|
 |
The MLBS Bible Study |
 |
The History of MLBS
At the time Mike Ghiglia, author of the Mormonism in the Light of Biblical Scripture (MLBS) Bible study, moved to Idaho Falls in 1999, he knew very little about the LDS doctrine and culture that pervades southeast Idaho. Mike spent the next year-and-a-half immersing himself in both by meeting with LDS missionaries, speaking with Latter-day Saints, and studying the writings of LDS General Authorities.
The end result was the first edition of the MLBS Bible study which Mike advertised in the local paper and taught to a small group of Evangelicals in the basement of his home. MLBS was taught in a local church for the first time in 2001. In the months to come Mike began grooming close friends, Paul and Patricia Whittington, to meet the growing need for MLBS Leaders.
Since 2001 MLBS has undergone many revisions and been taught in a variety of churches. (See the MLBS Testimonials.) In 2005 STS Ministries expanded its services to Louisville, Kentucky and in 2006 MLBS was taught at Southeast Christian Church, one of the largest churches in the country. |
The Goals of MLBS
MLBS is an in-depth Bible study that was prepared with these specific goals in mind:
-
accurately represent core theological doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) according to LDS General Authorities;
-
contrast critical differences between LDS doctrines and biblical revelation from an evangelical perspective;
-
address common LDS objections to these evangelical perspectives;
-
facilitate critical thinking and address fallacious logic;
-
ground Evangelicals in their faith and inspire and equip them to more lovingly and effectively share with Latter-day Saints;
-
promote a Christ-centered, Christ-like philosophy of ministry.
MLBS at a Glance
MLBS has the reputation for being an inch wide and a mile deep. This is because the study does not address the myriad of subjects on Mormonism typically covered in books or on Internet websites. MLBS is not an exposé on Mormon history nor does it take aim at controverial LDS beliefs and practices for the sake of "shock value." Rather, MLBS plumbs the doctrinal depths of what we call "The Big Three," namely, God, Jesus and the Gospel. No other biblical doctrines are more essential to our salvation. When MLBS does take a doctrinal detour, however, it is usually for the express purpose of clearing a path to The Big Three.
MLBS includes the following lessons:
-
Lesson 1 - Is Debating Doctrine “Bashing” or Biblical?
-
Lesson 2 - 6 Unreliable Ways to Test a Prophet
-
Lesson 3 - The Most Reliable Way to Test a Prophet
-
Lesson 4 - The Bible–LDS & Evangelical Doctrines Compared
-
Lesson 5 - God & Jesus–LDS & Evangelical Doctrines Compared
-
Lesson 6 - The Gospel–LDS & Evangelical Doctrines Compared
-
Lesson 7 - Apostasy & Priesthood–LDS & Evangelical Doctrines Compared
We also recommend supplementing the lessons with the following resources:
How MLBS is Taught
MLBS has traditionally been taught by a leader or co-leaders. All participants are provided with an MLBS Manual that is designed primarily for witnessing (i.e. there is much less verbiage than is covered in the lessons). Because MLBS is continually being updated, we send MLBS Leaders one lesson at a time electronically. Copies of the lessons can then be made at a local church, etc.
MLBS Leaders are also provided with PowerPoint slides and a Leaders Guide to supplement the manual. A laptop computer, projector, and screen are essential for larger classes.
MLBS Leader Support
Unless one has been exposed to the LDS culture and spent a good deal of time studying Christian apologetics to Latter-day saints, leading an MLBS Bible study can be somewhat daunting. Participants typically have many questions and concerns that the MLBS lessons do not specifically address. For this reason Mike Ghiglia offers telephone and email support for MLBS Leaders.
Mike is also available for guest speaking and seminars. Travel and/or lodging expenses are to be covered by the hosting organization. All services are provided pro bono.
Hosting MLBS
Please contact Mike Ghiglia if you would like to host an MLBS Bible study.
MLBS Costs
There is no charge for the electronic version of the MLBS Manual, PowerPoint slides, or Leaders Guide. Donations to Share the Son Ministries are gladly accepted. |
|
|
