Unveiling Mormonism

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”Ephesians 5:3We should be pure because God calls us to be. This is the mindset we need to pursue. It isn’t out of fear of consequences, hope for a better future, or anything else. It needs to be out of love and respect for God and his standards. But we will get into that more tomorrow.The question for today is, what is purity? It is ensuring there is not even a hint of sexual immorality in our lives.That is a pretty high standard, and it can feel daunting to achieve that especially if you have been living in this sin for a while. I know I felt like that was an impossible task when I started this journey. But then I learned something that changed everything:This battle is not about what you do, it’s about who you are becoming.Sexual purity isn’t just about avoiding porn or staying away from the wrong websites. That’s surface-level thinking. This journey isn’t about what you do—it’s about finally being the man God calls you to be. And God is calling you to become a man of honor, discipline, and integrity. Sexual purity is the byproduct of a life that belongs fully to Jesus.The truth is, we live in a world that constantly puts sex in our faces—on our phones, in music, in ads, in movies. So living this new life will not be easy.You are going to have to make some sacrifices that will hurt.I know when I began this journey, two things were true:I was ready to do whatever it tookI was sick of being lied to, by the enemy, by the world, and by myselfSo I’m not going to do that to you. Here is the honest truth: somedays, this is gonna suck. It’s going to hurt like hell and there will be moments where you will think life was better before.But remember how you feel right now, ready to be free. Purity is not a one time decision, it isn’t a one size fits all step by step guide, and it definitely isn’t a pay your way service. So what is it then?Purity is a daily pursuit of God.It is waking up everyday and deciding, just for today, to live for God and with God in every area of your life.Half measures and white knuckling it will not work, but you already know that.You can’t live in freedom if you're pretending you don’t need it.Begin the Process of Becoming a New ManFollowing Jesus means more than a one-time decision. It’s a daily process of surrender. Think of your heart like a house. Have you locked Jesus out of any rooms? Maybe there's a room marked “Lust” or “Shame” or “Private Struggles.” Jesus doesn't want visitation rights—He wants ownership.“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in...” — Revelation 3:20 (NLT)When Jesus knocks, He’s not just being polite. He’s coming to set you free. But freedom will require sacrifice, intensity, and honor. You won’t drift into purity—you’ll have to fight for it.The 3 Rules to Start With:No secrets. You can't heal what you hide.Be 100% honest all the time, no matter whatNo compromise. What you allow in small amounts will master you over time.In your allowed media, eye discipline, etc.In your consistencyNo excuses. This is a battle of consistency, you won’t win it in a day, but you have to win today.It’s time to be matureYou are in control, any other idea is a lieThe Key Disciplines to Embrace:Daily time in God’s Word – Truth renews your mind.Authentic brotherhood – You weren’t meant to fight alone.Radical honesty – Say it out loud. Darkness dies in the light.Prayer and worship – Not just in crisis, but as a lifestyle.Fasting and boundaries – Train your body to follow your Mentioned in this episode:OutroIntro

This week we tackle a big question: Who really speaks for God? With the Catholic Church appointing a new pope this year, and the Mormon prophet passing away just this weekend, both traditions are again highlighting their unique systems for choosing a spiritual leader. Catholics gather in Rome and elect a pope. Mormons promote their longest-serving apostle to prophet. But both groups agree on one thing: their leader is God’s one true mouthpiece on earth.In this episode, we’ll explore:How prophets are chosen in the Bible — God personally calls His messengers (Exodus 3, Isaiah 6, Jeremiah 1).How Mormons pick their prophet — by seniority in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.How Catholics choose their pope — by election among cardinals.What each group believes about their leader — both claim he speaks with divine authority.Why both systems are unbiblical — Hebrews 1:1–2 shows that in these last days God speaks through His Son.Real-world examples of the danger of unchecked authority — LDS prophets reversing “eternal” teachings, Catholic popes pushing indulgences.The biblical test of prophets — Deuteronomy 13 and 18 show how to spot false authority.The biblical model of leadership — pastors and elders serving under Christ and His Word (1 Peter 5, Titus 1, Acts 17).The good news — Jesus is the final Prophet, Priest, and King. We don’t need a pope in Rome or a prophet in Salt Lake City. We need Christ.Key Verses:Hebrews 1:1–2Isaiah 8:20Deuteronomy 13:1–5; 18:21–221 Peter 5:2–3Acts 17:111 John 4:1Takeaway:Catholics say, “Follow the pope.” Mormons say, “Follow the prophet.” But Jesus says, “Follow me.”--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --

This is a real life story from a real life dude dealing with real life lust.Mentioned in this episode:IntroOutro

