. Grant and Hilary share candidly the crazy ways God was pursuing both of them, chasing them into the arms of a Jesus they wanted, but could never find as Mormons.
Brenda was raised without a lot of religious training from either her Catholic mother or her Fundamentalist Mormon father. She grew up going back and forth between the United States and Mexico and her father's fundamentalist, polygamist colony. The family eventually settled in the LeBaron colony to be closer to her father's family. Brenda lived in fear of never measuring up until she heard the gospel of grace that put her on a path of freedom and healing. Now she's been called back to minister in the polygamist colony where she was raised. Her story is full of hope for anyone hurting and afraid you'll never measure up.
Is truth what we feel to be true? What do you do when what you know to be true clashes with what you are feeling is true? Pastor and researcher Jon Benzinger is our guest again for a fast-paced, fact-filled discussion on the top 5 reasons we can trust the Bible to be our reliable guide for life and relationship with God and others. We also talk about the importance of feelings and we explore how performance-based religion often gets it wrong when it comes to our feelings and how we know truth. Lynn and Jon also talk candidly about how God used the Bible to personally change their lives and the hope and healing that is there for anyone who is seeking transformation.
Note: This podcast originally aired as Episode #070.
Welcome to 2021. We're kicking off the new year with two of our favorite and most popular episodes. Our guest is Jon Benzinger, Lead Pastor at Redeemer Bible in Gilbert, AZ. He's done extensive study on the multiple lines of evidence for the reliability and trustworthiness of the Bible. Jon is an excellent communicator and engaged with Lynn and me with authenticity and clarity. He has an incredible heart for people, especially the predominant demographics in Gilbert -- Hispanics, retirees, and Mormons.
The question of why we can trust the Bible, and just as importantly, why we should live consistently with what the Bible teaches, made for a fun and fast-paced conversation with Jon. Lynn and I were encouraged and inspired by this episode and we are excited we get to kick off the 2021 podcast season by sharing it with you. Happy New Year!
Note: This podcast originally aired as Episode #069.
Analise is engaged to a returned Mormon missionary and moving away from her own family in order to marry him when God intervenes. She shares what she learned from the heartbreak and she and Lynn Wilder share advice for those who find themselves in a relationship with someone of a competing and incompatible faith.
Join us this week for part 3 of this story of love, grace, Jesus, hard choices, and horses.
Analise's father was diagnosed with stage four cancer when she was nine and only given a couple of months to live. Her story of loss, faith, and love eventually became intertwined with Mormonism when LDS neighbors from a nearby ranch offered to help her and her mom with their horses and cattle. In this episode, Analise shares how her evangelistic Bible studies with the Mormon boy next door led to her falling in love with him and walking away from her family and almost her faith. Will she stay true to Jesus, or will she leave everything she loves to follow him into Mormonism?
Join us this week for part 2 of this story of love, grace, Jesus, hard choices, and horses.
Analise's father was diagnosed with stage four cancer when she was nine and only given a couple of months to live. Her story of loss, faith, and love eventually became intertwined with Mormonism when LDS neighbors from a nearby ranch offered to help her and her mom with their horses and cattle. In this episode, we follow Analise, now an attractive young woman who is also an accomplished horseback rider. She is devoted to Jesus and burdened to share truth with her LDS neighbors. Life gets complicated when a young Mormon man, just returned from his LDS mission, shows up to help on the ranch. In time they fall for each other and Analise is suddenly much more open to the LDS faith. Will she stay true to Jesus, or will she walk away from her Christian family and faith to follow her heart?
Join us this week as we start a 3-part story of love, grace, Jesus, hard choices, and horses.
In this episode after years of being a single mom and shying away from marriage, Leah falls for a non-Mormon. He converts and they get married in the LDS temple. The experience jarred him so, it led to his going inactive and sent Leah on a quest to prove both her husband and her Christian friend were wrong about Mormonism. In a series of providential events, God reaches her heart and transforms both her and her husband's lives. It's a fast-moving episode filled with laughter, and a surprise reconciliation with her father who had abused her as a young girl. Her life radiates a joy and hope in Jesus and is clear evidence of the healing that God's grace can bring to anyone.
Listening to her easy, infectious laugh and at times raw transparency, you'd not suspect the history of suffering and abuse that marked Leah's life into early adulthood. Born into the LDS Church, it was a place of comfort and stability, even while the Mormon system contributed to the abuse and her own deep feelings of unworthiness. In the end, God pursued her and reached her through unexpected means, and brought her to the place of joy and hope that is so evident in her life today.
As a third-generation Latter-day Saint, returned missionary and now bishop of his ward, Jon's Mormon life was unraveling fast. Jesus was pursuing him and the truth of what he was finding about the LDS church was rocking his world. Now he has to tell his wife and Mormon leadership why he's not wearing his garments. God showed up in amazing ways and today they rejoice the whole family found grace, hope and renewed faith.
As a third-generation Latter-day Saint, Jon's Mormon life was on-track. Successful foreign mission, married in the temple, multiple callings, an offer to become a full-time LDS church employee, and then a call to be bishop of his local congregation. But all that was on the outside. Inside things were unraveling and there was no one to tell, especially not his LDS leaders nor his wife. Jon found grace in an unexpected place, but will he regain his faith after losing it?
For two years Susan's husband prayed for her, tried to help her, gave her materials, while she resisted. Meanwhile, a small group of people from her Christian church loved on her and prayed. Susan talks about what they did right, and how God eventually captured both her mind and her heart. For those who face the long and difficult struggle of sorting out the truth from the falsehood woven into the beliefs of your performance religion she says, trust God, pursue him and know that God is bigger than your crazy. Susan's story of hope and healing mixes humor and tears with a strong faith in a God who loves her for who she is not what she does. That's how He wants to love you as well.
