The Order Of Melchizedek

[Zemah]

In Catholic doctrine there is the common priesthood of all believers and the ordained ministry.

How convenient. Two priesthoods; one with authority which the church regulates and another that only requires you to believe. So, Johnny, you are a priest. What does your â??common priesthoodâ?? allow you to do?

You usually provide me with links or quotes from Catholic sources; not this time?

Becoming a member of the common priesthood of all believers occurs at baptism. Becoming a Catholic saint comes after baptism.

Well, you certainly explained it. Never mind that it is not Biblical.

Why would baptism trigger the priesthood? Canâ??t someone â??believeâ?? and not be baptized?

According to you then, priesthood comes before sainthood.

No mention of the Catholic doctrine that requires you to be dead before sainthood is confirmed:

http://www.catholic-pages.com/saints/explained.asp

Taken from the link above: â??In official Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood: one becomes Venerable, Blessed and then a Saint. Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized as having lived heroic virtues. To be recognized as a blessed, and therefore beatified, in addition to personal attributes of charity and heroic virtue, one miracle, acquired through the individual's intercession, is required. Canonization requires two, though a Pope may waive these requirements. Martyrdom does not usually require a miracle.â?

Your explanation defers from the Catholic doctrine on sainthood. Please explain.

Zemah

[johnny]

Zemah

How convenient. Two priesthoods; one with authority which the church regulates and another that only requires you to believe. So, Johnny, you are a priest. What does your â??common priesthoodâ?? allow you to do?

The two priesthoods are consistent with scripture. The common priesthood offers up "spiritual sacrifices" (1Pet 2:5).

Well, you certainly explained it. Never mind that it is not Biblical.

Why would baptism trigger the priesthood? Canâ??t someone â??believeâ?? and not be baptized?

At baptism is when we become "newborn babes " (1Pet 2:2).

Your explanation defers from the Catholic doctrine on sainthood. Please explain.

Before the "three steps to sainthood" is baptism, at baptism a person becomes a member of the common priesthood.

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

Zemah

The two priesthoods are consistent with scripture. The common priesthood offers up "spiritual sacrifices" (1Pet 2:5).

At baptism is when we become "newborn babes " (1Pet 2:2).

Before the "three steps to sainthood" is baptism, at baptism a person becomes a member of the common priesthood.

You have out done your self here Johnny. is this consistant with scripture? Yup, accourding to Johnny. THe consensus is in, they are all in agreement.

[Zemah]

The two priesthoods are consistent with scripture. The common priesthood offers up "spiritual sacrifices" (1Pet 2:5).

The two priesthoods in the LDS Church are the Aaronic and the Melchizedek, the OT and the NT priesthoods; not the "common" and the "ordained".

Please define "spiritual sacrifices". And explain why you have to be a "common priest" to offer them.

At baptism is when we become "newborn babes " (1Pet 2:2).

I don't dispute the statement. But what does being a "common priest" have to do with being baptized?

I looked up what the Catholic Encyclopedia had to say about baptismâ?¦

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm

â?¦and they mention nothing about becoming a â??common priestâ? through baptism.

The baptism of the Bible is very plain and simple. It is a â??baptism of water unto repentance for the remission of sinâ?. (Mark 1:4)

Before the "three steps to sainthood" is baptism, at baptism a person becomes a member of the common priesthood.

So you admit that in Catholic doctrine priesthood comes before sainthood; and that â??there are three steps to sainthood: one becomes Venerable, Blessed and then a Saintâ?.

How does the Catholic church reconcile this doctrine with scripture, which mentions nothing of this process?

Zemah

[bert10]

Let me be more specific:

You said, "Melchizedek is the NEW NAME God gave to SHEM the Son of Noah."

Are you saying that Melchizedek and Shem were the same person?

If so, are you speaking from the Spirit or do you have scriptural references?

You said, "Noah founded the city Salem after the flood and Salem was situated near the the spot were Zion used to be. (Today were Jerusalem is). Salem became wicked. Shem who then was the prince of Salem [prince of the peace] became its king after Noah retired.â?

Again, are you speaking from the Spirit or do you have scriptural references?

Zemah

What I am saying is that Melchizedek was once known as Shem. This would be more accurate. When a man is truly born Spiritually he is a Spiritual man which is quite a difference from the Carnal Man.

As we are taught...we get a little here and a little there. What I have posted took a long time for me to receive. Sometimes it starts with a simple question....

Why is for example Zion and Jerusalem linked by AND in this verse of Isaiah?

Isaiah 2:3 - And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

In the past I always thought that Jerusalem and Zion are the same. Jerusalem means city of peace and Zion means where "pure of hearts." So if Jerusalem is filled with pure of hearts....then it can also be called Zion. Zion and Jerusalem can mean two cities as well as both names can be applied to the same city.

By asking seeking and knocking we are then led by the Lord to the answers to our heart. The greater the faith this is done with ...the faster the answer will come. Oh! for a URIM.

Peace be unto you

bert10

[johnny]

Zemah

The two priesthoods in the LDS Church are the Aaronic and the Melchizedek, the OT and the NT priesthoods; not the "common" and the "ordained".

The OT priesthoods are the Aaronic and the Melchizedek.

The NT priesthoods are the priesthood of Christ (Heb 7) and the royal priesthood (1Pet2).

Please define "spiritual sacrifices". And explain why you have to be a "common priest" to offer them.

"spiritual sacrifices" are like praising God and doing good through the Spirit (Rom 12:1;Heb 13:15,16).

I don't dispute the statement. But what does being a "common priest" have to do with being baptized?

By being baptized we are anointed by the Holy Spirit so that through the Spirit you can "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God" (Rom 12:1).

