Testimonials of Visions of Glory

I'm a bit perturbed by the charges levied against Brother Pontius and "Spencer" as they are the complete opposite to my experience.

Visions of Glory was the first John Pontius book that I read. Most of the time reading it I felt a very strong spirit, testifying to me of its truth. But that wasn't enough as I've long felt responsible for my own salvation and there were a few things in Spencer's experiences that I didn't remember from the Scriptures. So I looked every one of those details up and, sure enough, it was in the Scriptures. I just hadn't known it prior to reading VOG.

I then read Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation in about 4 days. And it was if I had never read those books before. VOG gave me such an understanding I felt like I was reading a book after watching the movie. Between those spiritual experiences, and the intellectual exercise of studying the Scriptures, I've known that VOG, while only intended for Spencer, provided a tremendous light to this student of the Scriptures and has been the turning point in my scripture scholarship. I say God bless John Pontius and Spencer for sharing these eternal truths with us.

I haven’t met Thom but I loved his book. He states throughout his book that his experiences were all meant for him and his life. He also said that many of the experiences that he shared, that he’s not sure if they were literally or figuratively. I watched a video years ago of Thom and John Pontius and his beautiful gentle spirit shown brightly as well as John Pontius. It was such an incredible video talk about Visions of Glory. I think just because different groups read the book and made poor choices, doesn’t make the book bad.

I add my testimony to these, that I have felt the spirit every time i have read VoG or any of John Pontius' books. As i was taught, not only is there opposition in all things, but "equal" opposition. Many are coming awake, becoming more converted to Jesus and His Way, whether in or out of this church, and so satan is allowed greater latitude. Sometimes i begin to get an inkling of how hard it was, from their perspective, for Adam and Eve to go from the Garden into darkness in this telestial sphere. Ouch!

I first read VOG before I started to study about the second coming. At the time I found the first half so inspiring, but I didn’t care for the second half. It made me uncomfortable and the things sounded a bit too far out there. I decided a lot wasn’t true in the second half.

Once I started to study the second coming I found myself recognizing things in my studies from the book. This was shocking! I read the book again with this new knowledge (acquired from conference talks, scriptures, and manuals from the church mainly) and was absolutely floored at how different VOG was this time around; or rather how different *I* was. I found nothing but things backed up by doctrine I had learned from my studies. The same things that made me uncomfortable before (and that I had decided it wasn’t true), was merely due to my lack of understanding. 

It isn’t doctrine, but I’ve found that it is supported by doctrine, and I have felt the confirmation of the spirit of the truth found in it.

I don’t claim to be a Book of Revelation scholar, but I had previously spent a year in deep study, trying to get a basic understanding of John the Beloved’s writings.  Even though not a scholar, I had become reasonably conversant with the basic themes and series of events that John describes concerning our day and the second coming.  I was comfortable that I knew essentially what must happen in the future and generally how.

When I read Visions of Glory, I found myself subconsciously comparing Thom’s descriptions with my Book of Revelation understanding.  From the mighty earthquake to the foundation of the city New Jerusalem, along with the restoration of the City of Enoch to the earth, and everything in between, Thom’s outline accorded perfectly with the Book of Revelation.  It was all in sync.  There was not a single contradiction to be found. If anything, Thom’s words help fill in ways and means, and brought priesthood, consecration and faith principles to a much higher level.  It was extremely valuable to me at the time and has continued to be so since.  

And so I find myself testifying…, that Visions of Glory only enhances the writings of Isaiah and John the Beloved.  While not scripture, and admittedly presented from the viewpoint and experiences of one man, in my brazen opinion it is an invaluable addition to what those other writings have given us.  

To conclude... I stand behind it, as does he.  For good reasons - the Spirit that comes with the book and its adherence to latter-day facts as I understand them.  That’s good enough for me.

The first time I heard of Visions of Glory was in 2012 at a family reunion where some of my siblings were talking about it and trying to decide what to make of it. As they were talking, the Spirit washed over in such a powerful way that I KNEW I had to get that book!

I had previously made an extensive study of Revelations, gone through every episode of Insights to Isaiah (BYU -TV) while taking copious notes, and did the same for Elder McConkie's Millennial Messiah. Despite all this previous study, I had to agree with Brother John that it was like having read the book and now seeing the movie. Not only did Thom present things in a more accurate and easy to understand way, but he also taught great spiritual truths of how to become more spiritually minded and how to mire fully align with the will of the Lord that were breakthroughs to me, and I have continued to use until this day.

