August 2004

September 3, 2004

Dear Family and Friends,

The major news from last month was that I went on a family cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. My family is all over the world, so it was a great time to reunite. This was my first ever cruise, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just before I went on the cruise, my webmaster Allen Dardenelle delivered me a shirt that advertises our web site Mormon Info.Org on the front and back. It came in quite handy on a cruise that interestingly had a lot of Mormons on it (quite a number from Utah)! And of course I met and witnessed to some of them.

Another interesting thing happened last month. I was able to talk to the county prosecutor in Richfield, UT about the attempted hit and run, and then the suspect, Ray Keller, spitting in my face during the Manti pageant in June (cf. my newsletter). The prosecutor, Marvin Bagley, told me that the only way he would deal with it is if he prosecuted everyone involved in the case. We (with the other Christians Ray Keller almost ran over) would be prosecuted for "disorderly conduct". This is the same thing that Bagley told my webmaster, who was assaulted by another individual the next night after Keller about ran us over. I told Bagley that this was unbelievable, that he wasn't doing his job, and this is simply "Mormon nepotism". I called a trusted Christian attorney afterwards, and he told me that Utah is the worst of all places to minister in the United States, since it's so much like the Wild West! I could try a civil case or attempt some sort of political action against Bagley. The former is hopeless, since I didn't suffer emotional damage, or require compensation for hospital bills, or something of that sort. The latter is vague, and probably way too time consuming. But here's something at least: contact Bagley and tell him what you think of this situation. His contact info is

Marvin D. Bagley
Piute County Attorney
180 N. 100 E. - Suite F
Richfield, Utah 84701
(435) 896-9090
Fax: (435) 896-9089
bagleylaw@scinternet.net

My energies have been focused on getting my comprehensive paper done as soon as possible. I have been doing a lot of reading on just war theory and humanitarian intervention, and ask for your prayers in writing a good paper.

I also edited another testimony and put it on our site last month. This is a real great story of Tricia Burton's conversion from Mormonism to Christ. It really gives an important former insider's perspective on the destructive stress of self-perfection within Mormonism, and the true freedom and peace there is in Christ's perfection.

The other day I was reminded how important our site is for people wanting the truth on Mormonism. On our statistics page I noticed how someone found our site by doing a search on Mormonism by using the phrase, "Should I become Mormon?" I never heard from this individual, but I trust that God used the site to keep this individual out of Mormonism and pointed him or her to Himself.

Thank you for every prayer said on my behalf, and for every check written on my behalf.

Yours,

Rob
Rob@Mormon Info.org
Mormon Info

****PRAYER LIST****

For more salvations

For God to move more people to do street ministry downtown

For Utah churches and individual Christians to support each other's various ministries

For financial provision

For the ability to get my rough draft comprehensive done soon

For God to use my web site

For love, protection, and wisdom as I minister

****MAILBAG****

Rob, I need help I got fired, I am doing drugs, and I dont think god love me anymore why should he...who knows me, I dont even know, I have never been so lost, and I am losing it all, its all my fulat, all I did was love everyone and give all I could, and its not good enough I was scared to talk to you you might hate me but I dont know what elese to do I have been drinking and took some pills and just trhwer up...

[Later from this same person:] Hi Rob, Wanted to let you know some friends of mine came over and I am doing better, but I hope that I can talk to you about this. I am sorry for that email, I honestly dont remember what I said just that I sent something, when I checked and read it, and I thought I would let you know I was doing better. Love

[I responded:] It sounds like you need some professional help. You really should go check in somewhere to get over the drugs/alcohol. God's love isn't conditional (read Romans 8:28-39). If you're really His child, then He's at work in your life to make you more like Christ, so trust Him. You're going through a bad time, but as Ps. 23 says, "He restores my soul". Every Christian goes through bad times. So wait for the Lord to get you out of them. Set your mind on all the good that He does for you, and all the blessings of life. Count or name them, and then thank Him for them.

