Explaining the Word of God More Adequately

Acts:18:24-10:10

My beloved sister-in-law married into an LDS family when she was 16 and for the sake of keeping the peace she converted to the Mormon faith. She and her husband had 4 children and countless grands and greatgrands, all good members of the LDS church. She passed away last year at the age of 85, and naturally our entire side of the family (mostly Presbyterian and Episcopalian) made the long trek to Southern California, where we were warmly greeted and made to feel at home. The service was lovely, with lots of scripture and familiar hymns, including one sung by over 30 of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

When it was almost over, the Bishop got up and (apparently for our benefit) presented the LDS “Plan of Salvation.” In case you might think it was John 3:16, it wasn’t. You can google it if you’re curious. I could see my grandchildren’s eyes get bigger and bigger as they listened. You can imagine the discussion in the car on the way back to the motel as we attempted to “explain the word of God more adequately.” Acts 18:26

I love my in-laws, and I think we’ll meet again in Heaven, though I’m not sure they expect to see me there. They believe that the Book of Mormon corrects some of the deficiencies of the Bible; I’m skeptical of that. That’s why I appreciate Paul’s insistence in Acts 19:4-6 on receiving the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that “when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. I cling to that promise as I try to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have,” Peter3:15, just as Priscilla and Aquila did for Apollos.