I feel that Visions of Glory was a tender mercy from the Lord for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see to more fully prepare them for His glorious return. The recent attacks and attempts to link it to the Daybells and other such radicals, to me, is just evidence that it is very much over the target and Satan is trying to do all in his power to dissuade people from benefiting from its pages. I wholeheartedly agree while it is not scripture, it is a tremendous companion in helping us understand the the scriptures of John and Isaiah that have been locked for centuries… thank you to Thom and Brother John for the courage to bring this message to light!

I’ve read Visions of Glory at least five times. The first time I read it I knew that Spencer was sharing what he was finally allowed to share. It rings with truth! Whenever I see anyone disparage it, I feel sorry for them!!! John's books point us to Jesus Christ and to follow living prophets. Having had experiences on the other side, while still living on this side, I know when I read truth! Might all of Gods children be prophets!!! Might all of us follow those with the keys! That we can all be profitable servants in turning others to focus on Our Savior!!!

I am very grateful that "Spencer" did write the book. It has given me a great framework with which to study the scriptures and understand the prophecies: both ancient and modern of the last days. The book has helped me get more spiritual maturity and understanding much quicker than I had ever been able to do so in my life.

There are also so many scriptural supports to much of what he said that it became obvious to me as I uncovered one scripture after another that he had been inspired in writing the book.

I will be forever grateful for the book and how it has aided me on my spiritual journey.

IMHO I think it would be a great burden to see such things and not be able to tell anyone about it, at times. The fact that “Spencer“ kept these things to himself for years would be a trial in and of itself. I have read and listened to accounts of near death experiences for a long time now, because most of the time they give me hope. My mother experienced these things on several occasions due to health issues that she was dealing with. Sometimes I have talked to Heavenly Father about how I think it would be really neat to have an experience like that, if it weren’t for the “D“ part of an NDE. I have concluded that, for now, I can wait. My mother said it was always very painful. Coming back to this reality. I think I would not want to come back either.

When I read it... it felt like.... finally, someone else gets what it feels like to hug a tree or talk to a flower! So grateful Thom shared with us.

I appreciate this book with all my heart! I have read it through more than once. Never felt any of it was false. It is a book that has given me hope and also a great deal of inspiration as to how I should be conducting my own life and thoughts! To me it is a beautiful light and inspiration!!

I very much appreciated, "Spencer," sharing his vision. I had no red flags go off for me as I read it--instead I felt it answered a lot of questions for me and put things together in a way that increased my understanding of things to come. I'm so grateful again for the events that led me to first discovering John's book, Following the Light... and then to Vision's of Glory.

I never had the blessing of knowing John Pontius in life, but have felt great spiritual insight and guidance from his writings and personal experiences which have blessed my life and helped me draw closer to the Savior.

I do personally know "Spencer"/Thom, and will say that he is one of the most humble, spiritual men I have ever met. His experiences (while his alone) have also greatly blessed my life. Whether his visions are literal, symbolic, allegorical, or a combination of all those things, they have served to open my mind to new possibilities, and increased my desire to draw closer to my Savior.

I think the spiritual value of something can be attested to by the amount of vitriol and opposition to it from the adversary and his minions. The scriptures are full of such examples.

In the end, the spiritual fruit in my own life that has yielded by these good men and what they have shared is my personal testimony to their goodness.

This book [Visions of Glory] and many other of John's books has had a huge impact in my spiritual growth and my relationship with my savior and a deeper understanding of the gospel. Being a person who almost drowned when I was 5 yr old, I have seen things as a child, teen and young adult. Yes and even now. However speaking about it always got me into trouble and I learned quickly not to share. Keeping this kind of stuff to yourself you often wonder if your crazy or are you seeing things that aren't real because no one else can. As I read the first two chapters of VOG I cried (on a airplane none the less) because what I knew and felt and seen was finally on paper for all the world to read and I was no longer alone in my experiences. I am so grateful for this book.

I coincidentally read VoG and then read the Isaiah passages soon after and for the first time in my life I understood and enjoyed them. That was a ringing endorsement from the spirit!