I looked up what the Catholic Encyclopedia had to say about baptismâ?¦

Below are related Catholic teachings:

1591 - The whole Church is a priestly people. Through Baptism all the faithful share in the priesthood of Christ. This participation is called the "common priesthood of the faithful" http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p2s2c3a6.htm#brief

784 - On entering the People of God through faith and Baptism, one receives a share in this people's unique, priestly vocation: "Christ the Lord, high priest taken from among men, has made this new people 'a kingdom of priests to God, his Father.' The baptized, by regeneration and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, are consecrated to be a spiritual house and a holy priesthood" [Heb 5:1-5; Rev 1:6]

http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p123a9p2.htm#I

1268 - The baptized have become "living stones" to be "built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood" [1 Pet 2:5]. By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission. They are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that [they] may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called [them] out of darkness into his marvelous light" [1 Pet 2:9]. Baptism gives a share in the common priesthood of all believers

http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p2s2c1a1.htm#VII

How does the Catholic church reconcile this doctrine with scripture, which mentions nothing of this process?

Catholics are not Bible only ...

[Zemah]

What I am saying is that Melchizedek was once known as Shem. This would be more accurate. When a man is truly born Spiritually he is a Spiritual man which is quite a difference from the Carnal Man.

As we are taught...we get a little here and a little there. What I have posted took a long time for me to receive. Sometimes it starts with a simple question....

Why is for example Zion and Jerusalem linked by AND in this verse of Isaiah?

Isaiah 2:3 - And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

In the past I always thought that Jerusalem and Zion are the same. Jerusalem means city of peace and Zion means where "pure of hearts." So if Jerusalem is filled with pure of hearts....then it can also be called Zion. Zion and Jerusalem can mean two cities as well as both names can be applied to the same city.

By asking seeking and knocking we are then led by the Lord to the answers to our heart. The greater the faith this is done with ...the faster the answer will come. Oh! for a URIM.

Peace be unto you

bert10

So it sounds like the Melchizedek/Shem connection is your own by personal revelation. That is all well and good provided you have a second witness. Until you provide me another from the LDS Church, I will continue to believe that Melchizedek is the example of a priesthood of calling, having no father or mother or recorded lineage.

I don't mind learning but I don't take things on hearsay.

Do you have some Church literature where LDS leaders have spoken along these lines?

Zemah

[bert10]

Zemah....I am here to share what I know. I am not offended if no one accepts this. Also what do you think your chances are that another who is like me would testify to you that this is true.

Jeremiah prophesied of our day....giving us the words of GOD....."I will lead to Zion one of city two of a family....."

Again Melchizedek means....My King is Righteousness. It is true My King is Righteousness has no mother and father. Each man must learn to make the Righteousness of God his King.

Also a man cannot progress from the belief stage to the knowledge stage without being taught by the Spirit of God. We know something after it is testified by the Spirit of God.

Peace be unto you

bert10

So it sounds like the Melchizedek/Shem connection is your own by personal revelation. That is all well and good provided you have a second witness. Until you provide me another from the LDS Church, I will continue to believe that Melchizedek is the example of a priesthood of calling, having no father or mother or recorded lineage.

I don't mind learning but I don't take things on hearsay.

Do you have some Church literature where LDS leaders have spoken along these lines?

Zemah

[Zemah]

Zemah....I am here to share what I know. I am not offended if no one accepts this. Also what do you think your chances are that another who is like me would testify to you that this is true.

Jeremiah prophesied of our day....giving us the words of GOD....."I will lead to Zion one of city two of a family....."

Again Melchizedek means....My King is Righteousness. It is true My King is Righteousness has no mother and father. Each man must learn to make the Righteousness of God his King.

Also a man cannot progress from the belief stage to the knowledge stage without being taught by the Spirit of God. We know something after it is testified by the Spirit of God.

Peace be unto you

bert10

I too speak freely as the Spirit prompts, but I do not speak that which is contrary to what has already been spoken and recorded in the word of God. Some here would disagree with this self-evaluation, but I remain confident that what I have testified to will come to pass because it has been rehearsed by other prophets before me. So when I speak in testimony of the destruction that will be wrought upon this planet at the hands of Christ, I stand in good company. When I say that a spiritual Baptism-of-Fire will befall even the faithful as a great tribulation to prove their souls, I am only witnessing the truth of my own experience that matches past warnings. In so doing, I act as the second, third, or forth witness that when Christ comes we will find ourselves unprepared to meet Him.

Meanwhile, I have refrained from sharing many of my personal experiences in vision because I have not found a first witness in the word of God. For example, I saw Michael the Archangel as a multitude representing all the living that would ever come to earth. In the same way as His Church is a multitude called the body of Christ, I saw Adam as the body of all male souls and Eve as the body of all female souls. Michael was thus divided into the male and female spirit children of God, in that every man is as Adam and ever woman is as Eve.

I saw in vision that after creating the earth and after Luciferâ??s rebellion all the remaining spirits in heaven were placed on the earth in their spirit bodies (male and female). In paradise these spirits received a baptism-of-water (as a flood) in which they were converted to living souls of flesh and blood, in the twinkling of an eye. In this way the earth was populated; and from here the singular story of a God who speaks to a man, Adam, and a woman, Eve, begins as we know it.

Good and evil is defined in Cain and Abel; a new generation of righteousness is sponsored by God in Seth; the patriarchs up to and including Noah try to convert the wicked unto righteousness; but their denial of all that is good is answered by a physical baptism-of-water in the Flood.

So a spiritual baptism-of-water precedes the physical Flood in the same way as a spiritual baptism-of-fire established by Christ two thousand years ago and offered in the gift of the Holy Ghost precedes the physical Baptism-of-Fire promised the earth in great tribulation towards returning the planet to its paradisiacal glory.

Today, God speaks to all men and all women through the prophets, priests, and saints of His LDS Church. Good and evil are defined as belief and doubt; Christ has spawned a new generation of righteousness; patriarchs have emerged from the restored Melchizedek priesthood of God and Christ offering the convert a baptism-of-fire and of the Holy Ghost as it was in His first Church of apostles.

But the wicked wait and mock His message; they doubt the messenger even as in the days of Noah.

Now who can tell me if any of this is true without the testimony of the Holy Ghost?

