The Savior denounced hypocrisy as one of the worse sins. The Pharisees paid a full tithing, they gave alms to the poor, they regularly attended their worship services at the synagugoe, and they were devoutly faithful in going to the temple, yet Jesus denounced them as hypocrites. Why? In our day as well as then, a hypocrite is, among other things, a person who pretends to be a good member of the Church but who, in reality, has no desire to be Christlike and draw closer to Him, and makes a show of the good he does. The Pharisees were outwardly religious but their hearts were hard, they were selfish, dishonest, murderous in their desire to preserve their status, and their reason for doing good was to be seen of men.
The N.T. study guide says, "Now consider for a moment your own personal desires. Do you pay tithing? give fast offerings to the poor? attend your Church meetings? If you have said yes to each of these, you should be commended. But what is your purpose in doing these things? Is it for personal glory or because of social pressure, or is your motive to draw closer to Jesus Christ? What happens to hypocrisy when you put Christ in the center of what you do?"
Jesus taught that we should do acts of service in secret. I love it when I find out from others about the quiet, kind things people do, but it is quite irritating when someone tells me about all their own good deeds. I agree with the Lord that we should keep quiet about them.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Requirement vs. Expectation
I have gotten way behind this month in my New Testament studies. I've continued to read but haven't been very steady in following along with the study guide. One section was titled, "Where Much is Given, Much is Required," quoting from Luke 12:48. I very seldom hear that quoted correctly. Instead, people most always say "Where much is given, much is expected." The same message is given in D&C 82:3, "For of him unto whom much is given much is required. . ." We members of the Church have been given much. Through the restored Gospel, the Lord has revealed the principles, ordinances, and covenants necessary to obtain Eternal Life, and because we have these truths available to us, much is required of us. The Lord doesn't just "expect" us to learn and live the Gospel, He REQUIRES it. If we don't, we will be held accountable, and our loss will be great. If we choose the "world" over following Christ, we will forfeit Eternal Life. We can't have it both ways - but the choice is ours. (Eternal Life means living in the presence of God for eternity. Everyone will be resurrected and live forever.)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
JESUS - THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
During the Feast of the Tabernacles the great golden candlesticks within the temple complex would be lighted. They made a brilliant display of light, and Jesus apparently took advantage of the situation to declare, "I am the light of the world."
"His hearers well knew that their Messiah should stand as a light to all men; that is, they knew that he as the very source of light and truth, would stand forth as a light, an example, a dispenser of truth; they knew that his would be the mission to mark the course and light the way which all men should travel. (3 Ne. 15:9; 18:16, 24.) Messianic prophecies given to their fathers promised that he would be 'a light to the Gentiles' (Isa. 49:6), a light piercing the darkness of error and unbelief. (Isa. 60:1-3.) Jesus' application of these prophecies to his own person was a clear proclamation of his own Messiahship and was so understood by his hearers." McConkie, DNTC, 1:452-53.)
Further scriptural information about how Jesus is the light of the world is found in the Doctrine & Covenants Section 88:6-13. His light gives life and light to all of His creations.
"Christ is the light to humanity. In that light man sees his way clearly. When it is rejected, the soul of man stumbles in darkness. No person, no group, no nation can achieve true success without following Him who said: 'I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.' (John 8;12)" (David O. McKay in CR, Apr. 1940, p 15.)
I think that the political and environmental issues of today are good examples of what happens when people lose sight of Jesus as the light of the world. We've been hearing about "global warming" for a number of years, how carbon emissions are raising the temperature of the earth, and in order to save it, we must reduce our "carbon footprint" by limiting or changing our technologies and way of life. I don't deny that we should take care of the earth by keeping it clean and using its resources wisely, but to think that puny man has control of the temperature of the earth is ludicrous. All the hype is just a way for Godless, greedy, power-hungry men and organizations to gain control of the lives of us common people and to slap us with more taxes. Just recently someone hacked into the networking system of one of the large "global warming promotion" centers in Europe and discovered many, many e-mails exposing that they have been lying and altering the facts about global warming. Scientists have not proven that the temperature is rising, as is being promoted.
But much of the public has fallen for the lies. They are blinded - walking in darkness - because they don't know or accept Jesus as the light of the world. They don't trust that He is in control of the earth's temperature and ability to support life. They don't realize that in spite of whatever controls are placed upon us by politicians, no methods of man are going to have any lasting effects on the life of this planet. The only way mankind can influence something that big is by the degree of righteousness or wickedness in which they are living. God blesses and protects a righteous nation, but as historically and scripturally proven, when a certain degree of wickedness is reached, destruction follows. According to prophecy, the temperature of the earth is going to rise higher than anyone can imagine before too long - when Jesus comes again and the wicked will be "burned as stubble." The only way to avoid that kind of "global warming" is for the nations to repent, recognize, honor, and obey Jesus as the light of the world - each and every one of us.
"His hearers well knew that their Messiah should stand as a light to all men; that is, they knew that he as the very source of light and truth, would stand forth as a light, an example, a dispenser of truth; they knew that his would be the mission to mark the course and light the way which all men should travel. (3 Ne. 15:9; 18:16, 24.) Messianic prophecies given to their fathers promised that he would be 'a light to the Gentiles' (Isa. 49:6), a light piercing the darkness of error and unbelief. (Isa. 60:1-3.) Jesus' application of these prophecies to his own person was a clear proclamation of his own Messiahship and was so understood by his hearers." McConkie, DNTC, 1:452-53.)
Further scriptural information about how Jesus is the light of the world is found in the Doctrine & Covenants Section 88:6-13. His light gives life and light to all of His creations.
"Christ is the light to humanity. In that light man sees his way clearly. When it is rejected, the soul of man stumbles in darkness. No person, no group, no nation can achieve true success without following Him who said: 'I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.' (John 8;12)" (David O. McKay in CR, Apr. 1940, p 15.)
I think that the political and environmental issues of today are good examples of what happens when people lose sight of Jesus as the light of the world. We've been hearing about "global warming" for a number of years, how carbon emissions are raising the temperature of the earth, and in order to save it, we must reduce our "carbon footprint" by limiting or changing our technologies and way of life. I don't deny that we should take care of the earth by keeping it clean and using its resources wisely, but to think that puny man has control of the temperature of the earth is ludicrous. All the hype is just a way for Godless, greedy, power-hungry men and organizations to gain control of the lives of us common people and to slap us with more taxes. Just recently someone hacked into the networking system of one of the large "global warming promotion" centers in Europe and discovered many, many e-mails exposing that they have been lying and altering the facts about global warming. Scientists have not proven that the temperature is rising, as is being promoted.
But much of the public has fallen for the lies. They are blinded - walking in darkness - because they don't know or accept Jesus as the light of the world. They don't trust that He is in control of the earth's temperature and ability to support life. They don't realize that in spite of whatever controls are placed upon us by politicians, no methods of man are going to have any lasting effects on the life of this planet. The only way mankind can influence something that big is by the degree of righteousness or wickedness in which they are living. God blesses and protects a righteous nation, but as historically and scripturally proven, when a certain degree of wickedness is reached, destruction follows. According to prophecy, the temperature of the earth is going to rise higher than anyone can imagine before too long - when Jesus comes again and the wicked will be "burned as stubble." The only way to avoid that kind of "global warming" is for the nations to repent, recognize, honor, and obey Jesus as the light of the world - each and every one of us.
Friday, November 27, 2009
When Jesus and the Apostles were in the area of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked them who men were saying He was. He also asked them who they thought He was. Peter, being moved upon by the Spirit declared, "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." Peter had received revelation from God, teaching and witnessing to him that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah, the very Son of God. Jesus goes on, stating Peter's name then saying that He would build His church upon "this rock." Because the word petros has meaning relating to rock, many Christians interpret this passage (Matthew 16:13-20) to mean that Christ would build His church upon Peter. That was not what Jesus meant. He would build His church upon the rock of REVELATION. God would reveal His truths to man by communicating from the heavens through the Holy Ghost, as He did to Peter.
Peter was promised that he would receive the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and that "whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Peter would become the president of the Church and would be given the keys of the Priesthood. He would be given the authority to perform sacred "sealing" ordinances that would be binding on earth, and in the heavens, as well. Peter, James, and John served as the First Presidency of the Church in their time (in that sense, the responsibility of the Church was upon Peter's shoulders). That same Priesthood authority, with those same binding keys, functions in Christ's Church here on earth today under the direction of today's First Presidency.