Raised in a loving, committed LDS home in southern Idaho, Susan knew little about life and faith that wasn't Mormon. In this candid and winsome interview, she shares how God used a cross necklace in her mother's jewelry box, and the breakup of her older siblings temple marriages to awaken her curiosity. However, exposure to the wider religious world of Salt Lake City, along with uncomfortable experiences with her LDS church leaders while in college at BYU turned that curiosity to disillusionment, and she found herself adrift without the family and faith that had sustained so much of her life. Can God move into her broken life and marriage to restore joy and hope?
Here's the happy ending we've been waiting for. Despite family drama and tension, Luke and Emma stay true to each other and Jesus. Luke tells more of how he navigated a family opposed to his marriage, and Emma learns some things about Luke she didn't know before this podcast. It's a candid interview marked with laughter as Luke and Emma share how they grow together with grace, hope, and love intact.
After getting a text from Luke saying he's breaking up with her (sent by his LDS friends), Emma drives 7 hours to talk face to face. Will she be able to keep Luke from being totally drawn back into Mormonism? Was his faith in Jesus real? Will their love survive this test and the months they will spend continents apart? This episode answers these questions and explores the pendulum swings and anger so common during the transition out of a performance religion. Luke and Emma share how to survive these relational storms with grace, hope, and love intact.
How do we know what we are told about Jesus is the truth. What are the facts and what are the sources for those facts? How do we know the same about the founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith? These are the topics Tom Hobson explores in his new book, The Historical Jesus and the Historical Joseph Smith, which we talk about on this week's episode. These are core issues with far-reaching implications. And after listening, don't forget to check out the show notes where we will have links to many of the resources we talk about in this episode.
What do you do with a divided marriage? One spouse (probably you) is ready to exit your performance religion, or already transitioned out, but your partner is still in. How do you navigate a relationship marked by tension, anger, or maybe just a lot of silence, and isolation?
Dr. Lynn Wilder and Joel Groat talk boundaries, meddling in-laws, and the risk of marital infidelity, and how to bring grace and truth into a troubled marriage in a way that shows love and respect. Join them for 27 minutes devoted to helping your life and relationships flourish - here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
Matt's LDS world was being turned upside down by what he was finding in the Bible and hearing from his younger brother Micah. When he started sharing this with Nicole, his LDS girlfriend, he thought it would probably be the end of the relationship. Was following Jesus and the truth he was learning worth losing his full-ride scholarship at BYU and professional career and the girl he loved so deeply? Nicole and Matt share candidly and openly a journey with a lot of unknowns -- but also a lot of grace, love, and hope.
If you are LDS, Matt Wilder's story could have been yours. He was born into the quintessential Mormon family and they did it all: temple trips, scouting, callings, Scripture reading, sabbath. Yet, by his early teens, his soul was restless with a sense of his own unworthiness and failure to measure up to the high outward standards of his religion. Would his family's move from the Midwest heartland to the heart of Utah in the Salt Lake Valley help him find peace?
Matt recommits to his Mormon faith, but then several events on his LDS mission and while a student at BYU cast light on a different path. Could this one lead to a sense of being forgiven and accepted by God?
You will be amazed and encouraged at how God miraculously orchestrates circumstances to bring Lynn Wilder and Emma Moss together. Emma's story is one of bewilderment, hope, heartbreak, and trust in God as she navigates the uncertainty of dating and caring deeply for her Mormon boyfriend while staying true to her own Christian faith. It's clear God is moving, but will the relationship result in them being together or apart?
Lynn starts off the podcast with the story of Temple Square security scaring her young grandkids when they came to see Santa. Police in Spain take Joel and Steve Dealy to the police parking garage for a chat. Lynn talks about what it was like to be a Mormon approached by Christians at the Nauvoo Pageant. Lynn explains what the Bible means when it says "faith without works is dead" and how different that is from how many religions use this verse. It's a fast-moving, multi-faceted episode with both humor and hope. Listen to this episode, and get links to new resources in the show notes here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/ You too can experience a grace that heals!
Joel and Lynn talk about some misconceptions Mormons have about Christians (and vice versa) and what they've learned about grace from their international travels. Joel shares about the time an angry Mormon Temple President physically threatened him in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and how God used that incident over the next several years to open doors for ministry at Mormon Temple open houses in Latin America. The path of grace is always full of adventure! Come share it with us.
Can we hear from the dead? When it seems to happen, how should we view it in light of the Bible? That's the question Lynn raises after a Bible study with a transitioning LDS woman who has had these experiences. Also, how can grace help us deal with life when a pandemic disrupts so much of what we know and what we used to do? Plus, an exciting announcement toward the end about some brand new video resources that have just come online.
Morgan Archer shares her story of rescue from the cycle of addiction to pornography, shame, and depression that was affecting her, her husband, and their marriage and family. With open, and sometimes painful transparency, she chronicles how God invaded her life repeatedly, bringing people into her life to pray for her, including a stranger after her serious car accident. Through all of it, God was winning her heart and granting the intimacy with Jesus and healing to her marriage she had sought for so long.
Following his conversion to Christianity, Michael's greatest fear was coming out to his very committed LDS family about his new faith in Christ and reliance on grace alone for salvation. Two days before Christmas, knowing nothing about his conversion, they find an interview of Michael on Youtube that reveals the shocking truth. Despite the hurt, they extend incredible grace to Michael. Brianna also shares her transition away from Mormonism, her struggle with depression, and finding grace and Michael. It's a story of awkward moments, laughter, new love, and experiencing a grace that heals at multiple levels. Michael's new book is now out, as is his podcast.