Zemah

[Programmer]

... Likewise, the fact that not once does it mention in the entire NT that the apostles had either the Aaronic or Melchezedek Priesthood is strong evidence against them having either priesthood. ...

That's wrong. The fact that the Bible doesn't label the priesthood the apostles had only proves that the bible doesn't label the priesthood the apostles had. Your logic is really lousy!

Besides your missing the point, The bible does state that the Apostles did have authority from God. Therefore the Bible completely contradicts you:

1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

It looks like the Apostles were given a divine, miraculous power.

But wait, the Bible once again proves you wrong:

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

So it looks like here, Peter is given again, keys to hold a divine power that operates in Heaven and Earth. WOW, that is awesome.

Thirdly.

The concept of Priesthood was in the early church, and existed from the days of the Anti-Nicean Father's down until the time of the restoration -- All without any serious arguments that priesthood was necassary in the church. So for you to argue that priesthood is not found with men, you have to argue against about 14 centuries of Christian History. Good luck.

[Billy]

That's wrong. The fact that the Bible doesn't label the priesthood the apostles had only proves that the bible doesn't label the priesthood the apostles had. Your logic is really lousy!

You are correct that it never says that the apostles had the Aaronic or Melchezedek Priesthood. But you say "the priesthood the apostles had", where does it mention that the apostles had any priesthood unless you are referring to the verse in 1 Pet 2:9?

Besides your missing the point, The bible does state that the Apostles did have authority from God. Therefore the Bible completely contradicts you:

It looks like the Apostles were given a divine, miraculous power.

The apostles had miraculous power, nobody will argue that point. This is evident in the fact that they did in fact perform miracles. But how does the fact that they performed miracles prove that they had the Aaronic or Melchezedek priesthood? Isn't that an assumption on your part?

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Does "keys of the kingdom" equal priesthood?

The concept of Priesthood was in the early church, and existed from the days of the Anti-Nicean Father's down until the time of the restoration -- All without any serious arguments that priesthood was necassary in the church. So for you to argue that priesthood is not found with men, you have to argue against about 14 centuries of Christian History. Good luck.

The Aaronic priesthood was past down in the OT via the Levitical line specifically via the line of Aaron. When do you think that the change was made allowing it to be given to non-Levites? And who made that change?

What other Christian Church believes that their members have the Melchezedek Priesthood?

[consiglieri]

The Aaronic priesthood was past down in the OT via the Levitical line specifically via the line of Aaron. When do you think that the change was made allowing it to be given to non-Levites? And who made that change?

What other Christian Church believes that their members have the Melchezedek Priesthood?

Although the idea that the Aaronic priesthood was given only to direct descendants of Aaron is indeed stated in the Old Testament, the Old Testament nevertheless gives us several examples of people who were not descendants of Aaron (or Levi, even!) performing the sacrifices that were to be done only by Aaronic priesthood holders.

Here, the Bible gives us an interesting insight into the conflicting positions of its authors and compilers.

No other Christian church with which I am familiar believes that their members have the Melchizedek Priesthood. Which would seem to be Exhibit A in the case for why a restoration was necessary.

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

[Zemah]

You are correct that it never says that the apostles had the Aaronic or Melchezedek Priesthood. But you say "the priesthood the apostles had", where does it mention that the apostles had any priesthood unless you are referring to the verse in 1 Pet 2:9?

The Melchizedek priesthood is a priesthood of calling (LDS scripture); Melchizedek was "a priest of the most high God" called to be the King of Salem (Genesis), hence, the specification that his lineage was unknown. His origin is â??Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.â? (Hebrews 7:3)

All three volumes of scripture (the OT, the NT, and the LDS testament) need to be considered in order to fully understand the role of the Melchizedek priesthood.

The word 'apostle' means called of God. In the case of the first twelve apostles, they were called by Jesus, who is "the Word made flesh". Since "God is the Word" and Jesus said that his word is that of his Fatherâ??s in heaven, then the first apostles were called of God through Christ. In other words, they were priests like unto Melchizedek, who was the pre-figure of Christ.

In regards to 1Peter 2:9, you must remember that the words were spoken to a unified body of believers. These were people who had already demonstrated a faith in baptism by the authority of the Church, they had received the gift of the Holy Ghost by the authority of the priesthood, they were members of the one and only community of saints, and they were Disciples of Christ. These words cannot be applied to a modern day group made up of Catholics, various orthodox Christians, a multitude of Protestant believers, evangelicals, and others of faith who are all divided by doctrine. The only possible outcome would be a priesthood also divided by doctrine.

Just because they were â??called out of darkness into his wonderful lightâ?, does not translate into being an apostle of the Melchizedek order, which Hebrews says is a priesthood of oath and covenant (meaning a two way promise). Neither is it available outside of the one true Church. The self-made claim that someone is a believer does not equate to a self-made reality that they are a priest. The promise made here in 1Peter 2:9 is the same as made in Deuteronomy, which promises that the Messiah will consecrate Israel a holy nation.

Christian churches, starting from their Catholic roots, do not even have a doctrine of how they fit into Israel. Only the LDS Church has the Good News related to the gathering of an Israel in Christ.

The LDS Church has called all believers into His priesthood; the call has come from God and Christ through His modern apostles and prophets, but this does not mean that all believers become priests. A believer must acknowledge the community of saints that Christ has restored in the LDS Church, they must be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and they must make covenants which are the same as Christâ??s calling unto death. And all this must be witnessed by the authority of the Church.

If you want to know what the role of the Melchizedek priesthood is before you make the commitment read Psalms 110. After the planet is made ready we will enjoy our Godly Fatherhood made possible in Christ.

The apostles had miraculous power, nobody will argue that point. This is evident in the fact that they did in fact perform miracles. But how does the fact that they performed miracles prove that they had the Aaronic or Melchezedek priesthood? Isn't that an assumption on your part?

The connection is that the apostles went about doing the same thing as Christ did, as recorded in Acts, and that in the Letter to the Hebrews it is made clear that Christ was of the Order of Melchizedek.

Does "keys of the kingdom" equal priesthood?

