I left the LDS Church and promised to never return... until this happened | with Stephen
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- čas přidán 27. 02. 2023
- Stephen, host of Mormonism with the Murph, joins us today to share his conversion story as someone who was raised in the Church. He lived a very normal "Mormon" life growing up but when he was 14 years old, he was going through some challenges. The missionaries prompted him to look more closely at his spiritual life, after which he truly began to gain a testimony of Jesus Christ. He served a mission in Canada and thrived as a missionary. When he returned home, he was still converted but began hearing things about the church that he hadn't heard before. He was eager to prove the critics wrong but slowly began to lose his testimony. He held to his belief in God but rejected Mormon beliefs in December 2018.
Stephen talks about his spiritual journey and how he slowly came back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Truly, this story is REMARKABLE. Don't miss it!
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I’m meeting with missionaries on Saturday for the first time, hope it goes well
Stratos, Praise Jesus ! The Restored Gospel is a Joy to both recieve and share
Awesome I went to the Philippines on my mission, I cherish those 2 years
That’s awesome! Read the Book of Mormon, it’s true
@@deanschwenk1610 sy
Tyiyiek
32 years ago I left the LDS Church and vowed to never return. A year later I was re-baptized and have had a strong testimony ever since. I had a sacred spiritual experience and came back because I studied hard to find the Truth…I realized I already had it and I had to rededicate my life to Christ.
I hear a lot about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and how they have worked in your life. How do you know it was not the devil giving you these great feelings and responses from the Book of Mormon ? Do you think the devil is going to make you feel bad or inspired by him?
@@Dancathy-tl2xu whatever invites us to do good and to feel good by doing good is from God. The devil will not make you happy about doing Good things... If gaining a testimony of the Book of mormon makes you a kinder, loving person is from the devil then maybe the devil is God?
@ethersonallauigan5589
The devil will not convince you what you are doing is the work of himself, but what you are doing is from God
@@soloistamotorista
Heaven help us from what men do in the name of good.
@@Dancathy-tl2xu Trusting the Prince of Peace. There are some experiences that are to sacred to share, and mortal words cannot describe. It’s s gift from a loving Heavenly Father. vs. the father of contention, confusion, despair, and darkness.
I’ve experienced both.
Satan cannot replicate the peace that transcends all understanding
that only the Prince of Peace can bring into one’s heart.
❤️☀️
I appreciate your story Stephen and I'm so glad you found your way back. For those who may not be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I'm 56 years old and never once felt that anyone ever told me that I should not question or investigate all claims made by the Church. In my home, I always felt supported in doing that. Perhaps that's why at a very young age, perhaps 15, I started doing just that. Along the way (over decades of time) I found occasional questions that I could not answer, but put those questions on the shelf and continued to learn. Without fail, every single one of those questions have always been answered to my complete satisfaction when I was ready to understand the answer. For those who doubt or question, I hope that you can take comfort and assurance in knowing that there are people who are fully aware of every single question you have and are still very faithful members of the Church. Don't throw a way what you do know because of what you don't yet understand.
I love that, thanks for sharing 👍
James, have you read the New Testament? When Christ asked God, Elohim,Man, why He had forsaken Him on the cross. Then said, Never the less He would do His Father's will. He told His followers/ disciples, how to pray to God our Father.
He, Jesus Christ is The Only Begotten son of God our Father, in the Flesh, ( who threw over the money exchangers at the Temple, The only time He ever showed Anger because it was His Father's house they were polluting!
Jesus Christ, The Lamb of God, The Son of God, Jehovah, The only Begotten, The Messiah, The Redeemer of Israel, and many other names, but only through Jesus Christ, will bring ultimate Salvation to mankind.
Human Beings who become Perfected will agree 100% on any subject brought before them. Jesus taught we must become perfect just as He and His Father were. The Holy Ghost is also perfect in thought. Individuals are separate Just as a family, or Church can be agreed as being One in thought. Sadly not for long but we are not perfect yet.
I love being a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Me too!!! 🙋🏻♀️
Why you are here then
As am I! This church has helped me throughout my entire life and it's because it is founded on Jesus Christ! ❤
This conversion was an answer to prayer that was long coming. Thank you.
As a convert to the church I came in knowing that the truth claims were difficult to support. I read all of the same skeptical stuff and listened to Mormon Stories constantly. This was like a decade ago. The thing is, like Stephen, I also could not deny that something felt right about the Church and the Gospel so I decided to override my head and exercise faith. The particle of faith was exercised as it were.
We'd love to hear more about your conversion story, send us a DM on our Instagram if you want!
Beautiful 🥰
I would be curious if the church is open to people who don't believe in the truth claims, yet finds community with the church. For starters I can't pass the temple recommend questions in regards to Joseph Smith or the current prophet. I do think there is room for ppl like me in the church, I just have to be quiet about my disbelief.
@@rainwalker95 I started out much like yourself. There was space for me at that phase in the Church. I was fairly open about what my beliefs were as a member in the early years but at the time I also did not seek Temple Recommends. Over time my beliefs have shifted though to faithful nuanced whatever that means.
The problem I see is that nuanced believers have a spectrum within certain truth claims. it's not so much black and white but Shades of gray, Yet the temple questions are presented in a black and white way. For me, I feeling that God is leading me towards a community in line with my new beliefs.
Attest to LDS here. It took me a year of investigating and debunking before I got baptized and ultimately my faith won. I have a very strong testimony being a convert and haveing been exposed to everything prior to made my baptism day so powerful
THE only, TRUE CHURCH, THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS.
THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!!! I NEEDED THIS SO MUCH... I've been struggling so much. I was born and raised in the lds church. I'm a 62 year old woman. It's too long of a story for here. But I'm soooo thankful that you shared with all honesty! I wish I could talk to you. Wish me luck ! Or pray for me.