Peter was promised that he would receive the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and that "whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Peter would become the president of the Church and would be given the keys of the Priesthood. He would be given the authority to perform sacred "sealing" ordinances that would be binding on earth, and in the heavens, as well. Peter, James, and John served as the First Presidency of the Church in their time (in that sense, the responsibility of the Church was upon Peter's shoulders). That same Priesthood authority, with those same binding keys, functions in Christ's Church here on earth today under the direction of today's First Presidency.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Inward purity
Jesus was teaching in Capernaum when a group of scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem challenged Him with the question, "Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of th elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread." Jesus used that question to teach a great principle: "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man" (Matthew 15:11). Even His disciples didn't understand what He meant, so steeped were they in the man-made traditions attached to living the law of Moses. He explained, "Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man; but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man" (Matthew 15:17-20).
This very clear statement supports the eternal truth "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Our thoughts reflect (or create) our true character and degree of inward purity. If our thoughts are noble and rich, if they focus on that which is virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praisworthy, then our character is built of virtue, beauty, love, that which is good, and that which is of great worth. The opposite is just as true. An evil mind will produce an evil character. Such a person may outwardly try to appear to be righteous, as did the Pharisees, but it is impossible to consistently hide a mind filled with corruption. One's true character will eventually be known. And most importantly, nothing can be hidden from the Lord.
This very clear statement supports the eternal truth "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Our thoughts reflect (or create) our true character and degree of inward purity. If our thoughts are noble and rich, if they focus on that which is virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praisworthy, then our character is built of virtue, beauty, love, that which is good, and that which is of great worth. The opposite is just as true. An evil mind will produce an evil character. Such a person may outwardly try to appear to be righteous, as did the Pharisees, but it is impossible to consistently hide a mind filled with corruption. One's true character will eventually be known. And most importantly, nothing can be hidden from the Lord.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Bread of Life
What would it have been like to live in Galilee or Judea in about 30 to 33 A.D.? What would have been my thoughts and feelings if I had witnessed the miracles Jesus performed and heard his teachings from His own mouth? Would I have been a true disciple? I like to think so.
The feeding of the 5000 men plus women and children was one of the most publically witnessed miracles. The Jews were looking for the Messiah to come - the One who they believed would deliver them from the hated Roman tyrants that ruled them. They recognized great power in Jesus, and they wanted Him to declare Himself their king. He could rid them of the Roman dominion and even provide them with free daily bread, as the Lord provided Moses and the Israelites (manna) to sustain them in the wilderness.
He refused their attempts to make Him king, for that was not why He had come. He understood the Messianic traditions and hopes of the common people - and that they were not much interested in the Gospel He taught, only in what He could do for them in a temporal sense. The day after the feeding of the 5000 a great multitude came to Him again, hoping for a free meal. Instead, He taught them the great sermon on the Bread of Life. He taught them that the only way for them to have eternal salvation was to eat of His flesh - the bread of life. The people didn't like what He said. They appeared to be repulsed by His imagery, refusing to look beyond the literal meaning of his words. Most of those present that day abandoned Him.
The Jews well understood His symbolic language, but they refused to HEAR Him. They didn't want a Messiah who required that they repent of their sins, clean up their lives and follow Him. It seemed easier to obey the outward rules that had been tacked onto the law of Moses than it was to truly love God and their neighbors and live the righteous principles He taught.
Unfortunately, that same kind of problem exists today among many Christians. They think that because Jesus loves them, He will forgive their sins and welcome them into His kingdom in the eternities if they only "believe" in Him. They forget that He never recinded the ten commandments and that He greatly expanded them in His teachings as recorded in the New Testament. They don't think it necessary to "eat His flesh" by repenting, obeying, and following His example. We cannot live in sin, disregard His words, then find ourselves blissfully living with Him in the eternities. Yes, He loves each of us perfectly. But those who refuse to live according to the principles and ordinances He has established will find that His love, without our obedience, will not grant us the full eternal blessings that His great atoning sacrifice has made available to us.
Let us truly partake of the Bread of Life. Symbolically, we do that each week when we partake of the sacrament bread, but in reality we must strive to incorporate His nature - His attributes into our very being.
The feeding of the 5000 men plus women and children was one of the most publically witnessed miracles. The Jews were looking for the Messiah to come - the One who they believed would deliver them from the hated Roman tyrants that ruled them. They recognized great power in Jesus, and they wanted Him to declare Himself their king. He could rid them of the Roman dominion and even provide them with free daily bread, as the Lord provided Moses and the Israelites (manna) to sustain them in the wilderness.
He refused their attempts to make Him king, for that was not why He had come. He understood the Messianic traditions and hopes of the common people - and that they were not much interested in the Gospel He taught, only in what He could do for them in a temporal sense. The day after the feeding of the 5000 a great multitude came to Him again, hoping for a free meal. Instead, He taught them the great sermon on the Bread of Life. He taught them that the only way for them to have eternal salvation was to eat of His flesh - the bread of life. The people didn't like what He said. They appeared to be repulsed by His imagery, refusing to look beyond the literal meaning of his words. Most of those present that day abandoned Him.
The Jews well understood His symbolic language, but they refused to HEAR Him. They didn't want a Messiah who required that they repent of their sins, clean up their lives and follow Him. It seemed easier to obey the outward rules that had been tacked onto the law of Moses than it was to truly love God and their neighbors and live the righteous principles He taught.
Unfortunately, that same kind of problem exists today among many Christians. They think that because Jesus loves them, He will forgive their sins and welcome them into His kingdom in the eternities if they only "believe" in Him. They forget that He never recinded the ten commandments and that He greatly expanded them in His teachings as recorded in the New Testament. They don't think it necessary to "eat His flesh" by repenting, obeying, and following His example. We cannot live in sin, disregard His words, then find ourselves blissfully living with Him in the eternities. Yes, He loves each of us perfectly. But those who refuse to live according to the principles and ordinances He has established will find that His love, without our obedience, will not grant us the full eternal blessings that His great atoning sacrifice has made available to us.
Let us truly partake of the Bread of Life. Symbolically, we do that each week when we partake of the sacrament bread, but in reality we must strive to incorporate His nature - His attributes into our very being.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Receiving the Lord's Servants
We are to give heed to the Lord's servants.
When it was time for Jesus to expand His ministry, He called and authorized His apostles to go forth as missionaries to teach the Gospel, heal the sick, cast out unclean spirits, etc. He told them, "He that receiveth you receiveth me. . ." (Matthew 10:40.)
When Jesus told his apostles that they represented him, he was expressing a principle that had been in force and had applied to the servants of God in every age. It is applicable today just as it was anciently. In his conference talk of October 1960, Pres. Marion G. Romney said, "This statement is worth emphasizing. 'He that receiveth my servants receiveth me.' Who are his servants? They are his representatives in the offices of the Priesthood - the General, Stake, Priesthood Quorum, and Ward officers. It behooves us to keep this in mind when we are tempted to disregard our presiding authorities, bishops, quorum and stake presidents, etc., when, within the jurisdiction of their callings, they give us counsel and advice."
"The servants of the Lord are ambassadors of the Lord, sent by him to you. The way you treat his servants, the way you react to what they say, is the way you are treating the Lord" (Matthew 10:41; Luke 10:16.)
Church members who aren't truly converted often ignore the counsel of their bishops, stake presidents, and other Priesthood leaders, thinking, instead, that they must hear it from a general authority. But when our local Priesthood authorities are called, they are given stewardship over the people in their wards and stakes, and as they seek inspiration from the Lord, their counsel is as valid as that from the general authorities. We will be held accountable for how we receive the inspired counsel from the Lord through His authorized servants, regardless of how high or low in the "church hierarchy" they are. It will be as though we refused the words of the Lord, Himself.
Unfortunately, it seems that much of the population of the world does not want God in their lives. Yet, as I listen to and read what is being said, there seems to be a general feeling that something "big" is coming. The different "worried" opinions and theories being put forth are pretty interesting, but no one seems to know what to expect or what to do about it. I don't know, either, but I am grateful to know that we have inspired Priesthood leaders whose counsel we can trust, and if we obey, we will find the best way to deal with the challenges.
When it was time for Jesus to expand His ministry, He called and authorized His apostles to go forth as missionaries to teach the Gospel, heal the sick, cast out unclean spirits, etc. He told them, "He that receiveth you receiveth me. . ." (Matthew 10:40.)
When Jesus told his apostles that they represented him, he was expressing a principle that had been in force and had applied to the servants of God in every age. It is applicable today just as it was anciently. In his conference talk of October 1960, Pres. Marion G. Romney said, "This statement is worth emphasizing. 'He that receiveth my servants receiveth me.' Who are his servants? They are his representatives in the offices of the Priesthood - the General, Stake, Priesthood Quorum, and Ward officers. It behooves us to keep this in mind when we are tempted to disregard our presiding authorities, bishops, quorum and stake presidents, etc., when, within the jurisdiction of their callings, they give us counsel and advice."