â??Keys of the kingdomâ? equals authority; when paired with â??the power of the Holy Ghostâ? the Melchizedek priesthood has both â??the power and authorityâ? to change the world.

The Aaronic priesthood was past down in the OT via the Levitical line specifically via the line of Aaron. When do you think that the change was made allowing it to be given to non-Levites? And who made that change?

Even in the days of Jesus, many were recorded baptized without a need for the baptizer to be of the OT Aaronic or Levitical priesthoods. Apollos, a Greek, baptized with the apostle Paul. Paul, being of the tribe of Benjamin and a Roman citizen, was allowed to baptize. Although Christ honored the calling of John-the-Baptist (an Aaronic priest) by being baptized by him, He bypassed the old order of established Jewish priestdoms (both the Aaronic and the Levitical as well as the Sadducees and the Pharisees) in order to fulfill scripture and the will of the Father.

Christâ??s work continued in fulfillment of His making us into a â??new creationâ?. So why limit Him to the rules and laws of the old creation?

The rules were changed two thousand years ago by God in Christ.

What other Christian Church believes that their members have the Melchezedek Priesthood?

I know of none. And even if some church did claim to have it they would have to explain how it came to them since no doctrine has been written of it in any of the churches originating from the Catholic church.

But Joseph Smith explained how it came to be in the LDS Church more than 178 years ago when he was called to be the prophet of the Restoration; and no one seemed to know what he was talking about.

Now churches are scrambling for claims of priesthood authority in fulfillment of Joseph Smithâ??s inspired words, â??It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?â?

The churches of men in their divided state are the work of the Adversary.

The world should stop being disturbed and annoyed by the word of our Lord Jesus Christ delivered to the Prophet Joseph Smith and start to believe that God and Christ speaks today through His Church and His priesthood.

Zemah

[Billy]

Although the idea that the Aaronic priesthood was given only to direct descendants of Aaron is indeed stated in the Old Testament, the Old Testament nevertheless gives us several examples of people who were not descendants of Aaron (or Levi, even!) performing the sacrifices that were to be done only by Aaronic priesthood holders.

--Consiglieri

Do you have a list of those who performed sacrifices who were not from the line of Aaron or Levi?

Are you saying that these in your list requested above did not have any priesthood? If they did not have any priesthood by what authority did they offer those sacrifices?

[Billy]

The churches of men in their divided state are the work of the Adversary.

Zemah

Zemah, I couldn't agree with you more.

List of sects in the Latter Day Saint movement

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sects..._Saint_movement

Church of Christ Joseph Smith Jr. April 6, 1830 N/A Multiple sects claim to be true successor Name changed to Church of the Latter Day Saints in 1834 and the name remained in flux (The Church of God / The Church of Jesus Christ / Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints / Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) until the death of Smith.

Pure Church of Christ Wycam Clark 1831 Church of Christ Defunct First schismatic sect in the Latter Day Saint movement

Independent Church â?? Hoton 1832 Church of Christ Defunct Little is known about this second schismatic sect.

Church of Christ Ezra Booth 1836 Church of Christ Defunct Taught that Joseph Smith was not a prophet and the Book of Mormon was not scripture

Church of Christ (Parrishite) Warren Parrish 1837 Church of Christ Defunct

Alston Church Isaac Russell 1839 Church of Christ Defunct Taught that the Latter Day Saints should remain in Missouri and not emigrate to Illinois

Church of Christ William Chubby late 1830s Church of Christ Defunct Established with the special mission of ministering to black people

Church of Jesus Christ, the Bride, the Lamb's Wife George M. Hinkle 1840 Church of Christ Defunct Taught that Joseph Smith was not a prophet and the Book of Mormon was not scripture

Church of Christ Hiram Page 1842 Church of Christ Defunct

True Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints William Law 1844 Church of Christ Defunct Opposed plural marriage; published the Nauvoo Expositor

[edit]Prairie Saint groups

Formed after 1844 in the midwest

Church Name Organized by Date Organized Split off/Continuation of Current Status Notes

Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion Sidney Rigdon 1844 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Dissolved by 1847 Originally also used the name Church of Christ. Also known as Rigdonites.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) James J. Strang 1844 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints A few hundred members; headquartered in Voree (now Burlington) Wisconsin. Web site: churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints.org

Church of Christ Aaron Smith 1846 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Defunct

Church of Christ (Whitmerite) William E. M'Lellin and David Whitmer 1847 and 1871 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Extant until around 1925 William E. M'Lellin claimed that Joseph Smith, Jr. had designated David Whitmer, one of the Three Witnesses, as his successor. By 1925, most remaining members of the Whitmerite church had united with the Church of Christ (Temple Lot).

Church of Christ (Brewsterite) James C. Brewster and Hazen Aldrich 1848 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Published a periodical entitled The Olive Branch

The Bride, the Lamb's Wife Jacob Syfritt 1848 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Syfritt claimed to have been taken to heaven to converse with Joseph Smith, who designated him as his true successor

Congregation of Jehovah's Presbytery of Zion (Baneemyites, Conjespresites) Charles B. Thompson 1848 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Thompson claimed to be "Baneemy" mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 105:27. Said the church had been rejected by God following Joseph Smith's death and he had been called to renew the priesthood among the gentiles.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Gladdenite) Gladden Bishop 1851 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Dissolved after Bishop's death in 1865 Many members later helped form the Church of Christ (Temple Lot)

Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) Alpheus Cutler 1853 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Handful of members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri Formerly called The True Church of Jesus Christ; adherents commonly called Cutlerites

Church of the Potter Christ Arnold Potter 1857 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Defunct Potter wore a long beard and white robes; his followers wore black robes; followers emigrated from California to Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1861

Community of Christ Joseph Smith III 1860 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Second-largest Latter Day Saint denomination; approximately 200,000 members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Previously known as the "Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (RLDS Church); organized by Joseph Smith III in 1860. Web site: cofchrist.org.

