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IF you have this man’s books, you must repent of the spiritual adultery of seeking wisdom outside of the LORD and burn them at once or devils will have access to you and your family and home. See Devil’s and Inanimate Objects

What Does Motivational Teacher Stephen Covey Really Believe?

Dr. Michael H. Reynolds

PROVO, UT—Stephen Covey is a world renowned teacher, motivational leader and time management consultant. He, his Covey Leadership Seminars, books and other materials are sought after by Christian denominations, churches, businesses, schools, universities and seminaries. Many defend him strongly while others are wary of this member of the LDS church from Utah who has served his church as a missionary, bishop, mission president, and regional representative of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles along with his duties as a professor at the J.W. Marriott school of business at BYU.

In his best selling book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Covey says: “To the degree which we align ourselves with correct principles, divine endowments will be released within our nature enabling us to fulfill the measure of our creation.” What are these principles and endowments that Mr. Covey speaks of? What does he really believe about God, Jesus, the trinity, salvation by grace and other essential Christian doctrines?

Let us take a few moments and ask him by using The Divine Center, a book written by Covey which states in clear terms just what he believes. It was first published in 1988 by Bookcraft, an unofficial Mormon publishing house. In interview format we will ask him just what Stephen Covey believes and let him give the answers. The page numbers that follow are from the book The Divine Center.

*Mr. Covey, you are a world renowned author and speaker and many people from many different walks of life look to you for advice and help. What do you see as your main purpose in writing and speaking?

“For many years I have felt and seen the need for an organizing principle in life, a principle that would enable us to get a handle on things . . . My central purpose is to invite readers to examine their faith and lives from a fresh perspective or angle and consequently deepen their commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.” (p. IX)

*That certainly sounds good, except that most historical Christians would speak of deepening their commitment to the person of Jesus. Who do you see Jesus to be?

In quoting Apostle Bruce R. McConkie Mr. Covey said, @”Our relationship with the Son is one of brother or sister in the pre-mortal life…”(p. 72)

*What kind of relationship do you think people should have with Jesus?

“I am not indicating any kind of `special’ relationship with him or any other approach that scriptures and modern day prophets would not clearly sanction.”(p.67-68)

*How do you view the relationship between the centrality of Christ in a person’s life and the concept of grace?

“Rather naturally we associate that emphasis with such false concepts as easy salvation by grace alone….We should not allow apostate doctrines and interpretations to preempt in any degree the unquestioned centrality of the Savior to the true gospel we enjoy and to our individual lives.” (p. 68)

*Mr. Covey, I am sure that we would both agree that the church is very important in the life of a Christian. What do you see as the purpose of the church?

The purpose of the Church is to help save all of the living and the dead. To do this it has three essential missions: to preach the gospel to those who have not received it; to perfect the Saints, or those who have received it; and to redeem the dead. (p. 51)

*One of the essential doctrines of historical Christianity is the doctrine of the trinity. What do you think of this doctrine and what do you think it does?

“One of the great behavioral consequences of the apostate doctrine of the Trinity, in which God manifests himself in different ways, is to lead people to believe that we are a creation of God rather than his literal offspring.” (p.82)

*Well, that is not exactly what the Christian doctrine of the trinity is. But for the time being we’ll let that slide. It does bring to mind another point. What do you think of the doctrine of God?

“…Elder Lorenzo Snow (a former prophet of the LDS Church) summarized in his couplet: `As man now is, God once was; As God is, man may become.” (p.81).

*Mr. Covey, how do you think that you can convey your concepts and the LDS gospel to non-Mormons?

“I have found in speaking to various non-LDS groups in different cultures that we can teach and testify of many gospel principles if we are careful in selecting words which carry our meaning but come from their experience and frame of mind.” (p.240)

ConclusionThe Divine Center was obviously written for a Mormon audience and as such we can get to know the real Stephen Covey. Nothing is hidden behind vague statements about God, the scriptures or words like principles and endowments. In the pages of this book Mr. Covey states that the doctrine of the trinity is apostate, denies the concept of salvation by grace alone, gives a completely heretical view of God and offers a purpose for the church that no historical/biblical Christian would ever recognize. The Divine Center shows that not only is Stephen Covey a member of the LDS church, but his own beliefs which form the basis of his principles in all of his other books are clearly and directly opposed to evangelical Christian doctrine. Devil’s and Inanimate Objects

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Articles

“Called, and Chosen, and Faithful” [podcast]


“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14

You are called and chosen of God…. yet are you faithful to Him?

Beware of any false teacher who is not stressing the biblical truth and necessity of faithfulness to the LORD.

Who’s going to be eternally with “the Lamb”?

We are all “called, and chosen” and yet only the “faithful” shall be with the Lamb in eternity.

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

Lots of people using the word “chosen” to make money by getting views on youtube. Yet few speaking of being truly “faithful” to God. Anyone who repents, receives Christ, and is therefore saved by Christ, and yet doesn’t endure to the end faithful to God, is going to hell (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Colossians 1:22-23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-15; 10:26-39; Revelation 2:26, etc.).

This “chosen” word gets alot of attention because many wish to feel chosen by God and yet bring no reciprocating love back to God. And we all know that there is NO marriage without both parties loving on each other—powerfully. They want to feel special because their life is still all about them, not Jesus. They want God loving and choosing them but don’t have time to repent, lay down their life, and follow Jesus via the crucified life. They are all about self and not the Savior (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:40-45; Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4, etc.).

