Unveiling Mormonism

We’re wrapping up our series in Galatians by looking at what grace looks like in real life—especially when someone falls short. From restoring others gently to boasting only in the cross, this final chapter gives us a powerful picture of what it means to live out grace in community. -- The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism [https://pursuegod.org/mormonism]. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series [https://www.pursuegod.org/pursuit-lds/]. Click here [https://www.pursuegod.org/about/] to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now [https://unveiling-mormonism.captivate.fm/donate] -- 👉 Big Picture: The entire letter has been Paul’s passionate plea: stop adding to the gospel. Salvation is not Jesus plus anything—not circumcision, not temple work, not “after all you can do.” It is faith alone in Christ alone. He’ll come back to this at the end of the letter, but first… What happens when you DO screw up in a grace-filled community? * That’s what Paul answers next  * Along with: * Financial generosity in that community * Should you pay your pastors? * And some final thoughts 1. RESTORE GENTLY, CARRY ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS (GALATIANS 6:1-5) Galatians 6:1-5 (NLT) 1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Key Point: * Spirit-led living means being a community of restoration: when someone sins, we help them back—not with condemnation, but with gentleness and humility. Contrast with LDS Approach: * In Mormonism, serious sin often leads to public confession to leadership, loss of temple access, and time-based restoration that can feel shaming and hierarchical. * In the Bible, restoration is immediate through grace and repentance (James 5:16). 👉 Biblical Truth: We are all saved by grace and need to be carriers of grace for one another. 2. SHARE ALL GOOD THINGS WITH YOUR TEACHERS (GALATIANS 6:6) Galatians 6:6 (NLT) 6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. Key Point: * Those who receive spiritual instruction are to share generously with their teachers—this includes financial support. Expositor’s Commentary Insight: * Paul is likely referring to money and material support. * The context of doing good (v.10) and Paul’s broader emphasis on helping the poor (Galatians 2:10) points to generosity as a heart issue. LDS Accusation: “Hirelings of Satan” * Joseph Smith called Christian pastors “hirelings of Satan” (History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 385) for receiving pay. * The LDS system’s unpaid clergy is presented as more righteous, but the Bible never condemns paid ministry—only false motives (1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). 👉 Biblical Truth: It’s not about whether a teacher is paid—it’s whether they are faithful to the gospel. 3. SOWING AND REAPING: GENEROSITY AND RIGHTEOUSNESS (GALATIANS 6:7-8) Galatians 6:7-8 (NLT) 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Key Point: * You reap what you sow—whether in your generosity or in your moral choices. This is both a spiritual principle and a financial one (2 Corinthians 9:6). LDS Distortion: * Mormonism turns this into a works-for-reward system: obey the commandments, earn blessings, climb the ladder to exaltation. * Biblical Christianity says: salvation is never earned. Good works flow from salvation, not toward it (Titus 3:5). 👉 Biblical Truth: Sow to the Spirit, not the flesh. The harvest is spiritual, not merely temporal reward. 4. DON’T GROW WEARY IN DOING GOOD (GALATIANS 6:9) Galatians 6:9 (NLT) 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Key Point: * Doing good can be tiring—but Paul says: Don’t give up. The harvest will come. Contrast with LDS Perfectionism: * The LDS system demands lifelong “worthiness” with no assurance of salvation. It leads to weariness and shame. * In Christ, we persevere with joy—not because we fear losing heaven, but because we are secure in grace. 👉 Biblical Truth: We don’t work to become accepted—we work because we are accepted. 