The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) William Bickerton 1862 Organized by former followers of Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion, which by then was defunct 15,000 members; headquartered in Monongahela, Pennsylvania Adherents commonly referred to as Bickertonites (church actively opposes use of this term); web site: thechurchofjesuschrist.org.

Church of Christ (Temple Lot) (Hedrickites) Granville Hedrick 1863 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; some members from Gladdenites 5000 members; headquartered on the Temple Lot in Independence, Missouri Web site: churchofchrist-tl.org; adherents commonly referred to as Hedrickites

Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) Half of the Bickertonite Quorum of Twelve Apostles 1907 Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) Defunct Dispute over nature of life in the millennium split Bickertonite Quorum of the Twelve in two; later merged with the Primitive Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)

Primitive Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) James Caldwell 1914 Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) Defunct Rejected the First Presidency as a valid leadership organization of the church; later merged with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)

Church of the Christian Brotherhood R. C. Evans 1918 Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Split with Reorganized Church over belief that Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage; Evans published a book documenting evidence that Smith was a polygamist; Evans went on to reject most of the tenets of Mormonism

Church of Christ with the Elijah Message Otto Fetting and William Draves 1929 and 1943 Church of Christ (Temple Lot) Headquartered in Independence, Missouri A denomination which split with the Temple Lot church over reported revelations from John the Baptist; web site: elijahmessage.com

Zion's Order, Inc. Merl Kilgore 1951 Aaronic Order and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Headquartered in Mansfield, Missouri; approximately 100 members Formerly known as Zion's Order of the Sons of Levi; use all of the scriptures of the LDS Church except section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, plus 650 revelations to Kilgore

Church of Jesus Christ (Drewite) Theron Drew 1965 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Extant; one congregation led by Richard Drew, Theron's son Drew organized the church after being excommunicated from the Strangite church on account of Drew's promotion of Merl Kilgore as the "One Mighty and Strong" and a potential successor to James Strang

Restored Church of Jesus Christ Eugene O. Walton 1980 Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite)? 25 members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri

Church of Jesus Christ (Toneyite) Forrest Toney 1980 Community of Christ headquartered in Independence, Missouri

Independent RLDS / Restoration Branches various 1980s Community of Christ Approx. 12,000 members in 200+ branches and study groups; movement centered in Independence, Missouri but each branch is relatively autonomous RLDS Church branches that became independent of the RLDS Church individually throughout the 1980s due to opposition to the changing of RLDS Church doctrines and practices. Web site: centerplace.org Most priesthood of these branches soon became affiliated with the Conference of Restoration Elders. Later in 2005 some branches organized into a Joint Conference of Restoration Branches. Web site: conferenceofbranches.org

Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830 Nolan W. Glauner mid-1980s Community of Christ Members in Missouri and Africa; headquartered in Tarkio, Missouri Regards Wallace B. Smith as a "fallen prophet" of the RLDS Church for opening the priesthood to women and for choosing to build the Independence Temple as opposed to the city of Zion

Lion of God Ministry David B. Clark 1985 Community of Christ Headquartered in Oak Grove, Missouri Web site: lionofgod.com.

Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints several RLDS entities 1989 Community of Christ Headquartered in Independence, Missouri Web site: restorationchurch.net.

Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Frederick Niels Larsen 2000 Community of Christ 1000-2000 members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri Chiefly composed of former members of the Community of Christ who oppose what they consider to be recent doctrinal innovations, especially the passing of the church presidency to someone not descended from Joseph Smith, Jr. (Larsen is a descendant of Joseph Smith, Jr. through his grandson Frederick Madison Smith.) Web site: theremnantchurch.com

[edit]Rocky Mountain groups

Formed after 1844 and headquartered in the Rocky Mountains

Church Name Organized by Date Organized Split off/Continuation of Current Status Notes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brigham Young 1844 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints The largest Latter Day Saint denomination, with 13 million members worldwide; headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah Also commonly known as Mormon Church or LDS Church. Adherents are popularly called Mormons or Latter-day Saints. Resulted from Latter Day Saints that followed Brigham Young after succession crisis. Practiced plural marriage until the early 20th century. Web site: lds.org

Church of the Firstborn (Morrisite) Joseph Morris 1861 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Probably defunct, remnants of this organization survived into the mid-20th century. Involved in the Morrisite War; believe in reincarnation

Kingdom of Heaven William W. Davies 1866 Church of the Firstborn (Morrisite) Defunct Lived a communal life near Walla Walla, Washington from 1867 to 1881

The Church of Zion William S. Godbe 1868 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Defunct Also known as Godbeites

Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Most High John R. Eardley 1882 Church of the Firstborn (Morrisite) Disbanded in 1969 Was the last surviving remnant of the "Morrisites"

Mormon fundamentalist movement Lorin C. Woolley 1920s The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints originally headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah Driven by rejection of end of plural marriage by LDS Church; later splintered into several groups, particularly upon death of Joseph W. Musser in 1954

Latter Day Church of Christ Elden Kingston 1926 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Approximately 2000 members; headquartered in Davis County, Utah Commonly known as the Kingston clan; also known as the Davis County Cooperative Society. Pracitices plural marriage. Part of Mormon fundamentalist movement.

Aaronic Order Maurice L. Glendenning 1942 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Also called House of Aaron. Web site: houseofaaron.org

Apostolic United Brethren Rulon C. Allred 1954 Mormon fundamentalist movement 5000-8000 members; headquarters in Bluffdale, Utah. Practices plural marriage. Part of Mormon fundamentalist movement.

Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Leroy S. Johnson 1954 Mormon fundamentalist movement Approximately 8,000-10,000 members; traditionally headquartered in Colorado City, Arizona; recently established a community of approximately 700 members near Eldorado, Texas. Largest group of Latter Day Saints who practice plural marriage. Part of Mormon fundamentalist movement. Also called FLDS Church.