"The servants of the Lord are ambassadors of the Lord, sent by him to you. The way you treat his servants, the way you react to what they say, is the way you are treating the Lord" (Matthew 10:41; Luke 10:16.)
Church members who aren't truly converted often ignore the counsel of their bishops, stake presidents, and other Priesthood leaders, thinking, instead, that they must hear it from a general authority. But when our local Priesthood authorities are called, they are given stewardship over the people in their wards and stakes, and as they seek inspiration from the Lord, their counsel is as valid as that from the general authorities. We will be held accountable for how we receive the inspired counsel from the Lord through His authorized servants, regardless of how high or low in the "church hierarchy" they are. It will be as though we refused the words of the Lord, Himself.
Unfortunately, it seems that much of the population of the world does not want God in their lives. Yet, as I listen to and read what is being said, there seems to be a general feeling that something "big" is coming. The different "worried" opinions and theories being put forth are pretty interesting, but no one seems to know what to expect or what to do about it. I don't know, either, but I am grateful to know that we have inspired Priesthood leaders whose counsel we can trust, and if we obey, we will find the best way to deal with the challenges.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Being Steadfast
Jesus often taught using parables. Those who believed in Him and whose hearts were open to His teachings were most able to understand the parables. Even so, Jesus sometimes had to explain them to His followers, as recorded in the N.T. To those seeking to find fault with His teachings, the parables were nothing more than stories. The parable of the Sower is one that Jesus explained the meaning of. Commenting on the "stony places" (Matt. 13:5, 6, 20, 21; Mark 4:5, 16, 17; Luke 8:6, 13), the study guide says:
"Just as the rootless sprout is unable to remain alive under the heat of the noonday sun, so there are those who, without real testimony and faith, lose conviction and even interest under the pressures of difficulties or ridicule. Though not commenting directly on the Savior's parable, President Heber C. Kimball prophesied over a century ago of a condition that illustrates the need for a deeply rooted, living faith capable of enduring challenges. The prophecy has an increasingly important messabe for the Church in our day as it faces the unfolding future.
"'Let me say to you, that many of you will see the time when you will have all the trouble, trial and persecution that you can stand, and plenty of opportunities to show that you are true to God and his work. This Church has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory. To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for youselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess this personal knowledge or witness will fall. If you have not got the testimony, live right and call upon the Lord and cease not till you obtain it. If you do not you will not stand.
"'Remember these sayings, for many of you will live to see them fulfilled. The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?' (Quoted by Harold B. Lee in CR, Oct. 1965, p. 128.)
This warning pertains to conditions that will challenge the Church as a whole, and to each of us as individuals. Even when we think our faith and testimonies are strong, we will find them challenged at times in our own personal lives, when others around us are not affected. The adversary knows our weak spots and how to use them against us when we are most vulnerable. We must be strongly converted and able to "keep on keeping on" even if the Heavens seem "like brass overhead" when we cry out for help. Satan would have us give up - even turn against God when that happens. A testimony sown on stony ground (in stony hearts) will not survive. And even if our ground is good, we must constantly nourish and cultivate it to keep it from growing hard and crusty and from producing thorns and thistles. Faith and testimonies cannot be neglected or taken for granted, or they will weaken.
"Just as the rootless sprout is unable to remain alive under the heat of the noonday sun, so there are those who, without real testimony and faith, lose conviction and even interest under the pressures of difficulties or ridicule. Though not commenting directly on the Savior's parable, President Heber C. Kimball prophesied over a century ago of a condition that illustrates the need for a deeply rooted, living faith capable of enduring challenges. The prophecy has an increasingly important messabe for the Church in our day as it faces the unfolding future.
"'Let me say to you, that many of you will see the time when you will have all the trouble, trial and persecution that you can stand, and plenty of opportunities to show that you are true to God and his work. This Church has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory. To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for youselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess this personal knowledge or witness will fall. If you have not got the testimony, live right and call upon the Lord and cease not till you obtain it. If you do not you will not stand.
"'Remember these sayings, for many of you will live to see them fulfilled. The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?' (Quoted by Harold B. Lee in CR, Oct. 1965, p. 128.)
This warning pertains to conditions that will challenge the Church as a whole, and to each of us as individuals. Even when we think our faith and testimonies are strong, we will find them challenged at times in our own personal lives, when others around us are not affected. The adversary knows our weak spots and how to use them against us when we are most vulnerable. We must be strongly converted and able to "keep on keeping on" even if the Heavens seem "like brass overhead" when we cry out for help. Satan would have us give up - even turn against God when that happens. A testimony sown on stony ground (in stony hearts) will not survive. And even if our ground is good, we must constantly nourish and cultivate it to keep it from growing hard and crusty and from producing thorns and thistles. Faith and testimonies cannot be neglected or taken for granted, or they will weaken.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Beatitudes
Matthew 5 ends with a commandment that seems way out of reach: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Was Jesus being realistic when He issued that command?
President Harold B. Lee called the Sermon on the Mount "The Constitution for a Perfect Life." He compares it to a ladder that we must climb if we want to fulfill the command Jesus gave. He said the Beatitudes, especially, are the rungs on the ladder. It seems that the rest of the sermon tells us how to apply the Beatitudes in our daily lives. Also, if we want to know who Jesus is and how He lived His life, we can learn by studying the sermon. If we strive to live the instructions given in the sermon, we will eventually achieve the perfection he commands. Obviously it won't all be accomplished here, but earnestly trying to live as Jesus taught moves us towards that goal.
Turning from the love of the world to the Love of God.
1. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit (recognizing our need for God)
"To be poor in spirit is to feel youselves as the spiritually needy, ever dependent upon the Lord for your clothes, your food, the air you breathe, your health, your life; realizing that no day should pass without fervent prayer of thanksgiving, for guidance, and forgiveness and strength sufficient for each day's need."
2. Blessed Are They That Mourn (to mourn that we are in a sinful state)
"To mourn, as the Master's lesson here woul teach, one must show that 'godly sorrow that worketh repentance' and wins for the penitent a forgiveness of sins and forbids a return to the deeds of which he mourns."
3. Blessed Are the Meek (meek, not weak)
"A meek man is defined as one who is not easily provoked or irritated and is forbearing under injury or annoyance. The meek man is the strong, the mighty, the man of complete self-mastery. He is the one who has the courage of his moral convictions, despite the pressure of the gang or the club."
4. Blessed Are They That Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness (After we recognize our need for God, feel godly sorrow for our sinful state, and become meek and contrite, we long to fill our souls with righteousness.)
"It is that hungering and thirsting after righteousness that leads us to seek fellowship with the saints in sacrament services and that induces worship on the Lord's Day. It is that which prompts fervent prayer and leads our feet to holy temples and bids us be reverent therein." It is that which draws our hearts to the scriptures and the words of our prophets and apostles, that we may learn of Christ and what He would have us do.
Learning to love our fellowmen follows as we strive to bring the above attributes into our soul.
5. Blessed Are the Pure in Heart (repentance in thoughts and actions)
"If you would see God you must be pure. Only if you are pure in heart will you see God, and also in a lesser degree will you be able to see the 'God' or good in man and love him because of the goodness you see in him. Those who criticize and maligns the man of God or the Lord's anointed leaders in his Church, speak from an impure heart."
6. Blessed Are the Merciful (respect and mercy towards all life)
Our salvation depends upon the mercy we show to others. Unkind and cruel words, or wanton acts of cruelty towards man or beast, for whatever reasons, disqualify the perpetrator in his claims for mercy in the day of judgment. Blessed are all who are merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
7. Blessed Are the Peacemakers (not accepting or embracing sin, but not condemning other for theirs)
"Peace and goodwill to men on earth" was the angel song that heralded the birth of the Prince of Peace. The troublemaker, the striker against law and order, etc., are prompted by motives of evil and are under the influence of Satan. So, also, is the one who is quarrelsome or contentious, seeking only to prove his point rather than seeking for truth.
8. Blessed Are They Which are Persecuted (People who love the "world" are angry and hateful towards those who love God.)
"If you stand firmly for the right despite the jeers of the crowd or even physical violence, you shall be crowned with the blessedness of eternal joy."
9. Continue your efforts to Acquire the Attributes of God
President Harold B. Lee called the Sermon on the Mount "The Constitution for a Perfect Life." He compares it to a ladder that we must climb if we want to fulfill the command Jesus gave. He said the Beatitudes, especially, are the rungs on the ladder. It seems that the rest of the sermon tells us how to apply the Beatitudes in our daily lives. Also, if we want to know who Jesus is and how He lived His life, we can learn by studying the sermon. If we strive to live the instructions given in the sermon, we will eventually achieve the perfection he commands. Obviously it won't all be accomplished here, but earnestly trying to live as Jesus taught moves us towards that goal.
Turning from the love of the world to the Love of God.
1. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit (recognizing our need for God)
"To be poor in spirit is to feel youselves as the spiritually needy, ever dependent upon the Lord for your clothes, your food, the air you breathe, your health, your life; realizing that no day should pass without fervent prayer of thanksgiving, for guidance, and forgiveness and strength sufficient for each day's need."
2. Blessed Are They That Mourn (to mourn that we are in a sinful state)
"To mourn, as the Master's lesson here woul teach, one must show that 'godly sorrow that worketh repentance' and wins for the penitent a forgiveness of sins and forbids a return to the deeds of which he mourns."
3. Blessed Are the Meek (meek, not weak)
"A meek man is defined as one who is not easily provoked or irritated and is forbearing under injury or annoyance. The meek man is the strong, the mighty, the man of complete self-mastery. He is the one who has the courage of his moral convictions, despite the pressure of the gang or the club."
4. Blessed Are They That Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness (After we recognize our need for God, feel godly sorrow for our sinful state, and become meek and contrite, we long to fill our souls with righteousness.)
"It is that hungering and thirsting after righteousness that leads us to seek fellowship with the saints in sacrament services and that induces worship on the Lord's Day. It is that which prompts fervent prayer and leads our feet to holy temples and bids us be reverent therein." It is that which draws our hearts to the scriptures and the words of our prophets and apostles, that we may learn of Christ and what He would have us do.
Learning to love our fellowmen follows as we strive to bring the above attributes into our soul.
5. Blessed Are the Pure in Heart (repentance in thoughts and actions)
"If you would see God you must be pure. Only if you are pure in heart will you see God, and also in a lesser degree will you be able to see the 'God' or good in man and love him because of the goodness you see in him. Those who criticize and maligns the man of God or the Lord's anointed leaders in his Church, speak from an impure heart."
6. Blessed Are the Merciful (respect and mercy towards all life)
Our salvation depends upon the mercy we show to others. Unkind and cruel words, or wanton acts of cruelty towards man or beast, for whatever reasons, disqualify the perpetrator in his claims for mercy in the day of judgment. Blessed are all who are merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
7. Blessed Are the Peacemakers (not accepting or embracing sin, but not condemning other for theirs)
"Peace and goodwill to men on earth" was the angel song that heralded the birth of the Prince of Peace. The troublemaker, the striker against law and order, etc., are prompted by motives of evil and are under the influence of Satan. So, also, is the one who is quarrelsome or contentious, seeking only to prove his point rather than seeking for truth.
8. Blessed Are They Which are Persecuted (People who love the "world" are angry and hateful towards those who love God.)
"If you stand firmly for the right despite the jeers of the crowd or even physical violence, you shall be crowned with the blessedness of eternal joy."
9. Continue your efforts to Acquire the Attributes of God
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Apostles
My reading from the N.T. and study guide this morning was mostly about Jesus calling and ordaining His twelve apostles and the calling and ordination of apostles today.
What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle. Christ chose His apostles from among His disciples. A disciple is any follower of a man or devotee. "The Holy Apostleship is an office and calling belonging to the Higher or Melchizedek Priesthood, at once exalted and specific, comprizing as a distinguishing function that of personal and special witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ as the one and only Redeemer and Savior of mankind. The apostleship is an individual bestowal, and as such is conferred only through ordination." (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 227.
Those Jesus called to the apostleship in His day had associated with Him, personally, for some time, and witnessed His miracles and were taught by Him, face to face. Afterward His death and resurrection, one of the greatest apostles, ever, was called from beyond the veil. Paul was not one of the original twelve and did not have any personal association with the mortal Jesus. So how did he gain understanding and testimony sufficient to become an apostle? It was through revelation and the witness of the Holy Ghost, and from Jesus, Himself. That is how today's apostles gain knowledge and a strong enough testimony of Christ to serve in that sacred calling.
They are selected through inspiration from the One whose church this is. When a vacancy occurs in the quorum, he First Presidency and remaining apostles go to the Lord in earnest prayer to learn who He wants in that position. They each seek for revelation, and when the Lord's will is made known, all participants will be of one accord.
I am grateful to belong to a church that is presided over by men who have come to know, personally, in marvelous and sacred ways, that Jesus is truly the Christ, the very Son of God. I am so thankful for their counsel, which is "one" with the First Presidency's, and if followed, I will not be led astray by the "doctrines of men and the world." I am grateful to know that they are acting under the divine authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and that the promise was made that this chosen body of men will never be allowed to lead the Church astray. I am very thankful to know that when they teach the Gospel, they are speaking the truth as it comes from the Lord, not according to their own "wisdom." I am grateful that the Lord has restored His Church to the earth, delegating His authority to His chosen apostles and prophets to lead it.
What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle. Christ chose His apostles from among His disciples. A disciple is any follower of a man or devotee. "The Holy Apostleship is an office and calling belonging to the Higher or Melchizedek Priesthood, at once exalted and specific, comprizing as a distinguishing function that of personal and special witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ as the one and only Redeemer and Savior of mankind. The apostleship is an individual bestowal, and as such is conferred only through ordination." (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 227.
Those Jesus called to the apostleship in His day had associated with Him, personally, for some time, and witnessed His miracles and were taught by Him, face to face. Afterward His death and resurrection, one of the greatest apostles, ever, was called from beyond the veil. Paul was not one of the original twelve and did not have any personal association with the mortal Jesus. So how did he gain understanding and testimony sufficient to become an apostle? It was through revelation and the witness of the Holy Ghost, and from Jesus, Himself. That is how today's apostles gain knowledge and a strong enough testimony of Christ to serve in that sacred calling.
They are selected through inspiration from the One whose church this is. When a vacancy occurs in the quorum, he First Presidency and remaining apostles go to the Lord in earnest prayer to learn who He wants in that position. They each seek for revelation, and when the Lord's will is made known, all participants will be of one accord.
I am grateful to belong to a church that is presided over by men who have come to know, personally, in marvelous and sacred ways, that Jesus is truly the Christ, the very Son of God. I am so thankful for their counsel, which is "one" with the First Presidency's, and if followed, I will not be led astray by the "doctrines of men and the world." I am grateful to know that they are acting under the divine authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and that the promise was made that this chosen body of men will never be allowed to lead the Church astray. I am very thankful to know that when they teach the Gospel, they are speaking the truth as it comes from the Lord, not according to their own "wisdom." I am grateful that the Lord has restored His Church to the earth, delegating His authority to His chosen apostles and prophets to lead it.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Healings and miracles
Chapter 6 in the Institute Manual tells about some of Christ's first healings, including the Nobleman's son, a leper, Peter's mother-in-law, and a palsied man whose sins he also forgave.
The miracles Jesus performed were an evidence of His messiahship.
He did them because of the faith of those who believed on Him.
They were performed out of compassion for the suffering.
They fulfilled the messanic prophecies.
Most significantly the miracles testified to the divinity of the Son of God.
There were two kinds of healings: (1) physical maladies, (2) spiritual maladies.
"The greatest miracles I see today are not necessarily the healing of sick bodies, but the greatest miracles I see are the healing of sick souls, those who are sick in soul and spirit and are downhearted and distraught. . . . We are reaching out to all such, because they are precious in the sight of the Lord, and we want no one to feel that they are forgotten. . . .
"You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure, if you would rescue the man, that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul. (Lee, "Stand Ye in Holy Places," p. 123.)
There are physical healings performed today, but usually they are private and not much talked about. The manual reminds us that the greatest miracles happening today are when "natural" men and women (see Mosiah 3:19) are transformed into sons and daughters of God. It says: "Is there a greater witness of Christ's divinity than the testimonies of people who have given up a worldly way of life to follow Him?
"Think about the following:
Have you felt the healing power of Christ in your own life?
Have you felt a forgiveness of sin?
Are there still sins holding you back from lifting others to higher ground?
Could you, through study, prayer, and fasting, obtain added strength from Jesus Christ to receive the miracle of forgiveness?"
Referring to my previous post, both of the two people I wrote about are what I see as prime examples of Christlike people. They stand on high ground because of who they are inside as well as how they live their lives. They do not wear their goodness to be seen nor do they set out to deliberately impress people - they are just good people inside and out. They live the teachings of Christ. Miracles can happen through people like them.
The miracles Jesus performed were an evidence of His messiahship.
He did them because of the faith of those who believed on Him.
They were performed out of compassion for the suffering.
They fulfilled the messanic prophecies.
Most significantly the miracles testified to the divinity of the Son of God.
There were two kinds of healings: (1) physical maladies, (2) spiritual maladies.
"The greatest miracles I see today are not necessarily the healing of sick bodies, but the greatest miracles I see are the healing of sick souls, those who are sick in soul and spirit and are downhearted and distraught. . . . We are reaching out to all such, because they are precious in the sight of the Lord, and we want no one to feel that they are forgotten. . . .