Michael and Lynn met for the first time years ago when they were invited to debate each other on a radio program. But instead of debating Lynn asked Michael questions about his book and Mormon views. That, and exposure to Keith Walker's presentations on the "Impossible Gospel of Mormonism" started a process that would totally alter the course of his religious views and life. Michael comments, "So, yeah, I went from being a Mormon apologist to just within a few months to being a Christian. It was a whirlpool. God spun me around so fast and said, "Son, you're pointing that sword the wrong way." It a fascinating and fun conversation about one man's courageous pursuit of truth wherever it would lead him and despite whatever it might cost him.
"It was like this darkness had totally lifted from us." Jolene Phelps, after she and her husband encounter forgiveness and restoration through God's grace. This is the emotional, encouraging, high-energy conclusion to our interview (3 parts) with James and Jolene Phelps. Besides sharing how God brought them to the truth via separate paths and a year and a half apart, they also share what to do and what not to do when your spouse has not yet seen the truth. It's an episode of laughter, transformation, and the healing of a marriage and family.
James and Jolene are both disenchanted with Mormonism. Jolene finds the Denver Snuffer splinter group and joins while her husband is away. The fighting escalates and they are on the brink of divorce. Yet, God has his hand on their marriage and keeps bringing people into their lives who serve as guides to the truth. James tries to go back to Mormonism, but only feels worse, till he has a one on one, personal encounter with Jesus that changes everything. Jolene just gets angrier because now James is happy and she is not. This fast-paced episode ends before the story does, so the conclusion doesn't come till next week.
Listen to this episode here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
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In this episode, Joel and Lynn explore God's gamble in extending us grace and guaranteeing the end from the very beginning. What does gambling have to do with grace? What’s the risk? It’s all on the table, no negotiating. What’s the guarantee? “I know your secrets, you need to know mine” Lynn. "Grace is the conduit through which God comes to us. We are born alienated from God. God know us intimately, that’s not intimidating, that’s freeing” Joel.
James and Jolene both came from strong LDS families and faithfully followed the path marked out by their performance-based religion. They lived tranquil lives in a Mormon bubble in Arizona and everything was great, until James, an attorney, could no longer ignore his spiritual discontent or troubling aspects of Mormonism. Jolene, and accountant, likewise was committed to making it work, until she also started noticing some cracks in the wall. Jolene thinks she has found answers in a Mormon splinter group, but as we end this candid and humorous episode she confesses this only made their marriage and lives worse. Listen to part 1 of their story here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
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After marrying Brian (a Mormon) against her family's wishes, both Karen and Brian walked away from faith for a time. However, with the birth of their daughter, they decide to find a church that is neither Baptist (her background) nor Mormon (his background). Karen and Lynn share candidly about the stress and pressure they felt in a performance-based religious system, and contrast this with the refreshing freedom of knowing you are loved by God for who you are and not what you do. This story has a happy ending. Karen and Brian Culbertson now lead a church for people burned out by religion (details on this church in the show notes). Listen to part 2 of her story here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/ Search on all our podcast episodes here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/search-all-podcasts
Totally against the advice and wishes of her parents, Karen decided to marry her high school sweetheart, Brian. (See episodes 87 and 88 for Brian's story). He and his whole family were members of the LDS Church. As their friendship grew more serious the concern of both their families increased. Karen walked away from her faith for a time, and in this winsome and often humourous interview, Karen shares the struggles and regrets she went through as a result of her decision. Her story has a happy ending, but we don't get to find out how it works out until part 2. Karen Culbertson is now a licensed counselor and pastor's wife. She is grateful for the grace of God that brought healing to her life and marriage. Listen to part 1 of her story here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
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Melonie followed a windy road to truth and Jesus, but today she is so grateful she walked it. Disenchanted with certain aspects of the religion of her whole life, Melonie wanted, more than anything else, a close and personal relationship with Jesus. When she was excommunicated from the Mormon Church - despite her testimony of Jesus, Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, she found new freedom to explore truth and a closeness to Jesus she had always longed for. She learned of Jesus and his grace through worship music which God used to help heal her heart. Her spirit resonated with the truth of John 3:16-17 which helped her embrace Jesus and his amazing gift of grace and forgiveness. Listen to her story and get links to some of the music that stirred her soul here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/ New - Search every podcast episode here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/search-all-podcasts
Melonie grew up only knowing the faith of ancestors that went back generations to the early LDS pioneers. When it came time for college her father took her to BYU with instructions to find a returned LDS missionary. Within a couple of years she was married in the temple, faithfully engaged in various callings, and starting a large family. But the more she learned about the system, the more questions arose, and the once unshakably solid foundation started to develop cracks. Where would her choices to pursue truth lead? Listen to her fascinating story here: http://unveilinggracepodcast.com/ New tool! Search all podcast episodes here on any key word and find just what you're looking for fast. https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/search-all-podcasts
Brian was raised Mormon, now he's a Christian pastor. His transition path is a windy one where God weaves grace in and out of Brian's story. In this episode which starts with Brian in Africa with the Masai Mara tribe, Brian shares his messy, sometimes reluctant path to ministry. It's a fast-moving and humorous story of hope, and a grace that brought meaning and healing to his life. Listen to it here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/.