I'm 62 too. You're so awesome. I tell people who are leaving the church or even thinking about it- try to focus on Christ, He won't lead you away He loves you. I'd also challenge you to pray and study with a specific goal, like to know the attributes of Christ, especially the Book of Mormon. I'm praying for you because I know he wants to strengthen you to trust Him. ❤❤❤❤
Please hold on to the iron rod dear sister! If you have doubts I highly recommend the resources a the Joseph Smith Foundation. They offer a lot of answers to faith crisis questions. 😊
I appreciate your story! As others here have also shared, I too left the church for many years and yet still held to my belief in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. My life turned for the worse when I stopped being active, and I regret all the mistakes I have made. I came back after much prayer and reading the scriptures. I also had doubts as Steven did. But by the amazing love of God and the powerful wittness of the Holy Ghost, I was gently lead back to the church. And just like Steven said, when I came back I felt like I had come home. As one general authority once said (sorry,I can't remember who)"Don't doubt the gospel, doubt your doubts."
I think it's important to add that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are true followers of Jesus Christ and we ARE Christians!
Elder Holland & elder Uctdorf said doubt your doubts ….😊
So a doubt I have is polygamy. Do we doubt polygamy or is it something else? This phrase confuses me sooo much. 🙃
@@mspolicecall the quote is " doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith"
@@lisajones1438 so I'm suppose to doubt that God commanded joseph to take on these other wives?
@@mspolicecall What are your doubts about polygamy? Whether it was commanded by God to Joseph Smith and Brigham Young and other LDS Church leaders? In our modern day, we balk at the idea of one man having several wives simultaneously, but as I've investigated that practice in the early Church, I see a lot of blessings coming from it. (And also, it wasn't just the LDS who had the practice; it was somewhat common among other groups too.) There were a few women who really hated it, but for the most part the Utah women in polygamous marriages found that the practice freed them up to pursue education and careers, and I believe it was part of the reason that Utah was the first state to have women voting. There were other positives that came from polygamy, but I won't list them all. Maybe study it and see what you find.
In Joseph Smith's day, I think polygamy was more about the sealing ordinance. When it was first introduced, members wanted to be sealed to male church leaders (Joseph and the apostles) as a link into God's family. We understand and practice sealing differently today, but it is still around the principle of linking all of God's children--at least the ones who want to be there--into His covenant family. My understanding is that there is no DNA evidence for Joseph having descendants from polygamous wives, which I think indicates that he took it on as a spiritual practice. Obviously, Brigham and other church members had babies with multiple wives, and it was a temporal practice. In both settings though, it was about enlarging the covenant family of God.
I went through a lot of similar things when I was going through my crisis. Spent many years being angry at the church for deceiving me, and had problems with history, etc...I decided to trust Christ, then I became more accepting of just being a member, not worrying about if it was true or not because I figured everything was false including the church. Then somehow I ended up going on splits with the missionaries. It was a true life ambush...except, I had gone to the South on my mission and had been in plenty of these battles, but from maturity, I handled it differently than I would as a missionary...I came away though realizing that I must still have some kernel of a testimony of it...because I was able to match this Bible expert point for point...and I thoroughly 'enjoyed' myself getting into a good old fashioned bash session...So I started going out with the Elders more often after that, and then I was at a testimony meeting out of the area and a lady got up there and was talking about depression and the gospel, and it occurred to me...since I had started to try an follow Christ...my suicidal ideation had gone down. I have tried to kill myself a couple of times and been in hospital for serious depression. Don't get me wrong, I still have tough days...but the part about wanting to kill myself was gone. Now I enjoy going to church and don't try to find ways to get out of it. I've gone back to the temple, and I've even had some experiences there that are too sacred to relate. As far as the criticisms, I'm fully aware of them, but they don't eat me up inside or bother me. I figure Christ is in charge and miracles are happening.
That's awesome
Poor mental health and association with fundemental christian religions go hand in hand.
Religion can slowly kill sensitive people.
Believe in a Spirtual Creator by all means and trust that the Creator knows you where as Religion only knows and feeds itself!
Thank you for sharing your awesome experiences. They really mean a lot to me. I'm so happy that you have found your way back to where you are, and I hope it only gets better from here.
Returning to church is a huge wrestle. That piece of your story resonated with me.
I made a decision to return (after much wrestling) but I was going to sneak in late and sit in the back, and then leave early so no one could talk to me. And then… a certain hymn delivered a message and I was so completely and unexpectedly enveloped in love from an external source.
What do you do after something like that?
Thank you both for sharing.
Thank you 😊
That was the Spirit telling you what you witnessed is true.
A definition of Israel: "one who wrestles with God"
@@james8996 Those who believe in his name, are the children of israel.
I love testimonies and lessons taught thru music… ❤
I had that ah ha moment too. I remembered all the people my age that said they had it and then they fell away later (into diverse paths). That memory at the moment I realized the things I had learned were true, caused me to do something I don't hear others mention. Right at that moment I put the scriptures aside, knelt and asked for God to give me a confirmation of what I had just realized and to do so in a manner that I would never forget and could never deny.
I tell ya, that is the way to go. I never forgot and never deny.
This is the closest to my experience as I've ever heard.
I still ended up leaving the church but only because I realized that I wasn't ready to live it. Several years later I was ready.
Thanks for the saying, If you want to talk to God, pray. If you want God to talk to you, read the scriptures. That is how I learned for myself. Thank you for sharing.
I know this young man and more importantly God knows him. We are happy your testimony is back and growing.