"You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure, if you would rescue the man, that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul. (Lee, "Stand Ye in Holy Places," p. 123.)
There are physical healings performed today, but usually they are private and not much talked about. The manual reminds us that the greatest miracles happening today are when "natural" men and women (see Mosiah 3:19) are transformed into sons and daughters of God. It says: "Is there a greater witness of Christ's divinity than the testimonies of people who have given up a worldly way of life to follow Him?
"Think about the following:
Have you felt the healing power of Christ in your own life?
Have you felt a forgiveness of sin?
Are there still sins holding you back from lifting others to higher ground?
Could you, through study, prayer, and fasting, obtain added strength from Jesus Christ to receive the miracle of forgiveness?"
Referring to my previous post, both of the two people I wrote about are what I see as prime examples of Christlike people. They stand on high ground because of who they are inside as well as how they live their lives. They do not wear their goodness to be seen nor do they set out to deliberately impress people - they are just good people inside and out. They live the teachings of Christ. Miracles can happen through people like them.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Personal Experiences
Yesterday what I wrote mostly came from the Institute Manual about being born again. Today I will share some personal thoughts. I believe the Lord works in many different ways to help bring about a spiritual birth or rebirth when we open our hearts to Him and sincerely ask for the blessings we need to help us spiritually.
Back in 1977 I was a young wife and mother of five little boys. We had moved to a fairly new town that was noted in the area for being quite "ritzy," and indeed most of the homes there were larger and much nicer than the one we had built. Because of that and other factors, I'd let my mind dwell too much on what we had or didn't have. I also had what we jokingly called the "Bloomington Blues," which meant I felt like no one cared that we were there, and if we were to disappear, no one would even notice. (We joked about it because others complained of the same affliction.) I felt quite irritable and discontented much of the time.
In Testimony Meeting the first Sunday in September, a woman was telling how her life had changed since becoming a member of the Church. The negative thought came to my mind that I had been a member of the Church all my life, but what was it doing for me? That thought really shocked me! I had a strong testimony that the Gospel is true, especially since my seminary days, and the Church had always been at the center of my life. How could I think such a thing?? I realized I was off track, spiritually. The following days found me on my knees alot, and I began reading Talmage's "Jesus the Christ."
The following Thursday my husband called from work to see if I had heard on the radio that the daughter of a couple in our Ward had been hit by a car and killed while out jogging early that morning. I didn't know them very well, but the news nearly wiped me out. All I could think about was the mother and what this must be doing to her. The next evening we went to their home to offer our condolences. Dawn was asleep but we had a nice, "spiritual" visit with Bill. As we were about to leave, Dawn came into the room. When she embraced us and thanked us for coming, I was flooded with the sweetest love for her, unlike anything I had ever felt before. We drove away, and I remember thinking that what we had experienced in their home is what the Gospel is really all about: love for others, gratitude, obedience to Gospel principles, and even death.
I expected that after a while the extraordinary love for Dawn would go away, but it didn't. A Church calling brought us together quite frequently, and a sweet friendship grew between us. I couldn't understand what I was feeling for her, but I knew it was from the Lord because every thought and desire I had towards her deepened my desire to do what's right and draw closer to the Lord. I immersed myself in the scriptures and other Church materials. My prayer life improved. I began attending the temple regularly. My relationship with my husband improved. I felt much more love for the people in the Ward and neighborhood - I forgot all about the Bloomington Blues. My discontent about having a modest home and not much money disappeared, and I became very grateful for our many blessings. I felt closer to the Lord than I ever had before. I knew that He knew me as an individual, and that the love I had for Dawn was filled with His Spirit - it was a gift from Him to help bring about a much-needed spiritual rebirth.
That intense love lasted for about three and a half years, then it became a "sisterly" kind of love that remains to this day. The influence of that experience stayed with me for a long time, but as life went on, financial and other challenges came along, we moved, my health deteriorated, and I again found myself feeling quite alienated from the Spirit. I continued to "go through the motions," however, as I knew that obedience is vital even when we can't feel what we'd like to. There were times of spiritual lifting, but for the most part I felt pretty dry. We lived in Summit from 1988 to 1991, and during most of that time I taught the Gospel Doctrine class, for which I was very grateful. It kept me reading the scriptures, etc.
We moved back to Bloomington in 1991. We were welcomed into our old Ward, and I was happy to be there. One of the women I went visiting teaching to was suffering from the Bloomington Blues and had quit going to Church because of it (she wasn't really "converted," anyway, but that was her excuse for not going). Her attitude and other complaints I heard about the lack of friendliness in the Ward (which I didn't really think was true) caused me to look within myself. I had to admit that I wasn't the kind of loving neighbor and Ward member that I should be. So I began praying that the Lord would help me love others more.
As a result, I was blessed with another experience with "spirit-filled" love. This time it was for someone I didn't know at all, and how it came about was quite unique. The above-mentioned woman I went visiting teaching to loaned me a talk on video by a faithful member of the Church. As I watched it I experienced an extraordinary sense of kinship or familiarity with him, and I was filled with the same kind of love I had had for Dawn. I came to know this "brother" mostly through listening to his tape talks and music, but over time there were a number of opportunities to greet him personally. We corresponded occasionally by mail, and a sort of long-distance frienship came about. Again, every thought towards him took my heart, mind, and desires to the Lord. In fact, this time the love provided me with even greater love for others, greater spiritual blessings, experiences, and enlightenment than before. I don't even know how to describe such love, except to say it is full of the Spirit of the Lord. It gradually diminished after about eight years, and I've really missed it. I don't miss the "person," but I miss the love. Living under its influence is the greatest spiritual blessing that I know of. I believe having that kind of love is living with the Spirit of the Lord. It definitely brings about spiritual rebirth, and it is the greatest motivation for "true and humble" righteousness that I know of.
Incidentally, with both experiences, much pleading in prayer to better understand what I was feeling resulted in confirmation that I had loved and associated with them in the pre-existence, and that the love was renewed here to help me grow spiritually. I am very grateful for what I received during those two special periods in my life. I believe, though, that for most of us total rebirth is a life-long process, not something that happens once and is good until death.
Back in 1977 I was a young wife and mother of five little boys. We had moved to a fairly new town that was noted in the area for being quite "ritzy," and indeed most of the homes there were larger and much nicer than the one we had built. Because of that and other factors, I'd let my mind dwell too much on what we had or didn't have. I also had what we jokingly called the "Bloomington Blues," which meant I felt like no one cared that we were there, and if we were to disappear, no one would even notice. (We joked about it because others complained of the same affliction.) I felt quite irritable and discontented much of the time.
In Testimony Meeting the first Sunday in September, a woman was telling how her life had changed since becoming a member of the Church. The negative thought came to my mind that I had been a member of the Church all my life, but what was it doing for me? That thought really shocked me! I had a strong testimony that the Gospel is true, especially since my seminary days, and the Church had always been at the center of my life. How could I think such a thing?? I realized I was off track, spiritually. The following days found me on my knees alot, and I began reading Talmage's "Jesus the Christ."
The following Thursday my husband called from work to see if I had heard on the radio that the daughter of a couple in our Ward had been hit by a car and killed while out jogging early that morning. I didn't know them very well, but the news nearly wiped me out. All I could think about was the mother and what this must be doing to her. The next evening we went to their home to offer our condolences. Dawn was asleep but we had a nice, "spiritual" visit with Bill. As we were about to leave, Dawn came into the room. When she embraced us and thanked us for coming, I was flooded with the sweetest love for her, unlike anything I had ever felt before. We drove away, and I remember thinking that what we had experienced in their home is what the Gospel is really all about: love for others, gratitude, obedience to Gospel principles, and even death.
I expected that after a while the extraordinary love for Dawn would go away, but it didn't. A Church calling brought us together quite frequently, and a sweet friendship grew between us. I couldn't understand what I was feeling for her, but I knew it was from the Lord because every thought and desire I had towards her deepened my desire to do what's right and draw closer to the Lord. I immersed myself in the scriptures and other Church materials. My prayer life improved. I began attending the temple regularly. My relationship with my husband improved. I felt much more love for the people in the Ward and neighborhood - I forgot all about the Bloomington Blues. My discontent about having a modest home and not much money disappeared, and I became very grateful for our many blessings. I felt closer to the Lord than I ever had before. I knew that He knew me as an individual, and that the love I had for Dawn was filled with His Spirit - it was a gift from Him to help bring about a much-needed spiritual rebirth.
