Sunday, April 28, 2013
Mark Well What I Do Say. (Avoid Like The Plague!)
What can we learn from a sea shanty? Hopefully, A LOT! I've had years to think of this particular sea travelers hymn but perhaps with a darker side of the story. To me, I see that it deals with my relationship with sin and how it beckons. Also how one must behave after getting too close to sin. I'll go no more a roving with you, seemingly harmless sin but was actually harmless.
I hope you see what I am able to see in this... for the battle between our natures and putting off the natural man works quite like this tango does. See if you can see as I do where this is an allegory for how the Devil tempts.
In Amsterdam there lived a maid, Mark well what I do say, In Amsterdam there lived a maid And she was mistress of her trade.
Chorus: I'll go no more a roving with you fair maid A-roving, a-roving, Since roving's been my rue-I-ay I'll go no more a-roving with you fair maid.
I kissed her once, I kissed her twice, Mark well what I do say, I kissed her once, I kissed her twice, She said, "Young sir that's oh so nice."
Chorus...
I put my hand upon her knee, Mark well what I do say, I put my hand upon her knee; She said, "Young sir you're fancy free."
Chorus...
I put my arms around her waist, Mark well what I do say, I put my arms around her waist; She said, "Young sir you're in great haste!"
Chorus...
I put hand upon her thigh, Mark well what I do say, I put hand upon her thigh; She said, "Young sir you're awful high!"
Chorus...
In Amsterdam there lived a maid, Mark well what I do say, In Amsterdam there lived a maid; And she was mistress of her trade. So GO NO MORE A ROVING WITH THIS FAIR MAID! I beseech you, my beloved brothers and sisters, never sit near this seemingly harmless maid; the maid of Immorality. This I testify to you in the name of the son, Amen. Amsterdam Maid (A-Rovin')
Friday, April 26, 2013
There's nothing like it...
There's nothing like a good, deep clean.
Have you ever looked at what looks like an insurmountable project? or a mess that looks nearly impossible to clean? Well, this is what I had once when it took us nearly 6-8 weeks to move homes. We moved from Wyoming to Washington and the process involved taking nearly a half a dozen trips to the dump. We loaded up the van (emptied out of all seats) and drove to the nearest landfill and dumped heaps and heaps of just garbage. (They didn't recycle there as much except for cardboard... but things like foam or form fitting things and other undesirables would have to go somewhere!) I couldn't believe what I had allowed to collect.
Sure some toys were broken... some things were just nonsense paper that we didn't destroy or shred or burn and it collected.
Some of it was wood and other broken pieces from off the house. Some of this was wet and undesirable. I had to shovel out plenty of heaps of paper that had sat on semi-wet concrete. (I say semi-wet because this stuff sat in a shed that sat below a deck overhead.) The deck overhead leaked. Even though our stuff was relatively safe there, in the spring time during the thaw, it was beginning to get wet. There were spiders, bugs and other biologicals that lived underneath the pile.
There were doors to fix, unfinished basements to finish completely but was 99% done. I finished the final touches on the spare office/bedroom.
All and all, it was a mess. An undesirable mess to clean up. This to me, represents what sort of cleaning goes on in the soul.
When the garbage heaps pile up and we no longer have any view of the sun, which gives us warmth, we lay in the underbelly of papers and wet concrete, in a very undesirable place to be. We know the efforts that are required to make the personal temple presentable once more. It may take maybe 6-7 times at the offerings for sin; at the sacrament bar. It may take additional prayer and a shovel or two extra than one wanted to shovel to get those secret places clean. It may take a few final touches to make that home 100% completed and not just 99%...
I guess anything is possible so long as we don't burn down the house and render it beyond repair... but even then, hopefully, one may begin a new. God is both merciful and just. The best bet is to have a better way than not to allow sin to clutter our minds and stain our souls. Better to avoid sin than to have our hearts weighed down by it. Better to heed the fence at the top of a cliff than to place an ambulance down at the bottom of the ravine. Over all, there is a job to be done and with God's help, it may just be accomplished.
Have you ever looked at what looks like an insurmountable project? or a mess that looks nearly impossible to clean? Well, this is what I had once when it took us nearly 6-8 weeks to move homes. We moved from Wyoming to Washington and the process involved taking nearly a half a dozen trips to the dump. We loaded up the van (emptied out of all seats) and drove to the nearest landfill and dumped heaps and heaps of just garbage. (They didn't recycle there as much except for cardboard... but things like foam or form fitting things and other undesirables would have to go somewhere!) I couldn't believe what I had allowed to collect.
Sure some toys were broken... some things were just nonsense paper that we didn't destroy or shred or burn and it collected.
Some of it was wood and other broken pieces from off the house. Some of this was wet and undesirable. I had to shovel out plenty of heaps of paper that had sat on semi-wet concrete. (I say semi-wet because this stuff sat in a shed that sat below a deck overhead.) The deck overhead leaked. Even though our stuff was relatively safe there, in the spring time during the thaw, it was beginning to get wet. There were spiders, bugs and other biologicals that lived underneath the pile.
There were doors to fix, unfinished basements to finish completely but was 99% done. I finished the final touches on the spare office/bedroom.
All and all, it was a mess. An undesirable mess to clean up. This to me, represents what sort of cleaning goes on in the soul.
When the garbage heaps pile up and we no longer have any view of the sun, which gives us warmth, we lay in the underbelly of papers and wet concrete, in a very undesirable place to be. We know the efforts that are required to make the personal temple presentable once more. It may take maybe 6-7 times at the offerings for sin; at the sacrament bar. It may take additional prayer and a shovel or two extra than one wanted to shovel to get those secret places clean. It may take a few final touches to make that home 100% completed and not just 99%...
I guess anything is possible so long as we don't burn down the house and render it beyond repair... but even then, hopefully, one may begin a new. God is both merciful and just. The best bet is to have a better way than not to allow sin to clutter our minds and stain our souls. Better to avoid sin than to have our hearts weighed down by it. Better to heed the fence at the top of a cliff than to place an ambulance down at the bottom of the ravine. Over all, there is a job to be done and with God's help, it may just be accomplished.
Monday, April 22, 2013
How God Sees Us Vs How We See Ourselves
Copy and Go to this link: "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpaOjMXyJGk"
Take a moment to enjoy this video...
Then ask yourself... how do you think GOD SEES YOU?
Josh
There Is Hope For Every Soul That's Lost!
(Notes from the talk by Elder Kopischke)
Elder Erich W Kopischke had a talk in the last conference that popped up, one more time, but this time with a sign language accompaniment. This is what I derived from his talk and I hope that this pertains to me because if it pertains to me yet, it may also pertain to you and anyone else who wonders if they've "gone too far" to be recommended for salvation.
He outlined the simple pattern in which one may find ultimate acceptance of the Lord. And he paraphrased Joseph Smith speaking for and behalf of the Lord... he writes, "Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me." Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:8
In the which, we are given 3 simple steps.
1) Know that our hearts are honest and broken.
2) know that our spirits are contrite.
3) be willing to observe our covenants by sacrifice. (as commanded by the Lord.)
Decision! Self reflection: we know our motives and desires. Broken = Soft, open, receptive heart vs hard hearted. Confirmation or gentle correction. Remorse; willin to pray over and acknowledge sins & short comings - contrite - willing to listen - to act(or do and not simply act like) - to humble oneself.
When our only desire is to serve him, we will be blessed w/ deep inner peace.
Prepare for that sacred ordiance. (The Sacrament) Acceptance + efforts + recognized = sins forgiven
Having the HG as our constant companion is the ultimate indicator that we are accepted of the father.
Stand firm and Faithful while the storms are raging around us. Seek and hope for that moment when the Lord says, "Well done thou good and faithful servant...thou hast been faithfull on a few things; thou shalt be a ruler of many!
Seek prayerfully over these things and he extends mercy and pardons those who repent!
Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. D&C 50:41-42
In conclusion, I want to close a thought from one of the songs I value, from Michael McLean... which goes:
There is an old Michael McClean song, I can't remember the name, I just remember a few lines of it. It goes like this,
"There is hope, for every soul that's lost. There is a way back home, no matter where you roam. Let His love heal you & lead you there. There's a place for every heart in pain, a place where there's not hurt, and there's no shame, let His love heal you & lead you there." - Michael McLean
In conclusion, In Elder Bednar's First Conference Talk As An Apostle, "he spoke of the tender mercies of the Lord, and how the Lord is in the details of our lives. So true. And ME, you said something that I think is pivotal, and that is that you've been working the program long enough (and I emphasize, "long enough") for you to begin to recognize some of those tender mercies in the details of your life.
"Don't get discouraged, any of you, no matter how long it takes, no matter how many tries it takes. And never fail to recognize any degree of improvement in your lives, and be thankful for it to the Lord in private prayer. The Lord is in the details of our lives."
This makes sense of anyone who has had a 'sore repentance' and it is my solemn prayer that the Lord's bowels may be filled with mercy and compassion towards all who are reading this message! May we do the things that our leaders suggest. May we all avoid SIN as though it were the plague! For there is NO JOY in sin. It may feel good, for a little while, but what remains is emptiness. If one would like their minds to be harrowed up in their many sins against the father, then by all means CONTINUE down that path. It is a lonely and a very dark place! If this has been our path, may our fates be like that of an Alma the Elder or even an Alma the Younger! Or perhaps a Zeezrom!
This I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen! 1 Timothy 1:15 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
Sunday, April 21, 2013
God Spared Me So That I Might Repent!
It's been nearly 4 years since I had last worked for Halliburton. Early June of 2009, I was laid off in the second round of layoffs in the Rock Springs Base Camp late spring of 2009. It was 2009... many people were afraid of many things including lose their jobs and I was not the only one afraid to lose my job. I lied, on occasion, to keep my job so thick was the fear that was had among all of us. Progressing into that year, I was involved in a roll over accident with one of our trucks in April of 2009. I stayed on for another 2 months but shortly afterwards was laid off.
I spent several months on unemployment and I saw my own cars get repossessed in the coming months after returning to Oregon from Wyoming. I had wished for a better end of my career with Halliburton but such is life. I also wish I had guarded better my integrity as a Halliburton employee. I wasn't always honest in all of my dealings with work. I think I would be better off today if I had been honest because God knows even if men don't! But pride and other regrets has put my soul into jeopardy more times than one!
My sweet wife is patient but so I hope is God too. He preserved my life in that truck rollover accident. He has granted me more time, on this earth, to obtain forgiveness. I picked up habits there that I should never have fallen into and the chiefest among those was a lying tongue. Why keep those things in? Why do I hold onto the disease when it should only spread throughout my entire body and into my eyes, causing darkness to come into my soul? Even then and till today, the lying didn't stop after being let go. Some of that migrated into my personal life.
I nearly lost my family over bad mistakes along with losing my job. I regret many things but among those things was not coming to work for Halliburton. I grew as a man and continue to grow as I ponder on the experience that I had there and the men that I got to work along side of. May God forgive me for my many errors in judgment and preserve me yet for more time, on earth!
Josh Nelson P.S. I never did get a chance to thank Halliburton properly for the good employ that I had with them for that close to nearly 3 years time working with your great company. I was able to support and take good care of my family well. But with the commandments of God, I should not trifled with. On the morrow, I will bring a broken heart and a contrite spirit to the sacrament table hoping to find peace after a long journey into my past. 1 Timothy 1:15, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
Friday, April 19, 2013
Pray Often And Live In Peace!
Brothers and Sisters...
We must pray often and live in peace. We must thank our creator OFTEN that we have been invited to his revelatory banquet and we can eat and drink milk and honey without price! It is a great blessing and available to all. We do not keep this a secret and we should continue being guilty of sharing these glad tidings with those that we know; even if that only be through examples set!
We live in the days where milk is offered. (See Isaiah 28:6-10) We no longer have to eat at the tables being served the vomit and filth of yesteryear giving us very little nourishment and yet having the basics for our spirit to survive. It never ceases to amaze me how they made it through the dark ages... but we are NOW in the day of the Gentile! (Luke 21:24) and we NOW are as Isaiah saw, the Nursing fathers and mothers, as spoken of in Isaiah as well. (Chapter 49:23)
"Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob." (Isaiah 60:16 ... 16-22 in context)
We are TRULY entering the period of time where Isaiah had seen that the Lord would "hasten his work in his time..." and we can be laborers for him, in his vineyard, or spend our energies worrying! God is STILL IN CHARGE. WITH A SNAP OF HIS FINGERS, HE COULD END ALL OF THE SUFFERING... but he let's us maintain our greatest right ordained by heaven... our agency. We will see death and destruction happening all around us. Because of iniquity, the love of men shall wax COLD; it shall be brother against brother. Much strife and contention may lay ahead but if we continue FAITHFUL to the things that we know to be true, we will be well enough off. If we maintain our high moral standards, the destroying angel will pass by us just as it were during the times of Ancient Israel in the tradition of the Passover.