“And while I wish my testimony could be as strong as it was”….. Gosh, I relate to that line deeply and I’ve heard so many who came out of crisis say that as well. It’s like we have faith but now we’re constantly aware that we now have to grow it and we cannot coast anymore. I am actually grateful that God does not want us to coast and really exercise agency but I understand the slight grief of not having to work that hard to keep your testimony that we often have as children and youth
Exactly, I totally resonate
Growth is always adapted to your needs, so is the speed of your growth.
God is always adapted to our needs, and to know our needs, we should pray to him for knowledge on what to do, and what we can tolerate.
What better source is there to know our capability, than from the spirit himself?
Satan will try to make us feel overwhelmed, by convincing us we arent good enough, that we arent working hard enough, etc.
However, spiritual growth is a life long process, and not something that happens in a day, or a week, not even a year. Dont be afraid, pray for knowledge and trust you'll get an answer, and if you truly believe it, you will get an answer.
Personally, i pray for knowledge through asking what scriptures to read. And if my faith is strong enough, the spirit will put 2 numbers in my mind, a chapter, and a verse (or multiple). I then proceed to read what has come into my thoughts, and its beautiful, as the message is always what i needed to hear.
Sometimes, the scriptures i read is directly an answer to my thoughts, the second i read them, because god knows everything, and know your needs personally.
It takes a lot of courage to come back to church especially when you grew up in the church, and at some point in your life you kinda slipped away. But it’s always a blessing to know that the Lord and His church will always welcome you back with open arms when you decide to go back. Thank you for sharing your testimony.
Thank you! ❤
One evening I watched a documentary on TV about the story of Noah, the documentary effectively made the story out to be nothing more than a fairytale, backed up with the best scientific understanding of our time!
I was so troubled by what I had watched, I thought if that story isn't true what else that I believe isn't true? I went out to pray that night in a local field, I'd had one or two experiences with prayer in the past but needed an answer now more than ever as I felt a bad seed had been planted in my mind that would lead me away from my faith if not delt with immediately.
I knelt and prayed for a while, got up started walking home but didn't feel I had really connected, so knelt again prayed again and again until I felt I had given all I could.
After my final prayer there was a strong gust of wind which was very odd as it was such a still night, I took it as a sign that my prayer had been heard.
I went to bed for a few hours but was woken up early by the most powerful feeling, it was as if I was being slowly dipped in to a furnace, I could even hear the roaring flames. During this experience a voice more powerful than anything I can effectively describe, I think in scripture I read 'a voice of many waters' is the closest description, the voice said three times Enos, Enos, Enos. Me, not knowing the scriptures well went searching in the Bible for the book of Enos, as I was certain that I was supposed to read it. After flicking through the bible a couple of times I realised it wasn't in there. So I grabbed the book of Mormon, found it! I read the story of a young man praying through the night, who's prayer reached the heavens and heard the voice of the Lord. It was the perfect answer and served as a protection to me when I later stumbled across all of the anti Mormon Literature.
@@gordianknot9595 it's a fair question, I can't really speak for anyone else but I know what I have explained, and it goes beyond just feelings, after a challenging divorce I asked the Lord if I should marry again and if so to make it known to me who would be a faithful companion, I saw in vision a woman that I knew years ago but would never had considered as an option, I had someone else in mind! I have been married to the woman I was shown 13 years. I do believe many people of many faiths receive answers to prayers. Speaking from an LDS point of view, I would have to say that it often takes experience in combination with spiritual discernment to judge between the spirit of the Lord (the Holy Ghost) and some other deceiving spirit. Someone who constantly strives to live according to the truth already received is more likely to gain familiarity with the workings of the Spirit than someone who disregards God's laws and less likely to be deceived by false doctrines or philosophies.
I've heard many scientists who find evidence of God in all creation, we have three scientists in my ward. Unfortunately mainstream science has become very dismissive of anyone who tries to add a creator into the equation.
@@joeoleary9010 plenty of Christian/LDS scientists like myself believe in evolution and don't claim the Noah or Adam and Eve stories as literal historical events.
Growing up in the Catholic Church and attending Catholic school we were made well aware that characters such as Adam and Eve, Job, and Noah are likely fictional characters and yet they are also more real than real people in another way. We don’t read the Old Testament as a history but rather as a document explaining human nature and it’s problems through easily palatable stories. Human nature in turn, in its fallen nature, can be redeemed through the atonement of Christ in a mystical and inexplicable way. The Bible and God and the whole enterprise of life is a wonderful mystery.
@@joeoleary9010 no, I'm saying that the science used in the documentary was based on very limited understanding, I've since come across science that gives good evidence in favour of the story of the great flood. God knows all things and will occasionally make things know to us that are beyond the current wisdom and understanding of man.
@@gordianknot9595 well I can't speak for other people's experiences, it's not for me to interpret them. I think lots of people outside of our faith can have spiritual experiences and a connection with God and its not exclusive with the church. I've had to nuance my view on the literality of all scripture and realising it's not inerrant. But believing there's still inspiration and truth at the core and in many of the messages and doctrine. I think I just chose to interpret my experiences as God being valid or real. But I recognise the possibility they may not be and that's where faith comes in.
Great example of a genuine seeker of truth!!
Thank you 😊
He's looking for it in the wrong place. Mormonism is a false gospel
@@kevinevans8892 Have you prayed while staying open and humble to god, to know whether it is true? Thats the only way to find truth, the spirit.
@@kevinevans8892 You are free to say whatever you want say.
This interview really touched my heart. I’m just so glad to hear this sweet, young man tell his story, and that he came back. Tears are flowing.
That all that Mormons seems to have: emotionalism. No evidence. Just emotionalism
@@kevinevans8892 thank goodness for emotions.
Waaw! That was so real! The questions, the situations, the revelations, and the answers. When the two sections of Doctrines and Covenants were quoted, Bible, and Book of Mormon, it was a goosebumps experiences. Time goes so fast as I was watching. Thank you for sharing that real experiences.
