just please read the below, and then do some research on your own and then you can decide, okay?

(BEV) To be honest, Donny is very well researched, and has prayed extensively to God through Jesus Christ, to know the truth.

Does it not occur to anyone that Jesus might be trying to answer Donny's prayer(s) by working through someone, (such as I), to get you or Donny to open your eyes to the Truth? Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not here for the sake of arguments of any kind, for I have truly been burdened about you all! The Lord will not leave me alone about it! Oh, please listen. Bev, I realize you're helping "Donny" with his beliefs' page and all since he's so tied up, but please understand that you must forward any and all messages that have been forwarded in these past few weeks . . . I feel that if Donny doesn't get any of this . . . well, let's put it this way, you wouldn't want to be responsible before the Almighty for the message(s) that Donny's not getting, would you? But I'm speaking to you, too. And I hope you'll direct this to the family also . . . just please read on, and then you all can pray over it and then decide. I tell you, I HAVE been directed by the Holy Ghost to confirm the below to you--even though, I've tried putting this off many times! But HE has commanded me to do this . . .

(BEV) That is one thing that I found very comforting when I was researching the LDS Church myself 25 years ago. We were not asked to merely rely on what was being told to us as truth, as I had always been taught at the protestant churches I attended. Instead, anything we hear that someone proclaims as truth, we are counseled to do as the Savior taught--ask God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, if it IS true.

"What is the truth?" we all ask. Pilate even asked Jesus this during His trial, remember? Pilate even felt fear when Jesus answered, ". . . I AM the Truth . . . " Please look at that phrase carefully. Over and over, if you have to. Jesus was telling Pilate that He's the Truth--which has brought on confusion by everyone of this world. If only everyone would just look at Jesus, He, Himself is the Truth--which also means, He's the Word in the beginning to the end that dwells in His superior Bible. Jesus has/is point(ed/ing) this out right before your eyes! You need not turn to any other doctrines or writings outside the Word (Bible). Why should you, when Jesus, the Truth, has all the answers that dwells in His Word? This is the only way to find truth. The Holy Spirit will bear witness to you either through a feeling of peace, joy, happiness, with a still soft voice or a definite feeling of actual warmth. I have experience this many times in my life and you never forget those witnesses.

The "angel of light" (who is the devil, according to the Bible) can also mislead one astray for thinking otherwise. Remember, the devil and the demons believe in Jesus too, but tremble at His Name. Jesus also told in the Bible that the heart is deceitful. 1 Tim.4:1 tells of those who follow seducing spirits and doctrines of devils . . . for some, could the "burning in the bosom" not be less than a demonic spirit masquerading as an angel of light? One cannot base their salvation and grace through "feelings." Because while we are present here on this earth, the demons and devils work through our "feelings" which can be confusing and trickery. Jesus tells us to "watch" and to be careful of these deceits. ----------------------------

(BEV) John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Yes, Jesus told the disciples this. And this the Father in Heaven did when Jesus died on the Cross, sending His Comforter (the Holy Ghost/Spirit) to help us follow/know Him and His commands. (Also to help us recognize when we are being deceived). ----------------------------
My curiosity became aroused when I was wondering how Joseph Smith came about--his writings? "Why is 'Another Testament' added?" I asked myself. "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book (Holy Bible): If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book (Holy Bible). And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." Revelation 22:18-19.

(BEV) Donny has already answered this one on his Beliefs pages:
http://www.donny.com/question.pl?cmd=view&questionid=124&highlight=Revelation+22

These were God's-breathed words before the closing of the Bible!--then, by all means, why is another testament added?

(BEV) When John wrote those words, he had not even written his gospel (John), infact, much of the Bible as we know it had not even been penned at that time; the Bible had not been put together into one book yet. Biblical scholars agree on that fact. The Book of Mormon is a 2nd Witness that Jesus is the Christ. The Lord speaks truth to all of His people no matter how scattered they are and who are we to limit those teachings and the books that might be written as a result?