Now even though God does in fact hate those who aren't His children, He still loves them in wanting them to be saved. So even here God's hate never fully excludes His love. You on the other hand are saved and one of His special adopted kids. And God never divorces them. Read what His love means in 1 Cor. 13. Your conscience being bothered is an indication that you're in a healthy state. You have the Holy Spirit, and you're bothered about offending Him. Remember the story of the prodigal son? God is ready to run to you, His kid, when He first sees you turn to Him. Also remember that the Psalms say that a broken and contrite heart He will not despise. Throw yourself upon His mercy. He's full of it. Come clean, and do whatever it takes to keep a good relationship with your unconditionally loving Father. In this way, you will demonstrate to yourself and others your special status as an adopted kid of the Most High.

Lord Jesus, protect ___ from destroying herself and especially her relationship to you. Satan hates her, but you love her, and you're more powerful than anything. Please have mercy on her, and get the help that she needs. Help her to trust you, and to not give up on what you're doing in making her more like Yourself. In your name, amen!

Your bro who loves you unconditionally, Rob

[The following is an e-mail sent to Mike at JosephLied.com. I add it here because the individual who wrote this is more than likely writing about me or someone that was working with me in front of Temple Square. Mike has never advertised his site on a sign outside the Temple. This is one of many testimonies to the fact that signs work!] Dear Mike--Every semester, dozens of tables are set up at Snow College in Ephraim Utah in an effort to "educate" the students about a new CREDIT CARD. YOU have real information they need. Please come to us and set up a table. Or just walk around and wear your josephlied.com sandwich board... that's how I was awakened from my LDS slumber: I saw YOU in Temple Square! But I can't tell my family until they understand this for themselves -- I can't even tell them that I logged onto your site. They have to see you and the URL. Then maybe they will visit the site like I did. Please come. Love,

ps -- if you come I will make myself known to you but please don't reply to this email address. If I get caught writing you I don't know what would happen to me.

Hey Rob, That prayer letter is great quality! It shows your life in action and making a difference and good job on the pictures there too.

Rob, I was curious. I am studying some LDS books to try and contrast their view of salvation from the Christian view of salvation. I came across a scripture, James 2:24, which states that we are justified by works and not just faith. I was curious how a Christian would interpret this verse because I have had LDS people use it before and I am not sure how to respond to it. Thanx,

[I responded:] The justification used in James is a different justification used in Ro. 4:5, 5:1, and other places by Paul. When James used "j", it could also be understood as "vindication". That has more of a "proving" sense to oneself and to others. God already sees the heart when Abraham believed God when God told Ab that he would have a son, and then God counted Ab as righteous. This was way before the event that James used to be an example of the work that "vindicates" one's faith. So, as Calvin said, "faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone." There's a difference between phony faith, or mere intellectual faith, and genuine or transformational faith that obviously and naturally produces good works. Does this help?

[He responded:] Thank you for explaining the scripture to me, although I am still a bit confused. I sometimes wish that the people who wrote the books in the Bible had been more clear on things, but I am sure that even if they had done that, we would still be confused. I think truly understanding the Word of God takes constant study. I find myself understanding the Bible more and more though. I am glad that I am out of Mormonism. On August 15th it will be official, I will no longer be LDS at all! That is the date when they said in a letter that it will be official. Funny but the minute I threatened legal action they backed down. My letter was as polite and legally binding as it could be.

Hi, I was under the impression that the Book of Mormon was "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" as it says on it's cover and serves to complement the Bible, not contradict it. Thus, it could be even more uplifting and faith building gospel from prophets of Jesus Christ, why should that be damned? Did Christ only love the people of the old Testament in Israel? Why shouldn't we be worthy of prophets in America, and today, to help us sort out the confusion of conflicting information from hundreds of churches all using the Bible? I'm interested in hearing truths and praying to find out for myself if they are true, not bashing other religions to attempt to "prove" mine.