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Brian was raised Mormon, now he's a Christian pastor. His transition path is a windy one where God weaves grace in and out of Brian's story. In this episode Brian shares the first part of his journey with Joel and Lynn. From believing Mormon to agnostic Mormon, to seeker, God showed up and made His presence know to Brian during a visit to the Masai Mara tribe in Kenya, Africa. It's a fast-moving, fascinating story of hope and encouragement. Listen to it here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/. NEW! Use our Search page to find any word or phrase from any episode and immediately listen to that spot in the recording. It's blazing fast! Try it here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/search-all-podcasts
In the moving conclusion to Michelle's story she talks candidly about losing her marriage, her identity, her church, and finally, most importantly, losing her trash. The result is a new story, a new identity and a new family. Michelle answers the question so many people in performance-based religions are asking - How do I find real hope, true peace and the security that I'm loved and accepted by God, regardless of my religious performance? Listen in, be encouraged and experience a grace that heals. https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
PS. You can now search for any word or phrase through all our 80+ podcast episodes and listen to the exact spot your search term occurs. Try it at: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/search-all-podcasts
Michelle leaves her Christian community, leaves the man who wanted to marry her, and joins the Mormon Church thinking she'd finally found her forever family. It wasn't to be. Her 30 years of faithfulness to the LDS religion brought heartache, abuse, confusion and divorce. But God was pursuing her heart and the light began to penetrate. This is the messy middle of the story, but even here grace is bringing healing to her very hurting heart. Listen to it here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
From the time she was small Michele believed in God, and time after time He rescued her, showing up through people and places. Her's has been a long journey and she thought she'd found everything she needed in Mormonism, until that too failed to deliver what it promised. If you need encouragement and grace for your journey, you'll find it in Michele's story. Join us this and every week at: www.unveilinggracepodcast.com
Your life and relationships will flourish only to the extent you are free from the bondage of sin and the condemnation of living under the Old Covenant. Lynn Wilder and Joel Groat continue their exploration of the amazing benefits of New Covenant ushered in by the resurrection of Jesus and warn of the dangers of performance-based religious groups that seek to draw their followers back under the rules and regulations of the Old Covenant. You can experience true freedom and healing in the Holy Spirit as you enter into life in the New Covenant of grace. Jesus brought all your need to work and earn worthiness to an end when he exclaimed: "It is finished!" Listen to this and all our episodes at: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
Easter is going to be radically different this year as we stay at home and shelter in place. We are more likely to celebrate it in comfy clothes and fuzzy slippers than hats and high heels. Nevertheless, Easter is where we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and that is the focus of this episode. Easter inaugurates a whole new covenant - a new way for people to relate to God. It brings to an end life under the Old Covenant, characterized by death and condemnation which was a mere shadow of what we have now. Lynn shares how much she misunderstood about Jesus and the Old and New Covenants during her 30 years as a faithful Mormon, and how her new understanding and relationship with Jesus has transformed her life. Do you know someone needing a message of grace and hope? Share this episode with them as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the hope of new life that nothing, not even COVID-19, can take away. https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
Lynn and Joel continue their dialogue on finding God during our current crisis. This week they share Scripture and practical ways we can connect with the one True God who is both present and personal. Listen and learn how Jesus' peace and grace invade our lives as we read his word and we then reach out to others who need to find hope and tranquility during our very tumultuous times. Catch this and every other episode here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
In this episode Joel and Lynn talk about how grace and the presence of Jesus changes the way we respond and cope when our normals are shattered by the chaos of something like the Coronavirus. Lynn talks candidly about the contrast between how she would have responded as a faithful member of the LDS Church versus how she has responded now, and the peace that being in relationship with Jesus brings to times of tragedy (her own mother died in a previous flu pandemic). God can work everything for our good, and disruptions can actually lead to greater depth in our relationship with God and others. Join them this week for encouragement for troubled times and experience a grace that heals. https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
This week we continue the emotional and moving story of Lila Lebaron. In this episode she tells of the providential events that moved her out of Mexico and the polygamous Lebaron colony, to working with, and then singing for Adam's Road Ministry. Lila continues her story with a quiet winsomeness and a radiant love for Jesus that comes through even though you can't see her face. (This is a rebroadcast of UGP 017) For shownotes and a link to sample Adam's Road song featuring Lila, please visit https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/ and https://www.adamsroadministry.com/son-of-man-album
Polygamy continues to thrive in parts of Mexico. As a result, Lila Lebaron was born into an abusive family with over 30 children. How she went from a polygamist colony in northern Mexico to full time ministry as one of the lead vocalists of Adam's Road is a moving and fascinating story of providential grace. Lila shares her story with a quiet winsomeness that showcases the amazing love of Jesus. (This is a rebroadcast of UGP 016)
For shownotes and a link to sample Adam's Road song featuring Lila, please visit https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/ and https://www.adamsroadministry.com/immeasurable-album
Teresa continues her story of what it took to break free from the cycle of abuse she experienced inside her performance-based religion of Mormonism. It's a heavy and at times heart-breaking episode, yet filled with encouragement as she relates how her relationship with Jesus has brought freedom, healing and joy because she is a beloved daughter of God. Her's is a story of a lot of brokenness and bad choices, but ultimately God was working through her circumstances to bring both her and her husband back to Himself. Due to time constraints the radio version is edited, but the full version is available on www.UnveilingGracePodcast.com
Teresa's Mormon ancestry predates Brigham Young, and like so many we've interviewed who have grown up in performance-based religion, her LDS past is laced with shame and emotional and sexual abuse. In this episode, Teresa draws on both her personal experience and professional expertise to expose the cycle of abuse and explain why it is so easily and frequently perpetuated. This is a tough episode but a necessary one, for without understanding and awareness it will be difficult to find freedom and healing from abuse. Our hope is that through Teresa's story, many will, like her, be able to find and experience a grace that heals.
Life in a Jack Mormon family in the heart of Utah is never easy. Terri Jo shares the unvarnished reality about the abuse she suffered on several fronts - emotional from her father, social and verbal from kids at school, sexual at the hands of a relative who was a Mormon leader and the downward spiral this put her into through a big chunk of her life. Yet, God was keeping His hand on her and Jesus was calling and when she finally surrendered to His love and grace she found freedom and true love for her own life. It's a raw and moving interview and another story of what it's like to experience a grace that heals. Visit https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/ to listen, subscribe for free and get the show notes for this and every episode.