Case in point: The other day, I took my family to a birthday party about 40 minutes away from our home. Even if we had word of wrong doing in our neighborhood, we could not have made it back fast enough to keep the evil one at bay. The damage that could be done in a seemingly unprotected environment is incalculable but in this case, I had discovered the tender mercies of the Lord. Upon coming home, we discovered 2 police cars parked in our coul-de-sac and that a neighbor had been robbed. We had possibly hundreds of dollars worth of our own possessions in the lawn, in a basketball hoop, sports equipment, yard equipment including a brand new push lawn mower, a Kangaroo Carriage + New Bike... and to top this all off, an unlocked door. Inside also were laid about several things that too could have been taken. For reasons known only to God, our house was spared from being robbed and from having a vast amount of our possessions taken, along with our peace of mind.
My wife and I took an inventory of the things that we are doing, as a family, to live righteously. One of those things was that we pay and honest and full tithe. Among others, we also pray often with our children. We truly know that we should pray often, and the benefit is, "we shall not faint or feign!"
We can either take up the cross and suffer those things with him, spread his word, do indexing, or whatever we can to further the work... or be panicked and buy guns, ammo... food. Preparing for the worst. To which I say, be prepared... but make our preparedness be more as the people of Alma the Elder is concerned vs those who belonged to the people of Limhi. For each escaped the captivity of the Lamanites but one of those groups went with the full support of the Lord. It is a choice yet regarding how we will endure! Let us raise our output and continue to publish peace!
This I say in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!
This has been a mini sermon! (Of course, the scriptures are also laid before you. Enjoy!)
We live in the days where milk is offered. (See Isaiah 28:6-10) We no longer have to eat at the tables being served the vomit and filth of yesteryear giving us very little nourishment and yet having the basics for our spirit to survive. It never ceases to amaze me how they made it through the dark ages... but we are NOW in the day of the Gentile! (Luke 21:24) and we NOW are as Isaiah saw, the Nursing fathers and mothers, as spoken of in Isaiah as well. (Chapter 49:23)
"Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob." (Isaiah 60:16 ... 16-22 in context)
We are TRULY entering the period of time where Isaiah had seen that the Lord would "hasten his work in his time..." and we can be laborers for him, in his vineyard, or spend our energies worrying! God is STILL IN CHARGE. WITH A SNAP OF HIS FINGERS, HE COULD END ALL OF THE SUFFERING... but he let's us maintain our greatest right ordained by heaven... our agency. We will see death and destruction happening all around us. Because of iniquity, the love of men shall wax COLD; it shall be brother against brother. Much strife and contention may lay ahead but if we continue FAITHFUL to the things that we know to be true, we will be well enough off. If we maintain our high moral standards, the destroying angel will pass by us just as it were during the times of Ancient Israel in the tradition of the Passover.
Case in point: The other day, I took my family to a birthday party about 40 minutes away from our home. Even if we had word of wrong doing in our neighborhood, we could not have made it back fast enough to keep the evil one at bay. The damage that could be done in a seemingly unprotected environment is incalculable but in this case, I had discovered the tender mercies of the Lord. Upon coming home, we discovered 2 police cars parked in our coul-de-sac and that a neighbor had been robbed. We had possibly hundreds of dollars worth of our own possessions in the lawn, in a basketball hoop, sports equipment, yard equipment including a brand new push lawn mower, a Kangaroo Carriage + New Bike... and to top this all off, an unlocked door. Inside also were laid about several things that too could have been taken. For reasons known only to God, our house was spared from being robbed and from having a vast amount of our possessions taken, along with our peace of mind.
My wife and I took an inventory of the things that we are doing, as a family, to live righteously. One of those things was that we pay and honest and full tithe. Among others, we also pray often with our children. We truly know that we should pray often, and the benefit is, "we shall not faint or feign!"
We can either take up the cross and suffer those things with him, spread his word, do indexing, or whatever we can to further the work... or be panicked and buy guns, ammo... food. Preparing for the worst. To which I say, be prepared... but make our preparedness be more as the people of Alma the Elder is concerned vs those who belonged to the people of Limhi. For each escaped the captivity of the Lamanites but one of those groups went with the full support of the Lord. It is a choice yet regarding how we will endure! Let us raise our output and continue to publish peace!
This I say in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!
This has been a mini sermon! (Of course, the scriptures are also laid before you. Enjoy!)
Sunday, April 14, 2013
More Accurate Than The Newspaper!
Courtesy of: seekingtruth.co.uk Today's news is Bible prophecy fulfilled:
Unfulfilled prophecy tells us tomorrow's news!
Do the following newspaper headlines look familiar?
CRIME & TERRORISM - UP Crime has increased dramatically in the last 50 years. For example, aggravated assault in the US increased from 60 per 100,000 to over 440 per 100,000 between 1957 and 1992 [FBI statistics], and violent crime has increased over 350% on 1960 levels. Terrorist attacks in the US show over 900% increase on 1970 levels, and 9-11 was the worst-ever act of terrorism. In Britain the 2009 total crime level was some 5,000% above the 1900 level (this cannot be due to population increase alone, which only increased about 60%). Read more at terroism.
Bible prophecy: "in the last days lawlessness will increase" (Mat 24.12)
A POLLUTED WORLD Highway pollution: Public Domain Image Air pollution fatalities now exceed traffic fatalities by 3 to 1 [Earth Policy Institute]. The view from space is becoming marred by smoke and dust [NASA astronauts]. Mercury pollution e.g. from coal-fired power stations, is rising and is a huge threat to health [UN report]. In developing countries, 70 percent of industrial wastes are dumped untreated into waters where they pollute the usable water supply. In 1984 the Bhopal disaster in India was the world's worst chemical disaster. Toxic gas leaked from the chemical plant, and even now the polluted site bleeds poisons daily into the ground water of local residents. As of 2011, more than five million people still live in areas that are considered to be 'contaminated' with radioactive materials from the Chernobyl accident in 1986.
Bible prophecy: "the earth is also polluted by its inhabitants" (Isa 24.5)
FLOODS U.S. Floods, June 2008; U.S. Geological Survey: photo Barry Johnson NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) claim "the January-November 2010 surface temperature anomalies are the warmest (along with 2005) in their 131 year analysis period". The UK Met Office reports that "the UK has experienced nine of the 10 warmest years on record since 1990". And IPCC Model predictions of future temperature rise (based upon estimates of CO2 emissions) typically give a rise of 2-5 degree C relative to 1990 levels by 2100. Whilst the cause of warming over the last century is disputed (and is it now cooling?), the fact of climate change is not disputed. The climate is changing, sea levels have risen and future severe weather events can be expected. The crucial question is "can man control the climate, or is God in control?"
Bible prophecy: "the sea and the waves will roar (Lk 21.25) and the earth will be scorched with fierce heat" (Rev 16.9)
DROUGHT; Water tables are falling on every continent: e.g. they are falling 1.5m/year in China and 1-3m/year in India. Taken together, India, China and Pakistan pump about 400 cubic km of underground water for irrigation in a year - twice as much as is recharged by the rains. Aquifers are emptying. In Africa, persistent drought since the late 1960’s has caused Lake Chad to shrink by 95% in the last 38 years. Deserts are expanding: in Tunisia up to 60 million people could migrate from sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa and Europe by 2020; in Iran, thousands of villages are abandoned because of spreading deserts or a lack of water; in Brazil, some 250,000 square miles of land are affected by desertification, and in China desert expansion has accelerated in each successive decade since 1950. Two out of every three people will be short of water by 2025 [National Geographic, Worldwatch Institute, and Tearfund].
Bible prophecy: "the earth will wither and fade" (Isa 24.4)
ISRAEL'S RAPID GROWTH Old City of Jerusalem Free Israel Photos The population growth of Israel corresponds to an amazing 1200% increase since 1900! In recent years Israel has had high economic growth (typically 3 or 4%) powered by exports. According to the CIA, Israel now has intensively developed agricultural and industrial sectors, with cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) being the leading exports. She is technologically advanced in computer science, electronics, genetics, medicine, optics and solar energy, and her agricultural sector produces about 70 percent of her food requirements. Typical Israeli fruits are apples, pears, peaches, apricots, bananas, mangos, dates olives, grapes and avocados.
Bible prophecy: "Behold, I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone ... and bring them into their own land ... And I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the produce of the field" (Ezek 37.21, 36.30) MORE TRAVELLING - MORE SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES
Weather satellite For 6,000 years man was limited to travelling at 40 km/hr (on horseback); now he can travel at 40,000 km/hr by rocket. A hundred years ago, commercial air travel was unheard of; now there are typically 100,000 commercial flights each day! On a global level Travel & Tourism indicators continue to show strong annual growth. But also note the rapid increase in scientific knowledge. For millennia man has worshipped the sun; now he understands it is a nuclear reaction turning hydrogen into helium. Only a few hundred years ago man communicated by drums and smoke signals; now he brings back images from the planets and monitors our weather from weather satellites. Only a hundred years ago a person died if their heart failed; now they can have a transplant.
Bible prophecy: "in the last days many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase" (Dan 12.4)
COMPUTERS CONTROL OUR LIVES For 6,000 years man communicated at 50 bits/s (by speech); now he communicates at Giga bit/s by optical fibre. Computer control or algorithmic trading has now overtaken the world's finance industry; computer code is now responsible for most of the activity on Wall Street. Universal product codes (UPC's), electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) in shops, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Transactions (SWIFT), biometric and RFID - radio frequency identification, all herald the cashless society. Financial transactions of every person will be totally computer controlled.
Bible prophecy: (at the end of this age) "no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark" (Rev 13.17)
FISCAL CRISIS Westernized nations in particular are struggling with increasing national debt, forcing more and more state interference in the economy and higher taxes. The national debt as a percentage of GDP of many western nations is around 80%, and increasing. That of Greece is around 130% and that of Japan is around 200%. The dangers of large national debt are well known: a growing level of debt increases the probability of a sudden fiscal crisis during which investors lose confidence in a government's ability to manage its budget, and the government thereby loses its ability to borrow at affordable rates. This is well-illustrated by the eurozone crisis. In 2012, the global national debts summed to around $50,000,000,000,000 - and were rising rapidly! Is the world heading for a global economic meltdown?
Bible prophecy: "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great ... for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!" (Rev 18.2,17))
EARTH THREATENED BY ASTEROIDS (Norris Wong: Creative Commons License) The asteroid belt is the origin of virtually all the asteroids in our solar system. The vast majority of these range in size from small rocks to the size of cars. However, there are estimated to be up to 2 million "large" asteroids - those with diameter greater than a kilometer. A Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) has an orbit such that it has the potential to make close approaches to the Earth and a size large enough to cause significant damage in the event of impact. These asteroids are larger than 150m in diameter and could get within 7 million km of earth [NASA]. The known number of PHAs is growing! In October 2008, NASA listed 982 PHAs, and by January 2012 there were some 1,280 known PHAs. It only needs one to hit! On February 15th 2013, an asteroid some 45m in diameter passed the Earth at a distance of just 27,700km. This is nearer than a geostationary satellite! Scientists believe that if it had entered Earth's atmosphere it would have exploded causing widespread devastation like the Tunguska event in 1908. Bible prophecy indicates that an asteroid type object will land in the sea: "And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea" (Rev 8.8)
Certainly, at the end of this age, just prior to Christ's return, it seems that there will be cosmic disturbances:
Bible prophecy: "there will be dismay among nations, with men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken" (Lk 21.25,26) Summarizing
The Bible is more up to date than tomorrow's newspaper, and predicts:
Increased drought
Increased pollution
Increased lawlessness
Increased travel and scientific knowledge
Severe weather events
The rapid growth, prosperity and significance of Israel
The control of the financial transactions of every individual
A sudden global financial meltdown
What appears to be a large asteroid impact, landing in the sea?
The Bible also reports, "the gospel shall be proclaimed throughout the whole world and then the end of this age will come" (Matt 24.14) - Time is short, since over 99% of the world’s 7 billion people can hear broadcasts of the basic Christian message if they have a radio or the Internet.
Here it is again: "God loves us so much that He gave us His Son (Jesus), so whoever trusts in Him won't suffer destruction, but will have everlasting life" (Jn 3.16) For other great articles, visit
Monday, April 8, 2013
"God Spares Men In Order To Let Them Repent," By Josh Nelson
It was April 7th, 2009 when I was involved in a semi-truck roll over accident.