[I responded:] I am obviously not under the impression that the Book of Mormon is "Another Testament of Jesus Christ". I don't see it complimenting the Bible, but contradicting it and that's what I point out, among other things, on the home page of my site. So why would I uplift you in your false and idolatrous faith? You need to be brought into the Faith that doesn't treat Jesus' death as insufficient to save, and the Faith that exalts Jesus above anything you can even think of.

If your conclusion is true that Christ must physically come to individual lands to straighten messes out, then we should assume He's loving enough to do this everywhere and all the time. But this makes demands of God that most people think is unwarranted. God is big enough and loving enough to get info out in the way He thinks best (cf. Romans 1 as an example of God's info getting out all over the world via the things that He made). And I do think there are true prophets out there that you refuse to listen to since you're more in love with your feelings, family, friends, and church than God and His word.

Your last statement is an attempt to "bash" what I believe and do, and if you can do it, then so can I. Please wake up before it's too late.

I have been reading your web site and I have a comment. how come you don't write more on it? I read some of the links and your stuff is way better.. plus you are just so honest and straight forward about questions like how come you carry the signs and stand in front of the temple? ... your answer was so refreshing. BECAUSE I WANT TOO. oh mann nobody says that anymore. please please put more of YOU on your web page. hungry for truth

...you are in my prayers all the time. I am praying the LORD helps you write your paper quickly and with clarity so you don't have to correct much. I am getting pounded by some christians who think I need to not be so "obnoxious and confrontational with the mormons" I had one guy go into a long speech with me about how I needed to restore my reputation with the mormon missionaries in my area so I could build relationships with them and have them over for dinner and that I need to get them "to like me first before I gave them any information" because... "you are all law and no mercy" I said well brother I will take it to the LORD and see what HE tells me .. if I need to change my approach. I prayed and the LORD very clearly gave me some scriptures .. Isaiah 5:20, Rev.3:11, and Math.11 where Jesus talked about being a reed shaken by the wind. anyways it made me want to pray more for the christians who are called by the LORD to witness like this. I guess that would most certainly include you ...

I was reading some of your old newsletters tonight and I just want you to know as soon as I go off line I am going to hit my knees and pray for you. I laughed hysterically when I saw the picture of the newscast with Mike Norton's sigh behind it, tooo funnny. Thanks for not flinching in the face of so much hate that is sent your way. you are such an inspiration to me. I went to CRI today to buy some of Walter Martin's tapes and I ran into Marianne Bodine in the lobby. She was so happy to hear what the LORD did in manti. I told her about you and your signs and she just had this wonderful smile of ...well if I could descibe it, it was years of wisdom that totally was encouraged by a John the Baptist type of person at Temple Square and at Manti. I told her "Yeah I think the LORD has a new walter martin doin the job" She really lit up Rob. ...I know you are really busy and I will pray that the LORD helps you get your paper done otay. It is war. keep blazing for us Rob, we need you. love in him

You are doing a wonderful thing for the Glory of God. I really appreciate your explanation for number 2 (Why must you preach and hod signs when you minister in front of the Temple?) in your FAQ section. Afterall, if people are perishing in a burning building and don't know the structure is on fire, do you intercede by trying to talk to them on a one-on-one basis one person at a time or do you run back and forth, yelling at the top of your lungs to warn as many as possible before they become permanently trapped in the flames (a point, which I might add is literal and not just allegorical in the spiritual sense). Forrest Gump said life is like a box of chocolates...life is really more like eating a bowl of jalapeno peppers...what you do today might burn your behind tomorrow.

