This past fourth of July marked 250 years of our nation's history. Celebrations around the freedoms enjoyed as citizens of the United States of America abound. Along with these celebrations, however, there is an on going debate around our freedoms; intensified by the fact that 2026 is an election year. Democrat and Republican candidates alike use language such as, "Democracy is on the ballot," or, "Our freedoms are at stake;" with each side accusing the other of trying to take away our freedoms. All the debate around freedom begs the question, "What is freedom?"

In this week's lesson, presented on July 5, 2026, we contrast the academic and cultural ideas around freedom with what Scripture defines as freedom. As we do so, we will look at this topic under three headings:

1. What freedom is not
2. What freedom is
3. The source of freedom.

Thank you for listening to today's teaching. We pray that you will be blessed and encouraged as we consider what God's Word teaches about freedom.

In this concluding installment of Answering Mormons, today's teaching examines two of the most important questions in any religious discussion: Who is God? and How is a person saved? Drawing from both Mormon sources and the Bible, the preacher contrasts key Mormon teachings about God, Jesus Christ, and salvation with historic Christian doctrine. Particular attention is given to Mormon concepts of exaltation, works-based righteousness, and the claim that salvation comes only after a person has done all they can do.

Beyond doctrinal comparison, this message equips Christians to engage Mormon friends and missionaries with both truth and compassion. Rather than merely identifying theological differences, this lesson emphasizes the importance of clearly presenting the biblical gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. Listeners will come away better prepared to understand Mormon beliefs, evaluate them in light of Scripture, and confidently share the hope of the gospel with those who hold a different view of God and salvation.

Thank you for listening to today's teaching. We pray you are strengthened and encouraged in lovingly sharing your faith with those outside the Christian community.

Below is a list of Scripture passages referenced in today's lesson:

Jude 3, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, Isaiah 40:25-26, 1 Corinthians 15:40-42, Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12, Proverbs 28:26, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:10-18, Romans 6:23, Hebrews 9:27, Galatians 1:8-9, 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, Romans 5:6-9, Ephesians 1:3, Hebrews 10:14, Numbers 23:19, Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Samuel 2:2, Hebrews 13:8, Hebrews 6:18, Ephesians 2:8-9, Jude 17-25

In this second installment of Answering Mormons, today's lesson continues a biblical examination of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the claims upon which Mormonism is built. Beginning with the central role of Joseph Smith, the discussion explores how Scripture calls believers to test prophets, revelations, and religious movements. Using passages from both the Old and New Testaments, this message evaluates Joseph Smith's claims as a translator, his prophecies, and his assertion of additional revelation beyond the Bible.

The episode also addresses some of the most significant theological differences between biblical Christianity and Mormonism, including the nature of God, the authority of Scripture, and the concept of ongoing prophetic revelation. While critically examining Mormon teachings, the message emphasizes the Christian responsibility to engage Mormons with compassion, biblical truth, and the hope of the gospel, recognizing every conversation as an opportunity to point people to the saving work of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for listening to today's teaching. We pray you are encouraged through the teaching of God's Word and to be strengthened to recognize false teaching through the fervent study of Scripture.

Below is a list of Scripture passages referenced in today's teaching:

Jude 3, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, Proverbs 30:5-6, Psalm 147:19-20, Romans 3:1-2, John 4:22, Hebrews 1:1-2, Deuteronomy 18:21-22, Deuteronomy 13:1-4, Acts 17:11, Genesis 1, John 1:1, Acts 9, Jude 17-23