Daily EncouragementSample

These are strong words, but such words are needed to safeguard “the glorious gospel of the blessed God” (1 Tim. 1:11).

My wife and I once had the opportunity to visit the Mormon complex in Salt Lake City. Visitors were not permitted into the temple precincts, but there was an impressive visitor’s centre. At the entrance stood an imposing statue of Christ. From there we were conducted down a hallway, on the walls of which were pictures of scenes in the life of our Lord. All appeared to follow the gospel record. So far so good - although we were a trifle embarrassed by our daughter’s loud and clear question, “what’s wrong with all this, daddy?”

Then we turned a corner. It was like moving from reality into fantasy. In a large glass case there was an effigy of Joseph Smith, receiving the infamous golden plates from the hands of an angel. The words of the apostle came instantly to my mind - “ . . . or an angel from heaven.” I felt it was very significant that that particular phrase had been included in Paul‘s anathema. These thoughts were strengthened still further a we watched a film which made the statement, “Faith in Christ is not enough!”