My fellow brothers and sisters... my answer to this growing plague which causes ones enthusiasm to dim is simply this...Gossip is evil and it exists and it hurts and it won't be going away anytime soon. People will continue to pass judgment and hold onto their cherished judgments made about you even even many seconds and minutes after you have partaken of the sacrament making promises to strive more diligently towards perfection. People in your wards will have their favorites and cliques will continue to exist. You will either fit in or you won't and at times, you won't fit in with ANYONE.
You may also feel as though the ward membership has only the power within themselves to only tolerate your presence vs provide the Christlike version of charitable fellowship and this, above all else, may cause your hearts to sink into despair and hopelessness.
It hurts to feel alone or feel like you are outcast or that perhaps you don't fit in or that you don't belong. It hurts when people would rather talk with someone else than they would like to talk to you.
"One day you will prove to them all that they were wrong and God will prove to you that he was right about you all along."
Now what do I mean by that? Well if you know your heart and that you are striving to be 'pure of heart' then you have no need to fear. God doesn't need permission by any of your ward members to allow your entry into heaven, PERIOD!
Turn to the Book of Mormon with me to "Jacob Chapter 3:1-2 and read the following:
1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.
Are people really just sometimes acting like jerks? Possibly. We don't know their past or their upbringing. If you dare, ask them some questions to find out more about them. It is often revealing to discover just how it is that they were brought up. Continue in those conversations by stating how you understand a little more about them and thank them for that insight. Then do your best to lock away their secrets. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, right?
I testify to you, brothers and sisters, that it is not part of the natural man to think well of others and no matter what society you are brought up in, people are taught to shun that which they do not understand and we as a human race are not very teachable when it comes to how one ought to be treated and how to treat one another plain and simple. Judge not lest ye be judge. If you feel that you have been ostracized or ignored or loved less than what you are deserving of then join the club. People do have their favorites. It's also human nature...it's also ugly.
There's really very little we can do about this looming plague over those who are members of the church as it is also a plague upon humanity. Wards may have the same attendance percentages and similar rosters of like-minded people for many o quarterly reports. Your Elders quorum presidents will cite Home Teaching numbers and about reactivity and perhaps one soul or two will find his way through the labyrinth and regain his zeal for obedience to the Lord's commandments and begin to once again strive towards the heavenly goal while moving on up in the straight and narrow path. One day, my brothers and sisters, you WILL prove to the world that they were wrong about you but only if you have the intestinal fortitude to say this: I have ONE being that I need to be faithful to above all and that is faithful to the Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, first and foremost. Then you have a responsibility to your family and those you have stewardship over. (Including your home teaching families and those who are recipients of your service included within your church responsibilities and callings.)
The important thing to know is that God loves you. You do NOT NEED the approval or fellowship of ward membership. I personally have not had my worthiness come into question by the bishop enough to talk with him about anything however I assume that it is possible where my own behavior may have gotten me into trouble. I am a bit 'boorish by nature' and being thus endowed (also described as being a bull in a china shop) I may have done, said or behaved after a manner which could have been offensive towards others. Que sera sera.
Brothers and sisters, do also as Jacob suggests that we do at the end of his record by 'being wise' as well as humble. Charity faileth not and he who is possessor of charity, at the last day, will have so much more the advantage over the brother who chose to participate in gossip or 1-upsmanship or any other behavior that signifies, "I am better than you because..." and perhaps they've got a full laundry list of GOOD and VALID reasons as to why they are better than you! Believe NONE of them. They may or may NOT have made better choices than you but if one of their choices was to think himself or herself as better than you, then they've got something wrong for 'all are alike unto God and God is no respecter of persons.
God will not hold a sword over your neck with a vengeance. Jesus Christ will have compassion on they who have compassion on others. One day, not only will every 'knee bow and tongue confess' but part of this confession is where people will come to you and plead for your forgiveness on how you were treated. They will not need this forgiveness for their own entry into heaven for Jesus Christ has ALREADY paid the ultimate price and providing for us our atonement assured.
Some gossip is founded on truth, on partial truths and upon lies. The best way not to participate in gossip in your wards is to set the example. For example, if a new person comes into the ward and you've had the chance to talk with them and fellowship with them, then count your blessings if they are potentially one of your future, enduring friends. However, if another ward member decides to ask you questions about them, simply say this, "I don't know much about those guys so you'll have to go and talk with them yourself." Shift the responsibility of 'getting to know a new ward member' onto their shoulder because it is not up to you to do so.