Your journey reminds me of what Bro Jared Halverson describes our faith journey as creation, fall, and atonement.
The reason we came to earth was so that our spirit could overcome the appetites of a physical body, and for this body to "listen" to spiritual things. Having physical proof of spiritual things would not lead us to this goal. Faith is a real part of this. It is the first step, but doesn't end there. Faith is the force that causes us to do all the things necessary to achieve the goal. The beauty of it is that it is a joyful process, we are blessed by living it. ie. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself". By saying, I want physical proof before I'll believe, is saying, there is no need for faith. Everyone that has ever lived is/was here for that purpose, even Jesus Christ. This is how Jesus Christ learned what his earthly mission was. "Asking with a sincere heart and real intent" means that you will act on the witness that you're given. I am saddened by the number of people that I know that have left because of circumstances relating to this topic.
Thanks for your testimony. Very enlightening. DG
What an amazing witness. The embodiment of the words: "Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth". Thank you for bearing such a powerful testimony. God speed your way.🙏😌👍😎
Thanks ❤
Loved sharing the back and forth of your journey. I am serving a second mission. I have more questions at 60 than I did at twenty. But I don’t need complete understanding of all secondary questions. I don’t know how this phone works but it works. I don’t know all of gods answers but I have seen him heal me. I have seen his miracles. So like nephi we are lead not knowing exactly what is next. He will show me what to do
I love stories like this. It is comparable with the story of the prodigal son . He left his father and pretty soon realised that the blessings are in his father's house so he went back with a very humble heart. I too am a member of The Church of JESUS CHIST of latter fay saints
Simplicity on the other side of complexity, love it.....great video!
I had the chance to serve in his ward back in my mission and he was a great ward mission leader.
Impressed of how far he has come, great video👌
Hey thanks man, miss you Rocha you were awesome my friend! Hope life is treating ya well :)
Being raised in the church, then wondering if it is true.. I think we must come to a time to question our testimony. Maybe it is a test to give us the opportunity to search, ponder and pray. I love this church and the fullness of. The Gospel. I love Christ and Heavenly Father. There is joy in GOD'S service.
I agree ever LDS person on there journey will have cross roads and we will have to really analyze what we believe
Absolutely. No one else can force you to believe, you have to want it yourself, otherwise you will not feel the spirit.
It was only until i first prayed with sincirety, with my own free will, wanting to know the truth that i first felt something. I had to want to know. I then got the most peaceful feeling ive ever felt, and it was almost like it was filling the room. From that day, i knew it was true. But we can only know so, by wanting to know, while staying humble and open.
God knows you, your name and he loves you. Heavenly father was very patient with you
Thanks
I love this story. Great spirit from both of you. Oh how we need your voices!
Thank you 😊
To those who say, "you created these spiritual experiences in your mind; God didn't speak to you - you just wanted this experience, so you created it," I say, "go ahead, create a powerful spiritual experience for yourself right now!" Also, as in this case, we often get answers we DON'T want. Why would we create those?
That was my experience. And for many others. I didn't get an answer until I surrendered my own ideas, ready to accept only His command and the consequences that come with it.
Wow, this is an amazing story. I'm glad that Heavenly Father stuck with Stephen as long as he stuck with him! It's a spiritual challenge and struggle when we have questions, but Stephen persevered and I'm so glad he shared his story!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@james8996 The church is God's work to prepare for the Second coming of Christ.
I’ve come across so many stories about people leaving the church that make me think they must know something I don’t, so it’s nice to hear that might not be the end of their journey either.
You might ask if it's so false, why is Satan spending all his time trying to fight against this one church dominating everything on line and going out of his way to discourage people away from one church among hundreds of others?. Alkeda kills countless people daily over their growing religion and destroys entire nations and remembers 911. Yet, people spend all their time attacking a family church with relief society sisters and clean cut Missionaries and hard working Americans trying to make the world a better place. You don't see LDS missionaries flying planes into buildings! Seems like something is certainly upside down. Satan only spends his time trying to destroy what threatens his kingdom.
There's a wonderful podcast called Come Back Podcast that I binge listened to. 😁 Those who have left the church but then "came back", tell their stories of what brought them back. I highly recommend it!! You can also find some of the interviews here on CZcams. The interviewer is Ashly Stone, who also has her own story of coming back. ❤️❤️
As an older man, I've learned to simply delete or pass over anti-mormon articles. It makes life so much easier. Pls choose Faith, not fear; that's HOW to continue receiving inspiration from The Holy Ghost.
@@patriot692 True, that does work, however when you've got many many members leaving the church and many others already confused by this garbage it's nice to be able to answer their questions by having an understanding and a qualified answer to neutralize the poison they've injected. The deception being spread about the book of Abraham for me, are the easiest to explain. Yet few in the church can explain the lies and properly point out needed explanations. Therefore I placed a video explaining the translation facts the critics hide from those they deceive which far outweigh the cons. Link UTube ( BOA ep 16) Thousands have responded positively on identified posts.
Those stories are a small minority of people who troll the internet trying to deceive people into thinking that everybody is leaving its in their imagination
Excited for part 2! Thanks for sharing this story!
Thanks for watching!
Beyond excited
I went through similar things but held on more tightly through all the pain. I learned an important principle.
When we doubt the impressions we have received, those impressions have been placed into is so deeply that say that point we are literally doubting ourselves; we are tearing ourselves apart. We must trust those feelings combined with knowledge that come that way.
Wow! Thank You so much for this story! I have had similar experiences with the spirit and God as this! Although not a faith crisis but with God telling me something that I did NOT want to accept! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Stephen!!! I'm so glad somebody else had similar interactions with God!!! This story makes me so happy!