“The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2

God does not remain in a relationship with any person who is walking in spiritual adultery.

Get that lie out of your system, now.

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” 1 Corinthians 8:3

There’s no doubt ever that God is going to be faithful to us.

The question is though: Are we, am I faithful and true to the LORD?

“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13  If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13

The Bible word “chosen” is used often today as a buzz word, as if God chooses us because of how wonderful we are is perhaps the implication. Not.

  • “called”
  • “chosen”
  • “faithful”

“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are CALLED, and CHOSEN, and FAITHFUL.” Revelation 17:14

No relationship exists without the recipient being “faithful.”

“Many be called, but few chosen.” Matthew 20:16

Jesus says His flock is a “little flock” (Luke 12:32).

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

Matthew 25 is all about God’s calling and choosing and then the eternal outcome of those who obey and those who don’t.

The five foolish virgins are just as “called” and “chosen” as the five wise virgins. What’s the difference? The five wise virgins are “faithful” and the five foolish virgins are not and are going to have the door into eternal glory shut in their face. Read Matthew 25:1-13.

In His parabolic teaching of the talents that were doled out to His workers, what did Jesus tell us lies ahead for those who are not faithful stewards?

Of the unjust, the unprofitable steward that received His gift of one talent but buried it, Jesus says: “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30).

And then just a few verses down we read this…

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44  Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:40-46

Many wish to deceive themselves into thinking they will enjoy an eternal relationship with the Great Bridegroom in Heaven and yet choose to refuse having a “first love” relationship with the Son of God in this time of testing…..

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27

PRAYER:  Open to Psalm 51 in the King James Bible and pray with David.

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Abiding

JESUS CHRIST TOLD US TO OVERCOME TO THE END [video]

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Abiding

Walking in Godly Integrity Means Paying Restitution Where Needed [podcast]

“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” Acts 24:16

Truth: The LORD is watching everything you think and do and will bring you into judgment for it all – all (Proverbs 15:3; 20:11; 23:7; Mark 12:41-44; Romans 14:10, etc.). What’s your judgment going to look like?

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 

Jesus taught that only the “honest” will be with Him (Luke 8:15). The dishonest, “ALL … liars” will perish irrevocably in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). Those who’ve brought harm to others and have the opportunity to restore what they took (financially, emotionally, etc.) prove who they are by what they do or do not do. Those who take personal responsibility for the harm they brought on another, will be blessed. Those who don’t will be shut out, “cut off” from God (Romans 11:20-22).

“Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,” 2 Corinthians 6:3-4

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

Godly Integrity owns up to its personal responsibility to make amends where we have caused hurt. Restitution. A man of godly integrity never runs from his personal responsibility to repair and restore where he has brought harm – with his words, attitudes, or actions. This is exactly what happens when a man truly repents and gives his life to Christ. Zacchaeus is a great example to us of this. Like Zacchaeus, when we truly repent, there will always be good fruit, amends for our wrongdoing. Watch this closely. Watch what this man does after getting right with God:

Luke 19

1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

5 (the call and command) And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

6 (obedience) And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. (that’s exactly why Jesus came!)

8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. (true repentance always brings for the fruit of restitution Matthew 3:7-10)

9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

As we see in this case with Zacchaeus when he repented, turning to Jesus the Savior, true repentance always brings for the fruit of restitution. See Matthew 3:7-10.

Zacchaeus is a great example. When, if that true repentance happens in his heart, if the sinner, the transgressor allows it, there will be a practical restitution to those he’s harmed by his sin. Soon as he repented he wanted to pay restitution to those he’d harmed.

“Verse 8 is one of the strongest in the Bible on restitution. Salvation does not relieve a person from righting the wrongs of the past. Debts contracted during one’s unconverted days are not canceled by the new birth. And if money was stolen before salvation, then a true sense of the grace of God requires that this money be repaid after a person has become a child of God.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary

There’s no such thing as a person who is right with God and not making restitution for those he’s hurt.

INTEGRITY: If you owe someone $1,000 and can’t pay it all at once, show integrity and send them $ every month or week till you’ve paid them off. If you don’t, you show yourself to be a man who is without integrity (Proverbs 20:7). Soon as you begin paying back, you demonstrate the earnest of your integrity.

Jesus teaches us that we are wasting our time attempting to relate to or pray to the Father in His name if we have issues that need to be clear up with another.

God will not answer the prayer of any person who does not honor and obey His Word and if a person has an outstanding offense He wants them to clear up these matters (Proverbs 28:9, 13).

“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

God is not going to bless our lives unless we are willing to sincerely admit our sins, repent and confess them, and make amends (restitution) with anyone we’ve harmed. In the divine economy, there’s no such thing as being right with God when you’ve done another person wrong, haven’t repented, and haven’t made amends for what you’ve done. Such a person will be outside of the will and blessings of God until he makes things right with God and man.

The LORD requires that His people “examine” and “judge” themselves.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?   2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine and honest judge yourself and amend your ways or God will judge you.

“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

More Bible Verses on Restitution

Read Exodus 22:1-31

“If a thief be found breaking up (stealing in a burglary, home invasion), and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. 3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.” Exodus 22:2-3

“Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty; 7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.” Numbers 5:6-7

“And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. 6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” Genesis 9:5-6

Integrity

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