Again, the Word is ALL we need--Jesus is ALL we need. I still believe what the Word tells us in Revelations (that I've stated above and below). It is a command that not any other doctrines or writings be permitted. The Gospel of John is the most compelling chapters of the Bible. In fact, every thing in John contains the basis on how we should live our lives daily for the Lord. Most classes and Bible studies is based on The Gospel of John . . . whether it wasn't all written then or not, shouldn't keep us from abiding by it now. "It is written," Jesus told. And if the Lord said it was okay to write other witnesses prior to His last closing of the Revelations (Bible), then it would be all right, BUT He didn't--He forbidded it--it's written in black and white . . . I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get "opinionated" on this. If I do, it's all because I honestly care! . . . Let me tell you, that there has been an LDS member who dropped out from these beliefs. As a graduate of Brig. Young University, raised and a member of LDS family, this man found (not just only him!) found through years of long and hard research, that the doctrines and writings of LDS/Joseph Smith/ B. Young to be false . . . usually the such are "cults".
"The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true . . . " 2 Timothy 3:16 . . .
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." John 1:1. Does this not tell us that the Bible is God's Word--not man's? And that the Bible (His Word) is SUPERIOR over any other books or writings, or anything else in the world?

(BEV) The Bible is God's word that has been translated many times to reach us. In the above scripture, The 'Word' is actually referring to Jesus Christ, not to a book.

But it's not an ordinary book . . . the Word is Jesus, Himself. The Bible is God's breathed words . . . for us to follow. If one wants to truly know Jesus, look into His Word (none other). Yes, it has been translated for us to understand. Correct, the Word is referring to Jesus Christ, who is the Truth, and Truth is The Word which is the Bible--God's breathed Word that will cast His Very Own Voice to us! Does this not tell anyone that God is speaking to us through this book? Which carries His only instructions, commands and even the Holy Ghost--and its POWER! Believe me, it has power! God also said in 2 Timothy 4:1-4: "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word (Holy Bible), be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the Truth and turn aside to myths . . .

(BEV) This is correct, many people have turned away from the truth that Christ originally taught. I am grateful that His truths have been restored in these latter days. The blessings from living the truth are immense. :-)

I was told that Joseph Smith said that he was told by the Almighty that all religion/churches were wrong . . . I was confused as to why Mr. Smith even bothered to use the Bible along with his other books, for the Bible teaches that God's Word revealed Jesus had already chosen His disciples upon setting up His foundation (church). He'd already told Simon Peter (Matthew 18-19) that he was the Rock and on that rock (foundation)

(BEV) The 'rock' in this instance is referring to 'revelation' not to the person Peter.

Would you please tell me where you've gotten this--what section of the Bible does this tell?

(BEV) If you read in the previous verses there, they had been discussing revelation and how the Lord's church MUST have continuing revelation to survive. It is wonderful that you are questioning and seeking truth for yourself. As you sincerely seek truth and pray about the things you hear and are taught, you can pray and find out for yourself what is right--this is personal revelation, and it is a great gift from Heavenly Father. This is what His Church is based upon, seeking truth from God through Jesus Christ.

I know the Truth, and that is not based on what others have taught me. I have a testimony. A wonderful testimony. It is what Jesus Himself taught me through His Word. He tells me things I need to know, to pray about, and need to hear about and reminds me what His Holy Ghost/Spirit has taught me. That's why I'm here to tell you . . . the things He has taught me, the things I want to share with you . . . the things He wants me to share with you . . . Why would the Almighty tell this through His Word (which is the Truth) to the disciples on how to build His church and then turn around and call on Joseph Smith, telling him that it's wrong?
. . . Or are we considering Nephi's words against the Almighty, God's very Word?

(BEV) We would never use the word of a man over God's word. We would also never limit God's ability to speak to us through His servants the Prophets.  In the Bible in the Old Testament in Amos 3:7 states: "7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

Our Lord is "the Lord for all." Withholding secrets and witnesses for man and selfish reasons, the Lord would not be pleased at all with this prophet's wording . . . also writings that I KNOW that the Lord hadn't had anything to do with . . .and according to many other LDS's research, I'm told that these "prophets' " writings are false . . .

(BEV)God is the same yesterday, today and forever--this truth still holds.