5. DO GOOD TO ALL, ESPECIALLY THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH (GALATIANS 6:10) Galatians 6:10 (NLT) 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Key Point: * Generosity and kindness are not limited to insiders—we’re called to do good to all, but especially fellow believers. Expositor’s Insight: * This echoes almsgiving and financial generosity—another sign that Paul had material support in mind throughout this passage. LDS Contrast: * The LDS community often focuses on helping fellow members, while non-members are seen as projects for conversion. * Biblical love and generosity extend beyond church walls—to neighbors, enemies, strangers (Matthew 5:44). 👉 Biblical Truth: True generosity reflects the boundless grace of God. 6. PAUL’S FINAL WORDS: BOAST ONLY IN THE CROSS (GALATIANS 6:11-18) Galatians 6:11-18 (NLT) 11 NOTICE WHAT LARGE LETTERS I USE AS I WRITE THESE CLOSING WORDS IN MY OWN HANDWRITING. 12 Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. 13 And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples. 14 As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.  Key Point: * Paul takes the pen himself (v.11) to personally emphasize his closing thoughts. * He warns again against those who boast in external religion—in his day, circumcision; in ours, temple works, missions, and LDS ordinances. * How Mormons Commonly Boast (Explicitly or Implicitly): * 1. Boasting in Temple Worthiness * A key measure of “worthiness” in Mormonism is holding a valid temple recommend—which requires adherence to a strict code of behaviors (tithing, Word of Wisdom, sexual purity, church attendance, sustaining LDS leaders). * Many Latter-day Saints subtly boast in their temple status, seeing it as a badge of spiritual superiority over non-temple-worthy members or outsiders. * 2. Boasting in Missionary Service * LDS young adults who have served full-time missions are often given elevated status within the community. Returned missionaries are admired, and their service is seen as a spiritual rite of passage. * There is unspoken pride in having served a mission, with some viewing non-returned missionaries as less committed or “less faithful.” * 3. Boasting in Genealogical Work and Proxy Ordinances * Mormons often highlight their participation in baptisms for the dead and other proxy temple ordinances for deceased ancestors. * Success in genealogical research or number of ordinances completed can become a spiritual measuring stick—something to quietly brag about in lessons or talks. * 4. Boasting in Church Callings (Leadership Roles) * LDS culture often places high value on leadership positions—bishoprics, Relief Society presidencies, stake leadership, or area authorities. * Holding important callings can become a source of spiritual pride, with those without leadership roles sometimes seen as less faithful or capable * 5. Boasting in Family Size and Obedience to LDS Family Ideals * Mormons frequently boast—sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly—in having large families, temple marriages, and obedient children. * The “ideal Mormon family” is often presented as a benchmark of righteousness, leaving singles, childless couples, or those from broken homes feeling spiritually “less than.” The Real Boast: * Paul says: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.14). * He makes it clear: external signs (circumcision then; temple garments now) mean nothing—what matters is being a new creation in Christ (v.15). Galatians 6:15-18 15 It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. 16 May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. 17 From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus. 18 Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. The True Israel: * Paul speaks peace over those who follow this rule—those who understand that salvation is by grace, not law (v.16). Final Thought: * Paul closes with grace—the same way he started (v.18). * The gospel of grace is the true gospel—anything else is slavery. 👉 Biblical Truth: The Christian life is grace from start to finish. Our only boast is the cross, not our own performance.