I appreciate Visions of Glory, and how it fits in so well with the last days. It has the ability to help refine and prepare people, or the opposite, according to how one responds.

VoG was the instrument the Spirit used to clarify my values and help me to really see and feel the importance of Zion. It made me a better person. It made me see death completely differently. It filled me with faith and zeal. I was spiritually transformed reading it. It's hard to argue with that.

Thank you so much for your book, “Vision’s of Glory”. Having the gift of ministering of spirits, I’ve been trying to find someone who can relate to me, and being quite young in age, it was seemingly impossible. But when reading this book, there was time after time I could relate. I was having a hard time making sense of everything I saw and why no one else could see it, so naturally I had questions, but for the longest time no one had answers. I felt isolated, but now I know someone that understands me and the way you described your visions and your experiences was something I had a hard time explaining to my parents or to anyone. This book helped explain concepts that were difficult to understand. You probably get this a lot but Thank you. 

VofG completely changed my perspective of the last days. Yes, parts of it are scary, but it taught me that our Faith & Trust is the Lord can become a super power for the righteous & faithful! Also Spencer’s testimony of our never being alone & that angels are all around us ready to help us is incredibly comforting. 

This is one of the books that completely changed my life for the better. It made me want to be a better person and helped me begin the covenant path. I’m forever grateful for “Spencer” and John for following their inspired direction to put this together.

I was just talking to someone about this the other day, it’s seriously crazy to me that anyone would have an issue with this book? If you read something that makes you reevaluate your priorities, brings you closer to Christ, and feels good, I don’t care if that book is a complete work of fiction, why would you have a problem with that? I love this book, he says many times, (I heard an interview with “Spencer “ also) that these were HIS experiences. He didn’t go out telling everyone that he’d received revelation for the church. Just read it before you get all worried. It’s beautiful and inspiring.

I have told so many people about, “Visions Of Glory”, and immediately took it to show my LDS Neuropsychologist in Southern Utah, he agreed to read it and told me that it all rang true, and right in line with what many of his patients who had near death experiences related to him…..He is also an author of online books.

I related very closely to much of the information in Visions of Glory, of future events personally that will come concerning me and my family, dreams/visions of personal nature and or the visitors that came from the other side of the Veil. It has been amazing as each time I read this book again, I find new information that I had not seen the last times I read, so now on my 6th re-reading some new information/understanding is opened once again.

My husband and I absolutely loved Visions of Glory. It has litterally changed our lives. We now have a stronger desire to read our scriptures, pray more often and be as obedient as we possibly can. Thank you for sharing Spencer’s visions with the world. This book has caused me to seek for further knowledge through the words of our prophets and scripture. My soul feels alive!

I had the blessing of translating the book into Portuguese and Spanish. I had several meetings with "Spencer" and developed a deep love and friendship with him... Spencer is a good man, a righteous Bishop, a man "with no guile".

I appreciated the article written by D. Kelly Ogden in the importance of making sure that the ways of God and doctrines come through the proper channels and are consistent with already received revelations and commandments. I also very much appreciated reading this book because of the things that I learned from the Spirit but during the reading of this book as well as when I was studying the gospel. For me, this book wasn't a doctrinal or even accurate representation of anything but I felt inspired by a few things that have lead me to be more like the Savior in real and tangible ways. I desire to seek the Lord's will for me rather than what I would imagine or expect. I have a greater desire to study the gospel from the scriptures and the living prophets with more intent on becoming like the Savior. I feel a greater desire and purpose in "coming unto Zion" right now in my life. And I feel even more interested in learning directly through the spirit rather than from others what the Lord would have me do, know and be. If this book purported to be doctrine or scripture, I'd feel very differently about it. In fact, some of the sensational reaction to this book is probably inappropriate. It felt more like reading the journal of somebody and their spiritual experiences which were designed for them. If there is any doubt, put the book down and read the words of Christ in the scriptures and from the living prophets. This should not be a substitute for such in any way. That is just my 2 cents

I know at least two people who have read it [Visions of Glory] - one who is very well-rounded in the gospel - and well-read, the other may be one of those who may not have finished seminary or read the full Book of Mormon. The results for the first friend is that he suggested I read it - favorably. The other suggested I read it. The result for him was that he came back to church and brought his family with him. One of those things taught in the Book of Mormon is that you can judge something good if it brings someone to Christ and teaches that Jesus is the Son of God. 