True that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and always, but no one can know the truth by man's words--with God's words being picked over toward one scripture to the next--which causes misleadings and "misinter-pretations." One is not going to know theTruth unless he studies ONLY God's writings (the Bible), and meditates on it, alone. I tell you, He will show you the way . . . this is the Truth, for He says so.
Are we to become "gods" when we die? According to God, in 1 John 5:1-4: "If you believe that Jesus is the Christ--that he is God's Son and your Savior--then you are a child of God. And all who love the Father love His children too. So you can find out how much you love God's children--your brothers and sisters in the Lord-- by how much you love and obey God. Loving God means doing what He tells us to do, and really, that isn't hard at all; for every child of God can obey him, defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him . . . "

(BEV)Not all will become as God, but we are commanded to do so in the Bible. Should we do less? He wants us to be like Him. ---again, you can only know this through prayer.
Matt. 5: 48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

We are commanded to, "love our brothers." That application from Matt. 5:48 has nothing to do with becoming like God, or gods. We are to be "perfect in His sight," which means to be cleansed from sin like our Father, Who is "sinless". We'll be standing before His presence one day, and He expects us to be "stainless" (sinless/perfect) before Him. He wants us to be "sinless"--we can only know this if we repent from sin! We'll be His children . . . Jesus also told the Sadducees who questioned Him about "marriage in heaven" and He said, "For in the resurrection (passing from earth) there is no marriage; everyone is as the angels in heaven." Matthew 22:30.

(BEV)This is correct, all marriages must be performed on this earth or they will not be valid in Heaven. How cruel it seems for God to have us love people deeply, to sacrifice and strive to care about and love and to endure trials with our families ONLY to have this all torn from us at death.

Not all marriage has to take place. In Timothy, Paul teaches that marriage is not for everyone. For some people, marriage can distract him/her from God. So marriage here on earth applies to some and some prefer not to marry. According to the Scripture, it's by choice, but married or not, God should be applied into their lives either way--and as far as being "valid in Heaven", God is not concerned with that, because He says that "we will no longer be married--we'll be as angels in heaven." Yes, it is cruel that we're torn apart from our families by death, but it has nothing to do with God. That stems from Satan himself. Because when he(Satan) was cast out from heaven, he caused "death" in the world. That is why Jesus wept over Lararus's death with Mary and Martha. It made Him angry, very angry because "death" creeps upon us--something that Satan has brought on us, not God! This is the very reason why Christ died for us, so that we'll have "eternal life". You see, through Him, we'll live again!

(BEV)When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden they are already man and wife--before any hint of death came upon the earth. Their marriage was eternal. 1 Cor. 11: 11  "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord."

That Scripture says "they were created from one another," not as man and wife. They didn't become man and wife until Satan came along and tempted them into sin which caused them to become "flesh" of this earth. And their eyes were "opened" in which they were no longer in the presence of God--sin causes "separation" from God.

Matt. 16: 19 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

This Scripture applies to what Jesus told Peter regarding the building of the churches. This has nothing to do with marriage--on earth or in Heaven. It seems you have been mislead through these Scriptures. I'll say it again, one cannot know the Truth by "picking" it over. If you would just start at the beginning of the Bible and read it thoroughly to the end, you'll receive the Holy Spirit and be able to understand God's Word.

(BEV)(Through modern revelation, we know that these 'keys' are Priesthood Keys--which is why we say that marriages will only be bound in Heaven if someone with the proper authority performs the binding or sealing.)

The ONLY High Priest is Christ Himself, Who holds the "keys." Again, Jesus says "there will be no marriages in heaven." The ONLY marriage that takes place is Christ Himself at His Feast after we're raptured. The only marriage taking place in heaven is the "wedding of Jesus": "Let us be glad and rejoice and honor Him; for the time has come for the wedding banquet of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the cleanest and whitest and finest of linens." Revelation 19:7-8. (The "linens" represents His church (believers of Him) and the good deeds done by the people. Through this wedding, Jesus adjoins those who had received Him into their hearts here on earth, becoming "spotless and blameless from sin" with Him at the Marriage Supper to be held in heaven. Isn't this wonderful? We--you and I--who are "white as snow" (the linens) will be His guests at His Feast! And no one is "worthy"--except Jesus, the Lamb of God. Because of His death on the cross for us, He is the only Worthy One:
"Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll, and to unroll it? But no one in all heaven and earth or from among the dead was permitted to open and read it. Then I wept with disappointment because no one anywhere was worthy; no one could tell us what it said. But one of the twenty-four Elders said to me, "Stop crying, for look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, and proved himself worthy to open the scroll and to break its seven seals . . . " Rev.5:2-5 -- (5:12: "The Lamb is worthy" (loudly they sang it)--the Lamb who was slain. . . " So we are all "sinners"--then how can we be considered "worthy"? "For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glory." Romans 3:23. It was only Jesus to be "Worthy" because He was perfect and sinless. We are all born "sinners" for the fact that the first man (Adam) sinned against God (Genesis - John) therefore, causing generation after generation to sin too. This is why Jesus was sent here to save us sinners, so that we can be in heaven with Him and the Father. "But now God has shown us a different way to heaven--not by "being good enough" and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though, not new really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us--declare us "not guilty"--if we trust jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are, or what we have been like . . . " Romans 3:21-22.