Mosiah was not very familiar to me before, but Jesus Christ showed me in a dream… I know the enemy would never teach me something that will contradict himself. Certainly the devil wouldn’t make a book that will contradict him…. The Book of Mormon is indeed a book of God….
What a wonderful experience! Such humility and faith. Thank you!☀️
I love this story!!!! It is similar to my sisters experience but I have never fallen away
No unfollowed hand can stop the work of God even the apostate may assembled and defamed but the truth will always prevail and go forth.
Amazing experiences. It strengthens my testimony. Thank you. God's eternal grace and love didn't give up on you.
Awesome ! thanks for the great share 🙂 God is so compassionate, loving and patient and delights to work with us very Fallible mortals, including Prophets, both ancient and modern.💌👼💌
Stephen Murph, Thank you for sharing you experience, this was all part of your road of progression and it still continues. I hope it will touch many people's heart's. I am so greatful for my membership. I know that God love's me, in spite of my weakness;. I know that none of us are perfect. I know that we are All a child of God!! Even those who don't believe. Sharing your journey will help many....
Thanks
Such a relief to see positive and supportive content in relation to the church. The opposition is unkind, disparaging, and engage in mockery. They speak in half truths and make their arguments at the extremes and it is highly deceptive.
Internet is filled with opposition and lies against the church, the things some people say are just ridiculous sometimes.
Sounds like the scriptures were definitely speaking to you, Stephen! 😆 I love how spot on each passage was in answer to your prayers. Thank you for sharing your story! Gives me hope and comfort that I’m on the right path…
Yeah it really did! Thank you 😊
@@mormonismwiththemurph also, totally random! But we are going to do a day trip to north Ireland this summer to see Giants Causeways and rope bridge. Any other “must-see” things we should do while there? I had the Dark Hedges on my list but I heard it’s really not that great?
Hi Elder Murphey, this Elder Cox’s mum. I knew I recognized you as soon as I saw your face. I’m so happy you’re back. Love listening to you.
Hi Cox's mum, I love and miss your Son he was one of my fave companions. Thank you 😊
@@mormonismwiththemurph I’ll tell him I heard from ya.
I get really logical about things in the church and sometimes that hurts my faith, but what saves me is the accounts in the Old Testament that I cannot deny that they testify of Christ. My faith in him is very strong, and the way that the Book of Mormon unlocks passages in the Bible gives me faith in it. I still struggle with D&C because of Baptisms and sealings for the dead and the law of consecration, but I have always enjoyed the lessons learned from the ancient religious texts.
Thank you for this program. I have a son who's going through a phase crisis now. I hope this will help.
love Stephen. he is a great example of how we can question faithfully
Thanks 😊
Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge- but, Faith gives us motivation to follow and step into the dark. After stepping into the dark our eyes adjust and we find new information that supports our journey. Faith being imperfect allows us to be forgivable since we are not sinning against perfect knowledge. People with great knowledge and learning think they know everything. Really, is there really any one who feels that they know everything or thinks they are better than everyone. What knowledge do they think they have that is perfect. No one that I know of would claim perfection of knowledge. So, why do people suddenly think that they know perfectly well what is true of things they can't see?
Wow! Thank you for sharing your experience! I got goose bumps too hearing you quote D&C 6
Thank you, Stephen, for your vulnerability, honesty, and humility. I find your faith journey to be inspiring and it offers hope to those who have family members who are struggling with their testimonies. Bless you
Thanks ❤
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful testimony! So grateful you're back Stephen and now you have a more powerful testimony!
Thank you 😊
@@mormonismwiththemurph also listened to the BYU talk by Elder Corbridge and man that was so awesome! I'm new to this Church and I've been around but I know one thing for sure. Whether I believe in the church or this man, I know I will never change his mind and heart! I for one believe this is the only way to save the world from human trafficking and perversion and the fact that this church can feed all the children in America who are hungry!!!!! They do already!
Great presentation. I've also read the ces letter which regurgitated the same decade old and some over hundred years old claims made by those of other faiths that oppose Joseph Smith. Those who left our faith joined that chorus with combined efforts to destroy the church. The story in the video reminded me of the yin/yang powers of faith and doubt both of which are two existing principles of power. On the one hand faith brings the convincing power of the Spirit. On the other hand doubt yields a deadening power that drives away the Spirit. If any person engages in doubt notice the darkness. Why would it make sense to feel dark and empty if the road to doubt was full of the truth. Then, engage in belief and you will notice that embracing truths and roads to truth yield enlightenment and positive feelings that I have come to know are from God. Engaging in doubt of truth will never yield happiness but rather leaves an unsettling feeling and turns one into a cynic as they fight against truth. Questioning, trying to find truth is good as long as it is done in faith. Hold on to faith. Doubt your doubts. Let the Spirit guide you into all truth.
That resonates :)
@@mormonismwiththemurph I'm learning too. I'm grateful for the Spirit of the Lord.
@@joeoleary9010 that is one way to look at it. If the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints isn't true and there was no truth then that is when logic begins to replace faith and real spiritual experience. I respect your viewpoint but I don't agree. If the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true then your worldview and perspective on cognitive dissonance is wrong. Who is right? Who is wrong? Or are we all wrong together. Sounds like Joseph Smith's questions all over again. The only way to that spiritual truth is through God and getting answers from him. Logic will never do that for any of us. As for myself, I'm satisfied enough that the spiritual experiences I've had are real. And I always seek for truth. I am not afraid to read anything. What I've found is that my faith continues to be strengthened the more I study. Every argument against the church sooner or later has fallen apart completely. And my faith continues to be strengthened mostly because of the spiritual manifestations I continue to receive as I strive to repent and draw nearer to God. The invitation is out there. Have you tried reading the book of Mormon? If so, have you tried reading it in faith rather than with doubt and skepticism? There is power in that book. I know it's of God. And Joseph was right. I have grown closer to God by studying and trying to live it's precepts than by any other book.