The result for my second friend was that it brought him back to church. That would seem to me then that it is a good book. You may want to read Acts 2:17-18 "17 And it shall come to pass in the last days [our day], saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:" 

The Lord speaks to all his servants - whether in the church or out of it, whether in high places or low. But if someone is to prophesy, is he or she to prophesy to himself/herself? No. So in this case, this man may be prophesying - and if you are not part of those who are influenced by his prophesying, then don't bash him... Move on. His message is not for you. But "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." I will report to you that this book is of good report. There may be some things in it that you don't agree with, fine. Skip it. That is how things are in this world. You will not find perfection in everything - because our world around us is a mirror of ourselves, but we receive all things in gratitude. 

Well I too just finished Visions of Glory and immediately came to this site eager to hear more insight from this wonderful spiritual brother and was saddened to find out he had passed through the veil. I’m happy for him but sad for his family and for all of us he left behind. I was so looking forward to asking him questions. My condolences to all his family and though I know John is continuing his great work on the other side I’m sure his family misses him sorely. I didn’t know him but I sure feel a sense of loss. I feel like he was the key in bringing Spencer’s great story to light. And those visions have stirred a great fire in me to draw closer to the Spirit and to Christ. To be a better man. For that I for one will be eternally grateful.

Thank you so very much Brother Pontius, I learned of John’s passing from a dear friend in Saratoga Springs. I want to thank John’s family and ‘Spencer’ for the wonderful gift of “Visions of Glory”. You have listed my soul and given me vision and the ability to understand for the first time, the Book of Revelations!!!! It has become completely clear and understandable. Isaiah is also so much clearer. You have given us truth, light and knowledge. Teaching us to always follow the Prophet and his apostles, and most of all the Lord Jesus Christ and of His amazing love for all of us.

Incredible. Just this evening I finished reading Visions of Glory. I decided to go on the blog site. within just a few moments I start seeing Spencer talk of a Memoriam of John Pontius. The book Visions of Glory was meant for me to find at this time in my life, just as I have been led to many other people, circumstances etc. I too have had my own Angel Experiences with my own heart surgery to the point that I was told they will be with me to the end! This book was so special to me and to the challenges I now face. Thank you John and Spencer for allowing our HEAVENLY FATHER TO GUIDE you to work together to bring others the vision of what is to come, to encourage us to seek after the knowledge of Heavenly Father daily and to remember from whence we came and where we can return. Rest well, until we all meet again.

I was told by my mother about Visions of Glory last Wednesday. I ordered it on my Kindle and read it in 2 days. I cried, got chills, smiled, felt excited, yet scared. Scared that I wouldn’t be prepared spiritually or temporally, excited that some day soon I may see my Saviors face, be held in the arms of my Heavenly Father again. As you read this book with an open heart and mind it changes your life. Changes the way you look at those around you. Changes the way you feel about every day chores and duties. It’s as though you are seeing everything you do with spiritual eyes. I have 4 boys and I have been so much more excited to share with them the gospel, to remind them how blessed we are to have the gospel in our lives. How important it is for us to live our best and be prepared.

I am saddened to know Brother John has passed on. I wish I could have met him and even Spenser some day on earth. My condolences go out to the family he left behind. How wonderful it is to know that he is still there, watching, helping in any way he can. I am excited to read his two other books I have heard so much about. I am sure it will bring me even closer to Christ. Thank you for your wonderful work here on earth, you will be missed.

By what appeared chance to me, I came across the unblog a couple of months ago. I since have read Visions of Glory, and I am part way through The Triumph of Zion. I was sad to hear of John’s passing since I feel that what I have read has made such an impact on my life. I now know that it wasn’t chance that I came across John’s unblog, but was truly something my soul was seeking. I know the gospel is true and the savior is real and know John is now basking in that truth. John, thank you for sharing your life with me, and giving me such hope for the future. I used to worry so much about the next life, and making it back to God. Your writings, and Spencer’s experiences have given me a great hope in how I might be able to participate in the events of the last days, and help further the Lord’s work. I’m grateful that you were inspired to share the Unblog, and your writtings.