Randy continues his candid and often humorous dialogue with Joel and Lynn sharing the many ways God has showed up in his life. From his wife's quiet but bold faith, to a Mormon brother who warned him away from the LDS temple, to a God who would never turn his back on him, Randy radiates the wonder of being loved unconditionally and saved radically from the shame and despair of a performance-based religion. www.UnveilingGracePodcast.com - subscribe, listen and download the show notes all for free.
Randy was a multi-generational Mormon from a very faithful devout family. If the religion required it, they did it, and Randy was no exception. So why doesn't a nearly perfect Mormon man go on his mission? Randy's story is fascinating and funny as he talks about how a young woman who came through his military checkpoint caught his eye and captured his heart. God would use her and his very dedicated LDS father to open his eyes to the truth about his childhood religion. Join us for a fast-paced and engaging interview with Randy as he transitions from full-on performance to experiencing a grace that heals. Part 1 of 2. Subscribe to the podcast, download all episodes and get show notes - all for free at UnveilingGracePodcast.com
Summary: UGP #072 From Ending it All to Having it All - Scott R. p 2
This week's episode picks up where last week's ended - Scott was ready to be done with life. The anxiety and weight of a whole series of tragedies found him alone at home with a loaded gun to his head. Feeling beaten down by performance-based religion, he was lifted up by the grace of Jesus. This week he talks about that journey about many of the real-life transformations God has brought about in his life and marriage, and in doing so invites all of us to experience a grace that heals. Listen in, download, find show notes, write us, and subscribe at: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
Listening to Scott's upbeat and grateful heart you would never know that at one point in his journey he put a loaded gun to his head. Feeling beaten down by performance-based religion and having been told by one of his religious leaders that his son's recent car accident was God punishing him (Scott) for not being a full tithe payer, he figured ending his life was his best way out. Providentially, God showed up that day and Scott is alive to share his story of God's pursuit and grace with all of us. Note: If you listen to this one while driving have tissue handy or be ready to pull off the road till you can see again. Scott's story invites all of us to experience a grace that heals. Listen in, download, find show notes, write us, and subscribe at: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com.
Pastor and researcher Jon Benzinger is our guest again for a fast-paced, fact-filled discussion on the top 5 reasons we can trust the Bible to be our reliable guide for life and relationship with God and others. We also talk about the importance of feelings and where performance-based religion often gets it wrong when it comes to our feelings and how we know truth. Lynn and Jon also talk candidly about how God used the Bible to personally change their lives and the hope and healing that is there for anyone who is seeking transformation. Visit UnveilingGracePodcast.com for a free download, show notes, links to supplemental materials, and easy ways to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes, Spotify and Google podcasts.
Our guest to kick off 2020 is Jon Benzinger, Lead Pastor at Redeemer Bible in Gilbert, AZ. He's done extensive study into the multiple evidences for the reliability and trustworthiness of the Bible, and communicates with authenticity and clarity. He has an incredible heart for people, especially the predominant demographics in Gilbert -- Hispanics, retirees and Mormons. The question of why we can trust the Bible, and just as importantly, why we should live consistently with what the Bible teaches, made for a fun and fast-paced conversation with Jon. Lynn and I were encouraged and inspired by this episode are excited we get to kick off the 2020 podcast season sharing it with you. Happy New Year!
Jenesse' performance-based heritage went back 6 generations. She could trace her faithful LDS family all the way back to Nauvoo. Yet despite working herself to exhaustion, being as faithful as she could, never doubting, it was still never enough. When she prayed in desperation to God He answered in an unexpected way, and what he showed her changed her heart and her life forever. Jenesse radiates peace, tranquility and trust in a God who loves her deeply and she has found that Jesus truly is enough. If you need some assurance that God cares and is ready to take your burden listen in on our conversation with Jenesse. Grace and peace!
This week the spiritual roller-coaster continues. Last week we ended with Brian's life being miraculously spared after being held hostage with a gun to his head. This week he and Maria talks about how God used this to awaken him spiritually and how God showed up in a very real and personal way and where they are at right now after Brian being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It's a penetrating and eye-opening look at how performance-based religions sabotage our ability to connect personally with a God who loves us, and how that God brings joy and answers in the midst of deep confusion, searching and pain. Catch this and every episode here: UnveilingGracePodcast.com
On a loading dock, arms duck-taped behind his back and a gun to his head, Brian was sure his life was over. But God had other plans for his life and used this incident to bring about a spiritual awakening. It's an amazing story of a life lived in performance-based religion that takes a deadly turn, but in the end shows God's care, conviction and divine intervention in Brian's life. It's a moving, breath-taking episode that exposes our hearts to the biggest questions of life and a God who is there to answer them. Subscribe to the podcast at Unveilinggracepodcast.com and never miss an episode.
Justin and Amy were faithful LDS, not without some questions but moving toward being sealed in the LDS temple. Then her ex-husband took their two sons and held them for seven months. In the middle of this traumatic time God showed up and what they experienced started their transition away from performance-based religion into a grace and peace-filled relationship with Jesus. At the time of the recording they were less than a year into transition and shared candidly about life and faith. They also have practical advice for anyone that may be looking into transitioning away from their performance-based religion.
This week we replay one of our most popular and most encouraging episodes. Micah Wilder, of Adam's Road Ministry talks candidly about God's call on his life, and the core commitments and practices that help him, and the Adam's Road family, work through the challenges of life together. It's a stirring reminder of the power of God's grace and the importance of experiencing that Jesus is enough. We hope this episode rekindles your gratitude to God this holiday season.
Linda's story continues where it left off - confronting her Mormon bishop over the treatment she and her children had received for years after the tragic death of her husband. She shares how God comes after her personally after over 50 years in performance-based religion and the gratitude and joy of having all of her children also eventually leave and come to faith in Jesus. She concludes the episode with personal, straight-from-the-heart words for others who might be where she once was, trapped and tired in performance-based religion.