Perfected Church of Jesus Christ of Immaculate Latter-day Saints William C. Conway 1955 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Also called Restored Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ of Immaculate Latter-day Saints; Conway claimed to be the reincarnation of Moroni and Joseph Smith; teaches transmutation of metals and the abolishment of menstruation; focuses on preaching among Native Americans; claims that a Nephite named Mulek designated Los Angeles as a holy site of gathering

Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times Joel F. LeBaron 1955 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Defunct Established in northern Mexico; part of Mormon fundamentalist movement; brother Ervil LeBaron split in 1972 and ordered Joel murdered

Church of the Lamb of God Ervil LeBaron 1972 Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times Probably continues in LeBaron family Ervil LeBaron ordered his brother Joel killed in 1972; LeBaron ordered Apostolic United Brethren leader Rulon C. Allred killed in 1977; LeBaron was extradited to the United States and sentenced to life in prison; died in 1981

Church of the New Covenant in Christ John W. Bryant 1975 Apostolic United Brethren Headquartered in Salem, Oregon Previously called the Church of Christ Patriarchal and the Evangelical Church of Christ. One of Bryant's estranged wives says Bryant converted temple ordinances into sexual rites and that he authorized a type of "free love" among the members

Confederate Nations of Israel Alex Joseph 1977 Apostolic United Brethren Approximately 400 members in the United States Hybrid churchâ??political organization patterned after the Council of Fifty; members can be from any religious denomination or atheist; approximately one-quarter of members practice plural marriage

Church of Jesus Christ (Bullaite) Art Bulla 1983 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Size unknown; headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah Bulla claims to be the "One Mighty and Strong" prophesied of by Joseph Smith, Jr. in the Doctrine and Covenants

Restoration Church of Jesus Christ Antonio A. Feliz 1985 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Approximately 500 members in Utah and California. Majority of members are LGBT. Commonly called the Gay Mormon Church or Liberal Mormon Church. Originally called the Church of Jesus Christ of All Latter-day Saints.

True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days James D. Harmston 1994 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Approximately 500-750 members. Headquartered in Manti, Utah. Practices plural marriage. Part of Mormon fundamentalist movement. Also called TLC Church.

[edit]Other groups

Formed after 1844 in other locations

Church Name Organized by Date Organized Split off/Continuation of Current Status Notes

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Gibsonite) Walter M. Gibson 1861 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints defunct Organized in Pacific Islands; sold leadership offices to native peoples; gathering place established on Lanai

Church of the Messiah George J. Adams 1861 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) defunct Led followers from Maine to Palestine

The Church of Christ: "Of Latter Day Saints" Abinadi Smith 2007 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana Mormon fundamentalist group formally known as â??Latter day Church of Christ: With Signs and Wonders.â? and â??The Holy Cathar Church of Jesus Christ.â?

Holy Church of Jesus Christ Alexandre R. Caffiaux 1964 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) congregations in France and New Mexico Caffiaux claimed to be the rightful successor to James J. Strang

Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Michael Bethel 1994 Various Latter Day Saint denominations Headquartered in Kenner, Louisiana, about 30 adherents[1] A group that accepts the Bible and the Book of Mormon, but rejects the Doctrine and Covenants and several other Mormon doctrines.

Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ Matthew P. Gill 2007 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Organized in Derbyshire, England by former members of the LDS Church Met informally as The Latter Day Church of Christ until formal organization. Added the Book of Jeraneck to scriptural canon. Web site: thelatterdaychurchofchrist.blogspot.com

[William the Conqueror]

Although the idea that the Aaronic priesthood was given only to direct descendants of Aaron is indeed stated in the Old Testament, the Old Testament nevertheless gives us several examples of people who were not descendants of Aaron (or Levi, even!) performing the sacrifices that were to be done only by Aaronic priesthood holders.

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

You are correct Consig. I Kings says that Jereboam son of Nebat appointed anyone who desired this as a priest. This was a great sin and was the reason his lineage did not continue as kings and were destroyed - every male in the household.

[consiglieri]

Was it a sin when David offered sacrifice?

[Zemah]

Zemah, I couldn't agree with you more.

List of sects in the Latter Day Saint movement

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sects..._Saint_movement

Church of Christ Joseph Smith Jr. April 6, 1830 N/A Multiple sects claim to be true successor Name changed to Church of the Latter Day Saints in 1834 and the name remained in flux (The Church of God / The Church of Jesus Christ / Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints / Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) until the death of Smith.

Pure Church of Christ Wycam Clark 1831 Church of Christ Defunct First schismatic sect in the Latter Day Saint movement

Independent Church â?? Hoton 1832 Church of Christ Defunct Little is known about this second schismatic sect.

Church of Christ Ezra Booth 1836 Church of Christ Defunct Taught that Joseph Smith was not a prophet and the Book of Mormon was not scripture

Church of Christ (Parrishite) Warren Parrish 1837 Church of Christ Defunct

Alston Church Isaac Russell 1839 Church of Christ Defunct Taught that the Latter Day Saints should remain in Missouri and not emigrate to Illinois

Church of Christ William Chubby late 1830s Church of Christ Defunct Established with the special mission of ministering to black people

Church of Jesus Christ, the Bride, the Lamb's Wife George M. Hinkle 1840 Church of Christ Defunct Taught that Joseph Smith was not a prophet and the Book of Mormon was not scripture

Church of Christ Hiram Page 1842 Church of Christ Defunct

True Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints William Law 1844 Church of Christ Defunct Opposed plural marriage; published the Nauvoo Expositor

[edit]Prairie Saint groups

Formed after 1844 in the midwest

Church Name Organized by Date Organized Split off/Continuation of Current Status Notes

Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion Sidney Rigdon 1844 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Dissolved by 1847 Originally also used the name Church of Christ. Also known as Rigdonites.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) James J. Strang 1844 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints A few hundred members; headquartered in Voree (now Burlington) Wisconsin. Web site: churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints.org

Church of Christ Aaron Smith 1846 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Defunct

Church of Christ (Whitmerite) William E. M'Lellin and David Whitmer 1847 and 1871 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Extant until around 1925 William E. M'Lellin claimed that Joseph Smith, Jr. had designated David Whitmer, one of the Three Witnesses, as his successor. By 1925, most remaining members of the Whitmerite church had united with the Church of Christ (Temple Lot).