That intense love lasted for about three and a half years, then it became a "sisterly" kind of love that remains to this day. The influence of that experience stayed with me for a long time, but as life went on, financial and other challenges came along, we moved, my health deteriorated, and I again found myself feeling quite alienated from the Spirit. I continued to "go through the motions," however, as I knew that obedience is vital even when we can't feel what we'd like to. There were times of spiritual lifting, but for the most part I felt pretty dry. We lived in Summit from 1988 to 1991, and during most of that time I taught the Gospel Doctrine class, for which I was very grateful. It kept me reading the scriptures, etc.
We moved back to Bloomington in 1991. We were welcomed into our old Ward, and I was happy to be there. One of the women I went visiting teaching to was suffering from the Bloomington Blues and had quit going to Church because of it (she wasn't really "converted," anyway, but that was her excuse for not going). Her attitude and other complaints I heard about the lack of friendliness in the Ward (which I didn't really think was true) caused me to look within myself. I had to admit that I wasn't the kind of loving neighbor and Ward member that I should be. So I began praying that the Lord would help me love others more.
As a result, I was blessed with another experience with "spirit-filled" love. This time it was for someone I didn't know at all, and how it came about was quite unique. The above-mentioned woman I went visiting teaching to loaned me a talk on video by a faithful member of the Church. As I watched it I experienced an extraordinary sense of kinship or familiarity with him, and I was filled with the same kind of love I had had for Dawn. I came to know this "brother" mostly through listening to his tape talks and music, but over time there were a number of opportunities to greet him personally. We corresponded occasionally by mail, and a sort of long-distance frienship came about. Again, every thought towards him took my heart, mind, and desires to the Lord. In fact, this time the love provided me with even greater love for others, greater spiritual blessings, experiences, and enlightenment than before. I don't even know how to describe such love, except to say it is full of the Spirit of the Lord. It gradually diminished after about eight years, and I've really missed it. I don't miss the "person," but I miss the love. Living under its influence is the greatest spiritual blessing that I know of. I believe having that kind of love is living with the Spirit of the Lord. It definitely brings about spiritual rebirth, and it is the greatest motivation for "true and humble" righteousness that I know of.
Incidentally, with both experiences, much pleading in prayer to better understand what I was feeling resulted in confirmation that I had loved and associated with them in the pre-existence, and that the love was renewed here to help me grow spiritually. I am very grateful for what I received during those two special periods in my life. I believe, though, that for most of us total rebirth is a life-long process, not something that happens once and is good until death.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Being "Born Again" - A Spiritual Rebirth
In John 3 we read about the night visit of Nicodemus to Jesus. He was a Pharisee and one of the rulers of the Jews. Apparently he went to Jesus at night so he wouldn't be seen by anyone, but he starts his inquiry by saying ". . . we know that thou art a teacher come from God. . ." We indicates that at least one other person knew he was going to see Him. Nicodemus may have just been curious about what he'd heard, but at least he acknowledged that Jesus couldn't have performed miracles unless God was with Him.
What we learn from his visit is the importance of being born again. Jesus told him that "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (vs 3). Then he said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (vs. 5). To see the kingdom of God is not the same thing as to enter therein. Having a spiritual rebirth, or being born again, consists of two general parts.
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: "There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this sign or ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him." (Teachings, p. 119.)
To have the Holy Ghost witness to a sincere seeker of truth that the Gospel is true is to "see" the kingdom. That person must accept the witness and then be baptized into the true church before he can be given the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands by one holding proper Priesthood authority. Participating in those ordinances prepares a person to "enter" the kingdom of God, but it doesn't just automatically happen. Former Church President, Harold B. Lee explained it this way:
"Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death and burial of the man of sin; and the coming forth out of the water, the resurrection to a newness of spiritual life. After baptism, hands are laid upon the head of the baptized believer, and he is blessed to receive the Holy Ghost. Thus does the one baptized receive the promise or gift of the Holy Ghost or the privilege of being brought back into the presence of one of the Godhead, by obedience to whom and through his faithfulness one so blessed might receive the guidance and direction of the Holy Ghost in his daily walks and talks, even as Adam walked and talked in the Garden of Eden with God, his Heavenly Father. To receive such guidance and such direction from the Holy Ghost is to be spiritually reborn."
Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a former Apostle explained: "Mere compliance with the formality of the ordinance of baptism does not mean that a person has been born again. No one can be born again without baptism, but the immersion in water and the laying on of hands to confer the Holy Ghost do not of themselves guarantee that a person has been or will be born again. The new birth takes place only for those who actually enjoy the gift or companionship of the Holy Ghost, only for those who are fully converted, who have given themselves without restraint to the Lord. Thus Alma addressed himself to his 'brethren of the church,' and pointedly asked them if they had 'spiritually been born of God,' received the Lord's image in their countenances, and had the 'mighty change' in their hearts which always attends the birth of the Spirit. (Alma 5:14-31.)" (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 101.)
To receive and enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost in this life is the greatest gift we can receive here, and to have Eternal Life and Exaltation is the greatest gift of God for eternity. The purpose of life here on earth is to prepare for life hereafter. We must be spiritually born again and have the companionship and guidance of the Holy to help us qualify for the blessings of Eternal Life. Eternity is a very long time! Nothing this world has to offer is worth forfeiting the blessings of Eternal Life for. There just isn't time to seek a life of money and pleasure (even if no "sin" is involved), and still be able to devote our energy, hearts, and minds to things of the Spirit. We are free to choose, but we really can't have it both ways.
What we learn from his visit is the importance of being born again. Jesus told him that "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (vs 3). Then he said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (vs. 5). To see the kingdom of God is not the same thing as to enter therein. Having a spiritual rebirth, or being born again, consists of two general parts.
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: "There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this sign or ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him." (Teachings, p. 119.)
To have the Holy Ghost witness to a sincere seeker of truth that the Gospel is true is to "see" the kingdom. That person must accept the witness and then be baptized into the true church before he can be given the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of hands by one holding proper Priesthood authority. Participating in those ordinances prepares a person to "enter" the kingdom of God, but it doesn't just automatically happen. Former Church President, Harold B. Lee explained it this way:
"Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death and burial of the man of sin; and the coming forth out of the water, the resurrection to a newness of spiritual life. After baptism, hands are laid upon the head of the baptized believer, and he is blessed to receive the Holy Ghost. Thus does the one baptized receive the promise or gift of the Holy Ghost or the privilege of being brought back into the presence of one of the Godhead, by obedience to whom and through his faithfulness one so blessed might receive the guidance and direction of the Holy Ghost in his daily walks and talks, even as Adam walked and talked in the Garden of Eden with God, his Heavenly Father. To receive such guidance and such direction from the Holy Ghost is to be spiritually reborn."
Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a former Apostle explained: "Mere compliance with the formality of the ordinance of baptism does not mean that a person has been born again. No one can be born again without baptism, but the immersion in water and the laying on of hands to confer the Holy Ghost do not of themselves guarantee that a person has been or will be born again. The new birth takes place only for those who actually enjoy the gift or companionship of the Holy Ghost, only for those who are fully converted, who have given themselves without restraint to the Lord. Thus Alma addressed himself to his 'brethren of the church,' and pointedly asked them if they had 'spiritually been born of God,' received the Lord's image in their countenances, and had the 'mighty change' in their hearts which always attends the birth of the Spirit. (Alma 5:14-31.)" (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 101.)
To receive and enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost in this life is the greatest gift we can receive here, and to have Eternal Life and Exaltation is the greatest gift of God for eternity. The purpose of life here on earth is to prepare for life hereafter. We must be spiritually born again and have the companionship and guidance of the Holy to help us qualify for the blessings of Eternal Life. Eternity is a very long time! Nothing this world has to offer is worth forfeiting the blessings of Eternal Life for. There just isn't time to seek a life of money and pleasure (even if no "sin" is involved), and still be able to devote our energy, hearts, and minds to things of the Spirit. We are free to choose, but we really can't have it both ways.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Who Tempts Us?
In yesterday's post I wrote about overcoming temptations. Today I will write something about the tempter(s). Because of latter-day revelation LDS Church members have knowledge that is not commonly understood by traditional Christians. Many vital truths that are only alluded to in our present-day Bible have been made much clearer through the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When the innocent young Joseph Smith went into the grove of trees to "ask of God" which church he should join, as suggested in James 1:5, he had no idea what he was getting in to. But a desperate unseen being who hates truth did, and this is what happened. In Joseph's own words:
"After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power and such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction - not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being - just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. . ."
(Pearl of Great Price, Jos. Smith History, vs. 15-17.)
Who or what was this dark, powerful being?
