AI-generated summary
Central Claim: McCraney argues that obsessing over doctrinal precision regarding "which Jesus" is theologically misguided. Instead, believers should focus on personal spiritual rebirth through Christ as the authentic measure of faith.
Biblical Basis: McCraney cites Philippians 1:18 (Paul rejoicing that Christ is preached, regardless of motive) to support the notion that even imperfect Christ proclamations carry redemptive power. He then grounds genuine faith in passages on praise (Hebrews 13:15, Psalms, Ephesians 5:18-20, Colossians 3:15-17), presenting praise as the natural fruit of rebirth.
Yeshuan Perspective: This reflects McCraney's fulfilled eschatology emphasis on *subjective spiritual experience* over doctrinal correctness. He contends that even those with incomplete theological understanding (like LDS members) can experience genuine regeneration. The "real question" is not doctrinal accuracy but whether one has been "spiritually reborn"—an undeniable, personal metaphysical state. Praise becomes the authentic expression and evidence of this rebirth, making lived experience the ultimate spiritual metric rather than theological conformity.
Open Transcript
Exploring the Concept of the "Right Jesus"
Third Show - March 21st
House of Prayer
Welcome
Heart of the Matter
Live call-in show 973-TV20
Phone shy? Email us at heart@tv20.tv
We’ll open the phone lines up in about 15 minutes.
Let’s open with a word of prayer.
Have several topics to kick off tonight’s show.
First, let’s talk about the “Right Jesus”. Received several emails since our last show from well-meaning believers suggesting I question LDS callers (who claim to have a relationship with Jesus) about which Jesus they are speaking of . . . the Mormon Jesus or the Christian Jesus. I think this needs to be addressed. I’m not so sure the defenders of the Christian faith in this area are going to appreciate it, but here goes. Some religions teach a very watered-down, almost unrecognizable version of who Jesus is. Others, like Chuck Smith’s Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, paint a wonderfully rich and biblical version of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The latter is certainly preferable as it yields the greatest harvest of souls, helping to lead them to a stronger walk in the faith.
But either way, Jesus is being taught. In Philippians 1:18 Paul was speaking of men who teach a false Jesus and the real one and he writes: “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” Now Latter-day Saints, in my opinion and experience, do not teach a truly biblical version of who Jesus is. And the Jesus they preach is sorely lacking. I’m sorry, but any time the Lord is referred to as “our elder brother” we are talking about an incomprehensibly faulty representation. But they DO teach Him! Including: He is the Only Begotten of the Father. He was without sin. He performed the recorded miracles. He suffered and died for the sins of the world. He was resurrected on the third day. He sits on the right hand of the father.
Please don’t call now and tell me all of the additional stuff Latter-day Saints add to this picture. I’m well aware. The point is, they do teach some truth about the Lord. If a Church presents a false version of Christ, Christ is still preached, and the rays of His light can shine forth in the hearts of their believers.
The Real Question
Determining the “real Jesus;” questioning it, probing for it, debating it, is, in my opinion, a grand waste of time because nobody has an entire answer to the question, and much of what is believed can be argued. The real question, the better question, continues to be, “Have you been spiritually reborn of God through Him? Goes from the emotive/intellectual to a reality. You have either been regenerated or you haven’t, though subjective, it is an undeniable state. A certain standard of metaphysical certitude exists between those who have and those who have not. Can a person be regenerated without knowing the “real Jesus?” YES! I was! This is the point! Let’s drop all the extra-Jesus argumentation and focus on the Lord and our relationship with Him! This is why our ministry places its focus on knowing Jesus through rebirth! It’s personal, it’s undeniable, and it is the thing that changes lives.
Secondly, I’d like to introduce you to a book I wrote a few years ago about this very topic. It’s called Born-Again Mormon: Moving Toward Christian Authenticity. Read Endorsements Cost (and commentary about money/how to order) book@born-again-mormon.com
Praise as an Expression of Rebirth
Finally, let me throw some wood on this fire and warm the place up a bit. I want to talk to you all about a very natural and normal result of being born-again through Jesus Christ – praise.
Do you praise the Lord for His loving mercies daily? Have you ever sung praises unto Him? Is this a natural part of your relationship with Him?
Personal Story of Conversion and Views of Praise
Hebrew 13:15 says: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Psalms 50:23 reads: Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me . . .
Ephesians 5:18-20 states: . . . speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:15-17 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
Praise and Thanksgiving
to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Scriptures on Praise
Psalms 67:3-5
Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
Psalms 116:17
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
Psalms 27:6
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Natural part of being born of God is the yearning to praise Him. Before we open up the phone lines, I’d like to take the opportunity to share with you a song of praise you can use in your car, private prayer and worship time, or in your family home evening. Here we go.
Sing Halleluiah to the LORD.
Conclusion
Of course, I’d like to present to you a challenge tonight as we conclude our broadcast. And that is to go to the Lord in sincere prayer and offer your heart.
Song of Praise
Sing Hallelujah to the LORD!
Sing Hallelujah to the LORD!
Sing Hallelujah,
Sing Hallelujah,
Sing Hallelujah to the LORD.
God bless you everyone. And good night.