This, being the last day of the Utah Mission Trip, we only had two hours to preach the gospel to the lost. So we went back to Temple Square in Salt Lake City. And as we rounded the temple building, we began to talk with a woman who was a worker for the Family History Center. She was on her way there as we spoke, but still had time to speak to us. It was while we were with her that we encouraged her to read the Bible, namely in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where it talks about not ever calling upon the dead. One such verse is “there shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) So we learn that calling up the dead is so wrong and spoken against. This is speaking to the baptisms for the dead, of which the names she is in charge of getting is evil in God’s sight. When Mormons are baptized in proxy of the dead person, while calling upon the dead person’s name, this is called consulting with familiar spirits who are dead. These things are abominations in God’s sight. And we should never think that we can control who goes to heaven or hell based on baptisms for the dead. This and other things we taught her.
Then, as we made it to the train depot, we spoke to a group of five young adults in their later teens to early twenties, who were Mormons. God kept pulling at my strings to speak to them and I finally gave in and it went amazingly well. It came so naturally to share the gospel message of the cross and the resurrection with them. They were each very attentive and listening to the message of Jesus. We taught that through Jesus alone can we be saved and not through a church. How only Christ can save us and not religion. How Paul said, “for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Salvation comes through our faith in Christ alone, but Godly works in us are the fruits of our salvation. Patrick also told them about the penalty for sin on the cross and other things with them. Now, before they entered the train, I gave them each a devotional card. However, one person began to talk about Joseph Smith and him seeing Jesus and the Father in a vision before they left. However, although this one person resorted to testifying about Joseph Smith, the others were very open to learn. Praise God for this day and others on this Mission Trip also. God did a mighty work in both me and Patrick and I give God glory and praise.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I thank You for this trip. So many people heard the gospel like today. This day may have been short, but again the preaching of the gospel was fruitful. Thank You, God. There is so much I can say about this trip to others, but all-in-all, it happened because You were leading both me and Patrick. We trusted in Your guidance and You did more than what we expected. Lord, may there be much fruit from the seeds that were planted. Help people come to know You personally as their Lord and Savior. I trust in You, Jesus. You are my God, and I worship You. Amen.