Church of Christ (Brewsterite) James C. Brewster and Hazen Aldrich 1848 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Published a periodical entitled The Olive Branch

The Bride, the Lamb's Wife Jacob Syfritt 1848 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Syfritt claimed to have been taken to heaven to converse with Joseph Smith, who designated him as his true successor

Congregation of Jehovah's Presbytery of Zion (Baneemyites, Conjespresites) Charles B. Thompson 1848 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Thompson claimed to be "Baneemy" mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 105:27. Said the church had been rejected by God following Joseph Smith's death and he had been called to renew the priesthood among the gentiles.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Gladdenite) Gladden Bishop 1851 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Dissolved after Bishop's death in 1865 Many members later helped form the Church of Christ (Temple Lot)

Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) Alpheus Cutler 1853 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Handful of members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri Formerly called The True Church of Jesus Christ; adherents commonly called Cutlerites

Church of the Potter Christ Arnold Potter 1857 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Defunct Potter wore a long beard and white robes; his followers wore black robes; followers emigrated from California to Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1861

Community of Christ Joseph Smith III 1860 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Second-largest Latter Day Saint denomination; approximately 200,000 members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Previously known as the "Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (RLDS Church); organized by Joseph Smith III in 1860. Web site: cofchrist.org.

The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) William Bickerton 1862 Organized by former followers of Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion, which by then was Defunct 15,000 members; headquartered in Monongahela, Pennsylvania Adherents commonly referred to as Bickertonites (church actively opposes use of this term); web site: thechurchofjesuschrist.org.

Church of Christ (Temple Lot) (Hedrickites) Granville Hedrick 1863 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; some members from Gladdenites 5000 members; headquartered on the Temple Lot in Independence, Missouri Web site: churchofchrist-tl.org; adherents commonly referred to as Hedrickites

Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) Half of the Bickertonite Quorum of Twelve Apostles 1907 Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) Defunct Dispute over nature of life in the millennium split Bickertonite Quorum of the Twelve in two; later merged with the Primitive Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)

Primitive Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) James Caldwell 1914 Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) Defunct Rejected the First Presidency as a valid leadership organization of the church; later merged with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)

Church of the Christian Brotherhood R. C. Evans 1918 Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Defunct Split with Reorganized Church over belief that Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage; Evans published a book documenting evidence that Smith was a polygamist; Evans went on to reject most of the tenets of Mormonism

Church of Christ with the Elijah Message Otto Fetting and William Draves 1929 and 1943 Church of Christ (Temple Lot) Headquartered in Independence, Missouri A denomination which split with the Temple Lot church over reported revelations from John the Baptist; web site: elijahmessage.com

Zion's Order, Inc. Merl Kilgore 1951 Aaronic Order and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Headquartered in Mansfield, Missouri; approximately 100 members Formerly known as Zion's Order of the Sons of Levi; use all of the scriptures of the LDS Church except section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, plus 650 revelations to Kilgore

Church of Jesus Christ (Drewite) Theron Drew 1965 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Extant; one congregation led by Richard Drew, Theron's son Drew organized the church after being excommunicated from the Strangite church on account of Drew's promotion of Merl Kilgore as the "One Mighty and Strong" and a potential successor to James Strang

Restored Church of Jesus Christ Eugene O. Walton 1980 Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite)? 25 members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri

Church of Jesus Christ (Toneyite) Forrest Toney 1980 Community of Christ headquartered in Independence, Missouri

Independent RLDS / Restoration Branches various 1980s Community of Christ Approx. 12,000 members in 200+ branches and study groups; movement centered in Independence, Missouri but each branch is relatively autonomous RLDS Church branches that became independent of the RLDS Church individually throughout the 1980s due to opposition to the changing of RLDS Church doctrines and practices. Web site: centerplace.org Most priesthood of these branches soon became affiliated with the Conference of Restoration Elders. Later in 2005 some branches organized into a Joint Conference of Restoration Branches. Web site: conferenceofbranches.org

Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830 Nolan W. Glauner mid-1980s Community of Christ Members in Missouri and Africa; headquartered in Tarkio, Missouri Regards Wallace B. Smith as a "fallen prophet" of the RLDS Church for opening the priesthood to women and for choosing to build the Independence Temple as opposed to the city of Zion

Lion of God Ministry David B. Clark 1985 Community of Christ Headquartered in Oak Grove, Missouri Web site: lionofgod.com.

Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints several RLDS entities 1989 Community of Christ Headquartered in Independence, Missouri Web site: restorationchurch.net.

Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Frederick Niels Larsen 2000 Community of Christ 1000-2000 members; headquartered in Independence, Missouri Chiefly composed of former members of the Community of Christ who oppose what they consider to be recent doctrinal innovations, especially the passing of the church presidency to someone not descended from Joseph Smith, Jr. (Larsen is a descendant of Joseph Smith, Jr. through his grandson Frederick Madison Smith.) Web site: theremnantchurch.com

[edit]Rocky Mountain groups

Formed after 1844 and headquartered in the Rocky Mountains

Church Name Organized by Date Organized Split off/Continuation of Current Status Notes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brigham Young 1844 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints The largest Latter Day Saint denomination, with 13 million members worldwide; headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah Also commonly known as Mormon Church or LDS Church. Adherents are popularly called Mormons or Latter-day Saints. Resulted from Latter Day Saints that followed Brigham Young after succession crisis. Practiced plural marriage until the early 20th century. Web site: lds.org

Church of the Firstborn (Morrisite) Joseph Morris 1861 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Probably Defunct, remnants of this organization survived into the mid-20th century. Involved in the Morrisite War; believe in reincarnation

Kingdom of Heaven William W. Davies 1866 Church of the Firstborn (Morrisite) Defunct Lived a communal life near Walla Walla, Washington from 1867 to 1881

The Church of Zion William S. Godbe 1868 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Defunct Also known as Godbeites

Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Most High John R. Eardley 1882 Church of the Firstborn (Morrisite) Disbanded in 1969 Was the last surviving remnant of the "Morrisites"

Mormon fundamentalist movement Lorin C. Woolley 1920s The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints originally headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah Driven by rejection of end of plural marriage by LDS Church; later splintered into several groups, particularly upon death of Joseph W. Musser in 1954

Latter Day Church of Christ Elden Kingston 1926 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Approximately 2000 members; headquartered in Davis County, Utah Commonly known as the Kingston clan; also known as the Davis County Cooperative Society. Pracitices plural marriage. Part of Mormon fundamentalist movement.