What if the very system you trust to bring you closer to God is actually pulling you away from His grace—and true freedom is found somewhere you might not expect? In Galatians 5, Paul reminds us that true freedom comes not from religious rule-keeping or law-based performance, but from living by the Spirit through faith in Christ alone. -- The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism [https://pursuegod.org/mormonism]. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series [https://www.pursuegod.org/pursuit-lds/]. Click here [https://www.pursuegod.org/about/] to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now [https://unveiling-mormonism.captivate.fm/donate] -- Galatians 5 | True Freedom in Christ Section 1: Stand Firm in Freedom (Galatians 5:1-6) Galatians 5:1-6 (NLT) Christ has truly set us free. Paul urges us to stay free and not get tied up again in slavery—this time, not slavery to old sinful habits, but to religious legalism. Both are equally destructive. Many Mormons follow rules, believing this makes them justified before God. Paul, once a Pharisee, believed the same until he encountered Christ: Philippians 3:7-9 (NLT): Paul calls his former religious achievements "garbage" compared to knowing Christ. Relying on works, like circumcision in Paul’s day or LDS temple worthiness today, cuts people off from Christ and God's grace. True righteousness comes by faith alone. Big Idea: Christ set us free—don’t return to a system of religious control. Illustration: Jesus didn’t come to give us a new set of religious rules. He came to set us free (Matthew 11:28-30). Section 2: The Danger of Legalism (Galatians 5:7-12) Galatians 5:7-12 (NLT) The Galatians were running well until false teachers led them astray, adding law-keeping to the gospel. Paul warns that even small false teachings spread like yeast. Who holds Mormons back today? Consider the "Four Horsemen" of LDS control: 1. LDS Leadership 2. LDS Scriptures 3. LDS Temple System (worthiness interviews, temple recommends) 4. LDS Culture and Social Pressure All these create a performance treadmill, keeping people from the simple gospel of grace. Paul is blunt: False teachers deserve judgment. Section 3: Freedom Isn’t a License to Sin (Galatians 5:13-15) Galatians 5:13-15 (NLT) Freedom from the law doesn’t mean freedom to indulge the sinful nature. It leads to loving and serving others. Key Point: True freedom leads to love and service, not selfishness. LDS Misconception: Evangelicals are often accused of "cheap grace." Examples: * Bruce R. McConkie (Book: Mormon Doctrine (2nd ed., 1966), p. 671) : “One of the most pernicious heresies of modern Christendom is the concept that man is saved by grace alone... This concept, as interpreted by modern Christians, removes all the restraints which encourage personal righteousness and offers salvation to the sinner merely for confessing Christ.” * Spencer W. Kimbal (Book: The Miracle of Forgiveness (1969), p. 206) : “One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation.” * True to the Faith (A Gospel Reference (Official LDS Manual, 2004, p. 77): “The phrase ‘after all we can do’(2 Nephi 25:23) teaches that effort is required on our part to receive the fulness of the Lord’s grace and be made worthy to dwell with him.” Paul anticipates this: True gospel freedom produces holiness, not lawlessness (Romans 6:1-2). Biblical Truth: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live differently—not to earn salvation, but because we already have it. Section 4: The Flesh vs. The Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26) Galatians 5:16-23 (NLT) The Christian life is Spirit-led, not law-driven. The Holy Spirit guides us, gives us new desires, and directs our lives. Without the Spirit, we live in the "works of the flesh" (Gal 5:19-21): sexual immorality, jealousy, fits of anger, selfishness, etc. With the Spirit, we see the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Key Point: Fruit is evidence of a Spirit-led life—not a behavioral checklist for worthiness. LDS Misunderstanding: Mormonism often presents the fruit as a checklist for earning God’s favor. Biblical Application: True Christian living is not about trying harder but walking closer with Christ (Gal 5:25). Galatians 5:24-26 (NLT) Those who belong to Christ have already crucified their old sinful nature. This is positional truth—the old life is dead. Now we walk in the Spirit daily—this is practical sanctification: living out the reality of what Christ has already done. The LDS Contrast: No Finished Work, No Assurance In Mormonism, justification and sanctification blur together. There’s no "it is finished" moment of assurance (John 19:30). Worthiness is always in question. Example (Gospel Principles, Chapter 47): "We must strive continually to remain worthy…" Key LDS mindset: Salvation is always future-oriented and uncertain. In contrast: * Biblical Christianity offers freedom through faith in Christ. * True fruit is produced by the Holy Spirit, not by works. * Salvation is by grace alone, not grace "after all you can do." * Obedience flows from love, not fear or duty.