Linda Baldwin shares her journey through a wonderful life as a Mormon wife and mom till tragedy took her husband. Her world turned upside down, she struggled to measure up, and felt the judgment leveled at both her and her kids within her performance-based religion. In part 1 we get to her breaking point - a devastating decision toward her son by church leadership. This one is not for the faint of heart. But there is lots of courage from this fierce single-mom and lots of hope and healing in part 2.
In this moving conclusion to Melanie's story she shares how God brought her face to face with herself, how He showed her amazing grace, love and forgiveness and how Jesus has provided deep healing that has freed her to love others in life changing ways.
This is a sometimes jarring episode as Melanie continues sharing her story of abuse, abandonment, running from God and then back to HIm and how God used grace from various places to bring restoration to her broken life. Join Lynn and Joel as they laugh and grieve with Melanie as she shares part 2 of her story. The show notes include links to documentation that abuse, both sexual and emotional, is too often part of performance-based religion, as well as resources to help bring healing.
Melanie has an amazing story of searching, doing it on her own in performance-based religion, losing everything, walking away from God and finding her life restored in Jesus when she surrendered it all back to Him. When she deserved and expected God's scolding and wrath she got a hug instead. Listen, be encouraged, laugh with us and experience a grace that heals.
So excited to have Joe and Katie (Wilder) Warren back on the podcast this week. Joe Warren served in the same mission as Micah Wilder (Katie's brother) and was hugely impacted when Micah came to Christ and shared his testimony of Christ while still on his Mormon mission. In this episode we hear more of Katie's transition from faithful LDS to follower of Jesus, and how God draws both Katie and Joe to Himself and then to each other. It is a story of love, loss and the joy of a life committed to Jesus, and a great chance to get an inside look at Katie and Joe Warren of Adam's Road Ministry.
So excited to have Joe and Katie (Wilder) Warren on the podcast this week. Joe Warren served in the same mission as Micah Wilder (Katie's brother) and was hugely impacted when Micah came to Christ and shared his testimony of Christ while still on his Mormon mission. Meanwhile, Katie is wrestling with the new found faith of her brother and her own spiritual journey. It's a fun, heartwarming episode with lots of laughter as Joe and Katie share how Jesus drew them to Himself and to each other.
Information-packed episode with former LDS and now pastor, Ross Anderson. We look at the brief version of his transition story from Utah-born-in-the-covenant Mormon to biblical Christian author and pastor. This episode also highlights some of the many resources he has helped create for those transitioning out of the performance-based religion of Mormonism. We also talk about an exciting conference taking place in Murray, Utah this month - October 11 and 12th that he is organizing for the second year. Look for details and links in the shownotes at UnveilingGracePodcast.com
Lisa Brockman's new book - Out of Zion (Harvest House) releases Oct 1. Lynn and I both endorsed it . This week we feature part 2 of our interview about the book and how writing it impacted Lisa's relationship with her parents. She also talks some about how the trauma of leaving your religion of a lifetime never totally goes away, but every time it rears its ugly head she had new opportunities to know Jesus more intimately and experience His healing grace in her life and relationships. She also talks candidly about her reaction to the picture Christianity Today chose to use along with her interview that just came out this month. This is a podcast episode full of wonder at God grace, gratitude and lots of humor.
Lisa Brockman told her touching and humorous transition story in two very candid and vulnerable episodes --UGP 32 and 33. This week Lynn and I interview her on her upcoming book "Out of Zion" in which she chronicles her amazing story of grace. We also talk about how she and her LDS family have together navigated keeping and deepening their love and trust for and in one another despite strong religious differences. It's an encouraging story of what God can do in the lives of people who love Him and are committed to honoring Him with their family relationships.
Stephanie was exposed to the impact of performance-based religious groups through a family member and then her husband. After coming to Christ, God has taken her on a spiritual journey that includes reaching out to those in the performance-based religion of Mormonism with grace and kindness and the truth that transforms their lives.
It is undeniable how God had a hand on Ray's life even while growing up in Mormonism's performance-based religious system. Ray's down-to-earth, unassuming telling of his story, and the at times mysterious circumstances God used to bring Ray to the truth will encourage your heart and renew your confidence in a God who cares and reaches out to us personally with his grace.
Ray and Stephanie Link walked different paths but in the end both found the grace they needed to help heal their relationship with God and one another. They share openly about their faith journey and how leaving performance-based religion and coming to accept the grace of Jesus by faith transformed their marriage. They also share practical things they do to keep their marriage solid and flourishing. This is an extended version with additional material that did not air on the KUTR radio program.
Taylor was a young, struggling, single mom with little spiritual experience when the Mormon missionaries visited. While her story is not uncommon, it does have some unusual twists, and in Part 2 Taylor shares the bittersweet conclusion of it with Lynn and Joel in an episode full of humor, grace and a winsome candidness that will encourage your heart. It's a moving story that will invite you to lose everything to gain what matters most.
Taylor was a young, struggling, single mom with little spiritual experience when the Mormon missionaries visited. While her story is not uncommon, it does have some unusual twists, and Taylor shares it with Lynn and Joel in an episode full of humor, grace and a winsome candidness that is easy to listen to. Part 1 of her story will stir your heart and renew your passion for the things that matter most in life. Catch this week's episode of the Unveiling Grace Podcast here.
This is a very touching and moving final episode to this series of episodes featuring Agusta's story. All three of us, Agusta, Lynn and myself were in tears at the end, but it was a holy movement full of wonder at God's grace in all our lives, but especially Lynn and Agusta's.
Agusta continues to tell her fascinating story and her pursuit of "it." God finally revealed this missing piece and Agusta immediately knew when she had found "it." Dan also had an encounter with grace, and once again their lives radically changed. It wasn't long before they suffered tremendous loss - job, friends, status - and some incredible hurt from the people that once were their closest friends. It's a humorous and stirring episode of courage and trust in God in the midst of trial that inspires hope when life gets really rough.