Aaronic Order Maurice L. Glendenning 1942 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Also called House of Aaron. Web site: houseofaaron.org

Apostolic United Brethren Rulon C. Allred 1954 Mormon fundamentalist movement 5000-8000 members; headquarters in Bluffdale, Utah. Practices plural marriage. Part of Mormon fundamentalist movement.

Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Leroy S. Johnson 1954 Mormon fundamentalist movement Approximately 8,000-10,000 members; traditionally headquartered in Colorado City, Arizona; recently established a community of approximately 700 members near Eldorado, Texas. Largest group of Latter Day Saints who practice plural marriage. Part of Mormon fundamentalist movement. Also called FLDS Church.

Perfected Church of Jesus Christ of Immaculate Latter-day Saints William C. Conway 1955 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Also called Restored Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ of Immaculate Latter-day Saints; Conway claimed to be the reincarnation of Moroni and Joseph Smith; teaches transmutation of metals and the abolishment of menstruation; focuses on preaching among Native Americans; claims that a Nephite named Mulek designated Los Angeles as a holy site of gathering

Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times Joel F. LeBaron 1955 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Defunct Established in northern Mexico; part of Mormon fundamentalist movement; brother Ervil LeBaron split in 1972 and ordered Joel murdered

Church of the Lamb of God Ervil LeBaron 1972 Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times Probably continues in LeBaron family Ervil LeBaron ordered his brother Joel killed in 1972; LeBaron ordered Apostolic United Brethren leader Rulon C. Allred killed in 1977; LeBaron was extradited to the United States and sentenced to life in prison; died in 1981

Church of the New Covenant in Christ John W. Bryant 1975 Apostolic United Brethren Headquartered in Salem, Oregon Previously called the Church of Christ Patriarchal and the Evangelical Church of Christ. One of Bryant's estranged wives says Bryant converted temple ordinances into sexual rites and that he authorized a type of "free love" among the members

Confederate Nations of Israel Alex Joseph 1977 Apostolic United Brethren Approximately 400 members in the United States Hybrid churchâ??political organization patterned after the Council of Fifty; members can be from any religious denomination or atheist; approximately one-quarter of members practice plural marriage

Church of Jesus Christ (Bullaite) Art Bulla 1983 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Size unknown; headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah Bulla claims to be the "One Mighty and Strong" prophesied of by Joseph Smith, Jr. in the Doctrine and Covenants

Restoration Church of Jesus Christ Antonio A. Feliz 1985 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Approximately 500 members in Utah and California. Majority of members are LGBT. Commonly called the Gay Mormon Church or Liberal Mormon Church. Originally called the Church of Jesus Christ of All Latter-day Saints.

True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days James D. Harmston 1994 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Approximately 500-750 members. Headquartered in Manti, Utah. Practices plural marriage. Part of Mormon fundamentalist movement. Also called TLC Church.

[edit]Other groups

Formed after 1844 in other locations

Church Name Organized by Date Organized Split off/Continuation of Current Status Notes

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Gibsonite) Walter M. Gibson 1861 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Defunct Organized in Pacific Islands; sold leadership offices to native peoples; gathering place established on Lanai

Church of the Messiah George J. Adams 1861 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Defunct Led followers from Maine to Palestine

The Church of Christ: "Of Latter Day Saints" Abinadi Smith 2007 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana Mormon fundamentalist group formally known as â??Latter day Church of Christ: With Signs and Wonders.â? and â??The Holy Cathar Church of Jesus Christ.â?

Holy Church of Jesus Christ Alexandre R. Caffiaux 1964 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) congregations in France and New Mexico Caffiaux claimed to be the rightful successor to James J. Strang

Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Michael Bethel 1994 Various Latter Day Saint denominations Headquartered in Kenner, Louisiana, about 30 adherents[1] A group that accepts the Bible and the Book of Mormon, but rejects the Doctrine and Covenants and several other Mormon doctrines.

Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ Matthew P. Gill 2007 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Organized in Derbyshire, England by former members of the LDS Church Met informally as The Latter Day Church of Christ until formal organization. Added the Book of Jeraneck to scriptural canon. Web site: thelatterdaychurchofchrist.blogspot.com

So what is your point?

â??Anyone who does not remain in me is like a branch that has been thrown away - he withers; these branches are collected and thrown on the fire, and they are burnt.â? (John 15:6)

Out of the fifty or so named, almost thirty are Defunct; ten number less than 25,000 and ten maintain just a handful of members, less than 100 (probably for tax benefits).

Many are offshoots of the Community of Christ church (not the LDS Church in Utah). And only the Community of Christ church maintains a substantial membership of approximately 200,000.

[iNSERT: They are actually the only ones that can claim some affiliation with the LDS Church of today based in Utah. The Community of Christ church represents the origins before the revelations of eternal and plural marriage were canonized. Their version of Doctrine & Covenants reflects a marriage that is more like Christian marriages.]

But only the LDS Church continues to flourish into the millions around the world. My children will probably see an LDS Church of a hundred million members.

Meanwhile, the Catholic church continues to shrink. Protestant churches are only becoming more divided and specialized. Evangelical branches come and go as individual preachers rise and fall in popularity. And the modern boom of Christian celebration churches will eventually go bust when the loud excitement of creative presentation wears out the senses.

Wikipedia also records quite a history of Defunct Christian churches over the past two thousand years.

Billy, I noticed you didnâ??t place your lot with any denomination of Christianity. So tell me, where is the true Church and Community of Saints?

Zemah