I am so stoked for this.
Thank you so much for your honesty with your research and stages of struggles.
Thanks ❤
Beautiful and Joyful ❤️😊
That was so amazing, thank you!
I understand how sometimes we discredit the Spirit because we see it as our unreliable brain instead of a heavenly being. Now there's this whole tax scandal in Australia on how the Church is hurting the economy of Australia just to get a loophole on taxes. I don't understand (if someone does I'm interested in learning more context), but I see how it is very easy to trust "facts" and ignore the Spirit. The Spirit is powerful and true, thank you for reminding us of that, great story!
Steven Murphy I wanted to thank you for you telling your story. It has helped me in my own life challenges to see a good Christlike example of wrestling through challenges but not giving in to the easy road. Thank you.
Thank you, glad it helped ❤
Thanks for sharing your experience and testimony!
I loved listening to this very remarkable spiritual journey. He made the right decision to come back to God's fold. Thank you for this.
Investigating the church from its detractors is like interviewing Judas to understand Jesus.
-Neal A. Maxwell
Hmm. It's about balance though. Only ever listening to the people that hand feed the information they want you to have and tell you to never question anything they say isn't good either. It's about balance in life. Extremes don't turn out well.
BTW, I'm a lifelong active member saying this, not an apostate.
@@keepinitreal938 Oh I so agree! Truth& Knowledge is power!
I was anti-Mormon for several years and truly believed the garbage I was teaching.
Then I realized I was teaching lies, and some truth teaching anti/Mormon. Kinda smacked me upside the head.
Had a neat experience and started to study from true sources to see what the church of Jesus Christ of LDS really believed and ended up converting. Been one of the best decisions of my life… again, you are right, knowledge and truth= power. ☀️
None of the close followers of Jesus understood Jesus. The gospel of Mark makes that clear.
@@geoattoronto That’s true, and they also didn’t betray Him.
I would hope that I would never betray Him either had I been in their shoes. ☀️
I read several articles that were anti when I was trying to help a doubter overcome their doubts. Any time I would come across something that caused me to doubt, I would remember the experiences that I have had that led me to where I am today. I know that God is aware of me, and that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know this through the forgiveness I have experiences through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that The Book of Mormon brings me closer to Christ, and that it is true. Because it is true, Joseph Smith is a prophet.
When I learn about Joseph Smith's polygamy, or racist remarks/policy made by Brigham Young, I think to myself, "Do I fully understand the context of the "facts" presented in anti-Church documents?" "Do I understand how the saints viewed the sealing ceremony in the temple?" "Do I fully understand where/how the Book of Abraham was obtained?" No, I don't, but what I do know is what I have expressed above. I also understand that amongst all their faults, Moses was a prophet, Noah was a prophet, even Baalim was a prophet, but even with their faults, God had a work for them to do. Their faults didn't mean that the work they were doing wasn't God ordained. To bring all the Saints and all those seeking to emigrate to Zion required specific talents and abilities that necessitated someone like Brigham Young. I also realized that we cannot judge those who have gone on before by the standards we use today. God chooses from those on the earth to move His work forward, regardless of their short-comings.
Thanks for sharing your testimony and experience l know this is the true church and is led by Jesus christ i am convanat to the church i asked and pray to know before joining the church. I know with everything within me that is true because I know i can never say otherwise i know though the Holy Ghost and my saviour Jesus christ 🙏
Thank you for posting this!!
I joint the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since 1986. When I encountered some questionable doctrines, (although it never troubled me mind and soul) still, I started thinking about leaving the church. A lot of things I have to considered in joining other or different religion or churches. And the most of all is the Holy Spirt letting me know the truth as what I felt when I decided joining the LDS church. In addition to that, I have couple of dreams before knowing the Church and was fulfilled after joining. I decided to stay active and never left the faith because I cannot find it outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint till this day.
I was fortunate at a young age to be pierced with the warning that goes something like: even the elect can be deceived in the last days and fall away. Well I made a commitment that I would not be the one to fall away. That has been a protection for me to hang on and as I have hung on I have been blessed. It’s hard to see as my blessings as my husband and four children have left but through all these struggles I have had so many tender mercies that my faith still stands with Christ. I just implore mercy on the family that sits near by and watches as loved ones step off the path and the protection of a covenant foundation. It is truly painful. To know that worldly decisions will follow that will inevitably harm my loved ones and that my eternal family is shattered……. Please have compassion. If this is you, please Realize on the consequences of your decision to give up on faith. It is not just you that is hurt. Your family try’s to hang on to you out of love for you…deep eternal love that was before you were born to eternity. Please stay open to the spirit and love of God. That is all we pray for. Maybe consider that before leaving, before distorying a marriage as my son did, before taking on world habits, before braking your families hearts….try choosing faith, if not in God, maybe in the parents that love you more then life. Hold onto whatever you need to hold on to, but please I pray, hold on. 🙏🏻. Blessings will come.
One of the tender mercies for me was a question I was promoted to ask: What does the BofM promise? It promises bring me to Christ. Does it fulfill that promise? When I study all the scriptures with that question in mind I find answers.
Also: what is a prophet? One who testifies of Christ. Even with all their worldly weaknesses, it is the testimony of Christ that is important. It is the study of the Old Testament that helped me realize this.
Please have faith I pray 🙏🏻. And if not now at least I pray you feel Gods love.
Stand forever by Elder Corbridge is one of the best talks ever made
Such beautiful Tender Mercies
If no one questioning you're faith, there's something wrong with you or what you believe.
The Holy Ghost is crucial to stand your ground.
"No one can withstand the assault of the Spirit" Stirling W. Seal.
