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.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
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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