Welcome to Fight Club.A community of young men dedicated to pursuing freedom from lust and victory in Jesus Christ.Join or Die (in your sin).Mentioned in this episode:OutroIntro

In this episode, Bryan and Layne unpack the final temple recommend questions—showing how LDS “worthiness” tests create pressure and why the Bible offers true confidence through Jesus’ finished work, not our performance.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Temple Recommend Questions (Part 2): Worthiness and the GospelIn this episode, Bryan and Layne continue their conversation about the 16 temple recommend questions every Latter-day Saint must answer in order to be considered “worthy” to enter the temple. Picking up at question nine, they explore the topics of honesty, tithing, the Word of Wisdom, divorce obligations, temple covenants, serious sins, and the final worthiness questions.Layne shares from his own experience as a former Mormon how these interviews shaped his view of God and created constant pressure to prove his worthiness. Together, Bryan and Layne contrast that system with the Bible’s message of grace—where worthiness is not earned by man but fully given through Christ.You’ll hear how:Honesty and integrity matter, but only Jesus was perfectly honest.Tithing becomes a “fire insurance” requirement in Mormonism, but the Bible calls us to joyful generosity.The Word of Wisdom mixes biblical wisdom with added, shifting rules.Temple covenants are heavy and impossible to keep perfectly—yet Jesus kept the law on our behalf.True confession begins with God, not with a bishop or stake president.Our worthiness is found in Christ alone, not in passing a list of man-made questions.This episode helps listeners see the difference between the pressure of man’s system and the freedom of Christ’s finished work.

In this part 1 of 2 episodes, Bryan and Layne pull back the curtain on Mormonism’s temple recommend—walking through the 16 worthiness questions, why they emphasize loyalty and performance over Jesus’ finished work, and what the Bible says about true access to God.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --What Is a Temple Recommend in Mormonism?In this episode, Bryan and Layne take listeners inside one of the most important—and least understood—practices in Mormonism: the temple recommend interview.For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), receiving a temple recommend is like getting a spiritual passport. Without it, you cannot enter Mormon temples, where sacred ordinances such as baptisms for the dead, eternal marriages, and endowments are performed. To get one, every member must answer the same 16 “worthiness questions” in interviews with both their local bishop and their stake president.Layne, who held temple recommends for decades before leaving Mormonism, explains what these questions are, what they test, and how they compare with the Bible’s teaching about salvation, worthiness, and grace.What Is a Temple Recommend?A temple recommend is a physical card (now often digitized) that allows a Mormon to enter any LDS temple worldwide. It is valid for two years, after which the member must repeat the interview process to renew it.For many Mormons, obtaining a recommend is the pinnacle of religious devotion. From childhood classes to teenage priesthood offices, LDS culture builds anticipation for the temple. Preparation includes six weeks of temple prep classes and then the recommend interview.The interview itself consists of 16 standardized questions. These questions are designed to measure whether someone is “worthy” to enter the temple. But as Layne explains, they often test external performance more than internal faith.What the Questions Really TestThe first few questions sound straightforward:Do you have faith in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost?Do you have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His role as Savior and Redeemer?At face value, many Christians could answer “yes.” But the problem arises in the definitions. A biblical Christian would describe God as one eternal Being in three persons—the Father, Son, and Spirit. Yet Mormonism defines them as three separate gods. Similarly, Mormons often emphasize Jesus’ suffering in Gethsemane rather than His finished work on the cross.The result? The questions aren’t just about belief in God or Christ—they’re about belief in the LDS version of God and Christ.Other questions reveal more clearly the institutional loyalty expected:Do you have a testimony of the “restoration” of the gospel through Joseph Smith?Do you sustain the current prophet and apostles as seers and revelators?Do you support or promote any teachings contrary to those of the LDS Church?One “wrong” answer can disqualify you from temple access. As Layne puts it, these questions measure whether you are following the system—not whether you truly trust in Jesus.Sensitive and Personal QuestionsSome questions also probe deeply into personal morality:Do you live the law of chastity (sexual purity)?Is your family life in harmony with church teachings?Do you keep the Sabbath day holy by attending church and avoiding prohibited activities?For young people, this can mean sitting in closed-door interviews with male bishops who ask about pornography use or sexual struggles. Layne reflects as a father how troubling this practice is—especially for daughters as young as 12 who are required to answer these questions alone with an older man.While purity matters, the Bible makes clear that true cleansing comes through Christ’s sacrifice, not through checking boxes in an interview.The Bible’s View of WorthinessThe temple recommend questions highlight the contrast between Mormonism and the Bible. In Mormonism, worthiness is measured by performance, institutional loyalty, and adherence to man-made rules. In the Bible, worthiness is found only in Christ:“It is finished.” John 19:30 (NLT)“God saved you by his grace when you believed… Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)“People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)The gospel is not about earning access to God through interviews or rituals. It’s about receiving His finished work by faith.Why It MattersFor LDS members, the pressure to qualify for a temple recommend can be overwhelming. Many live in fear of failing to measure up. Some bend the truth to get a “yes.” Others are tormented by conscience, wondering if they’re ever “good enough.”The good news of the Bible is that no one is good enough—and that’s why Jesus came. His perfect righteousness, not ours, is what gives us access to God.As Layne reflects, “These questions are laying out my righteousness. But the gospel points me to Christ’s righteousness.”Key TakeawaysA temple recommend is required for Mormon temple worship and is renewed every two years.Members must answer 16 questions about belief, morality, and loyalty to LDS leadership.Many questions sound biblical but carry LDS definitions that differ from historic Christianity.The system measures outward performance, but the Bible emphasizes inward faith in Christ.True worthiness before God is found in Jesus’ finished work, not in our answers to man-made tests.