The whole world may lie, but the Holy Ghost cannot.
Very brave and beautiful Thank you
Thanks 😊
Great story. It seems like the church has one version of things simply for ease and to strwamline the process. Finding out things like Joseph first used the urim and thummim and then moving on to the seer stone in a hat brings up the question why? Well, it was easier that way and no matter how or why, it was still God inspiring him. There are something like 7 versions of the first vision, but if you put them all together they are harmonious if you look at them this way. You went on vacation or some place that as really cool and everyone asks "How was your trip?" Well, depending on the audience you are going to add things or remove things, you might have a long time or a short time to share the story, or maybe you want emphasize one aspect to one group and another to another group, so there might be some subtle differences between them, one version states (paraphrasing) the first thing said was "I am God, this is my Son and I forgive you of your sins" the forgiveness is often left out, even in the version we teach as missionaries. It just brings up other questions. We aren't trying to emphasize that his sins were forgiven and he was perfect, but that God and Jesus appeared to him, demonstrating that they are separate beings and that he was called of God to be a prophet. The forgiveness of sins makes people think we hold him up as a perfect person, as we know he later made mistakes. And besides, it would be an area of ridicule if you are trying to guide a person who is antagonistic.
At the end of the day, the thing that is most important is God loves us, Knows us, and is mindful of us and our situations. He has given us a way back, which is Jesus and the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the atonement.
It's ok to ask questions, but we need to remember that there aren't things that aren't known to us that fill in the details that really are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Did Adam have a belly button? How are we going to let the non important answer effect our salvation?
This is a great video. Thanks for having him.
@joeoleary9010 there are several different ways to gain "knowledge". A person "knows" something is true by study, prayer, living it, etc. All of these things add up to become knowledge. It's kind of like if someone told you about a new diet and workout program. You could dismiss it and say it didnt work. Or you could try it for a couple days and give up. Or you could actually try it sincerely. Eat the right foods, exercise consistently, etc. If after 6 months or a year you're leaner, stronger, have more energy, your skin is better, etc., you're going to say, " I know this works. I've lived it. I've seen how my body and my energy and strength have changed."
Same with spiritual things. As you are faithful to the spiritual workouts, so to speak, the Spirit of God enters your life more and more until you realize, "I've never felt this way before. I never knew God loved me like this. I'm now receiving inspiration", etc.
But you first have to exercise faith to put the gospel into practice. As you do it, your faith will turn to knowledge.
Dont you think if God went to the trouble of ensuring the Angel repeated word for word 3 times what he had to say to Joseph Smith that Joseph Smith should have stuck word for word what he experienced?
Because God would know that suspicious humans would smell a rat if he didnt?
@screwtape288 you're confusing stories. The first vision happened once. Moroni appeared to JS 3 times in the night and one time the next day. So 4 times total.
I loved your answers
@@racealexander1660 that is a very good analogy.
Great video. Thx for sharing.
Thank you Stephen 🙏
So much apostasy lately it's good to see A brother come back into the fold praise Jesus
Thanks!
I wish it was true. I really do, but I just can't get over the many problems. Not just the history and the deception on the part of the church, but the personal problems it has caused me. I'm happy for those that feel good about remaining in or returning to the church. I just do not think that those feelings indicate undeniable, universal truth because I feel good and at peace with leaving it behind... after much scripture study, prayer, counseling with priesthood leaders, I came to the conclusion that it is just not true. How can both things be true?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. It's understandable to have questions and doubts, and everyone's journey is unique. While we believe that the LDS Church is true, we also recognize that everyone has agency to make their own choices and follow their own path.
I’m in the same boat as you. What I’ve personally come to understand is that it’s not black and white. It’s not an “this is either all right or all wrong”. The church simply works for some people, and for others it doesn’t work And that’s OK. The god I believe in is not a black and white God. He’s not and either or God. He is in EVERYTHING. There are many different paths we can take in this life, WITH Him. So, you can choose the path of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or you can choose a different path. Either way, He’s on that path with you (If you believe in Him)
I'm curious what you mean by "both things"? What two things are you referring to when you say, "How can both things be true?"
I certainly don't have all the answers but I want to share some of my favorite verses of scripture from 1 Corinthians 13:8-12
"Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
What this means to me is this: everything and everyone on this earth is or was imperfect, except for the Savior. All the church history stuff - they were seeing through a glass darkly and only prophesying in part just as we are seeing through a glass darkly as we try to understand where they were coming from. We are all living our lives as best we can while it is all imperfect and the dark glass is absolutely no fun at times but I really look forward to the time when I will see my Savior face to face and then shall I know.
Raised in the church/gospel as well. Never seen anything else in this world that comes close to compares or offers us what the gospel does. Thank you for sharing this story and testimony.
Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing!❤
That was awesome. Thanks for sharing
I’ve never been LDS. In fact raised Catholic. I had similar spiritual experiences when praying to a specific Catholic Saint (Saint Anthony) I was astounded when my prayers were continually answered. Saint Anthony carried me another 10 years. I eventually left Catholicism and all religion. But at that time boy o boy Saint Anthony was my guiding spirit.
We are all children of God,, and we are all born with the light of Christ. He knows us and will always be there for the good people of the world who are seeking truth.
What is carrying you now?
@@safrew1 just me. I learned to believe in myself. I was a young kid when that happened. I had not matured and lacked awareness and self worth.
Thank you
Thank you.
Your agency is your gift from God. I love your story and your honesty. I struggled with things after my mission. I went to church one time after the mish, then never returned again.
Thanks for your testimony it can add mines and others❤❤❤❤
Thanks ❤
I’m so happy I stumbled upon your channel today. I’ve been so sick of all the channels/accounts that are so anti- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is so refreshing to find that there are still people out here that know the truth and are willing to share. Thank you so much for having a channel I actually want to watch.
