hope you are enjoying your weekend. It is finally nice here in Indiana, it has been a long cold "spring". Hate to bother you but I could use your expertise in how to answer my husband when he talks about my minister not having "authority" from God--that the only church that has direct authority from God is, of course, the Mormon church because it was restored on the earth. You know the message.

I don't have the scriptures to pull up to show him that this isn't true and frankly I don't know how to answer him when he says that. I was explaining a message in tongues that was given at church this morning but he is convinced it was staged because our church has no "authority". Can you give me any insight on this? No hurry, enjoy your weekend but when you get a chance I would love to get your idea on how to answer this question.

Thanks for putting me in touch with Shana - what a blessing she is! She helped me out alot.

Thanks again, am looking forward to reading your book - Deb

Debbie,

First off, the idea that Mormonism is the "Restored" Church is wrong. The idea that the Church of Jesus Christ was taken from the earth is unscriptural. It was Jesus who said "I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (Mat. 16:18) Mormonism says the gates of hell did prevail against it and the Church failed-in spite of Jesus' declaration.

Secondly, there is not idea of a "priesthood" in the New Testament, other than the concept of the priesthood of all beleivers who have one high priest-Jesus. That is what the whole book of Hebrews is about. The Old Testament Priesthood was completely fulfilled in Jesus and now anyone-any child of God- has bold access into the throne room. (Heb. 4:16)

So the whole idea of some men being set apart to intervene between man and God is foreign to the New Testament Message. Where do believers get their authority? John tells us "..to those who received HIm, to them he gave the power to become sons of God." (John 1:12) Well, if I am a Son (or daughter) of God, then no man stands between me and my family. By the way, you should read this by my wife:

Meg's testimony

Hope this helps.

The book will help.

Jim