What role does the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit) really play in a believer’s life? In this episode, Bryan and Layne explore how Mormonism, the Book of Mormon, and the Bible describe the work of the Spirit—and why those descriptions matter.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --What We Talk About in This EpisodeThe LDS view of the Holy Ghost – As Layne shares from his own experience, many Mormons grow up seeing the Holy Ghost primarily as a “burning in the bosom,” a feeling that validates the truth of the LDS Church. But in practice, that “confirmation” is not enough—modern Mormonism teaches you also need prophets, temples, ordinances, and authority.The contrast in the Book of Mormon – Interestingly, passages like 2 Nephi 32:5 and Moroni 10:4-5 describe the Holy Ghost much more like the Bible does: as sufficient to lead believers into all truth, without extra rituals or institutions.The biblical picture of the Holy Spirit – The Bible consistently teaches that the Spirit is given when we believe (Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 3). He permanently indwells every believer, guiding us into truth, glorifying Jesus, and assuring us of salvation. The Spirit is a He, not an it, the third Person of the Trinity.How modern LDS doctrine complicates things – Later revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants change the role of the Spirit. Instead of being sufficient on His own, the Spirit is portrayed as temporary, conditional, and dependent on temple ordinances and priesthood authority. This shift points believers back to an institution rather than to Christ.Why the simplicity of Christ matters – Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon highlight the “plain and precious” truth: the Holy Spirit Himself is enough to guide and teach. Jesus promised that the Spirit would never leave believers (John 14:26, John 16:13). Mormonism adds layers of requirements that move away from that simplicity.Key TakeawaysThe Holy Spirit’s role is to glorify Jesus and point us to Him—not to a prophet, a church, or an institution.According to both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the Spirit is sufficient to guide believers into all truth.Modern Mormonism shifts the focus, teaching that prophets, temples, and ordinances are necessary for the fullness of the Spirit.The Bible teaches that the Spirit permanently indwells every believer at the moment of faith—no rituals, worthiness interviews, or temple covenants required.True freedom and assurance come when we embrace the simplicity of Christ and the sufficiency of His Spirit.Why This MattersIf you’re LDS, former LDS, or just curious, this conversation raises an important question: Is the Holy Ghost enough, or do we need more than the Spirit to truly connect with God? Bryan and Layne show how the answer you give will shape your entire understanding of salvation, faith, and your relationship with God.