In Galatians 4, Paul draws a bold line between spiritual slavery and true sonship—and if you’ve ever felt trapped by religious performance like in Mormonism, this chapter is your invitation to step into the freedom of being fully adopted by God through faith in Christ alone. -- The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism [https://pursuegod.org/mormonism]. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series [https://www.pursuegod.org/pursuit-lds/]. Click here [https://www.pursuegod.org/about/] to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now [https://unveiling-mormonism.captivate.fm/donate] -- Galatians 4 | From Slavery to Sonship Theme: Freedom in Christ vs. LDS Legalism and Spiritual Bondage Last time in Galatians 3, Paul made it crystal clear: Salvation comes by faith in Christ—not by keeping the law. Paul dismantled the idea that law-keeping could ever make someone right with God. He pointed to Abraham, showing that even he was saved by faith long before the law was given. Paul explained that the law was like a temporary guardian or tutor, showing us our sin but never designed to save us. The big takeaway from Chapter 3: We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ—not by religious performance or obedience to commandments. Where Galatians 4 Picks Up: Now, in chapter 4, Paul continues that argument—but he shifts the focus to something deeply relational. He introduces the beautiful truth that believers aren’t just forgiven sinners—they’re adopted children of God! Paul uses family language—sons, heirs, adoption, Abba Father—to contrast the cold slavery of law-based religion with the warm relationship of grace-based Christianity. This next section will especially hit home for LDS listeners, because Mormonism still keeps people under law, denies full adoption until after lifelong worthiness, and often replaces a personal relationship with God with institutional loyalty and religious performance. Let’s dive into Galatians 4: From Slavery to Sonship. Section 1: Galatians 4:1-7 | From Slaves to Sons: Relationship by Faith, Not Law Paul starts with a cultural illustration. In ancient times, heirs had no more rights than slaves until their father declared them full sons. * Jewish context: Age 12, "son of the law" * Greek context: Coming of age around 18 * Roman context (likely Paul’s audience): The father chose the time for full adoption and inheritance Spiritual point: Before Christ, people lived like spiritual minors—under guardianship, lacking freedom. Galatians 4:3 says we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world—elemental spiritual forces linked to pagan gods and demonic powers. Modern LDS Parallel: Many LDS today engage in spiritualistic practices: energy healing, chakra work, astrology apps, spirit communication, manifestation, and lightworking. Mormonism’s openness to extra-biblical revelation makes this trend possible and widespread. God’s Rescue Mission Through Christ (Galatians 4:4-5): Jesus came at God’s appointed time to redeem those under the law. Not just freedom from slavery—but full adoption as sons and daughters. Result (Galatians 4:6-7): Believers receive the Holy Spirit, prompting us to call God "Abba, Father." We are no longer slaves but God’s own children and heirs. Contrast with LDS Doctrine: LDS salvation is future, conditional, and performance-based. Biblical salvation is present, relational, and grace-based. Section 2: Galatians 4:8-11 | Warning: Don’t Trade One Slavery for Another Before Christ, the Galatians were slaves to false gods—demonic powers behind pagan religions. Now that they know God, Paul is shocked they would turn back to "weak and miserable principles." Expositor’s Insight: Legalism and false religion are weak (they can’t redeem) and miserable (they can’t provide adoption). LDS Application: Mormonism today offers another powerless, performance-based religion: temple worthiness, tithing, Sabbath observance, priesthood ordinances. Paul warns against religious calendar legalism—observing special days, months, seasons, and years—as another form of spiritual slavery. Section 3: Galatians 4:12-20 | Paul’s Pastoral Plea: Don’t Turn on the Messenger Paul reminds the Galatians how they once welcomed him like an angel, despite his illness. But now, because he’s telling them hard gospel truth, they’re treating him like an enemy. Joseph Smith Parallel: Paul’s words fit what Joseph Smith did—alienating people from gospel-preaching churches and setting himself up as the only voice of truth, introducing a new legalistic, works-based system. Paul expresses deep emotional pain, longing for Christ—not law—to be fully formed in them. Evangelical Reflection: Christians today don’t want to win arguments with Mormons—we want them to experience true spiritual rebirth. Section 4: Galatians 4:21-31 | Two Covenants: Hagar (Law) vs. Sarah (Promise) Paul uses the story of Abraham’s two sons: * Hagar represents the Old Covenant, law, slavery, and earthly Jerusalem. * Sarah represents the New Covenant, promise, freedom, and