Agusta Harting continues her fascinating story, including running into the Mormon man (now a Senator) who wooed her so many years earlier. She also talks about going deeper into the Mormon faith, but always coming up a bit empty and her search for "it" even while she wasn't sure what "it" was. This is an episode you will want to hear all the way through and share broadly - thanks for doing so and being a part of the Unveiling Grace Podcast.
Agusta Harting continues her fascinating story, including sharing one of her most embarrassing moments - being wooed by a prominent Mormon lawyer who was also her Sunday School teacher and her husband's business partner (all behind her husband's back). She also talks a bit about her first Mormon temple experience and what happens if your husband forgets crucial information. This is an episode you will want to hear all the way through and share broadly - thanks for doing so and being a part of the Unveiling Grace Podcast.
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Agusta Harting was Miss Iceland in 1956, married a US Navy Officer, and became a Mormon convert after moving to the United States. Over the next several podcast episodes she shares a fascinating story of she and her husband's journey in and then out of Mormonism and into a grace that healed their lives and allowed them to flourish for many years until Dan's death a couple of years ago.
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The Mormon people were so nice and so many things seemed to make sense ~ Agusta
In this week's episode Mary continues her story of a journey through broken relationships and a search for true community and connection - which she finally finds in a God who loves her for who she is and not what she does. Listen in and find encouragement and hope in Jesus who is able transform lives and relationships.
Mary shares a fascinating story of going from grace (raised as a pastor's daughter), then into a lesbian lifestyle, from there into Mormonism and finally back to grace. It's a story of heartbreak, broken relationships, disillusionment, hurt, rejection, community and ultimately finding her life pursued by a God who never let her go.
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In the acceptance and resolution stage you begin to feel more stable and seek out relationships again. Respect and love are now more important than ever. Nothing matters more than Jesus.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
- In the Flesh… (Philippians 3)
- Suffering the loss of all things (Philippians 3:8-10)
- Characteristic of someone who loves (1 John 4:7-12, 18)
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There are physical symptoms that can come from grief or stress or a sense of hopelessness. Relational, emotional and physical things come from that stage of depression and you need to get out of it. The need to move forward and deciding how to move forward to acceptance is presented in this episode.
Join Lynn and Joel as they explore insights from life and scripture on the stages of grief as they relate to transition out of performance-based religion. This week their focus transitions from the bargaining stage to what often comes after - depression. It's a tough time and a rough subject, but Lynn shares from her own life how there is hope and healing that only grace and Jesus can bring.
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Some people experience several stages of grief while transitioning from a performance based religion. They are very real emotions that include shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Listen as Lynn Wilder shares the desperate need for help as she experienced these stages of grief and received a steady confidence of peace, trust and joy.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
In this week's episode Lynn Wilder reviews the 7 Stages of Grief and we talk about how these relate to the transition out of performance-based religion. This week we have a special focus on anger, and next week we'll continue the conversation looking other stages like denial, depression and acceptance. In both episodes we talk about how grace can bring hope and healing to what is often a traumatic transition experience.
Lynn Wilder continues sharing her transition story out of performance-based religion to a grace-based faith in Jesus. It's a fun and candid interview with a lot of helpful insights for people finding themselves in the uncertainty of religious transition.
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Lynn shares from her life in performance-based religion, and how she thought she was good. When she started reading the Bible all that changed. Jesus changed everything
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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What does gambling have to do with grace? What’s the risk? It’s all on the table, no negotiating.
What’s the guarantee?
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Deciding to stand firm of proving what she believed through Mormonism, Lisa agreed to study the Bible confident she could defend her faith. The gods of her life began to be exposed by God for how weak, small and lifeless they were. December 20, 1990, all the chains and addictions fell off. Being compelled to love she had a desire to share with her parents, her family and all who would listen about the intimate God she had found.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Can I have a direct relationship with God without organized religion or the Church? We must figure out truth. Performance based religions have an authority based structure of who can hear from God. Jesus is our mediator, we have direct access no need for anyone else but is there a biblical paradigm from hearing from God?
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Warnings were given to Anna to be careful of what she read or researched because the devil is working against the one true church. Preparing to be baptized and join the Mormon Church she was so baffled when she began to see the church was hiding many things. The difference between what the Bible said and what the Book of Mormon said was drawing her to question what is truth.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Anna raised in a Christian home was drawn to Mormonism through a romantic relationship. Drawn to the family unit and someone who was very dedicated to his faith. She was on the path to study Mormon scriptures, become baptized and become a member of the LDS Church.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
- Grace by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
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Sometimes relationships blinds or clouds our perspective
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Micah Wilder shares how God made a radical change in his life. Because he loved people so much he wanted to share what he found and he did so through a ministry called Adams Road. Five friends that had the same radical change and having a unique background of music started writing music and formed a band.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Stefan and Sarah were a faithful LDS couple who began to read the Bible and ask questions regarding the differences between the Mormon faith and what the Bible said.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
- God does not live in temples made with hands (Acts 7:48)
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Doubt is always the first penetration of new truth
Asking for the truth, scales fell from my eyes –Sarah
Jesus is enough-He is sufficient!
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Our guests are a married couple who were faithful to the LDS Church together. Stefan coming back from his Mormon mission on fire to live a faithful, worthy life as a husband and father. Desiring to be even more worthy after the birth of their first child, Stefan questioned his worthiness and began reading the Bible diligently with the Mormon scriptures.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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What is it like to die to an old life and to move on to a new life? The fear of the unknown can sometimes be greater than what actually happens.