In today’s episode, Bryan and Layne explore how the Jesus of the Book of Mormon compares with the Jesus of modern Mormonism and the unchanging Jesus of the Bible.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Finding Jesus: Book of Mormon Jesus vs. Modern LDS Jesus vs. the BibleWhen it comes to Jesus, definitions matter. In this episode, we explore three portraits: the Jesus often taught in modern-day Mormonism (LDS), the Jesus presented in the Book of Mormon (published in 1830), and the Jesus revealed in the Bible. Understanding the differences isn’t just academic—it’s the difference between a gospel of human progress and the good news of divine rescue.The Modern LDS View (as many were taught)Many lifelong Latter-day Saints were taught a framework where Jesus (Jehovah) is a created spirit-son of Elohim and a Heavenly Mother, the elder brother of all humans—and even of Lucifer. In that system, God the Father Himself once progressed to Godhood, and Jesus is likewise on a path of progression. This view filters into temple endowment language about “organizing” existing matter, reinforcing the idea that God is more architect than Creator. The result? A Jesus who feels closer to us by nature, but further from us in power—a Savior on the way up, rather than the eternal Lord who stoops down to save.The Book of Mormon’s Higher ChristologyInterestingly, the earliest Book of Mormon language often sounds more like historic Christian claims about Christ’s full deity. For example, passages highlight worship directed to Jesus and language that closely parallels biblical titles for God. Whatever one concludes about its origins, the Book of Mormon’s Christological tone (especially early editions) frequently reads closer to biblical Trinitarian language than to later LDS teachings. That’s a crucial observation for anyone comparing sources within the broader Latter-day Saint tradition.The Bible’s Timeless Witness about JesusScripture presents an unchanging Christ—from eternity past to eternity future. “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1-3 NLT. Jesus isn’t created; he is the eternal Son through whom all things were made. “So the Word became human and made his home among us” John 1:14 NLT. The New Testament repeatedly ascribes to Jesus names, works, and worship belonging to God alone. He is “the exact likeness of God,” the preeminent One through whom and for whom all things were created Colossians 1:15-17 NLT. He bears the personal divine name “I AM” John 8:58 NLT and claims the titles “Alpha and Omega…the Almighty” Revelation 1:8 NLT.This has massive implications. If Jesus is uncreated, then salvation rests not on our ascent to Godhood, but on God’s descent to rescue sinners. The torn temple veil at Jesus’ death dramatizes this shift from ritual ladders to a Person—direct access to the Father through the finished work of the Son (Matthew 27:51) NLT.Why This Matters for YouIf your background trained you to “follow the prophet,” the Bible gently but firmly redirects your trust: “Long ago God spoke…through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son” Hebrews 1:1-3 NLT. Christianity is not a pyramid of worthiness requirements; it’s a cross-shaped gift of grace. “God saved you by his grace when you believed…It is a gift from God” Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT. And that gift is received personally: “Those who listen to my message and believe…have eternal life” John 5:24 NLT.A Path ForwardIf you’re LDS or formerly LDS, consider this: Which Jesus can actually save—an exalted being on the way up, or the eternal Son who came down? The Bible’s Jesus doesn’t evolve with leadership changes or new essays; he is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) NLT.

This episode exposes how Joseph Smith’s view of God shifted dramatically between the Book of Mormon and his later teachings—raising big questions about the nature of God and the foundations of Mormon theology.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Podcast Shownotes: Who Is God According to the Book of Mormon?Episode OverviewIn this episode, we take a deep dive into how Joseph Smith’s view of God evolved from the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830 to his famous King Follett Discourse in 1844—just months before his death. Layne and Bryan explore the stark contrast between the eternal, unchanging God of the Book of Mormon and the progressive, exalted man described in later Mormon scriptures.Whether you’re LDS, a former Mormon, or simply curious about church history, this episode will challenge assumptions and invite you to ask critical questions about the nature of God, the reliability of scripture, and what it all means for faith today.What You’ll LearnJoseph Smith’s Changing TheologyHow his earliest writings portray God as eternal and unchanging—while later teachings suggest God was once a man who progressed to godhood.The Book of Mormon vs. Later Mormon ScripturesWhy the God described in the Book of Mormon looks much more like the God of the Bible than the God of the Doctrine and Covenants or Pearl of Great Price.The King Follett DiscourseWhat Joseph Smith taught about God just three months before his death—and why it marked a major theological shift.Contradictions and QuestionsHow LDS leaders respond when members raise concerns about conflicting teachings across Mormon scripture.A Call to “Test Everything”Why the Bible encourages believers to examine claims critically instead of blindly following authority.Why It MattersYour view of God shapes everything—your faith, your worship, and ultimately, your eternal hope. If the God of the Book of Mormon and the Bible is eternal, unchanging, and unique, what does that mean for the progressive, exalted man described in later LDS teachings?This episode invites you to wrestle honestly with these questions and discover why your view of God matters more than you might think.

In today’s episode, we compare what the Book of Mormon says about salvation with what the Bible teaches, exposing the extra layers Mormonism has added and pointing back to the simplicity of the gospel in Christ.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --In this episode, Bryan and Layne continue their deep dive into the Book of Mormon and what it teaches about salvation—specifically looking at 3 Nephi 11. Jesus’ words in this passage lay out four simple principles: faith, repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. Layne shares how, as a former Mormon missionary, this message was taught plainly at first but later complicated by the added layers of temple rituals, exaltation, and ongoing revelations in Mormonism.Together, they unpack key questions:Why does Jesus in the Book of Mormon keep the doctrine of salvation simple, yet Mormonism adds dozens of extra requirements?How does the LDS plan of salvation differ from what the Bible clearly teaches about salvation by grace through faith?Why does the Book of Mormon present Jesus as the unchanging God, yet later Mormon doctrine redefines His nature?This conversation challenges listeners—especially those with an LDS background—to examine whether they are truly following Jesus or simply following the changing words of modern prophets. In the end, Bryan and Layne point back to the Bible’s consistent and clear message: salvation is found in Christ alone, not in works, rituals, or added revelation.