WOW! what a sermon! I was a "Christian" who got interested in Mormonism. I was an investigator for 1-1/2 yrs. But, it was not a total waste because, through it, I dug into the Bible like I had never done before and developed a real hunger for knowing Heavenly Father. I have been hung up on Him and His Word ever since. I even stopped reading the Book of Mormon and all their other scriptures and find I rest much better at night. I still get that old urge to be a part of them again, but only because they are such good people - just very deceived. The spirit of Mormonism comes from the occult, straight from Joseph Smith, whom they say they totally believe in. Even if they have their doubts, it would be hard to leave their world because most of them would lose their family.
But, I chose a different path and have a heavy heart for my friends now. I have to work everyday with my best friend, who got me into it, but she sees something in me that I think she longs to have, although I promised I would never try to sway her belief; it must be the Holy Spirit who draws her and I continually pray for her.
I believe that if we listen to that "still small voice," that we will allow a hunger to grow in us and then we will willingly saturate ourselves in his Word. And then our minds can be renewed and the world grows "strangely dim." Without Him how lost I would be. I couldn't have said that before I was drawn into an investigation. I fought the law and the Law won. The Law is truely in my heart now. I no longer think I have to obey it to get into the "Celestial Kingdom."
I believe it will be very hard for someone to suddenly try to turn to God when trouble comes. It would be much smoother if they have the Word hidden in their hearts and have been seeking after Him for a long time, before it is too late and there is no time left to study the Bible. Better to pray God brings along some disaster or heartache to push you into hungering for righteousness than to realize that it is too late and you missed out. I think we can pray for that hunger, can't we?
Thanx for such a rich message.