God declared to the prophet Jeremiah: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
This is no figure of speech to symbolize something. God literally did know Jeremiah before he was born on earth, because the spirit person, Jeremiah, had lived in God's presence for a very long time. Every human being is a spirit son or daughter of God and lived in His presence for eons of time while preparing to come to earth. Our Father had a magnificent plan for us which would bring about our greatest joy and happiness for all eternity. We spirit children were as varied in intellect, desire, and influence, there, as we are here. The greatest spirit of all was our Father's first-born son, Jehovah, who lovingly obeyed and followed his Father in all things. Another brilliant spirit son was Lucifer, referred to in the scriptures as a "son of the morning."
God, our Father, presented His great plan to us. To achieve the ultimate goal, a Redeemer would be necessary, for we could never accomplish it on our own. It would also require that we obey the laws and commandments that God would establish for us here. Apparently there was some discussion about who would be our Redeemer. Lucifer didn't like the plan, and he offered a new or amended one, assuring that everyone would be saved. He volunteered to be the "savior" to bring it about, and as a result he wanted God's glory and honor (to actually "replace" Him). Jehovah supported Father's plan, and He stood forth and offered to be the Redeemer. He would come to earth as God's own Son to carry out the awesome mission as our Savior and Redeemer, and the glory would be the Father's forever.
Job 38:7 tells us that we "shouted for joy"! Well, most of us did. We had the freedom and power to choose our actions and attitudes, and many spirits sided with Lucifer, who wouldn't let go of his anger and determination to ruin the Father's plan. There was war in heaven, and eventually Lucifer and his followers were banished from God's presence. They were cast down to earth without bodies, and they are here, still trying to accomplish Lucifer's (Satan's) purposes. They are the tempters. The wickedness and debauchery that exists on this earth is because people give in to their enticements.
Some scripture references:
Isaiah 14:12-15
Doctrine & Covenants 76:26-27
2 Nephi 24:12-15
Revelation 12:7-9
Abraham 3:22-28
When the innocent young Joseph Smith went into the grove of trees to "ask of God" which church he should join, as suggested in James 1:5, he had no idea what he was getting in to. But a desperate unseen being who hates truth did, and this is what happened. In Joseph's own words:
"After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power and such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction - not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being - just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. . ."
(Pearl of Great Price, Jos. Smith History, vs. 15-17.)
Who or what was this dark, powerful being?
God declared to the prophet Jeremiah: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."
This is no figure of speech to symbolize something. God literally did know Jeremiah before he was born on earth, because the spirit person, Jeremiah, had lived in God's presence for a very long time. Every human being is a spirit son or daughter of God and lived in His presence for eons of time while preparing to come to earth. Our Father had a magnificent plan for us which would bring about our greatest joy and happiness for all eternity. We spirit children were as varied in intellect, desire, and influence, there, as we are here. The greatest spirit of all was our Father's first-born son, Jehovah, who lovingly obeyed and followed his Father in all things. Another brilliant spirit son was Lucifer, referred to in the scriptures as a "son of the morning."
God, our Father, presented His great plan to us. To achieve the ultimate goal, a Redeemer would be necessary, for we could never accomplish it on our own. It would also require that we obey the laws and commandments that God would establish for us here. Apparently there was some discussion about who would be our Redeemer. Lucifer didn't like the plan, and he offered a new or amended one, assuring that everyone would be saved. He volunteered to be the "savior" to bring it about, and as a result he wanted God's glory and honor (to actually "replace" Him). Jehovah supported Father's plan, and He stood forth and offered to be the Redeemer. He would come to earth as God's own Son to carry out the awesome mission as our Savior and Redeemer, and the glory would be the Father's forever.
Job 38:7 tells us that we "shouted for joy"! Well, most of us did. We had the freedom and power to choose our actions and attitudes, and many spirits sided with Lucifer, who wouldn't let go of his anger and determination to ruin the Father's plan. There was war in heaven, and eventually Lucifer and his followers were banished from God's presence. They were cast down to earth without bodies, and they are here, still trying to accomplish Lucifer's (Satan's) purposes. They are the tempters. The wickedness and debauchery that exists on this earth is because people give in to their enticements.
Some scripture references:
Isaiah 14:12-15
Doctrine & Covenants 76:26-27
2 Nephi 24:12-15
Revelation 12:7-9
Abraham 3:22-28
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Overcoming Temptations
After Jesus was baptized he went into the wilderness. Did He go there to "be tempted," like a reading of the accounts in the N.T. seems to suggest? No. The prophet Joseph Smith, in the Inspired Version. makes it clear that Jesus went there to commune with God, and afterwards Satan came tempting Him. The three temptations Satan tried to lure Jesus with are a pattern for most all temptations. They fall into three classes, and nearly all temptations come to us in one of those forms:
1. A temptation of the appetites
2. A yielding to the pride and fashion and vanity of those alienated from the things of God
3. A gratifying of the passion, or a desire for the riches of the world, or power among men.
One main purpose for us being here is to be tried and tempted by the adversary. This life is meant to be a test and opportunity for us to strengthen ourselves against evil. If we want to return home to be with our Father and Savior, then we must follow the example Jesus set when he was tempted.
Pres. Kimball wrote: "The importance of not accomodating temptation in the least degree is underlined by the Savior's example. Did not he recognize the danger when he was on the mountain with his fallen brother, Lucifer, being sorely tempted by that master tempter? He could have opened the door and flirted with danger by saying, 'All right, Satan, I'll listen to your proposition. I need not succumb, I need not yield, I need not accept - but I'll listen.'
"Christ did not so rationalize. He positively and promptly closed the discussion, and commanded: 'Get thee hence, Satan,' meaning likely, 'Get out of my sight - get out of my presence - I will not listen - I will have nothing to do with you.' Then we read, 'the devil leaveth him.'" (Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 216.)
Satan knows our personal vulnerabilities - exactly which buttons to push. I certainly struggle with my own. One of the tools I've found most effective is to shut off a wrong or inappropriate thought right at the beginning by thinking the word, "STOP" in a commanding way. It may take several tries, but it works. Then I immediately force myself to think of something else. We have to be aware of what we are thinking about, though, for it to work. Satan is able to put thoughts into our minds, and the best way to refuse temptation is to discard them quickly before they have a chance to take hold.
Someone I know is a prime example of what happens when we dwell on such thoughts. I know of several instances where she has taken offense at something that was said or done. It may not have even related to her personally, but she has dwelt on it until it became all about "her." Before long she has said or done something "far-fetched" that was hurtful and damaging. She never seems to understand that even though there really wasn't much of a problem at first, SHE has created a big one by letting her thoughts be manipulated by Satan. I suppose we are all guilty of it, at times, to some degree.
It isn't always easy to know where our thoughts are coming from. We usually feel justified and rationalize that we are "right" when things go wrong (and maybe we are), but thoughts that take us away from principles of light, pure love, and goodness, etc., are most likely coming from the adversary. If we are sincere, we can pray to know the difference, and the Lord will help fortify us against whatever our temptations may be.
1. A temptation of the appetites
2. A yielding to the pride and fashion and vanity of those alienated from the things of God
3. A gratifying of the passion, or a desire for the riches of the world, or power among men.
One main purpose for us being here is to be tried and tempted by the adversary. This life is meant to be a test and opportunity for us to strengthen ourselves against evil. If we want to return home to be with our Father and Savior, then we must follow the example Jesus set when he was tempted.
Pres. Kimball wrote: "The importance of not accomodating temptation in the least degree is underlined by the Savior's example. Did not he recognize the danger when he was on the mountain with his fallen brother, Lucifer, being sorely tempted by that master tempter? He could have opened the door and flirted with danger by saying, 'All right, Satan, I'll listen to your proposition. I need not succumb, I need not yield, I need not accept - but I'll listen.'
"Christ did not so rationalize. He positively and promptly closed the discussion, and commanded: 'Get thee hence, Satan,' meaning likely, 'Get out of my sight - get out of my presence - I will not listen - I will have nothing to do with you.' Then we read, 'the devil leaveth him.'" (Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 216.)
Satan knows our personal vulnerabilities - exactly which buttons to push. I certainly struggle with my own. One of the tools I've found most effective is to shut off a wrong or inappropriate thought right at the beginning by thinking the word, "STOP" in a commanding way. It may take several tries, but it works. Then I immediately force myself to think of something else. We have to be aware of what we are thinking about, though, for it to work. Satan is able to put thoughts into our minds, and the best way to refuse temptation is to discard them quickly before they have a chance to take hold.
Someone I know is a prime example of what happens when we dwell on such thoughts. I know of several instances where she has taken offense at something that was said or done. It may not have even related to her personally, but she has dwelt on it until it became all about "her." Before long she has said or done something "far-fetched" that was hurtful and damaging. She never seems to understand that even though there really wasn't much of a problem at first, SHE has created a big one by letting her thoughts be manipulated by Satan. I suppose we are all guilty of it, at times, to some degree.