heavenly Jerusalem. Key spiritual point: Ishmael was born by human effort (law and works), Isaac was born by supernatural promise (grace and faith). LDS Application: Mormonism is modern Hagar: * Founded by human effort and Joseph Smith * Built on law, temple covenants, priesthood ordinances, and works righteousness Biblical Christianity is Sarah: * Supernatural, Spirit-born * Resting on God’s promise of salvation through Christ alone Paul ends with a strong command: "Cast out the slave woman and her son… we are not children of the slave woman but of the free woman." Evangelical Call to LDS Listeners: Leave Mormonism’s slavery. Embrace spiritual freedom, adoption, and grace through faith in Christ alone. Chapter 4 Summary for Mormons: LDS Religion: * Man-made, law-based, performance-driven * Founded by human effort (Joseph Smith) * Requires obedience to ordinances and priesthood covenants * Keeps people enslaved under weak and miserable principles Biblical Christianity: * God-made, grace-based, Spirit-born * Founded on Christ’s finished work * Offers adoption and freedom the moment you trust Christ * Grants full sonship and inheritance through the Holy Spirit

God's Word isn't just a collection of wise sayings—it’s alive, powerful, and confrontational. In this episode, we dive into 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16 to explore how Scripture doesn’t merely inform us—it exposes us. From heartfelt conversion to outright rejection, everyone ultimately has to deal with the truth of God’s Word. Are you willing to submit to what it reveals in you? -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org [https://pursuegod.org]. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series [https://www.pursuegod.org/go]. Click here [https://www.pursuegod.org/about/] to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now [https://pursuegod.captivate.fm/donate] -- Title: The Power of God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16) This week:  * God’s Word doesn’t just inform you—it exposes you. * Whether you believe it or not, the Word of God will reveal what’s really going on inside. * You can run, but you can’t hide from God’s Word. * The power of God’s Word * Specifically, how it can expose you * Whether you believe or not, what’s really going on inside you * I meet with people all the time, and I can’t always tell where they stand * Some of you might say, “I don’t know myself!” * But here’s what we can say for sure:  * God’s Word will eventually expose everyone * You can run, but you can’t hide from God’s word.  * Our key verse actually comes from another book of the Bible * Hebrews, author unknown (possibly Apollos) * Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. * God’s word draws a line in the sand * Are you willing to submit to God?  * We’ll see this in action in our text today * Start with our question: * Q. When was the last time God’s Word exposed something in you? * Reading the Bible, finding something objectionable * Ex: Kenzie reading the Bible in high school… * Or listening to a sermon… 1 Thessalonians 2:13a Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is.  * Pay attention to two words here * Received = paralabontes * (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The reception of teachings from a teacher by a student was commonly described using the word employed here (paralabontes)... as in the case of Alexander the Great, who "received from his master [Aristotle] his ethical and political doctrines"... * Intellectual assent * Accepted = edexasthe * (Pillar New Testament Commentary) While accepted (edexasthe) is almost synonymous with received of the previous clause, the verb commonly places more emphasis on personal appropriation. In other words, they solemnly received the sacred message and appropriated it for themselves. * Not just head level, but heart level * Gut-level belief * IOW Paul is describing their moment of conversion * They shared the good news about the Messiah (more than philosophy) * In their words, a human appeal (on the surface) * But really God’s word, a divine invitation (beneath the surface) * 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NLT) 5 For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. * The Thessalonians received and accepted it * 2 Thessalonians 2:14 (NLT) 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. * This is how God’s Word works for those who believe: * The External Call: Someone shares the message * You’re broken, Jesus can save you * Physical ears * The Internal Call (Acts 2:37): God Makes It Personal * The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, opens eyes to the truth of the gospel, and invites the person to respond (John 16:8-11). * Spiritual ears * This work is real, personal, and internal—not just hearing a message, but feeling the weight of God's call on your heart. * Acts 2:37 (NLT) 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” * Faith and Repentance (Romans 10:9): Our Response to God’s Work * Romans 10:9 (NLT) 