I hope that I am not bothering you, but I was wondering if i could get your opinion on "gay" christians. It seems like quite a contradiction to me.....I was just wondering if you could tell me what you thought about it though. Thanks for your help

[I responded:] I think it [the letter from the gay "Christian evangelist" in my last mailbag] may have been a joke. Even if it wasn't, in my newsletter, I told how I spoke at the Bible camp on how sex is to be exclusively for marriage. Now perhaps I should have qualified that more clearly given the cultural morass we find ourselves in today with the fight for "gay marriage", but marriage as I was using it fits with the traditional and biblical definition, viz., between a man and a woman. 1 Cor. 6:9 is quite clear that those who commit homosexuality will not see heaven.

Hey Rob - was reading your mailbag section and saw the first email written by what seems to be another brother in Christ asking you to respect his request. After seeing both sides, I see where he is coming from and I agree with you that his "opinion" should be backed by Scripture. So I thought I would list a few [listed below in Rob's response] for his benefit and see what you have to say... love ya man!

[I responded:] Thanks for trying to back this biblically. First, all that I'll say needs to be taken in the context of how I already responded to that guy in the June newsletter. So if you haven't read it, I'd encourage you to take a look at that first.

Colossians 4:5-6... I'm attempting to be wise, and making the most of every opportunity, and I don't think many other Christians are. I'm also trying to speak words of grace, seasoned with salt in trying to answer everyone, but again, I don't think this means that you can't, when the situation requires, "answer a fool according to his folly" as the Proverbs say. I also don't think that this rules out doing what Jesus did on occasion, and "humiliating his opponents" (Lk. 13:17).

2 Timothy 2:24-26... This should be taken in the context in which the ministers in the Bible operated. They argued for faith (cf. Acts 17ff. & 1 Pt. 3:15 & Jude 3). You don't needlessly quarrel about stupid stuff. But arguing in love and respect is a divine command.

James 1:20... Paul also says to be angry and sin not. So it's possible to have "righteous indignation". Paul had this in Acts 17, and so did Jesus with the Temple incident. But ya, generally speaking, like quarreling, we aren't to be typified as angry people.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3... This simply provides the formal content without its material application, and it's begging the question to simply say that how I operate is unloving.

Luke 18:9-14...I'm not quite sure how this ties into what I do. I don't think of myself as operating as a Pharisee or exalting myself. I'm trying to get people to act like the tax collector.

John 13:34... Same goes for the comments in 1 Cor. 13.

Dear Rob, Thank you for bothering to send me your newsletters. Every time I read them it reminds me to pray for your ministry and all that you do in Utah. In the latest newsletter (which came yesterday) I was especially pleased to hear how you were able to make at least half the students at Bible camp to commit their lives to Christ. That by itself is an accomplishment. Praise God!

...Matt. 18. In that chapter you learn how to be a good Christian. You need to be gentle to weak Christians and do not ridicule them.

...I just read John 9 and from what I have read of some mail that you get it sounds like some of your people are an exact replica of who the Pharisees in chap. 9 really were. God bless you.

...P.S. I'll keep praying for you.

[Here are a couple different e-mails on Gene's video testimony that I put on my web site:] Gene's testimony is awesome! Turned out pretty well. It'd be neat if you had more of testimonies on video (I know it's a lot of work though).

What an encouraging testimony! You never know what seeds are being planted!

My question is and always will be, why do purported "Christians" preach against other religions who I might add also believe in Christ? Is that what Christ taught in ministries on earth? If you truly want to serve God, go seek out the homeless, the hungry, the heartbroken, the weak, and ease their sufferings. Life is about building up not tearing down. Get a life

[I responded:] Thanks for tearing down my ministry. BTW, Mormons believe in a false Christ, and Christ specifically warned about those in Matthew 24:24. LDS need to stop devaluing Christ by making him simply a creation who had to grow up to become a god like all the other gods before him, or they will spend eternity in hell for idolatry (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9). Thanks for also trying to regulate my ministry. I've got The Life (Jesus Himself--John 14:6), and if you don't want to follow Him in telling people that their father is the devil (cf. John 8:44) and that they need to repent (Luke 13:3), then you need to get The Life before you go to hell. Yours, Rob Sivulka