It isn't always easy to know where our thoughts are coming from. We usually feel justified and rationalize that we are "right" when things go wrong (and maybe we are), but thoughts that take us away from principles of light, pure love, and goodness, etc., are most likely coming from the adversary. If we are sincere, we can pray to know the difference, and the Lord will help fortify us against whatever our temptations may be.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Birth of Jesus
The Christmas season is a special time of year when we turn our thoughts to the birth of the Savior. I love the story of His birth no matter what time of year it is when I read or hear it. It begins with the account of the angel appearing to old Zacharias in the temple, telling him he and his aged wife, Elisabeth, would be blessed with a son who would prepare the way for the coming of the Savior. Then comes the visit of the angel to Mary of Nazareth, the young virgin who was willing to accept the awesome responsibility as mother of the promised Messiah. Mary's visit to Elisabeth, John's birth, Joseph's delemma about Mary, and his comforting and instructional dream are followed by the account of the trip to Bethlehem - and no room for them at the inn.
Mary gives birth and the shepherds on the hillside are visited by an angel and hear the heavenly choir singing joyous praises that the Savior has been born. The results of the visit of the wisemen from the East brings the story to a tragic close when Herod orders that all little boys two years and younger in the vicinity of Bethlehem must be killed. A warning to Joseph that they must leave immediately for Egypt saves the life of the baby Jesus.
One of the main points brought out in the study guide is that Jesus was literally the Son of God, a completely separate person from the Father, not the physical manifestation of a supreme spirit or influence that He was somehow "one" with or a part of. That is where our understanding of the Godhead differs with the traditional Christian belief in the Trinity.
It does no good to speculate how it happened, but Mary's child was the literal son of the Eternal Father. Quoting from the study guide: "The Child Jesus was to inherit the physical, mental and spiritual traits, tendencies, and powers that characterized His parents--one immortal and glorified--God, the other human--woman." From His Father He inherited the powers of life, and from His mother the power to die. Both traits would be necessary for Him to accomplish His great atoning sacrifice.
Mary gives birth and the shepherds on the hillside are visited by an angel and hear the heavenly choir singing joyous praises that the Savior has been born. The results of the visit of the wisemen from the East brings the story to a tragic close when Herod orders that all little boys two years and younger in the vicinity of Bethlehem must be killed. A warning to Joseph that they must leave immediately for Egypt saves the life of the baby Jesus.
One of the main points brought out in the study guide is that Jesus was literally the Son of God, a completely separate person from the Father, not the physical manifestation of a supreme spirit or influence that He was somehow "one" with or a part of. That is where our understanding of the Godhead differs with the traditional Christian belief in the Trinity.
It does no good to speculate how it happened, but Mary's child was the literal son of the Eternal Father. Quoting from the study guide: "The Child Jesus was to inherit the physical, mental and spiritual traits, tendencies, and powers that characterized His parents--one immortal and glorified--God, the other human--woman." From His Father He inherited the powers of life, and from His mother the power to die. Both traits would be necessary for Him to accomplish His great atoning sacrifice.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Who is Jesus?
A study of the New Testament is basically a study of Jesus Christ, His works and teachings, and the works and teachings of the apostles after His death. A good question to start out with is "Who is Jesus Christ?"
I was listening to a radio talk show a few nights ago, and a man was trying to explain how he was a spiritual person but not necessarily religious. He believes in God, but not that God is an entity in any way. Instead, he believes that all life on earth IS "God." He compared his beliefs to Indian traditions that see the earth as the mother, and all life springs forth from it. What the man doesn't understand is that God - a real entity in the form of a man - created the earth and all life upon it. The element that gives life to all is the Light (power, glory) of Christ. In that sense He is in all that lives.
The N.T. makes it clear that Jesus Christ is the creator of the earth. He lived and "worked" in the heavens before coming to this earth as a mortal baby born in Bethlehem. LDS doctrine teaches that God the Father and Jesus Christ are two distinct and separate personages. We believe that everyone lived as spirit persons with God, the same as did Jesus, before mortality, and that God the Father is the father of all spirits. The spirit, Jehovah (the mortal Jesus), was the firstborn. He was the greatest of all God's spirit children, out-progressing and more intelligent, obedient, and righteous than all the others. He created the earth under the direction and authority of His Father.
I was listening to a radio talk show a few nights ago, and a man was trying to explain how he was a spiritual person but not necessarily religious. He believes in God, but not that God is an entity in any way. Instead, he believes that all life on earth IS "God." He compared his beliefs to Indian traditions that see the earth as the mother, and all life springs forth from it. What the man doesn't understand is that God - a real entity in the form of a man - created the earth and all life upon it. The element that gives life to all is the Light (power, glory) of Christ. In that sense He is in all that lives.
The N.T. makes it clear that Jesus Christ is the creator of the earth. He lived and "worked" in the heavens before coming to this earth as a mortal baby born in Bethlehem. LDS doctrine teaches that God the Father and Jesus Christ are two distinct and separate personages. We believe that everyone lived as spirit persons with God, the same as did Jesus, before mortality, and that God the Father is the father of all spirits. The spirit, Jehovah (the mortal Jesus), was the firstborn. He was the greatest of all God's spirit children, out-progressing and more intelligent, obedient, and righteous than all the others. He created the earth under the direction and authority of His Father.
Friday, October 16, 2009
"Truth"
Recently I began a study course of the New Testament using the LDS Institute Manual called "The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles." I will write some thoughts from that as I go along.
The world today is full of trouble. Why? People don't know God and they don't understand who they, themselves, are. For many, "truth" is a relative principle - whatever suits the individual is the truth, and it depends upon the circumstances at the time. Even those who recognize that there are absolute truths are misled unless they have the true Gospel of Jesus Christ to use as a "measuring stick" against the philosophies of men.
Why is "truth" important? Why not just live and not worry beyond what feels good and provides fun and a measure of happiness for today? Because mortality is the time for us to prepare for eternity, and how we live here basically determines our eternal destiny. To prepare requires that we know and live true principles as set forth by our Creator.
The introduction to the institute manual gives us a key whereby we may learn the truth about God (and ourselves) and unlock the mysteries of eternal life. It says ". . . We may all know the truth; we are not helpless. The Lord has made it possible for every man to know the truth by the observance of these laws, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. . . " (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:295-96.) What laws? It refers us to 1 John 2:3-5, which says:
"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him."
I also like the scripture in John 7:17 which says, "If any man will do his [meaning God] will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
So one main key to learning truth is to keep God's commandments.
I'll end with a quotation that I like from Pres. Ezra Taft Benson: "To learn of Christ necessitates the study of the scriptures and the testimonies of those who know him. We come to know him through prayer and the inspiration and revelation that God has promised to those who keep his commandments.:(CR, Oct. 1972, p. 53.)
The world today is full of trouble. Why? People don't know God and they don't understand who they, themselves, are. For many, "truth" is a relative principle - whatever suits the individual is the truth, and it depends upon the circumstances at the time. Even those who recognize that there are absolute truths are misled unless they have the true Gospel of Jesus Christ to use as a "measuring stick" against the philosophies of men.
Why is "truth" important? Why not just live and not worry beyond what feels good and provides fun and a measure of happiness for today? Because mortality is the time for us to prepare for eternity, and how we live here basically determines our eternal destiny. To prepare requires that we know and live true principles as set forth by our Creator.
The introduction to the institute manual gives us a key whereby we may learn the truth about God (and ourselves) and unlock the mysteries of eternal life. It says ". . . We may all know the truth; we are not helpless. The Lord has made it possible for every man to know the truth by the observance of these laws, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. . . " (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:295-96.) What laws? It refers us to 1 John 2:3-5, which says:
"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him."
I also like the scripture in John 7:17 which says, "If any man will do his [meaning God] will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
So one main key to learning truth is to keep God's commandments.
I'll end with a quotation that I like from Pres. Ezra Taft Benson: "To learn of Christ necessitates the study of the scriptures and the testimonies of those who know him. We come to know him through prayer and the inspiration and revelation that God has promised to those who keep his commandments.:(CR, Oct. 1972, p. 53.)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Why This Blog?
This is where I will record personal thoughts about life, thoughts from my reading of the scriptures and other religious materials, and thoughts concerning what is going on in the nation and world today. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been "active" all my life, meaning that I have been involved regularly in the meetings and activities provided, and I try to live the principles and commandments as set forth by the doctrines of the Gospel. In addition I read the scriptures, writings of the prophets, apostles, and other inspired writers, pray, etc. as I seek to understand truth. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Because there is so much false information circulating around about the Church, we members are encouraged to blog and use other means to share our testimonies and help others understand what we believe. Even if no one ever reads this, it will be good for me to write it.
Because there is so much false information circulating around about the Church, we members are encouraged to blog and use other means to share our testimonies and help others understand what we believe. Even if no one ever reads this, it will be good for me to write it.
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