I received very few injuries, a few stitches in my head behind my ear and a tiny scratch on my left shin. Instead of being in a physical coma, the Lord has had to awaken me out of a spiritual one and this additional time has allowed me that opportunity. I awoke today having been given 4 additional years to be with my beautiful family to which I am eternally grateful. I am thankful nearly every minute, that I am alive, and that I had been spared. I have been permitted to tarry for a wise purpose, maybe only known to God, but for this purpose do I still seek those answers.
I have not always treated well the days of my probation and in some regards, have floundered during these past few years. In some definite ways, I exchanged folly for godliness but in others, yet I had truly not changed my stripes completely. I had not become the new creature, in Christ, that I could have become. I had ceased to care and then subsequently, the spirit of the Lord had withdrawn from me until a great fear had come over me. This past month and a half, I decided to make a change that would alter my course for the better and that this would be the ultimate life changing decision that I feel that my father in heaven would have me do. That I would confront my past in a way that I had never done prior. That I would not only hold fast to the decisions that I had made to be valiant and to remain on the Lord's side, but that I should also have every right and authority to be there acting in full favor of the Lord and under no hypocrisy.
I walked the streets of my neighborhood allowing my soul to be harrowed up in unfortunate events that became my story and that in turn, became my past, and that those errors in judgment and outright rebellion against God and against the things I knew to be true, I found myself in the gall of bitterness and with a dark cloud surrounding me. My soul ached and my eyes were gushing with tears as I described to the Lord my sincerest hopes that perhaps the destroying angel could pass me by and that perhaps I could be redeemed, for I had feared that I too, may have committed the unpardonable sin of denying the Holy Ghost, and sinning against the greater light of knowledge, which I had been so entrusted to bear up in a more triumphant manner. My thoughts brought me all the way through my neighborhood and I found myself pleading and yearning in a way that I previously had never done. The very thought of not being able to return home was demoralizing to me.
I made a choice, and if successful. It should completely release me from the bands of death and hell and abolish the evil one and his hold on me, forever! I came home and recounted to my wife about the things that I had done and about the awful state I had gotten myself into and confessed to her my desire to make this a permanent life long decision and I confessed to her of my fears and my worries. I let her hold me as I rid my eyes of all of my tears until they would no longer flow; they had dried up. We held each other. We prayed together. We resolved to stay together and to be a forever family and that we would work harder to find ourselves once again, in the temple of the Lord and to know that we should be faithful to those covenants and that we would be faithful to each other!
Where I have trembled because of my iniquities, Satan now trembles as he sees one of the weakest saints upon his knees.
I do not glory in having a colorful life but having gone to the furthest of the outer limits and have charted my course towards the great brightness of the heavens at the heart of God's love, I will pick up some stragglers along the way and show them the peace that can surely come so long as my repentance is a faithful and an enduring one.
Today, nearly 4 years after the crash, I declare my independence from the bands of death and of hell. Today, I square up with the Lord and covenant with him that my mistakes should be a thing of the past. That the sins that did so easily beset me are no more and that I dare not offend the Lord. I have set my back towards my days of err and of self-deceit.
I no longer droop in sin. I no longer give cause to the evil one that he may pluck from me the joy and happiness that truly is mine to have, if I would allow it and I do.
I am no longer reminded about my past by anyone that matters but I may remind the devil and all of his angels about their futures and that I will have no part in it. They can count me out. Table for the 1/3 of the hosts of heaven previously cast out now minus 1...
I would like to thank one of my heroes; and thank Nephi for his words as they were recorded and numbered to be 2 Nephi 4:17 til the end, I should think... and also for James. For his words during his short sojourn upon the earth. He taught me to not be double minded. To not try and be of the world and still be of God. I am guilty of the many things, he wrote, in James chapter 4 but as of this Sunday coming, I am guilty of those things no longer!
It is my solemn testimony that God lives, and that Jesus is the Christ. NO force beneath the earth or on the earth can remove me from my place. I have buckled myself in the chair. If I need to use the restroom, I may just hold it. I want NOTHING to remove me from this seat again. Next stop, Eternity!
I say hereby write this and testify to you of these things, and that these words are true and faithful, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
I received very few injuries, a few stitches in my head behind my ear and a tiny scratch on my left shin. Instead of being in a physical coma, the Lord has had to awaken me out of a spiritual one and this additional time has allowed me that opportunity. I awoke today having been given 4 additional years to be with my beautiful family to which I am eternally grateful. I am thankful nearly every minute, that I am alive, and that I had been spared. I have been permitted to tarry for a wise purpose, maybe only known to God, but for this purpose do I still seek those answers.
I have not always treated well the days of my probation and in some regards, have floundered during these past few years. In some definite ways, I exchanged folly for godliness but in others, yet I had truly not changed my stripes completely. I had not become the new creature, in Christ, that I could have become. I had ceased to care and then subsequently, the spirit of the Lord had withdrawn from me until a great fear had come over me. This past month and a half, I decided to make a change that would alter my course for the better and that this would be the ultimate life changing decision that I feel that my father in heaven would have me do. That I would confront my past in a way that I had never done prior. That I would not only hold fast to the decisions that I had made to be valiant and to remain on the Lord's side, but that I should also have every right and authority to be there acting in full favor of the Lord and under no hypocrisy.
I walked the streets of my neighborhood allowing my soul to be harrowed up in unfortunate events that became my story and that in turn, became my past, and that those errors in judgment and outright rebellion against God and against the things I knew to be true, I found myself in the gall of bitterness and with a dark cloud surrounding me. My soul ached and my eyes were gushing with tears as I described to the Lord my sincerest hopes that perhaps the destroying angel could pass me by and that perhaps I could be redeemed, for I had feared that I too, may have committed the unpardonable sin of denying the Holy Ghost, and sinning against the greater light of knowledge, which I had been so entrusted to bear up in a more triumphant manner. My thoughts brought me all the way through my neighborhood and I found myself pleading and yearning in a way that I previously had never done. The very thought of not being able to return home was demoralizing to me.
I made a choice, and if successful. It should completely release me from the bands of death and hell and abolish the evil one and his hold on me, forever! I came home and recounted to my wife about the things that I had done and about the awful state I had gotten myself into and confessed to her my desire to make this a permanent life long decision and I confessed to her of my fears and my worries. I let her hold me as I rid my eyes of all of my tears until they would no longer flow; they had dried up. We held each other. We prayed together. We resolved to stay together and to be a forever family and that we would work harder to find ourselves once again, in the temple of the Lord and to know that we should be faithful to those covenants and that we would be faithful to each other!
Where I have trembled because of my iniquities, Satan now trembles as he sees one of the weakest saints upon his knees.
I do not glory in having a colorful life but having gone to the furthest of the outer limits and have charted my course towards the great brightness of the heavens at the heart of God's love, I will pick up some stragglers along the way and show them the peace that can surely come so long as my repentance is a faithful and an enduring one.
Today, nearly 4 years after the crash, I declare my independence from the bands of death and of hell. Today, I square up with the Lord and covenant with him that my mistakes should be a thing of the past. That the sins that did so easily beset me are no more and that I dare not offend the Lord. I have set my back towards my days of err and of self-deceit.
I no longer droop in sin. I no longer give cause to the evil one that he may pluck from me the joy and happiness that truly is mine to have, if I would allow it and I do.
I am no longer reminded about my past by anyone that matters but I may remind the devil and all of his angels about their futures and that I will have no part in it. They can count me out. Table for the 1/3 of the hosts of heaven previously cast out now minus 1...
I would like to thank one of my heroes; and thank Nephi for his words as they were recorded and numbered to be 2 Nephi 4:17 til the end, I should think... and also for James. For his words during his short sojourn upon the earth. He taught me to not be double minded. To not try and be of the world and still be of God. I am guilty of the many things, he wrote, in James chapter 4 but as of this Sunday coming, I am guilty of those things no longer!
It is my solemn testimony that God lives, and that Jesus is the Christ. NO force beneath the earth or on the earth can remove me from my place. I have buckled myself in the chair. If I need to use the restroom, I may just hold it. I want NOTHING to remove me from this seat again. Next stop, Eternity!
I say hereby write this and testify to you of these things, and that these words are true and faithful, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
The Truth About Galatians 1:6-9 Re-examined - A Christians Perspective
Pre-message conclusion. The doctrine of circumcision was a hot topic and the cause of heated debates between Paul and Peter. Most Christians like to use this passage of Galatians 1:6-9 to disqualify the claims made by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding any and all Angels from being trust worthy or for preaching a different gospel, then to hence, "from such turn away." But with close examination of Galatians, we discover the true reasons why Paul said what he did. Enjoy the article. (This was written by a Christian and is unaware, potentially, that his works have been quoted. I draw conclusions to my own assessment of this scripture passage based on his research. But use this and perhaps do you own research as well! Enjoy!
"Perverting the Gospel" by Larry Ray Hafley
For years, denominational preachers and brethren such as LeRoy Garrett and the Carl Ketcherside have argued that we may have differing views of "doctrinal matters," but that we must agree on the essential elements of "the gospel." In other words, one group may play a piano in worship and another may not; one might practice sprinkling while another church insists on immersion. Such "doctrinal issues" are irrelevant. However, they say, we must agree upon the "essentials" of the gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ). Let us examine this subject in light of Acts 15 and Galatians 1 and 2. Paul spoke of those who would "pervert the gospel of Christ" (Gal. 1:6-9). When they do so, he said, they are preaching "another gospel." Further, when the gospel is perverted, when "another gospel" is substituted, the result is that souls are "removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ" (Cf. Gal. 1:6; 1 Cor. 1:9; and Gal. 3:1; 5:7).
According to the distinction under review, by "perverting" the gospel and preaching "another," Paul must have had reference to a perversion of the facts of the gospel, i.e., the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. If it be true that the gospel consists of those primary facts alone, while everything else is "doctrine," then the apostle must have been referring to a corruption of those basic gospel features. But was he? No, and here is why:
(1) The specific corruption of the gospel is outlined in Acts 15 when "certain men...said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved" (v. 1; Cf. Gal. 2; 5:1- 4). When they did this, the apostles said, "certain (men)...have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment" (Acts 15:24). In the Galatian letter, Paul agreed that the effect of their "doctrine" was indeed subversive of their souls. "Ye are," he charged, "fallen from grace" (Cf. Gal. 1:6; 5:4).
Thus, one could teach "doctrinal" error (circumcision, law keeping) and still be guilty of perverting the "gospel." But how is that possible if the gospel only consists of three basic facts while all else is doctrine? Those who make that distinction between gospel and doctrine need to tell us!
(2) When the apostles refuted the binding of circumcision, they did so "that the truth of the gospel might continue with you" (Gal. 2:5). Observe, that to deny the doctrinal error of circumcision was to establish "the truth of the gospel." How, though, could that be possible, if the gospel is simply Christ crucified, buried and risen? If the doctrinal error of circumcision had been tolerated, the gospel would not have continued. That being so, those who distinguish between "gospel" and "doctrine" are guilty of making a false dichotomy.
(3) Peter's separation from the Gentiles caused him to walk "not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel" (Gal. 2:14). However, if association with the Gentiles involves "doctrinal" matters only, and not issues of the "gospel," how could his behavior be said to be contrary "to the truth of the gospel"? Peter certainly did not deny the "core" gospel facts, yet he walked not "according to the truth of the gospel."
Conclusion: The "doctrinal" error of circumcision resulted in a perversion of the "gospel" and negated the saving power of the "cross" (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:1; 5:1-4, 7, 11; 6:12-14). Therefore, it is not true that we may be in error in doctrine and remain true in the gospel. Refer to: http://www.bassfishing.org/thebiblespeaks/Articles/Authority/Obey/perverting.htm
If one would consider a faulty interpretation of Gal 1:6-9, then it erroneously could also apply to the Angel Gabriel, why by definition came to Joseph and Mary (not leaders in the Jewish Faith) and spoke of a Messiah who should come, but would later prove to bring to the world a "different gospel!"
"Perverting the Gospel" by Larry Ray Hafley
For years, denominational preachers and brethren such as LeRoy Garrett and the Carl Ketcherside have argued that we may have differing views of "doctrinal matters," but that we must agree on the essential elements of "the gospel." In other words, one group may play a piano in worship and another may not; one might practice sprinkling while another church insists on immersion. Such "doctrinal issues" are irrelevant. However, they say, we must agree upon the "essentials" of the gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ). Let us examine this subject in light of Acts 15 and Galatians 1 and 2. Paul spoke of those who would "pervert the gospel of Christ" (Gal. 1:6-9). When they do so, he said, they are preaching "another gospel." Further, when the gospel is perverted, when "another gospel" is substituted, the result is that souls are "removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ" (Cf. Gal. 1:6; 1 Cor. 1:9; and Gal. 3:1; 5:7).
According to the distinction under review, by "perverting" the gospel and preaching "another," Paul must have had reference to a perversion of the facts of the gospel, i.e., the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. If it be true that the gospel consists of those primary facts alone, while everything else is "doctrine," then the apostle must have been referring to a corruption of those basic gospel features. But was he? No, and here is why:
(1) The specific corruption of the gospel is outlined in Acts 15 when "certain men...said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved" (v. 1; Cf. Gal. 2; 5:1- 4). When they did this, the apostles said, "certain (men)...have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment" (Acts 15:24). In the Galatian letter, Paul agreed that the effect of their "doctrine" was indeed subversive of their souls. "Ye are," he charged, "fallen from grace" (Cf. Gal. 1:6; 5:4).
Thus, one could teach "doctrinal" error (circumcision, law keeping) and still be guilty of perverting the "gospel." But how is that possible if the gospel only consists of three basic facts while all else is doctrine? Those who make that distinction between gospel and doctrine need to tell us!
(2) When the apostles refuted the binding of circumcision, they did so "that the truth of the gospel might continue with you" (Gal. 2:5). Observe, that to deny the doctrinal error of circumcision was to establish "the truth of the gospel." How, though, could that be possible, if the gospel is simply Christ crucified, buried and risen? If the doctrinal error of circumcision had been tolerated, the gospel would not have continued. That being so, those who distinguish between "gospel" and "doctrine" are guilty of making a false dichotomy.
(3) Peter's separation from the Gentiles caused him to walk "not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel" (Gal. 2:14). However, if association with the Gentiles involves "doctrinal" matters only, and not issues of the "gospel," how could his behavior be said to be contrary "to the truth of the gospel"? Peter certainly did not deny the "core" gospel facts, yet he walked not "according to the truth of the gospel."
Conclusion: The "doctrinal" error of circumcision resulted in a perversion of the "gospel" and negated the saving power of the "cross" (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:1; 5:1-4, 7, 11; 6:12-14). Therefore, it is not true that we may be in error in doctrine and remain true in the gospel. Refer to: http://www.bassfishing.org/thebiblespeaks/Articles/Authority/Obey/perverting.htm
If one would consider a faulty interpretation of Gal 1:6-9, then it erroneously could also apply to the Angel Gabriel, why by definition came to Joseph and Mary (not leaders in the Jewish Faith) and spoke of a Messiah who should come, but would later prove to bring to the world a "different gospel!"
Thursday, April 4, 2013
What is the real name of Jesus Christ?
People have argued with me for years on who Jesus Christ was, what his name is, and how to properly address him by name. First of all, Jews of the first century had only one name, plus "son of (his father)"- ben. So, Christ is not part of Jesus' real name - it simply means 'anointed', indicating the Messiah.
The name Jesus is the Greek translation of the name Joshua, an approximate transliteration of the Hebrew or Aramaic Yehoshua. In the Old Testament, Joshua is always transliterated into English as Joshua, but the New Testament was originally written in Greek, so the Greek form, Jesus, is used in English.
So, Jesus Christ's real name was Joshua ben Joseph, or more correctly, Yehoshua ben Yosef (Hebrew) or Yehoshua bar Yosef (Aramaic). But why do we call him Jesus? and are we committing a sin or do we have the wrong Jesus by not addressing him by some other name? Not in the least! I am willing to submit that it is more important do believe in the words of The Christ, or in Jesus and to believe on his name versus pronounce it properly.
Conclusion: It will not be a contest on how to best pronounce his name. Jesus, Yehoshua, or Yehoshua bar Yosef, the prince of peace, the anointed one, Messiah, the Prince of Peace, he goes by many names. What's important with us is that we do not vary in the ways that we follow him, but that we endeavor to follow his example!
The name Jesus is the Greek translation of the name Joshua, an approximate transliteration of the Hebrew or Aramaic Yehoshua. In the Old Testament, Joshua is always transliterated into English as Joshua, but the New Testament was originally written in Greek, so the Greek form, Jesus, is used in English.
So, Jesus Christ's real name was Joshua ben Joseph, or more correctly, Yehoshua ben Yosef (Hebrew) or Yehoshua bar Yosef (Aramaic). But why do we call him Jesus? and are we committing a sin or do we have the wrong Jesus by not addressing him by some other name? Not in the least! I am willing to submit that it is more important do believe in the words of The Christ, or in Jesus and to believe on his name versus pronounce it properly.
Conclusion: It will not be a contest on how to best pronounce his name. Jesus, Yehoshua, or Yehoshua bar Yosef, the prince of peace, the anointed one, Messiah, the Prince of Peace, he goes by many names. What's important with us is that we do not vary in the ways that we follow him, but that we endeavor to follow his example!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Christians Are Coached on How to Talk To Mormons!
Well I never thought I would ever get to see this! I always suspected that the evangelicals may have had a pamphlet on "How to talk with Mormons" but I never thought I would ever get to see it in my lifetime! Here's just a fun "tongue in cheek" display of this message. (No commentary. I'll let you read and get a good laugh out of it regardless if you're a Mormon or not!)
QUESTIONS TO ASK MORMON MISSIONARIES
A Step-by-Step Guide for Christians Witnessing to Mormons at the Door
WHO ARE MORMON MISSIONARIES?
Mormon missionaries are representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church). While Mormons claim to be “Christians,” their denial of key Christian beliefs such as God the Father being a Spirit, not an exalted man, the Son being an eternal and uncreated God, not Lucifer’s spirit-brother, man’s goal being to worship God, not become a “god” himself, and eternal hell for unbelievers who reject Christ with no second chance after death has caused many Christians to denounce this group as a heretical movement. 1. In addition to the King James Version of the Bible, Mormons regard as “Scripture” three other books produced by Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. These books are: The Book of Mormon (a translation of gold plates that allegedly contained the record of ancient inhabitants of America), The Doctrine and Covenants (a transcription of prophecies and revelations that Joseph Smith claimed to have received from God), and The Pearl of Great Price (a translation of an ancient Egyptian ‘Book of Breathings’ papyrus that Smith claimed contained the writings of the biblical patriarch Abraham).
Although every person is expected to serve the Church through various church “callings,” there are two types of missionaries within the Mormon Church: Proselytizing missionaries and Church Service missionaries. Most missionaries are proselytizing missionaries and they are usually single young men or women between the ages of 19 to 24. Typically, Mormon missionaries visit urban neighborhoods on bicycles and rural areas in cars. Men dress in black and white suits and are called “Elders,” while the women wear various colored skirt and dress outfits and are called “Sisters.” Many come from LDS homes, and are financially supported by their personal savings and gifts from friends and family members.
When a young LDS person commits to serve a “mission” for the Mormon Church, he or she is sent away from home to serve outside their home state in the U.S. or in a foreign country. During the first few weeks of training at an LDS “Missionary Training Center,” the young person studies the basic “missionary lessons” that are used to proselytize prospective converts into the Church. For those who are called to foreign countries, they are also taught the language and cultural skills of the country to which they are being sent. Each proselytizing missionary commits to serve a two-year mission for the Church and is assigned a “companion” partner of the same gender to serve together, two-by-two, at all times. For the first two to three months of a new missionary’s assignment, he or she is assigned a “trainer” for on the job support. Periodically, missionaries are transferred to other areas within their mission and teamed with new companions for new experiences.
Most Mormon missionaries are dedicated young people who know only what the Mormon Church has allowed them to know of its history and beliefs. Information is highly controlled in the mission. Missionaries are only allowed to call home once a year and correspond by mail or email once a week. At no time are missionaries allowed to be away from their “companions,” and they run a tight daily schedule from 6:30 AM to 10:30PM consisting of exercise, study, prayer, journaling, door-to-door proselytizing, meeting with prospective converts, and community service. During the mission, young missionaries learn for the first time how to teach and defend the deep doctrines of the Church, and they learn creative ways to cloak deep Mormon doctrines to prevent prospective converts from being turned away from some of the strange teachings of Mormonism.
HOW TO WITNESS TO LDS MISSIONARIES AT THE DOOR:
Mormon missionaries are constantly under stress to perform to the expectations of their leaders. If you are prepared and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, you can be used in a powerful way to bring the true Gospel of Jesus Christ to light in their hearts. We suggest three ways you can respond with love and truth to the missionaries who knock on your door:
1. IF YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO TALK…
If you don’t have time to talk, you can hand Mormon Missionaries copies of our business card tracts. Because Mormons are warned against reading “anti-Mormon” literature, these small tracts are perfect for planting seeds of truth in a way that is less threatening than a full-size, three-fold tract or pamphlet. Due to the size of these cards and the photos that look like Mormon images, the questions and Scriptures on the cards can be read before the missionary knows what he is reading. Even if he discards the card after reading it, the seeds of truth from God’s Word have already been planted in his mind. On the backside of the cards, we list the evangelistic www.4mormon.org website that is easy to remember and provides a source for more research once the missionary leaves his mission. These cards are great to place in your purse or wallet to have on hand when they visit your home or when you see them out in public. You can view and print the cards free from our website at the following link, or order pre-printed copies:
QUESTION CARD TRACTS FOR MORMONS (www.4mormon.org)
How to present the card tracts to Mormon Missionaries:
When you encounter Mormon missionaries with a goal of giving them our tracts, we suggest that you hand one missionary the card entitled, “Is the Mormon Jesus the same Jesus of the Bible?” along with two or three different cards and hand the second missionary the card called, “Is Jesus a Separate God from the Father?” along with a different set of two or three cards that are not the same ones that you gave to the first missionary. This way, when they see that each received different cards, curiosity will encourage them to read all of the cards and more seeds will be planted that way. Be prepared for the following sample dialogue that may occur when you hand them the cards:
CHRISTIAN: “Hi! Are you missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?”
MORMON: “Yes, we are. Are you LDS?”
CHRISTIAN: “No. I’m a Christian and I love talking about Jesus Christ. I wish I had time to talk, but I really must go. Here are my cards about the Gospel. I hope you like them.”
MORMON: “Thanks... Is this Anti-Mormon literature?”
CHRISTIAN: “Not exactly. These cards are faith-promoting messages from the Scriptures to help you become better missionaries for the REAL Jesus Christ. I hope you find them encouraging.”
MORMON: “The ‘REAL Jesus Christ’? What do you mean by that statement?”
CHRISTIAN: “Haven’t you heard about the other Jesus that the Apostle Paul talked about at 2 Corinthians 11:4? There is ‘another’ Jesus and we need to be careful that we are only preaching about the right one. I would love to talk more about my faith in Jesus Christ with you, but I really need to go. I hope you have a good day.”
If the Mormon asks you if your cards are “anti-Mormon,” he is trying to follow the LDS Church’s advice not to read anything that is critical of Mormon beliefs. When you respond by saying that the cards are “faith-promoting messages from the Scriptures,” you are letting him know that these cards do not “bash” his faith in Jesus Christ or the Scriptures and you are identifying with his desire to be a faithful witness for the Lord Jesus.
2. IF YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO LEARN HOW TO DEFEND YOUR BELIEFS…
If you desire to share your faith one-on-one with Mormon missionaries, but you do not have time to prepare for an in-depth discussion on the differences between Mormon and Christian beliefs, you may try inviting them in to watch a film that you have on Mormonism. If presented tactfully, you may be successful in getting them to commit to an hour of video time and another hour afterward to discuss your concerns about the film. Since they may be hesitant to watch the video because they will see it as an “anti-Mormon” film, you will need to tactfully explain why you need their “help” in correcting any “errors” or “lies” that you believe about Mormonism from the film. For advice on how to present a film to Mormon missionaries, see the following article:
HOW CAN I SHARE MY FAITH WITH MORMONS WITHOUT GETTING INTO AN ARGUMENT?
3. IF YOU WANT TO DIALOGUE EFFECTIVELY…
The best way to present the Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ to Mormon missionaries is to invite them into your home for a friendly conversation on the differences between Biblical Christianity and Mormonism. If you want to dialogue effectively, you will want to ask them difficult questions that will challenge their beliefs in a gentle and loving way as they present their ideas to you. Since it is not uncommon for Mormon missionaries to fail to show for a meeting after being challenged on their beliefs at a prior meeting, it is important that you obtain their names and phone numbers at your FIRST meeting, so that you can call them if they fail to show for any subsequent appointment.
How to start a meaningful conversation with Mormon missionaries:
To be effective in witnessing, you must first recognize that they are not interested in debating or arguing with you about your beliefs. Since, they believe that conventional Christians do not have the fullness of the Gospel nor the “authority” to act in the name of God, they believe that you have nothing to offer them. They are trained to avoid people who know a lot about Mormonism and who attempt to get them to leave the Mormon Church. So, if you come across as too knowledgeable, they will immediately reject anything you have to say and mark their records so that you will not receive any more visits. Since arguing about beliefs is rarely profitable, we suggest that you ask questions to get them to think about the irrationality of their beliefs instead of telling them what you believe and arguing with a number of Scriptures that they are wrong. Your goal is to help them come to their own conclusions that Mormonism is wrong through the questions you are asking.
Do not assume that every Mormon you meet believes the same doctrines of Mormonism. In fact, many of the strange doctrines of the LDS Church (like blood atonement, Jesus having many wives, Jesus being produced through a procreative act between God the Father and Mary, etc.) have been de-emphasized in recent years. It is possible to meet a young Mormon missionary who has never heard of these doctrines or the fact that they have been taught by prominent LDS leaders in the past. So, do not tell Mormons what they believe. Rather, preface any discussion about the differences between Christianity and Mormonism with a question like:
“I’ve heard that the Mormon Church teaches… Is this what you believe?”
What to say if Mormon missionaries question your motives for talking to them:
When Mormon missionaries sense that you are strong in your Christian faith and that you are not going to convert to their beliefs, they may object to continuing their conversation with you by questioning your motives for talking to them. They may say something like this:
“I sense a spirit of contention here. You are not really interested in Mormonism, are you? Why did you invite us to meet with you in the first place? Are you trying to convert us to your beliefs?”
To answer this objection, we suggest that you reply with something like the following:
“You are right. I am comfortable in my faith and will likely not join the LDS Church. However, I invited you to talk to me because I want to learn more about what you believe. I have discovered that a person stops learning truth the moment he thinks he can’t learn anything from others. We both are learning from each other, aren’t we?”
By answering in this way, you have put the LDS missionary in a tough position. If he answers “no” to your question about learning from each other, he has just admitted that he doesn’t want to learn more truth. If he answers “yes” to your question, he has to then agree to allow you to share your position on your beliefs as well.
QUESTIONS TO ASK MORMON MISSIONARIES:
The Mormon Church realizes that many of the deep doctrines of Mormonism (such as the belief that men can become gods) are strange to most non-Mormons and Christians alike. The Church knows that if these doctrines were revealed right away to prospective converts, especially those who come from a Christian background, they would immediately be rejected. Thus, they train their missionaries with the principle of “milk before meat.” This principle warns missionaries not to discuss deep doctrines with you until you have accepted the basic doctrines of the LDS Church. To prevent Mormon missionaries from revealing doctrines too soon, the Church produced a systematic training manual called, Preach My Gospel. In chapter 3 of this guide, it details the essential doctrines that LDS missionaries are expected to teach to prospective converts. They may change the order of these doctrines to fit the needs of each individual, but if you agree to meet with them, you can be sure that at least one of the following topics will be discussed.
To prepare you to become an effective witness to them, we have briefly summarized each missionary lesson below and provided you with a series of questions that you can ask to plant seeds of truth as you engage in meaningful dialogue during the lessons. After the suggested questions, we have also provided additional links to relevant website articles for you to study and learn more about each topic.
Each time that you meet, we suggest that you only ask one or two of the series of questions we suggest, because you don’t want to make them feel like you are debating your beliefs with them. If you ask them only one or two series of questions that they are not able to answer, these questions will stay in the back of their minds for the Holy Spirit to use at the right time. However, if you barrage them with a LOT of questions, they will immediately shut down their thinking capacities and write you off in their minds as an anti-Mormon who is opposed to their beliefs and not really interested in the truth.
Remember that your goal is to win the person, not the argument. Don’t expect them to change their beliefs and accept yours right away. They are representatives for their Church, so even if they want to change their beliefs, they can’t without leaving their mission assignment and the LDS Church altogether. Your goal is just to plant seeds. If they understand the point you made (whether they agree with you or not), you have accomplished your goal. When you ask them some of the tough questions we are suggesting below, they may not be able to answer you right away, but you must allow let them save face. Don’t pressure them into a corner by forcing them to say that you are right. Remember they can’t do so as long as they are representing their Church. So, if they can’t answer your question, just humbly acknowledge their struggle and let the issue rest. The same is true for your response if they ask you a tough question that you can’t answer right away. Just say: “That’s a good question. I never thought of it that way before. I would like to do some research on this subject this week and the next time we get together, can we talk about this?” They will almost never say, “No” to your request. By giving each other the opportunity to save face in this way, you will be able to keep the discussion from turning into a debate.
One word of caution as you engage in dialogue with LDS missionaries: Stay on the topic that the missionaries want to discuss with you. Do not change subjects or try to divert them so that they can’t make their points with you. For example, if they’re talking about the “apostasy” and “restoration,” do not bring up Joseph Smith’s 34 wives and expect them to discuss the subject of Mormon polygamy with you.
Changing topics from what the missionaries want to discuss with you is the quickest way to convince them that you are not really interested in listening to them. If you expect LDS missionaries to listen to you without interruption, then you must give them the decency and respect to hear them out as well.
QUESTIONS TO ASK MORMON MISSIONARIES
A Step-by-Step Guide for Christians Witnessing to Mormons at the Door
WHO ARE MORMON MISSIONARIES?
Mormon missionaries are representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church). While Mormons claim to be “Christians,” their denial of key Christian beliefs such as God the Father being a Spirit, not an exalted man, the Son being an eternal and uncreated God, not Lucifer’s spirit-brother, man’s goal being to worship God, not become a “god” himself, and eternal hell for unbelievers who reject Christ with no second chance after death has caused many Christians to denounce this group as a heretical movement. 1. In addition to the King James Version of the Bible, Mormons regard as “Scripture” three other books produced by Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. These books are: The Book of Mormon (a translation of gold plates that allegedly contained the record of ancient inhabitants of America), The Doctrine and Covenants (a transcription of prophecies and revelations that Joseph Smith claimed to have received from God), and The Pearl of Great Price (a translation of an ancient Egyptian ‘Book of Breathings’ papyrus that Smith claimed contained the writings of the biblical patriarch Abraham).
Although every person is expected to serve the Church through various church “callings,” there are two types of missionaries within the Mormon Church: Proselytizing missionaries and Church Service missionaries. Most missionaries are proselytizing missionaries and they are usually single young men or women between the ages of 19 to 24. Typically, Mormon missionaries visit urban neighborhoods on bicycles and rural areas in cars. Men dress in black and white suits and are called “Elders,” while the women wear various colored skirt and dress outfits and are called “Sisters.” Many come from LDS homes, and are financially supported by their personal savings and gifts from friends and family members.
When a young LDS person commits to serve a “mission” for the Mormon Church, he or she is sent away from home to serve outside their home state in the U.S. or in a foreign country. During the first few weeks of training at an LDS “Missionary Training Center,” the young person studies the basic “missionary lessons” that are used to proselytize prospective converts into the Church. For those who are called to foreign countries, they are also taught the language and cultural skills of the country to which they are being sent. Each proselytizing missionary commits to serve a two-year mission for the Church and is assigned a “companion” partner of the same gender to serve together, two-by-two, at all times. For the first two to three months of a new missionary’s assignment, he or she is assigned a “trainer” for on the job support. Periodically, missionaries are transferred to other areas within their mission and teamed with new companions for new experiences.
Most Mormon missionaries are dedicated young people who know only what the Mormon Church has allowed them to know of its history and beliefs. Information is highly controlled in the mission. Missionaries are only allowed to call home once a year and correspond by mail or email once a week. At no time are missionaries allowed to be away from their “companions,” and they run a tight daily schedule from 6:30 AM to 10:30PM consisting of exercise, study, prayer, journaling, door-to-door proselytizing, meeting with prospective converts, and community service. During the mission, young missionaries learn for the first time how to teach and defend the deep doctrines of the Church, and they learn creative ways to cloak deep Mormon doctrines to prevent prospective converts from being turned away from some of the strange teachings of Mormonism.
HOW TO WITNESS TO LDS MISSIONARIES AT THE DOOR:
Mormon missionaries are constantly under stress to perform to the expectations of their leaders. If you are prepared and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, you can be used in a powerful way to bring the true Gospel of Jesus Christ to light in their hearts. We suggest three ways you can respond with love and truth to the missionaries who knock on your door:
1. IF YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO TALK…
If you don’t have time to talk, you can hand Mormon Missionaries copies of our business card tracts. Because Mormons are warned against reading “anti-Mormon” literature, these small tracts are perfect for planting seeds of truth in a way that is less threatening than a full-size, three-fold tract or pamphlet. Due to the size of these cards and the photos that look like Mormon images, the questions and Scriptures on the cards can be read before the missionary knows what he is reading. Even if he discards the card after reading it, the seeds of truth from God’s Word have already been planted in his mind. On the backside of the cards, we list the evangelistic www.4mormon.org website that is easy to remember and provides a source for more research once the missionary leaves his mission. These cards are great to place in your purse or wallet to have on hand when they visit your home or when you see them out in public. You can view and print the cards free from our website at the following link, or order pre-printed copies:
QUESTION CARD TRACTS FOR MORMONS (www.4mormon.org)
How to present the card tracts to Mormon Missionaries:
When you encounter Mormon missionaries with a goal of giving them our tracts, we suggest that you hand one missionary the card entitled, “Is the Mormon Jesus the same Jesus of the Bible?” along with two or three different cards and hand the second missionary the card called, “Is Jesus a Separate God from the Father?” along with a different set of two or three cards that are not the same ones that you gave to the first missionary. This way, when they see that each received different cards, curiosity will encourage them to read all of the cards and more seeds will be planted that way. Be prepared for the following sample dialogue that may occur when you hand them the cards:
CHRISTIAN: “Hi! Are you missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?”
MORMON: “Yes, we are. Are you LDS?”
CHRISTIAN: “No. I’m a Christian and I love talking about Jesus Christ. I wish I had time to talk, but I really must go. Here are my cards about the Gospel. I hope you like them.”
MORMON: “Thanks... Is this Anti-Mormon literature?”
CHRISTIAN: “Not exactly. These cards are faith-promoting messages from the Scriptures to help you become better missionaries for the REAL Jesus Christ. I hope you find them encouraging.”
MORMON: “The ‘REAL Jesus Christ’? What do you mean by that statement?”
CHRISTIAN: “Haven’t you heard about the other Jesus that the Apostle Paul talked about at 2 Corinthians 11:4? There is ‘another’ Jesus and we need to be careful that we are only preaching about the right one. I would love to talk more about my faith in Jesus Christ with you, but I really need to go. I hope you have a good day.”
If the Mormon asks you if your cards are “anti-Mormon,” he is trying to follow the LDS Church’s advice not to read anything that is critical of Mormon beliefs. When you respond by saying that the cards are “faith-promoting messages from the Scriptures,” you are letting him know that these cards do not “bash” his faith in Jesus Christ or the Scriptures and you are identifying with his desire to be a faithful witness for the Lord Jesus.
2. IF YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO LEARN HOW TO DEFEND YOUR BELIEFS…
If you desire to share your faith one-on-one with Mormon missionaries, but you do not have time to prepare for an in-depth discussion on the differences between Mormon and Christian beliefs, you may try inviting them in to watch a film that you have on Mormonism. If presented tactfully, you may be successful in getting them to commit to an hour of video time and another hour afterward to discuss your concerns about the film. Since they may be hesitant to watch the video because they will see it as an “anti-Mormon” film, you will need to tactfully explain why you need their “help” in correcting any “errors” or “lies” that you believe about Mormonism from the film. For advice on how to present a film to Mormon missionaries, see the following article:
HOW CAN I SHARE MY FAITH WITH MORMONS WITHOUT GETTING INTO AN ARGUMENT?
3. IF YOU WANT TO DIALOGUE EFFECTIVELY…
The best way to present the Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ to Mormon missionaries is to invite them into your home for a friendly conversation on the differences between Biblical Christianity and Mormonism. If you want to dialogue effectively, you will want to ask them difficult questions that will challenge their beliefs in a gentle and loving way as they present their ideas to you. Since it is not uncommon for Mormon missionaries to fail to show for a meeting after being challenged on their beliefs at a prior meeting, it is important that you obtain their names and phone numbers at your FIRST meeting, so that you can call them if they fail to show for any subsequent appointment.
How to start a meaningful conversation with Mormon missionaries:
To be effective in witnessing, you must first recognize that they are not interested in debating or arguing with you about your beliefs. Since, they believe that conventional Christians do not have the fullness of the Gospel nor the “authority” to act in the name of God, they believe that you have nothing to offer them. They are trained to avoid people who know a lot about Mormonism and who attempt to get them to leave the Mormon Church. So, if you come across as too knowledgeable, they will immediately reject anything you have to say and mark their records so that you will not receive any more visits. Since arguing about beliefs is rarely profitable, we suggest that you ask questions to get them to think about the irrationality of their beliefs instead of telling them what you believe and arguing with a number of Scriptures that they are wrong. Your goal is to help them come to their own conclusions that Mormonism is wrong through the questions you are asking.
Do not assume that every Mormon you meet believes the same doctrines of Mormonism. In fact, many of the strange doctrines of the LDS Church (like blood atonement, Jesus having many wives, Jesus being produced through a procreative act between God the Father and Mary, etc.) have been de-emphasized in recent years. It is possible to meet a young Mormon missionary who has never heard of these doctrines or the fact that they have been taught by prominent LDS leaders in the past. So, do not tell Mormons what they believe. Rather, preface any discussion about the differences between Christianity and Mormonism with a question like:
“I’ve heard that the Mormon Church teaches… Is this what you believe?”
What to say if Mormon missionaries question your motives for talking to them:
When Mormon missionaries sense that you are strong in your Christian faith and that you are not going to convert to their beliefs, they may object to continuing their conversation with you by questioning your motives for talking to them. They may say something like this:
“I sense a spirit of contention here. You are not really interested in Mormonism, are you? Why did you invite us to meet with you in the first place? Are you trying to convert us to your beliefs?”
To answer this objection, we suggest that you reply with something like the following:
“You are right. I am comfortable in my faith and will likely not join the LDS Church. However, I invited you to talk to me because I want to learn more about what you believe. I have discovered that a person stops learning truth the moment he thinks he can’t learn anything from others. We both are learning from each other, aren’t we?”
By answering in this way, you have put the LDS missionary in a tough position. If he answers “no” to your question about learning from each other, he has just admitted that he doesn’t want to learn more truth. If he answers “yes” to your question, he has to then agree to allow you to share your position on your beliefs as well.
QUESTIONS TO ASK MORMON MISSIONARIES:
The Mormon Church realizes that many of the deep doctrines of Mormonism (such as the belief that men can become gods) are strange to most non-Mormons and Christians alike. The Church knows that if these doctrines were revealed right away to prospective converts, especially those who come from a Christian background, they would immediately be rejected. Thus, they train their missionaries with the principle of “milk before meat.” This principle warns missionaries not to discuss deep doctrines with you until you have accepted the basic doctrines of the LDS Church. To prevent Mormon missionaries from revealing doctrines too soon, the Church produced a systematic training manual called, Preach My Gospel. In chapter 3 of this guide, it details the essential doctrines that LDS missionaries are expected to teach to prospective converts. They may change the order of these doctrines to fit the needs of each individual, but if you agree to meet with them, you can be sure that at least one of the following topics will be discussed.
To prepare you to become an effective witness to them, we have briefly summarized each missionary lesson below and provided you with a series of questions that you can ask to plant seeds of truth as you engage in meaningful dialogue during the lessons. After the suggested questions, we have also provided additional links to relevant website articles for you to study and learn more about each topic.
Each time that you meet, we suggest that you only ask one or two of the series of questions we suggest, because you don’t want to make them feel like you are debating your beliefs with them. If you ask them only one or two series of questions that they are not able to answer, these questions will stay in the back of their minds for the Holy Spirit to use at the right time. However, if you barrage them with a LOT of questions, they will immediately shut down their thinking capacities and write you off in their minds as an anti-Mormon who is opposed to their beliefs and not really interested in the truth.
Remember that your goal is to win the person, not the argument. Don’t expect them to change their beliefs and accept yours right away. They are representatives for their Church, so even if they want to change their beliefs, they can’t without leaving their mission assignment and the LDS Church altogether. Your goal is just to plant seeds. If they understand the point you made (whether they agree with you or not), you have accomplished your goal. When you ask them some of the tough questions we are suggesting below, they may not be able to answer you right away, but you must allow let them save face. Don’t pressure them into a corner by forcing them to say that you are right. Remember they can’t do so as long as they are representing their Church. So, if they can’t answer your question, just humbly acknowledge their struggle and let the issue rest. The same is true for your response if they ask you a tough question that you can’t answer right away. Just say: “That’s a good question. I never thought of it that way before. I would like to do some research on this subject this week and the next time we get together, can we talk about this?” They will almost never say, “No” to your request. By giving each other the opportunity to save face in this way, you will be able to keep the discussion from turning into a debate.
One word of caution as you engage in dialogue with LDS missionaries: Stay on the topic that the missionaries want to discuss with you. Do not change subjects or try to divert them so that they can’t make their points with you. For example, if they’re talking about the “apostasy” and “restoration,” do not bring up Joseph Smith’s 34 wives and expect them to discuss the subject of Mormon polygamy with you.
Changing topics from what the missionaries want to discuss with you is the quickest way to convince them that you are not really interested in listening to them. If you expect LDS missionaries to listen to you without interruption, then you must give them the decency and respect to hear them out as well.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Praise to the Man?
Praise to the man, Joseph Smith? Why do Mormons worship a man when they should be worshiping Jesus?
In a closed discussion between myself and a "Jen Johnson" I get this final bid for my repentance. Before she said adieu, I get this final thought from her.
Jen Johnson Praise to the Man is what the song is about. The whole song is a hymn to Smith praising him. I have seen 'Christmas bulletins' with Smith on the cover and all about Smith. I have SEEN them, from a ward in CA I'm not narrow minded, I know the truth. I was where you are and God opened my eyes. It was hard to leave Mormonism, I loved it, but I couldn't live a lie. And LDS place their faith in 'the church' rather than Christ. You must choose between Mormonism and Christ of the Bible. They are not the same. I pray God will open your eyes to the lies of Mormonism. Life is SO much better outside of it and with a personal relationship with Christ - and Mormonism will not give you taht, or salvation> I know you think I am harsh, but I am harsh because I care enough to want you saved and out of Mormonism. I love Mormons enough to tell them the truth, but they are so brainwashed that they only want warm fuzzy feelings and run and hide every time someone challenges their faith in the Mormon church. Been there, done that, read the book, saw the (endowment) movie, wore the garments...and Christ broke those chains. I will pray for you.
First of all, I appreciate the thoughts and prayers that all have made on my behalf and I too, shall pray for you as well. Unfortunately, at the heart of this matter, we need to address this very important consideration. I think that people like Jen have been lied to by folks who will lie because to them, the end justifies the means.
Let's examine the hymn, right now.
Then also we will examine a few quotes that were taken out of context. “27: Praise to the Man,” Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, no. 27
Vigorously
1. Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah! Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer. Blessed to open the last dispensation, Kings shall extol him, and nations revere. [Chorus] Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven! Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain. Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren; Death cannot conquer the hero again.
2. Praise to his mem’ry, he died as a martyr; Honored and blest be his ever great name! Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins, Plead unto heav’n while the earth lauds his fame.
3. Great is his glory and endless his priesthood. Ever and ever the keys he will hold. Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom, Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
4. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven; Earth must atone for the blood of that man. Wake up the world for the conflict of justice. Millions shall know “Brother Joseph” again. Text: William W. Phelps, 1792–1872
Music: Scottish folk song
Doctrine and Covenants 135, 2 Nephi 3:14–15
So according to some Christians and probably 99% of all ex-mo's (Ex-mormons) they have their grievances with this hymn. They will swear that it is in this hymn, and that Mormons value Joseph Smith over Jesus but please read the words of the hymn? Does anyone derive that he is anything more than the law giver himself?
A servant of the Lord forever... crowned with glory. These are all things that WE MAY do and participate in as we also overcome the world to sit down by our heavenly father's side; clothed with honor to sit on thrones and to inherit all that our heavenly father has!(See Revelations 3:21, 21:7, Romans 8:13-19)
Setting all of this aside, what is the definition of the word, praise?
Praise: 1)the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; laudation.
2) the state of being approved or admired: The king lived in praise for many years.
3) to express approval or admiration of; commend; extol.
...Kings shall extol him, and nations revere. It's all about reverence towards and respect to the man, who despite all odds, was able to help God restore the truths regarding this plan of happiness which was prepared from the foundation of the world. Is he NOT worthy of someone's praise or respect seeing that this should all pan out?
Men on earth, certainly get praise. Such political figures, as of late, are being praised for the things that they have done or the things that they may be capable of doing in advance, or before the fact.
I have heard songs of praise directed towards Barrack Obama.
Now, I do not share those same thoughts and I don't sing any praises to that man but about 51% of Americans do. Would some say or have some considered Obama to have been more important than God? I'll let history decide this one but let's return to the matter at hand.
WHO IS PRAISEWORTHY?
I suggest it is someone that is worthy of our praise. See this video representation about earthly praise. Some have called the LDS church, a cult... but in the next sentence, seem to praise and honor other things which have less worth or ought to be worth less of our time and devotion. Enjoy this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqr_09-Z5fU , ...thank u for taking a moment to watch this video.
Can you see where the world praises the accomplishments of men? Who is deserving of our praise?
If one must praise God only and nothing of men, then do not praise your child that comes home with an A+ on his work.
If a child graduates? No more clapping. This constitutes as "praise" and we ought not to praise men above God.
If a husband gets a promotion at work? (A husband is just a husband, and is not God.
Should we praise a mother for giving birth? Maybe. She is a co-creator with God but it is to give God glory and honor and should not be given to women? Really?
Summary Conclusion
President Gordon B. Hinckley, prior president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made the following statement in 2005 about Joseph Smith:
“We do not worship [Joseph Smith] the Prophet. We worship God our Eternal Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ. But we acknowledge the Prophet; we proclaim him; we respect him; we reverence him as an instrument in the hands of the Almighty in restoring to the earth the ancient truths of the divine gospel, together with the priesthood through which the authority of God is exercised in the affairs of His Church and for the blessing of His people” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Joseph Smith Jr.—Prophet of God, Mighty Servant,” Ensign, Dec 2005, 2–6).
Joseph Smith is reported as saying: “I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam... Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet.” (History of The Church, 6:408–409. BYU Studies This attitude strikes some as boastful, and unbecoming a prophet.
Summary Conclusion
The quote in which Joseph Smith seems to boast is an interesting one. To understand the issues, we must remember: Public and private statements by Joseph Smith indicate that he was in fact a humble servant of God, and this particular statement should be interpreted in light of that fact. Joseph was using a scriptural passage by Paul, and applying it to his own situation--the idea of "boasting" was Paul's, not Joseph's.
It is not based on Joseph's own writing; it is an account written after his death. It may not be accurate.
Boasting?
The critics' second error is to take Joseph's quote out of context. What was Joseph's intent, and why did he use this approach? As it turns out, he was drawing from the Bible and applying its lessons to his own situation. In the original context, Joseph was facing intense persecution by many people, including some he had previously considered to be his friends. The statement about "boasting" was supposedly made about a month before he was killed. He made it after reading 2 Corinthians 11: to the congregation. Note the following statement by Paul, in this scripture: Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, that I also may boast a little. That which I am speaking, I am not speaking it as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also. For you, being so wise, bear the foolish gladly.
I report, you decide! Bibliography: http://mormon.org/faq/worship-joseph-smith http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/praise?s=t http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Narcissism/Did_Joseph_Smith_'boast'_of_keeping_the_Church_intact http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=7d0a723ffec20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD
In a closed discussion between myself and a "Jen Johnson" I get this final bid for my repentance. Before she said adieu, I get this final thought from her.
Jen Johnson Praise to the Man is what the song is about. The whole song is a hymn to Smith praising him. I have seen 'Christmas bulletins' with Smith on the cover and all about Smith. I have SEEN them, from a ward in CA I'm not narrow minded, I know the truth. I was where you are and God opened my eyes. It was hard to leave Mormonism, I loved it, but I couldn't live a lie. And LDS place their faith in 'the church' rather than Christ. You must choose between Mormonism and Christ of the Bible. They are not the same. I pray God will open your eyes to the lies of Mormonism. Life is SO much better outside of it and with a personal relationship with Christ - and Mormonism will not give you taht, or salvation> I know you think I am harsh, but I am harsh because I care enough to want you saved and out of Mormonism. I love Mormons enough to tell them the truth, but they are so brainwashed that they only want warm fuzzy feelings and run and hide every time someone challenges their faith in the Mormon church. Been there, done that, read the book, saw the (endowment) movie, wore the garments...and Christ broke those chains. I will pray for you.
First of all, I appreciate the thoughts and prayers that all have made on my behalf and I too, shall pray for you as well. Unfortunately, at the heart of this matter, we need to address this very important consideration. I think that people like Jen have been lied to by folks who will lie because to them, the end justifies the means.
Let's examine the hymn, right now.
Then also we will examine a few quotes that were taken out of context. “27: Praise to the Man,” Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, no. 27
Vigorously
1. Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah! Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer. Blessed to open the last dispensation, Kings shall extol him, and nations revere. [Chorus] Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven! Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain. Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren; Death cannot conquer the hero again.
2. Praise to his mem’ry, he died as a martyr; Honored and blest be his ever great name! Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins, Plead unto heav’n while the earth lauds his fame.
3. Great is his glory and endless his priesthood. Ever and ever the keys he will hold. Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom, Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
4. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven; Earth must atone for the blood of that man. Wake up the world for the conflict of justice. Millions shall know “Brother Joseph” again. Text: William W. Phelps, 1792–1872
Music: Scottish folk song
Doctrine and Covenants 135, 2 Nephi 3:14–15
So according to some Christians and probably 99% of all ex-mo's (Ex-mormons) they have their grievances with this hymn. They will swear that it is in this hymn, and that Mormons value Joseph Smith over Jesus but please read the words of the hymn? Does anyone derive that he is anything more than the law giver himself?
A servant of the Lord forever... crowned with glory. These are all things that WE MAY do and participate in as we also overcome the world to sit down by our heavenly father's side; clothed with honor to sit on thrones and to inherit all that our heavenly father has!(See Revelations 3:21, 21:7, Romans 8:13-19)
Setting all of this aside, what is the definition of the word, praise?
Praise: 1)the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; laudation.
2) the state of being approved or admired: The king lived in praise for many years.
3) to express approval or admiration of; commend; extol.
...Kings shall extol him, and nations revere. It's all about reverence towards and respect to the man, who despite all odds, was able to help God restore the truths regarding this plan of happiness which was prepared from the foundation of the world. Is he NOT worthy of someone's praise or respect seeing that this should all pan out?
Men on earth, certainly get praise. Such political figures, as of late, are being praised for the things that they have done or the things that they may be capable of doing in advance, or before the fact.
I have heard songs of praise directed towards Barrack Obama.
Now, I do not share those same thoughts and I don't sing any praises to that man but about 51% of Americans do. Would some say or have some considered Obama to have been more important than God? I'll let history decide this one but let's return to the matter at hand.
WHO IS PRAISEWORTHY?
I suggest it is someone that is worthy of our praise. See this video representation about earthly praise. Some have called the LDS church, a cult... but in the next sentence, seem to praise and honor other things which have less worth or ought to be worth less of our time and devotion. Enjoy this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqr_09-Z5fU , ...thank u for taking a moment to watch this video.
Can you see where the world praises the accomplishments of men? Who is deserving of our praise?
If one must praise God only and nothing of men, then do not praise your child that comes home with an A+ on his work.
If a child graduates? No more clapping. This constitutes as "praise" and we ought not to praise men above God.
If a husband gets a promotion at work? (A husband is just a husband, and is not God.
Should we praise a mother for giving birth? Maybe. She is a co-creator with God but it is to give God glory and honor and should not be given to women? Really?
Summary Conclusion
President Gordon B. Hinckley, prior president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made the following statement in 2005 about Joseph Smith:
“We do not worship [Joseph Smith] the Prophet. We worship God our Eternal Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ. But we acknowledge the Prophet; we proclaim him; we respect him; we reverence him as an instrument in the hands of the Almighty in restoring to the earth the ancient truths of the divine gospel, together with the priesthood through which the authority of God is exercised in the affairs of His Church and for the blessing of His people” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Joseph Smith Jr.—Prophet of God, Mighty Servant,” Ensign, Dec 2005, 2–6).
Joseph Smith is reported as saying: “I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam... Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet.” (History of The Church, 6:408–409. BYU Studies This attitude strikes some as boastful, and unbecoming a prophet.
Summary Conclusion
The quote in which Joseph Smith seems to boast is an interesting one. To understand the issues, we must remember: Public and private statements by Joseph Smith indicate that he was in fact a humble servant of God, and this particular statement should be interpreted in light of that fact. Joseph was using a scriptural passage by Paul, and applying it to his own situation--the idea of "boasting" was Paul's, not Joseph's.
It is not based on Joseph's own writing; it is an account written after his death. It may not be accurate.
Boasting?
The critics' second error is to take Joseph's quote out of context. What was Joseph's intent, and why did he use this approach? As it turns out, he was drawing from the Bible and applying its lessons to his own situation. In the original context, Joseph was facing intense persecution by many people, including some he had previously considered to be his friends. The statement about "boasting" was supposedly made about a month before he was killed. He made it after reading 2 Corinthians 11: to the congregation. Note the following statement by Paul, in this scripture: Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, that I also may boast a little. That which I am speaking, I am not speaking it as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also. For you, being so wise, bear the foolish gladly.
I report, you decide! Bibliography: http://mormon.org/faq/worship-joseph-smith http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/praise?s=t http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Narcissism/Did_Joseph_Smith_'boast'_of_keeping_the_Church_intact http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=7d0a723ffec20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD
Elijah, Daniel, Amos, and the Great Apostasy
An Apostasy scripture chase!
Start 1) Amos 8:11-12 - a famine of hearing the word would come; associated with other famines: see 1 Kings Ch 17: 1-7; Elijah had power to shut up the heavens. Famine of hearing the word/ Elijah seals the heavens and is fed by the ravenst, his famine or that drought lasted 3.5 years.
Step 2) Go to: Revelation 12:14, then write down 1 time, times, half time = 3.5 years, (Same length of time that happened with the famine during the days of Elijah, again, then lower to verse 6: Revelations 12:6, then for Famine,
(what is a famine? also see: 1 Samuel 3:1) ,
Step 3) Then go to Malachi 4:5-6; Elijah, once again, appears to end the first drought spoken of by Amos; which is on the earth; but this time, a spiritual famine.
Bonus: Word of God compared to Rain: [Isaiah 55:10-11]
Bonus: During the Millennium, we will have living water among us: Revelation 7:17
Bonus: Daniel also saw this: Daniel 12:7
Additional Fun Reading:
ELIJAH'S RETURN AND VICTORY. (Note, I do not claim this as doctrine nor agree with all things mentioned. It is interesting, none the less... something to ponder!
--SEPTEMBER 5.--1 KINGS 18:16-40.--
ELIJAH'S EXPERIENCES TYPICAL--KING AHAB AND QUEEN JEZEBEL ALSO TYPES--THREE AND A HALF YEARS' DROUGHT PREFIGURED TWELVE HUNDRED AND SIXTY YEARS OF SPIRITUAL DROUGHT--ELIJAH'S PRAYER OF FAITH BROUGHT NATURAL SHOWERS--CHURCH'S PRAYERS OF FAITH BROUGHT SPIRITUAL SHOWERS AND A GREAT REFORMATION.
OUR lesson is interesting as we find it simply recorded in the Bible, but the interest of Bible students increases from the time they learn that Elijah was not only a Prophet of the Lord, but also a type of the Church's earthly experiences. The Book of Revelation (2:20-25; 18:7) pictures to us Queen Jezebel as representing a great religious system of this Gospel Age which did great violence to the Truth. Ahab represented the worldly governments. His wife represented a false Christian Church system married to earthly governments. As Ahab represented the worldly governments claiming to be Christ's kingdoms, so Queen Jezebel pictured, or typified, a false Church system, which, instead of maintaining its purity as the virgin Church of Christ, became married or united to these earthly systems. Contrary to this, the true virgin Church of Christ was to remain faithful to her Heavenly Lord, awaiting His Second Coming; and her marriage to Him was then to be accomplished.
As the Prophets of Baal were under the care of Queen Jezebel and under the patronage of King Ahab, so the priests and the religious representatives of a great church system have been the obedient servants of the great false institutions pictured by Ahab and Jezebel. Similarly, Elijah the Prophet and his dealings with Ahab, Jezebel and the affairs of Israel, was a type of the true Church of Christ in the flesh--this side the veil. Although the true Church is indeed represented symbolically by a woman, it is also represented sometimes by a man, when the picture includes the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church.
In Revelation we have the three and a half years of Elijah's experience stated in symbolic language--forty-two months--1,260 days--three and a half times or years. (Revelation 11:2,3; 12:6,14; 13:5.) In Revelation the time was symbolic, so that each day of the three and a half years represented a year, or the whole period 1,260 years. Some Bible scholars have applied this period as beginning in 539 A.D. and ending in 1798 A.D., at the time when Napoleon Bonaparte took the Pope of Rome prisoner to Paris.
As during Elijah's hiding in the wilderness there was no rain until he came forth, as told in today's lesson, so in the Church's experiences there was a lack of rain, a drouth spiritually, for twelve hundred and sixty years, ending in 1798.
As just before the time of drought in Israel ended, there was a great contest (related in to-day's lesson), with the victory on the side of the Lord, so in the history of the Church a great contest took place between Catholicism and Protestantism in the period styled the Reformation. In the Revelation picture the Church, symbolized by a woman, is seen driven into the wilderness-- lost to the general view. The woman corresponds in the type to Elijah hidden from view to the king, the queen and the prophets of Baal--in the world, but not of it. As Elijah was fed in the wilderness by the ravens, so the account in Revelation says that the woman, the true Church, secluded from general view, was, nevertheless, spiritually fed during the twelve hundred and sixty years in which the famine for spiritual food prevailed in the world.
The Elijah class did a very courageous work after emerging from the wilderness condition. Spiritual refreshment came in abundant measure. For a time it looked as though Queen Jezebel had been vanquished, and that the slaying of her prophets with the Sword of Truth had demonstrated their errors and put the Truth of God and its servant, Elijah, the true Church, into a commanding position. However, this was not for long. Our next lesson will show us the Elijah class again fleeing from Jezebel's power.
WHY DEPRIVED OF RAIN Many express surprise that in response to earnest Bible study the Word of God in our day is telling such a beautiful Message of Divine Wisdom, Justice, Love [R5751 : page 253] and Power--a Message very contrary to the teachings of the past. "How," they ask, "is it possible for Bible students of today to have so much more light on God's Word than was found by equally zealous Bible students of the past?"
We reply that the twelve hundred and sixty years of spiritual drought are the explanation. About the year 300 A.D., Christian bishops began to claim Apostolic powers and to style themselves Apostolic Bishops. The claim is still made that the bishops of the Church of Rome, of the Church of England, etc., are of equal authority with the twelve Apostles, while the Bible claims to the contrary --that the twelve Apostles selected by Jesus (St. Paul taking the place of Judas) were to be the only foundations of the Christian Church, their teachings being on a full parallel with those of the Lord Jesus-- they being His special mouthpieces to the Church, orally and through their epistles. Jesus prophesied the falling away which would result in some falsely claiming to be [R5752 : page 253] Apostles. See Rev. 2:2. Compare 2 Pet. 2:1; Acts 20:30.
This exaltation of the bishops came in gradually and was given great force by the action of Emperor Constantine in calling for a Church Council at Nice, Bithynia, 325 A.D. The Council, under the Emperor's guidance, produced the Nicene Creed as representing the faith of the people of God. Subsequently that creed was impressed upon the people as being the only proper and infallible faith. Similarly, other additions to the creed were made later on by the bishops. The indorsement of these creeds implied that the bishops who made them had the right, the authority, the Divine revelation necessary for the work; and the people gradually endorsing the creeds were really endorsing at the same time the doctrine of Apostolic Succession, which was subsequently made a feature of the creeds.
From the time the Nicene Creed was promulgated and accepted, 325 A.D., there was practically no more Bible study for over twelve centuries. During all that time Bible study was considered unnecessary, because the Apostolic Bishops had formulated the creeds as proper statements of the Church's faith. To study the Bible would have meant the studying of how to fight against the Emperor and the combined views and teachings of the bishops. Besides, Bibles, then written on parchment, were worth a fortune and possessed by few; and education necessary for reading was extremely limited.
REVIVAL OF BIBLE STUDY
Twelve hundred years after the first expression by the so-called Apostolic Bishops brings us to 1526, when the art of printing had become common. In that year Prof. Tyndale, having prepared his MS., published it in Germany, because of the opposition of the English clergy. He imported his New Testaments into London, in whose shops the people began to purchase them. Few were able to read; but many were glad to organize classes and to hire a reader, that they might know the Word of God. At this same time the Germans were learning something of the New Testament and its different teachings, from Luther and his associates.
The Church of England bishops had heard about this New Testament. They forthwith bought up the entire edition in the shops, and publicly burnt them in front of St. Paul's Cathedral, London. They feared that the people would become interested in the words of Jesus and the Divinely-inspired Twelve Apostles; and that they, who had taken to themselves the title of "Apostolic Bishop," would become mere ciphers. They knew, too, that the eighteen Ecumenical Councils held during those twelve hundred years had declared to be true Christian faith many things not taught in the Bible, and that they had omitted many things that are taught therein. They feared that the people, becoming Bible students, would know of these things, and thus would be upset the general belief based in the creeds--and not in the Bible.
We see, however, that their fears were almost groundless. The teachings of the creeds, impressed for twelve centuries, have so fastened themselves upon the minds of the people that they can read to the contrary in the Bible and never notice the discrepancy! However, a great Bible-study inclination came at that time to the British people. Several other translations were subsequently brought out, until finally the bishops considered it advisable to give the Bible to the people, impressing upon them the thought that the bishops had all along been upholding the Bible. Then, too, they warned the people against putting any construction upon the Bible that would make it different from the teaching of the so-called "Apostolic Bishops" in the creeds--threatening them with eternal torment.
Interest in the Bible continuing, King James thought to popularize himself by authorizing a committee to prepare the so-called King James Version. While it was in preparation, the Roman Catholics, not to be outdone, produced a version entitled the Douay Bible--still in vogue. This also was given to the people, with the suggestion that it was in harmony with the creeds, and that any one interpreting it differently would be a heretic who could not be stopped even in Purgatory, but would pass straight on to eternal torture.
As it was, Tyndale and some of the others interested in the Bible suffered martyrdom, as enemies of the "Apostolic Bishops," and their creeds and institutions. The conflict proceeded, as already suggested, until 1799, when the Bible came into great prominence, nearly all of our great Bible Societies of today having been organized within fifteen years after that date. The foretold period of spiritual drought having been ended, a great spiritual shower came to the world. Nevertheless, as our next lesson will show, Ahab, and especially Jezebel, were unchanged. Elijah's life being again in danger, he fled to the wilderness. ----------
PILGRIMS ALL, IN SOLEMN HASTE
"Silent, like men in solemn haste, Girded wayfarers of the waste, We pass out at the world's wide gate, Turning our back on all its state; We press along the narrow road That leads to life, to bliss, to God. "We cannot and we would not stay; We dread the snares that throng the way; We fling aside the weight and sin, Resolved the victory to win; We know the peril, but our eyes Rest on the splendor of the prize. "'Tis but a little and we come To our reward, our crown, our Home! Another year, or more, or less, And we have crossed the wilderness; Finished the toil, the rest begun, The battle fought, the triumph won! "We grudge not, then, the toil, the way; Its ending is the endless Day! We shrink not from these tempests keen, With little of the calm between; We welcome each descending sun; Ere morn our joy may be begun!" ==================== http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbv5/r5751.htm See also: http://creationconcept.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/elijah-and-the-ravens/
Bonus: Word of God compared to Rain: [Isaiah 55:10-11]
Bonus: During the Millennium, we will have living water among us: Revelation 7:17
Bonus: Daniel also saw this: Daniel 12:7
Additional Fun Reading:
ELIJAH'S RETURN AND VICTORY. (Note, I do not claim this as doctrine nor agree with all things mentioned. It is interesting, none the less... something to ponder!
--SEPTEMBER 5.--1 KINGS 18:16-40.--
ELIJAH'S EXPERIENCES TYPICAL--KING AHAB AND QUEEN JEZEBEL ALSO TYPES--THREE AND A HALF YEARS' DROUGHT PREFIGURED TWELVE HUNDRED AND SIXTY YEARS OF SPIRITUAL DROUGHT--ELIJAH'S PRAYER OF FAITH BROUGHT NATURAL SHOWERS--CHURCH'S PRAYERS OF FAITH BROUGHT SPIRITUAL SHOWERS AND A GREAT REFORMATION.
OUR lesson is interesting as we find it simply recorded in the Bible, but the interest of Bible students increases from the time they learn that Elijah was not only a Prophet of the Lord, but also a type of the Church's earthly experiences. The Book of Revelation (2:20-25; 18:7) pictures to us Queen Jezebel as representing a great religious system of this Gospel Age which did great violence to the Truth. Ahab represented the worldly governments. His wife represented a false Christian Church system married to earthly governments. As Ahab represented the worldly governments claiming to be Christ's kingdoms, so Queen Jezebel pictured, or typified, a false Church system, which, instead of maintaining its purity as the virgin Church of Christ, became married or united to these earthly systems. Contrary to this, the true virgin Church of Christ was to remain faithful to her Heavenly Lord, awaiting His Second Coming; and her marriage to Him was then to be accomplished.
As the Prophets of Baal were under the care of Queen Jezebel and under the patronage of King Ahab, so the priests and the religious representatives of a great church system have been the obedient servants of the great false institutions pictured by Ahab and Jezebel. Similarly, Elijah the Prophet and his dealings with Ahab, Jezebel and the affairs of Israel, was a type of the true Church of Christ in the flesh--this side the veil. Although the true Church is indeed represented symbolically by a woman, it is also represented sometimes by a man, when the picture includes the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church.
In Revelation we have the three and a half years of Elijah's experience stated in symbolic language--forty-two months--1,260 days--three and a half times or years. (Revelation 11:2,3; 12:6,14; 13:5.) In Revelation the time was symbolic, so that each day of the three and a half years represented a year, or the whole period 1,260 years. Some Bible scholars have applied this period as beginning in 539 A.D. and ending in 1798 A.D., at the time when Napoleon Bonaparte took the Pope of Rome prisoner to Paris.
As during Elijah's hiding in the wilderness there was no rain until he came forth, as told in today's lesson, so in the Church's experiences there was a lack of rain, a drouth spiritually, for twelve hundred and sixty years, ending in 1798.
As just before the time of drought in Israel ended, there was a great contest (related in to-day's lesson), with the victory on the side of the Lord, so in the history of the Church a great contest took place between Catholicism and Protestantism in the period styled the Reformation. In the Revelation picture the Church, symbolized by a woman, is seen driven into the wilderness-- lost to the general view. The woman corresponds in the type to Elijah hidden from view to the king, the queen and the prophets of Baal--in the world, but not of it. As Elijah was fed in the wilderness by the ravens, so the account in Revelation says that the woman, the true Church, secluded from general view, was, nevertheless, spiritually fed during the twelve hundred and sixty years in which the famine for spiritual food prevailed in the world.
The Elijah class did a very courageous work after emerging from the wilderness condition. Spiritual refreshment came in abundant measure. For a time it looked as though Queen Jezebel had been vanquished, and that the slaying of her prophets with the Sword of Truth had demonstrated their errors and put the Truth of God and its servant, Elijah, the true Church, into a commanding position. However, this was not for long. Our next lesson will show us the Elijah class again fleeing from Jezebel's power.
WHY DEPRIVED OF RAIN Many express surprise that in response to earnest Bible study the Word of God in our day is telling such a beautiful Message of Divine Wisdom, Justice, Love [R5751 : page 253] and Power--a Message very contrary to the teachings of the past. "How," they ask, "is it possible for Bible students of today to have so much more light on God's Word than was found by equally zealous Bible students of the past?"
We reply that the twelve hundred and sixty years of spiritual drought are the explanation. About the year 300 A.D., Christian bishops began to claim Apostolic powers and to style themselves Apostolic Bishops. The claim is still made that the bishops of the Church of Rome, of the Church of England, etc., are of equal authority with the twelve Apostles, while the Bible claims to the contrary --that the twelve Apostles selected by Jesus (St. Paul taking the place of Judas) were to be the only foundations of the Christian Church, their teachings being on a full parallel with those of the Lord Jesus-- they being His special mouthpieces to the Church, orally and through their epistles. Jesus prophesied the falling away which would result in some falsely claiming to be [R5752 : page 253] Apostles. See Rev. 2:2. Compare 2 Pet. 2:1; Acts 20:30.
This exaltation of the bishops came in gradually and was given great force by the action of Emperor Constantine in calling for a Church Council at Nice, Bithynia, 325 A.D. The Council, under the Emperor's guidance, produced the Nicene Creed as representing the faith of the people of God. Subsequently that creed was impressed upon the people as being the only proper and infallible faith. Similarly, other additions to the creed were made later on by the bishops. The indorsement of these creeds implied that the bishops who made them had the right, the authority, the Divine revelation necessary for the work; and the people gradually endorsing the creeds were really endorsing at the same time the doctrine of Apostolic Succession, which was subsequently made a feature of the creeds.
From the time the Nicene Creed was promulgated and accepted, 325 A.D., there was practically no more Bible study for over twelve centuries. During all that time Bible study was considered unnecessary, because the Apostolic Bishops had formulated the creeds as proper statements of the Church's faith. To study the Bible would have meant the studying of how to fight against the Emperor and the combined views and teachings of the bishops. Besides, Bibles, then written on parchment, were worth a fortune and possessed by few; and education necessary for reading was extremely limited.
REVIVAL OF BIBLE STUDY
Twelve hundred years after the first expression by the so-called Apostolic Bishops brings us to 1526, when the art of printing had become common. In that year Prof. Tyndale, having prepared his MS., published it in Germany, because of the opposition of the English clergy. He imported his New Testaments into London, in whose shops the people began to purchase them. Few were able to read; but many were glad to organize classes and to hire a reader, that they might know the Word of God. At this same time the Germans were learning something of the New Testament and its different teachings, from Luther and his associates.
The Church of England bishops had heard about this New Testament. They forthwith bought up the entire edition in the shops, and publicly burnt them in front of St. Paul's Cathedral, London. They feared that the people would become interested in the words of Jesus and the Divinely-inspired Twelve Apostles; and that they, who had taken to themselves the title of "Apostolic Bishop," would become mere ciphers. They knew, too, that the eighteen Ecumenical Councils held during those twelve hundred years had declared to be true Christian faith many things not taught in the Bible, and that they had omitted many things that are taught therein. They feared that the people, becoming Bible students, would know of these things, and thus would be upset the general belief based in the creeds--and not in the Bible.
We see, however, that their fears were almost groundless. The teachings of the creeds, impressed for twelve centuries, have so fastened themselves upon the minds of the people that they can read to the contrary in the Bible and never notice the discrepancy! However, a great Bible-study inclination came at that time to the British people. Several other translations were subsequently brought out, until finally the bishops considered it advisable to give the Bible to the people, impressing upon them the thought that the bishops had all along been upholding the Bible. Then, too, they warned the people against putting any construction upon the Bible that would make it different from the teaching of the so-called "Apostolic Bishops" in the creeds--threatening them with eternal torment.
Interest in the Bible continuing, King James thought to popularize himself by authorizing a committee to prepare the so-called King James Version. While it was in preparation, the Roman Catholics, not to be outdone, produced a version entitled the Douay Bible--still in vogue. This also was given to the people, with the suggestion that it was in harmony with the creeds, and that any one interpreting it differently would be a heretic who could not be stopped even in Purgatory, but would pass straight on to eternal torture.
As it was, Tyndale and some of the others interested in the Bible suffered martyrdom, as enemies of the "Apostolic Bishops," and their creeds and institutions. The conflict proceeded, as already suggested, until 1799, when the Bible came into great prominence, nearly all of our great Bible Societies of today having been organized within fifteen years after that date. The foretold period of spiritual drought having been ended, a great spiritual shower came to the world. Nevertheless, as our next lesson will show, Ahab, and especially Jezebel, were unchanged. Elijah's life being again in danger, he fled to the wilderness. ----------
PILGRIMS ALL, IN SOLEMN HASTE
"Silent, like men in solemn haste, Girded wayfarers of the waste, We pass out at the world's wide gate, Turning our back on all its state; We press along the narrow road That leads to life, to bliss, to God. "We cannot and we would not stay; We dread the snares that throng the way; We fling aside the weight and sin, Resolved the victory to win; We know the peril, but our eyes Rest on the splendor of the prize. "'Tis but a little and we come To our reward, our crown, our Home! Another year, or more, or less, And we have crossed the wilderness; Finished the toil, the rest begun, The battle fought, the triumph won! "We grudge not, then, the toil, the way; Its ending is the endless Day! We shrink not from these tempests keen, With little of the calm between; We welcome each descending sun; Ere morn our joy may be begun!" ==================== http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbv5/r5751.htm See also: http://creationconcept.wordpress.com/2011/07/30/elijah-and-the-ravens/
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