You're very welcome!
Congratulations for returning. Awesome!
Thank you 😊
Awesome ❤
Thank you for sharing your story!
Thanks for watching!
Holy Cow! Thank you!
Can I just say that you may have just saved my church membership. Your experience isxexactly what I am going through now. As you were telling your story I was fixated on every word because I wanted to know how you reconciled the doubts.
I think a lot of people’s negative views of our church inpart come from them taking it from the perspective of the day and age that we live in now. And mostly what is considered politically correct. Which is 100% a worldly view, it is not a heavenly view. And not what was going on at the time and the way that people at that time lived. I had asked my mom one time why we had practice polygamy and she said she believed it is because we need the The members of our church to grow. And also because God asked.
My faith has always been because of my own personal experiences. The things that I have seen and gone through. I can’t change them. I was there when it happened. I felt those things. I experienced those things. I 100% believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints is true. That the book of Mormon is true and the accounts of the people that lived at that time are true. And I do believe that Joseph Smith was selected by God to bring forth the church in the last days. I believe that he really experienced the things that he had experienced in the sacred grove. If I have any doubts or concerns or questions they are my own they’re not because the information is not correct. It’s not because those things didn’t actually happen. And that God is the one who’s in control and directing everything. So I need to pray for understanding. I need to pray for clarity. And I need to pray for the gift of discernment.
We live in a very evil world right now; and there are a lot of people that the devil has on his payroll. And unfortunately there are great deal of ex-members of our church who have lost their way and want to take everyone down with them. That’s why I think it’s absolutely a necessity that you carry your own faith. You cannot rely on any one else to have Your faith. Because when everything is said and done and we are standing in front of Jesus the only thing that will matter is our own individual free standing relationship directly to him and our faith in him and God.
And I will leave you with this, it is foolish and dangerous for us to try to place limits on God because of our own lack of faith or understanding as to why something has taken place. He created all of us and everything on this planet. He has created all of the universes that exist seen and unseen. He can really do whatever he wants to do. And that is an awesome amount of power to have.
I love the continued search for Truth. If we let go of Joseph Smith, we still have Christ…who, if we stay ourselves long enough on Him, very often leads back to acknowledging the prophet of the Restoration…Joseph Smith.
Thanks for sharing. Seems like you’re having to decide whether to go with your mind or heart … evidence or feelings. You can have both. Feelings are unreliable and change day to day. Follow the evidence and your heart will catch up! You shouldn’t have to check your brain at the door when you go to church. Your questions about the Bible have real answers, you just need to press forward for more than a couple months and dig in. Biblical Christianity does not fear questions. It has stood the test of time. God bless you on your journey.
the hard part for me is that like faith the church takes three parts. the humanity of the fellowship in the church. the belief that your faith is benefiting you and not the church. and your relationship with god. i dont tithe because the church says i cant do things if i dont. i tithe because i want to give back. i dont go to church because i am supposed to i go to church because i get to talk to so many nice people when i am there. i dont believe because someone tells me i have to i believe because the holy spirit has let me know. i am loved and god wants me to thrive.
Fantastic, brothers. I so enjoyed your honesty. Btw I believe that Archeologists in America have found horse bones etc from the period before Christ. There is also a lot of evidence of Hebrew background for the Mound Builders in North America. As humans we are all fallible and imperfect but Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ are infallible and perfect. Like you, Brother Murphy, I resolved my crisis with this knowledge and have a stronger testimony now than before. Thank you both so much. 🤝🤝👋👋☺️
Thank you 😊
Me too!!
For me, I dont have a black and white view of the church anymore. There is a lot of good and also a lot of shady and unhealthy things/ways that the church does things, that I wish would change. The problem I see is that everyone is taught to treat it as black and white. You are all in and never question or you are all out. Why? Its unhealthy. Because its taught as black and white, when people leave they feel like they have to leave everything including Heavenly Father and Jesus, because they have been taught their whole life that this is the only way and that our church owns Heavenly Father and Jesus. It's so sad. We don't own them and shouldnt teach that we do, it causes so much suffering. Our church is such a small sliver of the billions on earth. Heavenly Father and Jesus love everyone and they communicate with everyone, bless everyone, guide everyone etc. If people listen. Many people in the world beleive and teach the same good principles and values that we do. We don't own good and we dont own God. I have been an active member my whole life and I have seen the damage these teachings do. Let's get away from the "one and only" and make this a healthier religion for us and our families to thrive in!
28:24 😂😂😂 “you just want me to believe” ❤
Very interesting Stephen. Thanks for sharing that. I appreciate your honesty. I don't see your issues as yours. I see them as the cloud of suspicion that God allows to conceal his holy work, and to refine not only the faith of the members, but to give excuse and allow the lack of faith contained in the world, and to give the Devil his own. I enjoy the cloud of issues myself because I know by his spirit that God lives and the Church is his. So the issues roll off my back like water. Just like you love someone in spite of their shortcomings. What matters is whether or not God is real and the Church is his. And that can only be addressed with a personal testimony from the ministering of his spirit. Everything else is academics.
I love that perspective, thank you 😊
I too had left the church and said that I would never go back to "That" church - I returned to the Catholic church - taught in the prison system Catholicism - and truly felt like I was at home in the Catholic Church. Long story short - my daughter was in a motorcycle accident ( not hurt bad - broken foot) - I had to take her back to BYU for school - while in Utah I had a very strong spiritual experience - I called my bishop and asked if I could be re-baptized - :-) Been back for about 15 yrs now.
I have found Ho'oponopono. It puts wisdom and order into my worship.
The Book of Mormon is not just true, it is essential.
I love Michael McLean's song, "I'm One Of The 90 and 9"