The Word of God has a patterned that tells us what to do for our entire life.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Confronting a family that for generations was LDS. Alicia began to understand that Jesus was more important than family. Holding on to faith and hope knowing that God was there she confronted the cost of losing family, friends and career and moved away from Utah and pursued following Jesus and the truth of His Word.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Alicia, Lynn’s daughter-in-law, grew up as a little “righteous girl”. Born into a Mormon family, she did her absolute best at living up to the standards but yet once in college at BYU felt like she was missing something, having uncertainties, feeling insecure and worthless.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
- Jesus is the Word (John 1)
- Become like a child (Matthew 18:3-4)
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Anna continues to share her story of validating and highlighting concerns she began to have about the Mormon faith. Comparing verses from the Bible and Mormon scripture, internet research and digging into apologetics. Struggling with what to believe, where true faith was and holding on to the romantic relationship she longed for she continued to study. Rejoice with Anna as she shares answers to prayer and the peace and joy she has finally found!
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Anna Banister was raised in a Christian family but was drawn away to Mormonism through a relationship with a Mormon man and his family. Mormonism taught her that the more persecution she received for pursuing Mormonism was a confirmation that she was choosing the right path.
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Mormonism was giving me control over my own salvation – Anna
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Garron Brown shares the adventure God has taken him from the Mormon Church to belief in true Biblical Christianity. Garron’s spiritual thirst for God came from his feeling of drought even in the midst of a successful Mormon mission.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
- All fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
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God is so faithful. He can take our ashes and build it into something beautiful-Garron
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Garron Brown shares his testimony of growing up Mormon, being in seminary, his mission work and his turn just 7 months ago to a personal relationship with God.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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What is performance based religion?
The basis of eternal life is very different from a performance based religion than that of the New Testament scriptures.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Lila LeBaron’s testimony of forgiveness to her father and the timing of being willing to submit to God’s will for her life. Lila needed to forgive her father and the abuse that was experienced by her mother and her 32 brothers and sisters.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Lila LeBaron’s testimony of being a part of a polygamist family from Mexico and her transition to Christianity.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2)
Perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18)
We love him, because he first loved us (1 John 4:19)
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God heard my cry and prepared my own aunt and uncle to come back to the polygamist community to lead a Bible study.
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Communication from LDS friends in transition. God is always at His work! The work of God is to draw people to faith in Jesus so they may know they have eternal life.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
- God is a rewarder of those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6)
- One God, One Mediator between God and man (2 Timothy 2:5)
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Read the scripture without any helps or cross references. Look with fresh eyes in a different translation
UGP 014: Making a Grace Escape
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You can make an escape from performance based religion without anger and destroyed relationships. The zeal for the truth can have the opposite effect to those who aren’t ready to accept the truth.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Can Christians live anyway they want to and God will still save them? Jesus gave his life as a free gift but it was not cheap-it cost him everything! As a man becomes a new creature in Christ, the disposition to sin becomes less and less as the Holy Spirit works in that man.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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God is a unique, one of a kind being, a spirit, not physically bound, omniscient, and omnipotent. Post-modernism creates our own reality, morality and faith. God wants to bring grace into our lives so we both experience Him at a deeper level and impact others around us. We become agents of transformative change!
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What is our identity with Christ alone? Is your faith about Jesus or what you can do? Grace says that God wants us to be dependent on Him.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
- Passing judgments (Colossians 2:16-23)
- Saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Distorted gospel (Galatians 1:9)
- Deceiving spirits (1 Timothy 4:1-5)
- No condemnation (Romans 8:1)
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Performance based religion is very different than grace. The idea of following rules to be acceptable to God can define a performance based religion. A religion that requires standards of behavior and the performance of those behaviors can actually run the risk of not having a relationship with God.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Our hope as imperfect people is that we can be perfectly loved by God because of grace. Grace can be bring reconciliation to the worst scenario.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
- Grace extends to thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 4:15-18)
- Ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
- Grace is also for the future (Romans 8:18)
- The friends of Job not exhibiting the hope of reconciliation (Job 4-23)
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Human touch can be a real healer. A touch of grace makes a difference. Jesus is the one who wants to let grace heal and touch you.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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What does gambling have to do with grace? What’s the risk? It’s all on the table, no negotiating.
What’s the guarantee?
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Joel shares his testimony of grace. What happens when you fall off the “gerbil wheel”? If I mess up, how do I fix it? Pride makes me feed my performance and look for honors from men. What is legalism? It’s all about performance; rules; standards of behavior; the better you perform the more pleasing results you will have. The New Testament shows us the God of love, mercy and forgiveness
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Experience a grace that heals. Grace is defined as an unmerited favor. A gift we receive but don’t deserve. Gratitude. You can have a grace that heals. Replace shame with acceptance, guilt with forgiveness and fear with confidence.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Lynn Wilder continues to tell her story of finding grace during one of the rawest most difficult times of her life and the life of her whole family. Grace can change your life and relationships. How can you respond to others struggling?
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
- Love one another, as God has loved you (John 14:34)
- All things work together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28)
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What happens when I surrender all things to God? Obedience to Him and not to a list of rules or expectations. The love of God is personal and He gives us the taste of intimacy we are searching for.
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“Many a soul begins to come to God when he flings off being religious…” Oswald Chambers
“There is reliable evidence of biblical accounts, I could trust this God!” Lynn Wilder
LINKS MENTIONED
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Lynn shares from her life in performance-based religion, and how she thought she was good. When she started reading the Bible all that changed. Jesus changed everything
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
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Grace is defined as Kindness, Charity, Benevolence, Blessing, Honor, Mercy, Reprieve, Peace, Clemency, Compassion, Forgiveness, Acquiescence, Tranquility, and Gift. Grace extends vertically and horizontally. Vertically with our relationship to God and horizontally with our relationship to people (spouses, children, parents, co-workers, friends)
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES