Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Friday, November 15, 2019
Not yet, not today
My life has been peppered with instances of nearly dying or being put into some serious possible harm. I don't know why I am so accident prone. I don't know why I have had to be rescued time and time again. Perhaps I have yet another thing or two more to do for the Lord, I always settle on, when it comes down to the why. I suppose we ALL have something more to do every day if we survive another night of sleep and have been permitted yet another new day to perform our labors.
There was once such experience which nearly befell me while I was a driver as my way to support my family and earn a living.
During my tenure as an Uber/Lyft driver driving in the Vancouver, Washington market, I recall the moment where I was driving down a familiar road. I was en route to pick up heading north on 164th Ave between Mill Plain and 18th and at a comfortable speed. I don't recall what speed I was driving but I was hustling to pick up the next passenger which lay about another mile North East of my location. Taking 164th Avenue seemed to be the most convenient route to get there, I should mention.
I remember moving along checking the GPS for an ETA when I had looked up to see there was a red light signal glowing the brightest of reds and it was staring me down. I could almost hear a pulsating "Halt" sound whispering to my mind and I had moments to decide what to do about it. I saw a car approaching on the right set to cross in front of me. I had moments to decide. My mind was thinking speed up to avoid a collision but another voice entered into my head that I should apply the break instead. Then everything began to slow down in my mind. Had I come to a complete stop, it would have been after the intersection about 50 feet at the rate I was stopping. All I could see was the other sedan moving slowly across my path. I did not see his eyes and neither did any of us honk. My car continued to move forward and even after I had been applying the breaks, I did not seek cause to actually stop but I kept moving forward. It felt as though I had been given an additional 2 seconds to slow down for some reason. Had I hit the gas, I might have caught the drivers-side corner bumper and then there would have been a very serious problem to encounter after then which was 1) How could I continue driving to support my family and 2) what if I had a serious injury to accompany 1?
I did not feel a hand over my chest holding me back but I felt as though my car was suspended and slowed up significantly and for the split second or two that our cars passed by one another harmlessly onto our destinations, neither one of us felt the need to stop and process what had happened by getting out of the car to catch our breath. I don't know what the other driver was doing but I was heavily panting and sweating by the time I had gotten to the next signal light.
I went to pick up my clients and thought nothing more. I certainly didn't want to divulge what had nearly happened either to the 2 passengers I had recently picked up just following this incident for at least the reason of instilling some confidence in them that they too wouldn't be getting into an accident with me that night but probably more so I would have had a difficult time attempting to explain the loss of about 2 seconds and how my car avoided danger. This was not my time to crash or die and it certainly wasn't the next lesson that God wanted me to learn. I had to support the family and it would have been catastrophic, to me, to ALL OF US, had I gotten into that accident.
What happened to me and why did I get those 2 more seconds? Why was I spared an accident there and not the accident which also could have snuffed out my life a few years back in April, 2009, now more than 10 years ago?
All I know is that through some special design or because of some divine providence, I am still around today to do something. I imagine myself being an instrument in the hands of God to do things both great and small. I endeavor to become trustworthy enough to be utilized for good and to accomplish some of the more important missions that God may have yet for me to do. Is this why I am being preserved and prepared?
Whatever the answer and to whatever end, I can only hope that my days will continue to be a high number... perhaps I may be of service ongoing and I will be around to usher in the return of my redeemer or perhaps be sent to rescue some soul or be someones transportation. To do all things both great and small.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Like It Or Not, Gossip Is Real and Cliques Are Too
My fellow brothers and sisters... my answer to this growing plague which causes ones enthusiasm to dim is simply this...Gossip is evil and it exists and it hurts and it won't be going away anytime soon. People will continue to pass judgment and hold onto their cherished judgments made about you even even many seconds and minutes after you have partaken of the sacrament making promises to strive more diligently towards perfection. People in your wards will have their favorites and cliques will continue to exist. You will either fit in or you won't and at times, you won't fit in with ANYONE.
You may also feel as though the ward membership has only the power within themselves to only tolerate your presence vs provide the Christlike version of charitable fellowship and this, above all else, may cause your hearts to sink into despair and hopelessness. It hurts to feel alone or feel like you are outcast or that perhaps you don't fit in or that you don't belong. It hurts when people would rather talk with someone else than they would like to talk to you.
"One day you will prove to them all that they were wrong and God will prove to you that he was right about you all along." Now what do I mean by that? Well if you know your heart and that you are striving to be 'pure of heart' then you have no need to fear. God doesn't need permission by any of your ward members to allow your entry into heaven, PERIOD!
Turn to the Book of Mormon with me to "Jacob Chapter 3:1-2 and read the following:
1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction. 2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.
Are people really just sometimes acting like jerks? Possibly. We don't know their past or their upbringing. If you dare, ask them some questions to find out more about them. It is often revealing to discover just how it is that they were brought up. Continue in those conversations by stating how you understand a little more about them and thank them for that insight. Then do your best to lock away their secrets. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, right?
I testify to you, brothers and sisters, that it is not part of the natural man to think well of others and no matter what society you are brought up in, people are taught to shun that which they do not understand and we as a human race are not very teachable when it comes to how one ought to be treated and how to treat one another plain and simple. Judge not lest ye be judge. If you feel that you have been ostracized or ignored or loved less than what you are deserving of then join the club. People do have their favorites. It's also human nature...it's also ugly.
There's really very little we can do about this looming plague over those who are members of the church as it is also a plague upon humanity. Wards may have the same attendance percentages and similar rosters of like-minded people for many o quarterly reports. Your Elders quorum presidents will cite Home Teaching numbers and about reactivity and perhaps one soul or two will find his way through the labyrinth and regain his zeal for obedience to the Lord's commandments and begin to once again strive towards the heavenly goal while moving on up in the straight and narrow path. One day, my brothers and sisters, you WILL prove to the world that they were wrong about you but only if you have the intestinal fortitude to say this: I have ONE being that I need to be faithful to above all and that is faithful to the Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, first and foremost. Then you have a responsibility to your family and those you have stewardship over. (Including your home teaching families and those who are recipients of your service included within your church responsibilities and callings.) The important thing to know is that God loves you. You do NOT NEED the approval or fellowship of ward membership. I personally have not had my worthiness come into question by the bishop enough to talk with him about anything however I assume that it is possible where my own behavior may have gotten me into trouble. I am a bit 'boorish by nature' and being thus endowed (also described as being a bull in a china shop) I may have done, said or behaved after a manner which could have been offensive towards others. Que sera sera.
Brothers and sisters, do also as Jacob suggests that we do at the end of his record by 'being wise' as well as humble. Charity faileth not and he who is possessor of charity, at the last day, will have so much more the advantage over the brother who chose to participate in gossip or 1-upsmanship or any other behavior that signifies, "I am better than you because..." and perhaps they've got a full laundry list of GOOD and VALID reasons as to why they are better than you! Believe NONE of them. They may or may NOT have made better choices than you but if one of their choices was to think himself or herself as better than you, then they've got something wrong for 'all are alike unto God and God is no respecter of persons. God will not hold a sword over your neck with a vengeance. Jesus Christ will have compassion on they who have compassion on others. One day, not only will every 'knee bow and tongue confess' but part of this confession is where people will come to you and plead for your forgiveness on how you were treated. They will not need this forgiveness for their own entry into heaven for Jesus Christ has ALREADY paid the ultimate price and providing for us our atonement assured.
Some gossip is founded on truth, on partial truths and upon lies. The best way not to participate in gossip in your wards is to set the example. For example, if a new person comes into the ward and you've had the chance to talk with them and fellowship with them, then count your blessings if they are potentially one of your future, enduring friends. However, if another ward member decides to ask you questions about them, simply say this, "I don't know much about those guys so you'll have to go and talk with them yourself." Shift the responsibility of 'getting to know a new ward member' onto their shoulder because it is not up to you to do so. If they have something opinionated to say about them or perhaps they want you to agree on their assessments about them, then I suggest to you that you do one of the following: Excuse yourself from the conversation by politely saying, "I don't know enough about them to have an opinion about the matter." or simply say, "Well I suppose that's one way that someone could see them as being..." but reserve the right to get to know them yourself.
Brothers and Sisters... I testify to you that God loves us and he is keenly aware of how we're being treated or how others may have perceived or continue to perceive us as being. The important thing, above all others, is that you trust in the Lord. He will set things right and if at ALL necessary, he will send down justice upon those who seek your discomforts and want you to feel less than worthy. God teaches patience and he teaches humility. People will come up to you, in your lifetime, and tell you that they are sorry. Forgive them frankly and receive them as one of your friends wholeheartedly for you must... if you want to be numbered among they who are blessed of the Father in the last day.
I write these things and do so in the name of Jesus Christ, my redeemer, amen. Below: This was my rant but I decided to start over. If you enjoy reading and getting more in depth with the way I view the world, then read this unedited rant below. Otherwise, the article is done.
You decided to come back to church for the first time in forever and/or possibly you've been there for a while and haven't found your crowd. People go about their business and hustle off to class and yet, something feels missing. There hasn't been any fellowship. You sense something is missing but you just can't put your finger on it. It is my hope to write but a few words that if taken in the proper spirit can help save you from a downward spiral that could lead to bitterness and further inactivity and disenfranchisement from the church. For all of those who have felt lonely or outcast or for those who didn't feel like they belong, then perhaps this message is for you. A week or so goes by, and you begin to talk with someone at a mutual activity and their conversations with you are robotic and brief until you politely excuse yourself to then see that same ward member strike it up with one of their buddies giving handshakes with gusto and happiness. "What just happened?" you ask yourself. Did my breath offend? Did I let my hair go a bit too long before cutting it? Have I done something to offend the flock and I now begin to feel ostracized because perhaps something has been said concerning you either real or perceived that may or not be true? I have been the member of a ward for some time now and perhaps part of this is an editorial but in the end, or in the blog, I'd like to possibly answer some of those burning questions that I sometimes ask myself by also being the member of a ward family. We sure are an assortment of many different personalities both positive and negative. Before I begin making assumptions and then concocting solutions for assumptions both real or imagined, let me just clear the air and spell this one out for you clear as crystal. Gossip and judgment happens in the church PERIOD! Cliques are formed and judgments are made about you as to where you ought to belong. It's just human nature. It's not your fault or theirs, it's just how we are naturally bred to be. Even in the book of Mormon, it is discovered how the people would divide themselves into classes. If you want a fantastic read about Mormon's understanding on how the latter days would look like, then 4th Nephi is a very good read. It talks a lot about this. Now Mr LDSLIFE, you might be guilty of passing judgment upon others...beware on how you judge...and the measure in which you judge shall be added unto you etc etc... I get that. This is why I wish to tread somewhat carefully on the subject because whether I have all rhyme and reason or not, it seemeth me good to at least elaborate on my own experiences and then we'll let history decide whether they be of truth or may they be from out of my own imaginations. So once again, for all of those who have felt lonely or outcast or for those who didn't feel like they belong, then perhaps this message is for you and I believe that it is paramount that you read these words before considering to spend any length of time apart from coming to church and apart from renewing the covenant that you made with the Lord in being baptized because above all else, this must be observed. (I will explain a bit more what I mean by this below.)
You may also feel as though the ward membership has only the power within themselves to only tolerate your presence vs provide the Christlike version of charitable fellowship and this, above all else, may cause your hearts to sink into despair and hopelessness. It hurts to feel alone or feel like you are outcast or that perhaps you don't fit in or that you don't belong. It hurts when people would rather talk with someone else than they would like to talk to you.
"One day you will prove to them all that they were wrong and God will prove to you that he was right about you all along." Now what do I mean by that? Well if you know your heart and that you are striving to be 'pure of heart' then you have no need to fear. God doesn't need permission by any of your ward members to allow your entry into heaven, PERIOD!
Turn to the Book of Mormon with me to "Jacob Chapter 3:1-2 and read the following:
1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction. 2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.
Are people really just sometimes acting like jerks? Possibly. We don't know their past or their upbringing. If you dare, ask them some questions to find out more about them. It is often revealing to discover just how it is that they were brought up. Continue in those conversations by stating how you understand a little more about them and thank them for that insight. Then do your best to lock away their secrets. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, right?
I testify to you, brothers and sisters, that it is not part of the natural man to think well of others and no matter what society you are brought up in, people are taught to shun that which they do not understand and we as a human race are not very teachable when it comes to how one ought to be treated and how to treat one another plain and simple. Judge not lest ye be judge. If you feel that you have been ostracized or ignored or loved less than what you are deserving of then join the club. People do have their favorites. It's also human nature...it's also ugly.
There's really very little we can do about this looming plague over those who are members of the church as it is also a plague upon humanity. Wards may have the same attendance percentages and similar rosters of like-minded people for many o quarterly reports. Your Elders quorum presidents will cite Home Teaching numbers and about reactivity and perhaps one soul or two will find his way through the labyrinth and regain his zeal for obedience to the Lord's commandments and begin to once again strive towards the heavenly goal while moving on up in the straight and narrow path. One day, my brothers and sisters, you WILL prove to the world that they were wrong about you but only if you have the intestinal fortitude to say this: I have ONE being that I need to be faithful to above all and that is faithful to the Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, first and foremost. Then you have a responsibility to your family and those you have stewardship over. (Including your home teaching families and those who are recipients of your service included within your church responsibilities and callings.) The important thing to know is that God loves you. You do NOT NEED the approval or fellowship of ward membership. I personally have not had my worthiness come into question by the bishop enough to talk with him about anything however I assume that it is possible where my own behavior may have gotten me into trouble. I am a bit 'boorish by nature' and being thus endowed (also described as being a bull in a china shop) I may have done, said or behaved after a manner which could have been offensive towards others. Que sera sera.
Brothers and sisters, do also as Jacob suggests that we do at the end of his record by 'being wise' as well as humble. Charity faileth not and he who is possessor of charity, at the last day, will have so much more the advantage over the brother who chose to participate in gossip or 1-upsmanship or any other behavior that signifies, "I am better than you because..." and perhaps they've got a full laundry list of GOOD and VALID reasons as to why they are better than you! Believe NONE of them. They may or may NOT have made better choices than you but if one of their choices was to think himself or herself as better than you, then they've got something wrong for 'all are alike unto God and God is no respecter of persons. God will not hold a sword over your neck with a vengeance. Jesus Christ will have compassion on they who have compassion on others. One day, not only will every 'knee bow and tongue confess' but part of this confession is where people will come to you and plead for your forgiveness on how you were treated. They will not need this forgiveness for their own entry into heaven for Jesus Christ has ALREADY paid the ultimate price and providing for us our atonement assured.
Some gossip is founded on truth, on partial truths and upon lies. The best way not to participate in gossip in your wards is to set the example. For example, if a new person comes into the ward and you've had the chance to talk with them and fellowship with them, then count your blessings if they are potentially one of your future, enduring friends. However, if another ward member decides to ask you questions about them, simply say this, "I don't know much about those guys so you'll have to go and talk with them yourself." Shift the responsibility of 'getting to know a new ward member' onto their shoulder because it is not up to you to do so. If they have something opinionated to say about them or perhaps they want you to agree on their assessments about them, then I suggest to you that you do one of the following: Excuse yourself from the conversation by politely saying, "I don't know enough about them to have an opinion about the matter." or simply say, "Well I suppose that's one way that someone could see them as being..." but reserve the right to get to know them yourself.
Brothers and Sisters... I testify to you that God loves us and he is keenly aware of how we're being treated or how others may have perceived or continue to perceive us as being. The important thing, above all others, is that you trust in the Lord. He will set things right and if at ALL necessary, he will send down justice upon those who seek your discomforts and want you to feel less than worthy. God teaches patience and he teaches humility. People will come up to you, in your lifetime, and tell you that they are sorry. Forgive them frankly and receive them as one of your friends wholeheartedly for you must... if you want to be numbered among they who are blessed of the Father in the last day.
I write these things and do so in the name of Jesus Christ, my redeemer, amen. Below: This was my rant but I decided to start over. If you enjoy reading and getting more in depth with the way I view the world, then read this unedited rant below. Otherwise, the article is done.
You decided to come back to church for the first time in forever and/or possibly you've been there for a while and haven't found your crowd. People go about their business and hustle off to class and yet, something feels missing. There hasn't been any fellowship. You sense something is missing but you just can't put your finger on it. It is my hope to write but a few words that if taken in the proper spirit can help save you from a downward spiral that could lead to bitterness and further inactivity and disenfranchisement from the church. For all of those who have felt lonely or outcast or for those who didn't feel like they belong, then perhaps this message is for you. A week or so goes by, and you begin to talk with someone at a mutual activity and their conversations with you are robotic and brief until you politely excuse yourself to then see that same ward member strike it up with one of their buddies giving handshakes with gusto and happiness. "What just happened?" you ask yourself. Did my breath offend? Did I let my hair go a bit too long before cutting it? Have I done something to offend the flock and I now begin to feel ostracized because perhaps something has been said concerning you either real or perceived that may or not be true? I have been the member of a ward for some time now and perhaps part of this is an editorial but in the end, or in the blog, I'd like to possibly answer some of those burning questions that I sometimes ask myself by also being the member of a ward family. We sure are an assortment of many different personalities both positive and negative. Before I begin making assumptions and then concocting solutions for assumptions both real or imagined, let me just clear the air and spell this one out for you clear as crystal. Gossip and judgment happens in the church PERIOD! Cliques are formed and judgments are made about you as to where you ought to belong. It's just human nature. It's not your fault or theirs, it's just how we are naturally bred to be. Even in the book of Mormon, it is discovered how the people would divide themselves into classes. If you want a fantastic read about Mormon's understanding on how the latter days would look like, then 4th Nephi is a very good read. It talks a lot about this. Now Mr LDSLIFE, you might be guilty of passing judgment upon others...beware on how you judge...and the measure in which you judge shall be added unto you etc etc... I get that. This is why I wish to tread somewhat carefully on the subject because whether I have all rhyme and reason or not, it seemeth me good to at least elaborate on my own experiences and then we'll let history decide whether they be of truth or may they be from out of my own imaginations. So once again, for all of those who have felt lonely or outcast or for those who didn't feel like they belong, then perhaps this message is for you and I believe that it is paramount that you read these words before considering to spend any length of time apart from coming to church and apart from renewing the covenant that you made with the Lord in being baptized because above all else, this must be observed. (I will explain a bit more what I mean by this below.)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Moroni Chapter 7
Foreword:
My aim is to completely discern the 7th Chapter of the Book of Moroni. It has been one of my favorite Books for decades. I could say the same thing about any of Moroni's writings both pars of the Book which is called "Mormon" towards the end of this record as well as in Moroni's book.
What I find fascinating is how Moroni carefully wrote down a few more things.
Mormon 8:35 "Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing."
Remembering that Moroni "saw our day and he knows our doing" brings EVERY word which he records to a much higher level of importance.
THE BOOK OF MORONI - Moroni
CHAPTER 7
"An invitation to enter into the rest of the Lord— Pray with real intent— The Spirit of Christ enables men to know good from evil— Satan persuades men to deny Christ and do evil—The prophets manifest the coming of Christ— By faith miracles are wrought and angels minister— Men should hope for eternal life and cleave unto charity."
Between A.D. 400 and 421
We know this occurred between 400 and 421 A.D. while Moroni had time to wander in the wilderness. It was his charge to keep the record and hide it up unto the Lord. One can only wonder what sights he did see and what he was really able to do all those years. Space was limited on the plate to really record much.
Moroni valued that space so much that even the mere "phrases he chose to include on the remaining space of this record could be considered priceless!" He did this as well as all prophets in The Book of Mormon, like Nephi for example:
"And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God." 1 Nephi 6:3
1 And now I, Moroni, write a few of the words of my father Mormon, which he spake concerning faith, hope, and charity; for after this manner did he speak unto the people, as he taught them in the synagogue which they had built for the place of worship. 2 And now I, Mormon, speak unto you, my beloved brethren; and it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and his holy will, because of the gift of his calling unto me, that I am permitted to speak unto you at this time. 3 Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven.
Now this is such a nice verse. I like it how most "Book of Mormon Prophets start out with something delightful. It is usually aimed at the faithful. Similarly to how Jacob began in the 3rd Chapter of Jacob. He started off giving the message of peace to the faithful, to let them know that the Lord was pleased with them, but then he had to deal with the "WICKED" for the remainder of his discourse...
4 And now my brethren, I judge these things of you because of your peaceable walk with the children of men. 5 For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also. 6 For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. 7 For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. 9 And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. 10 Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. 11 For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a cservant of the devil. 12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
This is the trouble with most people when they pray. They think they're making a "noise on their knees!" That's not prayer. Most people pray as though its a routine. When some try to extract answers from the Lord while not having real intent, HOW WILLING IS THE LORD TO ANSWER SUCH A MAN OR WOMAN?
I am willing to suggest that if a man or woman PRAY at all, that it be through works of faith. Just as God knows our hearts and our actions in life's daily course, so he also knows if our prayers are meaningful or not. One should pray with real purpose of heart even if he is not seeking answers from God. Otherwise, what does it profit a man? Nothing, just as Moroni suggests.
8 For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God.
What comes to my mind is if a man prays because he has to. I've heard it called, "The Post To" method. "I do it cuz I'm post to!" If a household is required to pray and the only answer his or her father or mother is able to give them which is, "You pray because you're supposed to" it neither helps the children nor the parent to start habitual prayers that don't mean anything.
It may sound like this:
"Heavenly Father.
Please bless the food. We thank you for our blessings. Thank you for my Mom and Dad. Thank you for everything. n'thnamahjesuzchrist, Amen!"
Firstly, its not reverent... secondly, its not teaching a man or woman how to sincerely pray. The necessary humility is not found and boys or girls are growing up without coming closer to our father in heaven because they aren't taught the sacredness of prayer.
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
This scripture is the "Axis" on what the whole chapter revolves around. Moroni goes from teaching a man how to pray and then it goes into God's answers and how to discern them. I'm sure if someone prays and asks God if its okay to fornicate or do whatever they could imagine to ask him doesn't ALWAYS need an answer but in the case of "what is the truth about the gospel of Christ or what is not, one must sometimes ask God in fervent prayer. Here Moroni gave us the formula:
Invites us to do good = good
Invites us to do bad = bad
Its really VERY VERY simple and so are most things in the Gospel. (Alma 37: 6)
Again, verse 13: But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do agood continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. 14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.
Oddly enough, when I was a teenager, this scripture became more true than than people ever thought it would when Michael Jackson came out with his hit song, "Bad"
People went around singing, "You know I'm bad, I'm bad... ya know it! Ya know!" and people began to go around thinking it was okay to be, "A bad ass!" and it didn't take long for the Gospel of Christ to be that thing that was boring or uncool. Like seminary, mutual activities, and so forth. But people still do this today. Latter-day Saints are a peculiar people compared to the world. We don't drink or smoke or do MANY things which are deemed 'Bad' so we are the ones that others are told to avoid while lewd behavior and wild parties began to entice many into that great and spacious building, which Lehi had seen. (Nephi Ch. 8)
15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. 16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. 17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. 18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.
This is the part in verses 15-18 where Moroni knows that his words along with all the words spoken from the Book Of Mormon prophets may come back to haunt the world and even members of the church who do not read from them and adhere to their words as counsel. For those who "wrongfully judge their words as a thing of naught will also be judged. Nephi as well as Moroni BOTH warned the world that if they did not accept their words, they should stand face to face with us and declare that they are the "Words of Christ" and in no uncertain terms, those who did not do well with them or even reject them, it isn't gonna be a very good day for them, to say the least. 2 Nephi Ch. 33
According to Nephi, if people don't accept his words, then they won't be seeing him ever again. Nephi and the faithful will be in one place while the non-believers of Christ will be in another. He says good bye for ever, so certain that god will not be happy with their unwillingness to accept this great gift prepared for them.
Nephi actually says, "And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect the words of the Jews, and also my words, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you at the last day." 2 Nephi 33:14
There will be a lot of people who will not see Nephi anymore and they think that is a good thing! There are plenty of enemies to righteousness that don't think that the Book of Mormon is anything of "God's making" They, unfortunately, will all have to stand face to face with God at the judgment bar and pointlessly make their case about why they never read the Book of Mormon. Some will fight it until the bitter end and not only will call the LDS religion a liar but will also curse God in that day for not making it better known unto them somehow.
19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the alight of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ. 20 And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing? 21 And now I come to that faith, of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing.
I like how Moroni stays true to form. He also said that "Charity never faileth and he or she who possesses charity, it will be well with them. Charity is one of those "Good Things" that one should lay a hold of and if it be possible, we should lay up in store as much of that kind of thing as we can, the continually reading of good books and listening of good music couldn't be far behind.
22 For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing. 23 And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come. 24 And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good thing come unto them.
Moroni must have known that one day, he would return to this earth as an Angel. He is hoping that mankind will accept this return visit just as we accepted "The Angel Gabriel" who had come to prepare the way of the Lord, visiting Mary and also visiting the humble followers of the Law. Moroni must have known full well that he TOO would declare as it were with a trumpet unto all nations of the Earth.
25 Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ. 26 And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you. 27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?
He fears that mankind will not accept miracles or anything like them, including the ministering of Angels because of their lack of faith for it is by faith and obedience of the law that ALL blessings are predicated.
D&C 130: 20-21
20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
28 For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens. 29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. 30 For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.
All too many people believe in a God without power. That somehow he no longer has the ability to send down miracles. Thus their faith is dead along with him. Some just say that God's work is done, but MAN will never tell God to work or not to work. He just DOES his work because it is his purpose. To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of Man. (Moses 1:39)
31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfill and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him. 32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.
"The Residue of Men" means this, simply: That which remains after a part is taken, separated, removed, or designated; remnant; remainder or in other words, "those who remain or who are yet to come to this earth.
33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.
34 And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved.
This is how Moroni explains that someone just as seemingly insignificant as yourself or me could possibly do the work which he truly believes we can do. If we have faith in him, we'll be able to do our task and help build the Kingdom of God, for instance, but it is not limited to just that. He desires that we become better: line upon line, precept upon precept so that we may be saved an in turn, we can spread the gospel to those around us. We now have the power to do so!
35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased? 36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? 37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have cease woe be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.
He returns to his original thought he had been setting up to give his conclusion. We must know that Angels do not cease to visit man neither do they cease to do the work of the Lord. We must be like unto these angels also and be the miracles which are wrought among the children of men for we have power from on high to do so.
38 For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.
Faith is the key. There are far too many who read the scriptures and blindly quote them either to their own satisfaction or attempt to quote scriptures to refute the true church of God and do so without faith. It is said of them, "Forasmuch as this people adraw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men" Isaiah 29:13
39 But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church.
I just love this verse!
40 And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope? 41 And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise. 42 Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope. 43 And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart. 44 If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.
The conditions that must exist for a man to have "Charity! Like a cookbook recipe, the ingredients for Charity are outlined"
45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail— 47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
All the knowledge of the world won't save a man. Not even if he's well versed. A man must truly live as he lived, meaning the savior, for things to go well for him or her at the last day.
48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
It is my prayer too that you be found with Charity, which is the pure love of Christ and we shall see then who Christ will recognize at the last day. Jesus Christ is my support, my friend, and my hero! He is my King and my master and I know that he is divine, son of our loving Father in Heaven, and he has come back to the earth before his second coming to help prepare a world where Charity may exist. God has given us this great gift, the Book of Mormon and we ought not to take it lightly!
For the Mormon and the Christian, for the Jew and also the Gentile, Even unto the Muslim and also unto the Hindu, and also unto the Buddhist as well as the Heathen.
I'm going to close this discourse with one of the last few words Moroni wrote in the entire book. It is my prayer that you will find these words as, "of God" and feel inclined to follow Jesus Christ and also be perfect in him, wherein Moroni writes,
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God." Moroni 10:32
I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, my master, Amen.
My aim is to completely discern the 7th Chapter of the Book of Moroni. It has been one of my favorite Books for decades. I could say the same thing about any of Moroni's writings both pars of the Book which is called "Mormon" towards the end of this record as well as in Moroni's book.
What I find fascinating is how Moroni carefully wrote down a few more things.
Mormon 8:35 "Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing."
Remembering that Moroni "saw our day and he knows our doing" brings EVERY word which he records to a much higher level of importance.
THE BOOK OF MORONI - Moroni
CHAPTER 7
"An invitation to enter into the rest of the Lord— Pray with real intent— The Spirit of Christ enables men to know good from evil— Satan persuades men to deny Christ and do evil—The prophets manifest the coming of Christ— By faith miracles are wrought and angels minister— Men should hope for eternal life and cleave unto charity."
Between A.D. 400 and 421
We know this occurred between 400 and 421 A.D. while Moroni had time to wander in the wilderness. It was his charge to keep the record and hide it up unto the Lord. One can only wonder what sights he did see and what he was really able to do all those years. Space was limited on the plate to really record much.
Moroni valued that space so much that even the mere "phrases he chose to include on the remaining space of this record could be considered priceless!" He did this as well as all prophets in The Book of Mormon, like Nephi for example:
"And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God." 1 Nephi 6:3
1 And now I, Moroni, write a few of the words of my father Mormon, which he spake concerning faith, hope, and charity; for after this manner did he speak unto the people, as he taught them in the synagogue which they had built for the place of worship. 2 And now I, Mormon, speak unto you, my beloved brethren; and it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and his holy will, because of the gift of his calling unto me, that I am permitted to speak unto you at this time. 3 Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven.
Now this is such a nice verse. I like it how most "Book of Mormon Prophets start out with something delightful. It is usually aimed at the faithful. Similarly to how Jacob began in the 3rd Chapter of Jacob. He started off giving the message of peace to the faithful, to let them know that the Lord was pleased with them, but then he had to deal with the "WICKED" for the remainder of his discourse...
4 And now my brethren, I judge these things of you because of your peaceable walk with the children of men. 5 For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also. 6 For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. 7 For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. 9 And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. 10 Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. 11 For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a cservant of the devil. 12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
This is the trouble with most people when they pray. They think they're making a "noise on their knees!" That's not prayer. Most people pray as though its a routine. When some try to extract answers from the Lord while not having real intent, HOW WILLING IS THE LORD TO ANSWER SUCH A MAN OR WOMAN?
I am willing to suggest that if a man or woman PRAY at all, that it be through works of faith. Just as God knows our hearts and our actions in life's daily course, so he also knows if our prayers are meaningful or not. One should pray with real purpose of heart even if he is not seeking answers from God. Otherwise, what does it profit a man? Nothing, just as Moroni suggests.
8 For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God.
What comes to my mind is if a man prays because he has to. I've heard it called, "The Post To" method. "I do it cuz I'm post to!" If a household is required to pray and the only answer his or her father or mother is able to give them which is, "You pray because you're supposed to" it neither helps the children nor the parent to start habitual prayers that don't mean anything.
It may sound like this:
"Heavenly Father.
Please bless the food. We thank you for our blessings. Thank you for my Mom and Dad. Thank you for everything. n'thnamahjesuzchrist, Amen!"
Firstly, its not reverent... secondly, its not teaching a man or woman how to sincerely pray. The necessary humility is not found and boys or girls are growing up without coming closer to our father in heaven because they aren't taught the sacredness of prayer.
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
This scripture is the "Axis" on what the whole chapter revolves around. Moroni goes from teaching a man how to pray and then it goes into God's answers and how to discern them. I'm sure if someone prays and asks God if its okay to fornicate or do whatever they could imagine to ask him doesn't ALWAYS need an answer but in the case of "what is the truth about the gospel of Christ or what is not, one must sometimes ask God in fervent prayer. Here Moroni gave us the formula:
Invites us to do good = good
Invites us to do bad = bad
Its really VERY VERY simple and so are most things in the Gospel. (Alma 37: 6)
Again, verse 13: But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do agood continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. 14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.
Oddly enough, when I was a teenager, this scripture became more true than than people ever thought it would when Michael Jackson came out with his hit song, "Bad"
People went around singing, "You know I'm bad, I'm bad... ya know it! Ya know!" and people began to go around thinking it was okay to be, "A bad ass!" and it didn't take long for the Gospel of Christ to be that thing that was boring or uncool. Like seminary, mutual activities, and so forth. But people still do this today. Latter-day Saints are a peculiar people compared to the world. We don't drink or smoke or do MANY things which are deemed 'Bad' so we are the ones that others are told to avoid while lewd behavior and wild parties began to entice many into that great and spacious building, which Lehi had seen. (Nephi Ch. 8)
15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. 16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. 17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. 18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.
This is the part in verses 15-18 where Moroni knows that his words along with all the words spoken from the Book Of Mormon prophets may come back to haunt the world and even members of the church who do not read from them and adhere to their words as counsel. For those who "wrongfully judge their words as a thing of naught will also be judged. Nephi as well as Moroni BOTH warned the world that if they did not accept their words, they should stand face to face with us and declare that they are the "Words of Christ" and in no uncertain terms, those who did not do well with them or even reject them, it isn't gonna be a very good day for them, to say the least. 2 Nephi Ch. 33
According to Nephi, if people don't accept his words, then they won't be seeing him ever again. Nephi and the faithful will be in one place while the non-believers of Christ will be in another. He says good bye for ever, so certain that god will not be happy with their unwillingness to accept this great gift prepared for them.
Nephi actually says, "And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect the words of the Jews, and also my words, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you at the last day." 2 Nephi 33:14
There will be a lot of people who will not see Nephi anymore and they think that is a good thing! There are plenty of enemies to righteousness that don't think that the Book of Mormon is anything of "God's making" They, unfortunately, will all have to stand face to face with God at the judgment bar and pointlessly make their case about why they never read the Book of Mormon. Some will fight it until the bitter end and not only will call the LDS religion a liar but will also curse God in that day for not making it better known unto them somehow.
19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the alight of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ. 20 And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing? 21 And now I come to that faith, of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing.
I like how Moroni stays true to form. He also said that "Charity never faileth and he or she who possesses charity, it will be well with them. Charity is one of those "Good Things" that one should lay a hold of and if it be possible, we should lay up in store as much of that kind of thing as we can, the continually reading of good books and listening of good music couldn't be far behind.
22 For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing. 23 And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come. 24 And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good thing come unto them.
Moroni must have known that one day, he would return to this earth as an Angel. He is hoping that mankind will accept this return visit just as we accepted "The Angel Gabriel" who had come to prepare the way of the Lord, visiting Mary and also visiting the humble followers of the Law. Moroni must have known full well that he TOO would declare as it were with a trumpet unto all nations of the Earth.
25 Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ. 26 And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you. 27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?
He fears that mankind will not accept miracles or anything like them, including the ministering of Angels because of their lack of faith for it is by faith and obedience of the law that ALL blessings are predicated.
D&C 130: 20-21
20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
28 For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens. 29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. 30 For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.
All too many people believe in a God without power. That somehow he no longer has the ability to send down miracles. Thus their faith is dead along with him. Some just say that God's work is done, but MAN will never tell God to work or not to work. He just DOES his work because it is his purpose. To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of Man. (Moses 1:39)
31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfill and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him. 32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.
"The Residue of Men" means this, simply: That which remains after a part is taken, separated, removed, or designated; remnant; remainder or in other words, "those who remain or who are yet to come to this earth.
33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.
34 And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved.
This is how Moroni explains that someone just as seemingly insignificant as yourself or me could possibly do the work which he truly believes we can do. If we have faith in him, we'll be able to do our task and help build the Kingdom of God, for instance, but it is not limited to just that. He desires that we become better: line upon line, precept upon precept so that we may be saved an in turn, we can spread the gospel to those around us. We now have the power to do so!
35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased? 36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? 37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have cease woe be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.
He returns to his original thought he had been setting up to give his conclusion. We must know that Angels do not cease to visit man neither do they cease to do the work of the Lord. We must be like unto these angels also and be the miracles which are wrought among the children of men for we have power from on high to do so.
38 For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.
Faith is the key. There are far too many who read the scriptures and blindly quote them either to their own satisfaction or attempt to quote scriptures to refute the true church of God and do so without faith. It is said of them, "Forasmuch as this people adraw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men" Isaiah 29:13
39 But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church.
I just love this verse!
40 And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope? 41 And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise. 42 Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope. 43 And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart. 44 If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.
The conditions that must exist for a man to have "Charity! Like a cookbook recipe, the ingredients for Charity are outlined"
45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail— 47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
All the knowledge of the world won't save a man. Not even if he's well versed. A man must truly live as he lived, meaning the savior, for things to go well for him or her at the last day.
48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
It is my prayer too that you be found with Charity, which is the pure love of Christ and we shall see then who Christ will recognize at the last day. Jesus Christ is my support, my friend, and my hero! He is my King and my master and I know that he is divine, son of our loving Father in Heaven, and he has come back to the earth before his second coming to help prepare a world where Charity may exist. God has given us this great gift, the Book of Mormon and we ought not to take it lightly!
For the Mormon and the Christian, for the Jew and also the Gentile, Even unto the Muslim and also unto the Hindu, and also unto the Buddhist as well as the Heathen.
I'm going to close this discourse with one of the last few words Moroni wrote in the entire book. It is my prayer that you will find these words as, "of God" and feel inclined to follow Jesus Christ and also be perfect in him, wherein Moroni writes,
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God." Moroni 10:32
I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, my master, Amen.
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