Beginning of the Year 2016
Episode Description:
Shawn McCraney teaches that traditional material religion, demonstrated through a historical lens including the Nation of Israel and its material manifestations, is concluded with the advent of Jesus Christ, who transitions believers towards a renewed spiritual understanding and relationship with God. He argues that following the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 70 AD, a new, purely spiritual reality is established, emphasizing spiritual teachings and the role of Christ and His apostles in forming a church focused on spiritual reunion and fulfillment.
The teaching emphasizes that after the material destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the nature of the Christian faith shifted from a material to a purely spiritual practice, with believers forming the Body of Christ devoid of hierarchies, institutions, or physical edifices, guided directly by God's Spirit. It highlights that the true essence of faith lies in individual spiritual regeneration, where Christians are led by faith and love under Christ's priesthood, without the need for church intermediaries, with God now being "all in all," reigning in each believer's heart.
Peter urges repentance and a change of course for the forgiveness of sins, in anticipation of the "times of refreshing" from the Lord’s presence and the sending of Jesus Christ from heaven until the "restitution of all things." Paul's notion of the "dispensation of the fullness of times" aligns with Peter's message, emphasizing unity in Christ, while John Darby's 19th-century theory of "dispensationalism" divided history into distinct periods, influencing modern Christian eschatology.
The teaching highlights a misunderstanding of the term "dispensation," arguing that it refers not to a period of time, but rather to an "administration" or "arrangement of affairs." Paul and Peter use this concept to describe the transition in God’s administration from a law-based to a grace-based system under Christ, signifying a broader spiritual, redemptive plan rather than a temporal epoch.
Shawn's teachings focus on understanding and questioning the teachings of the Mormon Church, encouraging individuals to seek personal truth through research and reflection. Through his YouTube videos, Shawn inspires people to transition from Mormonism to Christianity by exploring the Bible and the teachings of Christ, notably impacting people who have felt burdened by church doctrines and helping them find new spiritual paths.
Shawn emphasizes the importance of personal spiritual growth and transformation through consistent faith and dedication, guiding others by demonstrating a steady commitment to Christ despite personal challenges. He encourages believers to engage in a deeper understanding of scripture, such as the interpretation of Genesis 1:26, and maintain communication with God to strengthen their faith journey.