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. * God’s word has exposed my innermost thoughts and desires. * And now I’m responding to it (accepting it) * Once God gives spiritual life, a person willingly and joyfully turns to Him. * They repent—turn away from sin—and believe the gospel. * This is what we usually call conversion: our active response to God’s saving grace. * Regeneration: God Gives a New Heart * The person is “born again”, made spiritually alive * Note: Calvinists would say that regeneration happens before Faith/Repentance * See Calvinism vs Arminianism (series) [https://www.pursuegod.org/cva/] * Changed Life (1 Thess 2:13): Evidence of True Conversion * New desires, growing obedience, and love for Jesus. * 1 Thessalonians 2:13b And this word continues to work in you who believe. What about people who reject God’s word? (The Tragic Response of Unbelief) Let’s read on… 14 And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen. In this way, you imitated the believers in God’s churches in Judea who, because of their belief in Christ Jesus, suffered from their own people, the Jews. 15 For some of the Jews killed the prophets, and some even killed the Lord Jesus. Now they have persecuted us, too.  * Notice that Paul is calling out those who reject God’s word * It has a different effect on them * They heard the same external call * But instead of responding to the message with faith and repentance * They killed the messengers * Prophets first * 1 Kings 19:10 (NLT) 10 Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” * Jesus: Matthew 23:37 (NLT) 37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. * Stephen: Acts 7:51 (NLT) 51 “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you!  * Resist, reject the internal call (see above) * Jesus second * Now some of the believers The harshest words come next: 15b They fail to please God and work against all humanity 16 as they try to keep us from preaching the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. By doing this, they continue to pile up their sins. But the anger of God has caught up with them at last. * The Bible is clear: not everyone is neutral. Some are actively resisting, mocking, or even trying to undo God’s purposes. This was true in biblical times, and it’s still true today. * Obviously: Persecutors of the Church * Governments, extremists, or individuals who arrest, silence, or kill Christians around the world today. * North Korean Government * Radical Islamist Groups (e.g., Boko Haram, ISIS) * Also: Militant Atheists * Some aren’t just skeptical—they are aggressively anti-God and anti-Bible.  * Richard Dawkins, who calls belief in God a “delusion” and encourages others to mock religion. * And even: Activists Who Reject God’s Design * Movements that promote confusion about gender, the devaluation of life, or sexual immorality are often grounded in rebellion against God’s created order (Romans 1:18-32). * Planned Parenthood promotes and profits from abortion, undermining the sanctity of human life made in God’s image (Psalm 139:13-16). Some people resist God out of ignorance. Others actively oppose Him with their words, actions, and influence. But no one will stop His plan. * Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Close: Finish with the next verse Hebrews 4:13 (NLT) 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. * The Greek term there (“trachēlizō”) * Hebrews 4:13 (Expositor's Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) "Laid bare" is an unusual word, sometimes used of wrestlers who had a hold that involved gripping the neck and brought victory. So the term can mean "to prostrate" or "overthrow." * A submission hold in wrestling (and other combat sports like MMA or jiu-jitsu) is a technique that forces the opponent to tap out (submit) because of pain, pressure, or the threat of injury. It's designed to make someone completely surrender control. * Line in the sand: are we willing to submit? Bottom line: Whether you're a skeptic or a seeker, believer or doubter, God’s Word will confront you. You will either resist it, or let it change you. Q. When was the last time God’s Word exposed something in you? * And then… did you respond with rejection—or repentance?

Galatians 3 is Paul’s bold rebuke to any religion that adds effort to grace—and that includes modern Mormonism. In this episode, we unpack Paul’s powerful message that salvation doesn’t come through priesthoods, ordinances, or performance—but by faith alone. From Abraham to the cross to the new covenant, God’s promise has always been simple: Trust in Jesus, and you belong. Mormonism complicates what God made clear. This chapter shows why that matters. -- The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism [https://pursuegod.org/mormonism]. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series [https://www.pursuegod.org/pursuit-lds/]. Click here [https://www.pursuegod.org/about/] to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now [https://unveiling-mormonism.captivate.fm/donate] --