(BEV) There are different ways to use the word worthy. We can worthy on this earth to do certain things, to be responsible enough to hold an important job, or worthy to have some share a confidence with us, or to be worthy to hold a Temple recommend. :-)  You are correct that Christ is the ONLY way back to the Father. We cannot obtain this ourselves, only through His worthy sacrifice -the atonement can we become clean again. This is a great truth--- to know that we must have faith in Christ and that we must learn of Him so we can do His works--what wonderful truth. :-) Jesus will take away our sins --not just once, for we keep sinning and falling short, but we can repent and be cleansed each time we ask Him and make amends.

Jesus also says, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father in heaven, except through Me." John 14:6. So, didn't Jesus declare this--not "Joseph Smith"? Jesus IS the way--the ONLY way to Heaven.

(BEV)Christ did declare this, and if you study and learn of Joseph Smith, you will know that he declared this also. We are not saved through Joseph Smith, anymore than we are saved through Moses, or any other prophet of the Lord. Christ's truth had been added to and diminshed and some destroyed and man's teachings had crept in, so many divisions took place after the original apostles were killed. The world went through a dark period we call the Dark Ages for centuries as people floundered to find truth. Many had to literally pay money to have their sins 'taken away', people we illiterate and depended on men for truth. In the 1800's the time was right for the restoration of the Gospel. Joseph Smith was the person whom the Lord chose to restore those lost truths. He is not our Savior. . . .

but, he has lead many away from the Truth, by creating man's doctrines. Donny, I've also learned that many Latter-day Saints don't believe in "hell". Oh, Jesus warns us in: Psalms 9:17; Isaiah 33:14; 66:24; Matthew 5:22; 25:32-46; Mark 9:47-48; Luke16:23-24; Revelation 20:10; 20:15. Please read over these Scriptures--the Word (Holy Bible--Jesus) is Truth, remember? He wouldn't lie to us through His Word!

(BEV)We do believe in a 'hell'--it is called outer darkness.

Jesus has spoken of hell many times, whether many of us don't like to talk or hear about it. He calls it, "hell, hades, everlasting fire." The Bible does not refer to "outer darkness."

(BEV) Here are some references in the Bible to 'Outer Darkness'
Matt. 8: 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matt. 22: 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matt. 25: 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
 

I've also heard that Heaven has a "level/place of repentance"-- I don't understand . . . according to Scriptures, God hates sin; He turns His face from it. Why would He allow any type of sin in heaven, period? You see, heaven is only for those "who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ." No "sinners" are allowed there. One must repent here on earth before he dies . . . "But those who keep on sinning are against God, for every sin is done against the will of God." 1 John 3:4. Tell me then, why would God let "sinners" enter His Kingdom? If this was the case, then He wouldn't have send His Son, Jesus to earth to die for us! He tells through Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death." "Death" mentioned in the Bible, and through its contents is regarded as "eternal damnation" which is "hell." Luke 16:9-11: "But shall I tell you to act that way, to buy friendship through cheating? Will this ensure your entry into an everlasting home in heaven? No! for unless you are honest in small matters, you won't be in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?" So, I must ask, how can God "trust" the wrongdoers (sinners) if He allows them into His Kingdom. But God loves us! He wants us with Him. He doesn't want us to go to that terrible place, called hell. He wants us with Him, and that's why we need to receive Him as the Way and the Truth in our lives, and repent from our sinful ways, living for Him. Believing on Him, Who died, buried, and rose from the dead for us.

