
Marvin Cowan
- Sermons
- Bio
Origin and History of Mormonism
01JN 4:12Marvin Cowan preaches about the story of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, detailing his account of the religious revival in 1820 and his first vision where he claimed to have seen God and Jesus Christ. The sermon delves into the inconsistencies and historical evidence against Joseph Smith's claims, including the conflicting accounts of his first vision, the angel Moroni, and his involvement in practices like treasure hunting. The sermon also explores the events leading to Joseph Smith's death in 1844 and the subsequent splintering of Mormon factions, challenging the validity of his prophetic claims and the unity of the LDS Church.
God
0Marvin Cowan delves into the differences between Mormon beliefs and traditional Christian views, focusing on the concept of the Trinity. He highlights how Mormons define God as three separate gods - the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, rejecting the idea of one triune God. Cowan explores Mormon teachings about God the Father having a physical body, Jesus Christ being a spirit child of God, and the Holy Ghost being a spirit person. He contrasts these beliefs with biblical verses that emphasize the oneness of God and the eternal nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, pointing out the polytheistic elements in Mormon doctrine.
The Bible
0Marvin Cowan discusses the LDS belief in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, highlighting the Mormon view that the Bible is mistranslated and incomplete, leading to the need for the Book of Mormon. He contrasts Mormonism's attack on the Bible's reliability with the Christian belief in the Bible as the complete and trustworthy Word of God, emphasizing the historical accuracy, divine prophecies, and the Bible's claim of eternal endurance. Cowan points out the inconsistencies within LDS leadership regarding the importance of different LDS scriptures and the controversial Inspired Version Bible by Joseph Smith.
More Lds Scripture and Revelation
0DEU 13:1Marvin Cowan preaches about the Mormon faith, focusing on their belief in the continuous revelation from God through various scriptures like the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. He delves into the discrepancies and challenges surrounding the authenticity and fulfillment of prophecies made by Joseph Smith and subsequent LDS prophets, highlighting instances where prophecies did not come to pass, raising questions about the credibility of these leaders and the LDS Church's claim of having a living prophet guiding them through constant revelation.
Priesthood
0Marvin Cowan preaches about the LDS belief in the priesthood, emphasizing the two priesthoods - Melchizedek and Aaronic, the functions and responsibilities of priesthood holders, and the claim of a universal apostasy and restoration of the church. He discusses the origin of LDS priesthood, the lack of Biblical evidence for it, and the contradictions with the Bible regarding priesthood. The sermon also delves into the Biblical priesthood, highlighting the role of Jesus Christ as the eternal High Priest and the inadequacy of LDS priesthood claims in light of Biblical teachings.
The Church
0MAT 7:15MAT 16:18ACT 2:47ACT 11:26ACT 20:29EPH 2:201TI 3:11TI 3:8TIT 1:5HEB 1:1Marvin Cowan preaches about the differences between Mormonism and the New Testament Church, emphasizing the LDS belief in a universal apostasy from the Christian doctrine and the need for a restoration of the Gospel. He challenges the LDS claim of being the one true church and questions the validity of their prophets and apostles. The sermon delves into the discrepancies between the LDS Church's structure and the offices in the New Testament Church, highlighting the importance of aligning with the biblical teachings and qualifications for church leadership.
Salvation
0Marvin Cowan preaches about the differences between Mormon teaching on sin and salvation and historic, Biblical Christianity. He contrasts LDS beliefs on original sin, salvation through atonement, and the importance of obedience to laws and ordinances with what the Bible teaches. The sermon emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of salvation and the role of Jesus Christ as the only Mediator between God and men.
Temples and Temple Ordinances
0Marvin Cowan preaches about the LDS belief in salvation through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, particularly focusing on the significance of temples in Mormonism. He delves into the history and teachings surrounding temples, temple ordinances, and the practice of baptism for the dead, highlighting the LDS perspective on these practices as essential for salvation and exaltation. The sermon also addresses the controversial topic of polygamy within Mormonism, exploring the historical context and doctrinal beliefs surrounding this practice. Additionally, the sermon touches on the concept of temple endowments, marriage and sealing ceremonies, and the genealogical work done by Mormons in preparation for temple ordinances.
The Eternal State of Mankind
0Marvin Cowan preaches about the Mormon concept of eternal progression, emphasizing the belief in multiple stages of life to achieve perfection and godhood, including the pre-mortal spirit world and mortal probation. He discusses the LDS teaching of three heavens or degrees of glory, reserved for Mormons alone, contrasting it with biblical teachings on salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. The sermon also delves into Mormon beliefs on immortality, eternal life, and the absence of hell, highlighting the differences between LDS doctrine and traditional Christian views on salvation and punishment.
The Book of Mormon
0The Book of Mormon vs. The BibleAuthority of ScriptureDEU 19:152CO 13:1GAL 1:8Marvin Cowan discusses the claims surrounding the Book of Mormon, emphasizing that while it is presented as a second witness to the Bible, it lacks the historical and doctrinal consistency found in the Bible. He argues that the Book of Mormon does not provide new revelations or doctrines that are not already established in the Bible, and questions the necessity of its existence if it does not add to the fullness of the gospel. Cowan highlights contradictions within the Book of Mormon and critiques the claims of its divine origin, suggesting that it has been altered over time and lacks archaeological support. He concludes that the Bible, with its numerous witnesses and established teachings, stands as the complete word of God, making the Book of Mormon unnecessary.