At the beginning of my search I chose to disregard what I had been taught as a Jew. I literally wiped the slate clean. I wanted no one’s opinion or comments, just to read and study anew the following religions (Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Mormonism) . To determine for myself based on science, history and archeology, just as Pontius Pilate said to Christ…” What Is Truth?”.

Mike, every conscientious religious person has a responsibility to be certain that what he or she claims to be from God, really is from Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 examine everything carefully: hold fast to that which is good.
1 John 4:1 beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Mormonism either stands or falls based on the validity of Joseph Smiths vision. He is either a true prophet from God or a false prophet. Jesus called false prophets white washed sepulcurs filled with dead men’s bones. The Apostle Paul speaking to the Church at Ephesus in Acts 20:29-30 said…I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own self’s men will arise speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.

Mike, I do not recognize Joseph Smith as a prophet for the following reasons.
1. He did not heed the warning in Galatians 1: 6-9….I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed……
Moroni is an angel from heaven.

2. God in scripture, has warnings about changing His word. In Deuteronomy 4:2 Moses warns the children of Israel….you shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. Joseph Smith added over 800 words to Genesis 50. He inserted the reference to Moshiach Ben Joseph who was to come in the latter days. And of course this reference applies to non-other than himself. There is only one consistent reference in the Bible to a Moshiach Ben David, who is none other than Jesus the Christ…not Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith also altered the book of Revelation, ignoring the warning of Rev. 22: 18-19…..I testify to everyone who hears the prophesy of this book; if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book and if anyone takes away from the word of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

Mike I believe as Gods word says that His word never changes, nor does He. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Your Mormon prophets have changed the doctrines of your faith over 4000 times with new revelations since the 1820’s. The Jewish rabbis also found it necessary to compile the Talmud, a 30 volume commentary of rules to live by that have changed with each revered rabbi throughout the last 1800 years. That is where the similarity lies between Mormonism and Judaism, both religious systems have moved away from GODS TRUTH as revealed within the pages of His Inspired Word.

Mike, I like you and Denise a lot. I respect your integrity, honesty and commitment to your family. But our faiths are as far apart as eternity. When you go to your Mormon temple you have the statue of your angel Moroni at the top of the spire. When I go to Church we have the Cross at the top of the spire. You have Moroni, we have Jesus Christ, J’shua Hamachiach, The Messiah, THE SON OF GOD…who came to die on that cross to save people born with original sin. Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the FATHER but by ME!

Mike you are the spiritual head of your family, just as I am. Set what you have been taught all your life aside and begin a study of Mormonism vs. Christianity…search for the truth, try and answer the arguments used against your Mormon faith, just as I did with Judaism. Approach this task in prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ alone. He will show you the truth.

The issues of Mormon revelations can be reduced to one simple test. If Joseph Smiths revelations deny, contradict or oppose the original inspired word of God; then whatever their source, they cannot possibly have originated with God The Father. And if they did not originate with God, they have no divine authority and should not be heeded.

Belief in JESUS is the key to everything, but you and I do not worship the same JESUS.