(BEV) As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that there are different levels of Heaven, people will be assigned to a level where they are comfortable. God is a loving and merciful Father, He adores His children and wants what is best for each one of them. I recommend that you call the LDS Missionaries in your area (they should be in the phone book under Mormon missionaries.) and talk this over with them. Pray with them, learn from them, and ask them your questions. :-) I know when I visited with them many years ago, I asked TONS of questions! And then pray about what they tell you, don't just accept things you have heard from anyone.

The divisions are as I quoted below. Levels of Heaven will be based on the rewards we believers are to receive. I could say that to you, please don'taccept the things you have heard from anyone . . . listen to only God, through HIs Word. 3rd--Heaven, God's Everlasting Kingdom, where sin doesn't exist; Where God, His believers and His angels lives. 2nd--Universe/space, Satan and demonic control where evil forces inhabit the air, but also works spiritually inhabiting those on earth, causing them to sin and reject Christ. 1st--Earth, "God's Footstool"; Satan and demonic control where we now live, sin first caused by Adam and Eve, and generations afterwards; where our flesh dwells--until pass from here to 3rd Heaven (as believers of Christ) or Hell (as non-believers). And my research came to a close when I read Galatians 1:1-10 -- "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." (And I didn't say this . . . it came from the Lord).

(BEV) It definitely did come from the Lord, and what our Church teaches is what Christ taught--if you research what we teach careful and prayerfully, you will come to know this also.

I've come to know that what LDS is taught is not of God. It came from "man". Many LDS have confirmed this. And the Lord tells us to watch for this. Donny, I know we all have different beliefs and religious opinions, but what does one have to lose if he'd just read the whole Bible. The Bible alone is God's breathed Words. Why is it necessary to add to His Will or to take away or to pick over certain scriptures when He's the Almighty Himself and knows everything that there is to know? Please consider trusting in His Word (and Him) alone and re-examine yourselves--and your beliefs. Jesus says, "My Father honors the one who serves me." John 12:26. Please don't think I'm trying to argue with you or anything like that . . . I am very concerned. And I believe with all my heart, God has burdened me with you all to direct you to Him--and Him only. Please listen to Him through His Word (Bible) and then you can decide. I don't know if you'll want to write me back or not, but if not, my heart, thoughts and prayers will be with you. Take care and God bless you. Love to you all in Christ, Jan "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

(BEV) I thank you for your concern as I feel it is genuine, and I respect your right to believe the things that you have been taught as truth. Please know that I did not join this Church on a whim. It has never been easy, my family object and I lost many good friends through my decision. I studied and prayed for answers from the Lord, for nearly 3 years, I am not easily convinced and I am thorough in my search for truth. :-) I pray that some of what I have said will be of comfort to you for what we believe, and that you will continue in your own personal search for truth and the peace Father can give you, as you have been doing. Thanks so much for writing. Bev

As I have said, I have been burdened with yours and Donny's beliefs. I just wish (and pray) that you all start with the Word (Bible) only. And then base your heart on what the Holy Ghost tells you there. Let Him speak to you there. What do you have to lose but try? Start from the beginning (without any other inference of these other writings or doctines). Try to concentrate on the Lord's Word ONLY. I believe in,not what others have told me, but what God has taught me. Try it, and see, not only if you believe differently, but receive the Holy Ghost. I pray from the bottom of my heart that you do this . . . please! If you all died today, where will you honestly be? I know where I'm definitely going, and that's eternal life in heaven. Because I have God's Word on it. I want you to have it too! Please don't be upset with me by some of my comments. I'm only concerned and don't want to see anyone become strayed.

(Donny Osmond's response can be read below.)

Because of the length of this answer already, I cannot take further time (since there are many, many other inquiries I must answer) to respond to all of your other points. I simply invite you to read the Book of Mormon. Read again the story of Joseph Smith, which you can clearly see on the web page. Then pray in all sincerity of heart to know whether what Joseph said is so. If it is not true, all of the other doctrine we teach, which you have referred to in the body of your letter, is also not true. It all hinges on whether Joseph Smith saw what he saw. Is the Book of Mormon the word of God? If he did, and if it is, it will bless your life to know it. I invite you to investigate it anew.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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