If they have something opinionated to say about them or perhaps they want you to agree on their assessments about them, then I suggest to you that you do one of the following: Excuse yourself from the conversation by politely saying, "I don't know enough about them to have an opinion about the matter." or simply say, "Well I suppose that's one way that someone could see them as being..." but reserve the right to get to know them yourself.
Brothers and Sisters... I testify to you that God loves us and he is keenly aware of how we're being treated or how others may have perceived or continue to perceive us as being. The important thing, above all others, is that you trust in the Lord. He will set things right and if at ALL necessary, he will send down justice upon those who seek your discomforts and want you to feel less than worthy. God teaches patience and he teaches humility. People will come up to you, in your lifetime, and tell you that they are sorry. Forgive them frankly and receive them as one of your friends wholeheartedly for you must... if you want to be numbered among they who are blessed of the Father in the last day.
I write these things and do so in the name of Jesus Christ, my redeemer, amen.
Below: This was my rant but I decided to start over. If you enjoy reading and getting more in depth with the way I view the world, then read this unedited rant below. Otherwise, the article is done.
You decided to come back to church for the first time in forever and/or possibly you've been there for a while and haven't found your crowd. People go about their business and hustle off to class and yet, something feels missing. There hasn't been any fellowship. You sense something is missing but you just can't put your finger on it. It is my hope to write but a few words that if taken in the proper spirit can help save you from a downward spiral that could lead to bitterness and further inactivity and disenfranchisement from the church.
For all of those who have felt lonely or outcast or for those who didn't feel like they belong, then perhaps this message is for you.
A week or so goes by, and you begin to talk with someone at a mutual activity and their conversations with you are robotic and brief until you politely excuse yourself to then see that same ward member strike it up with one of their buddies giving handshakes with gusto and happiness.
"What just happened?" you ask yourself. Did my breath offend? Did I let my hair go a bit too long before cutting it? Have I done something to offend the flock and I now begin to feel ostracized because perhaps something has been said concerning you either real or perceived that may or not be true?
I have been the member of a ward for some time now and perhaps part of this is an editorial but in the end, or in the blog, I'd like to possibly answer some of those burning questions that I sometimes ask myself by also being the member of a ward family. We sure are an assortment of many different personalities both positive and negative.
Before I begin making assumptions and then concocting solutions for assumptions both real or imagined, let me just clear the air and spell this one out for you clear as crystal. Gossip and judgment happens in the church PERIOD! Cliques are formed and judgments are made about you as to where you ought to belong. It's just human nature. It's not your fault or theirs, it's just how we are naturally bred to be. Even in the book of Mormon, it is discovered how the people would divide themselves into classes. If you want a fantastic read about Mormon's understanding on how the latter days would look like, then 4th Nephi is a very good read. It talks a lot about this.
Now Mr LDSLIFE, you might be guilty of passing judgment upon others...beware on how you judge...and the measure in which you judge shall be added unto you etc etc... I get that. This is why I wish to tread somewhat carefully on the subject because whether I have all rhyme and reason or not, it seemeth me good to at least elaborate on my own experiences and then we'll let history decide whether they be of truth or may they be from out of my own imaginations.
So once again, for all of those who have felt lonely or outcast or for those who didn't feel like they belong, then perhaps this message is for you and I believe that it is paramount that you read these words before considering to spend any length of time apart from coming to church and apart from renewing the covenant that you made with the Lord in being baptized because above all else, this must be observed. (I will explain a bit more what I mean by this below.)
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
God's Patience, Timing and Understanding is King!
I heard a quote recently and have to agree with it 100% because it's true, of which I testify! For God answers prayers and his answers are always YES to me but he says YES in many ways. Yes, as in "not right now but soon." or "I have something better planned for you." but for every good thing we desire of him, his answer is NEVER NO... but always yes. Just best if done within the parameters he has set for us and that we too should be patient.
"Do not confuse God's patience by their absence. His timing is perfect, and his presence is constant. He is always with you!"
A companion verse of scripture could also be this...
"Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the LORD your God goes with you, not leave you nor forsake you." Deut 31:6
What else needs saying?
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Isaiah 43:10 (10-12 explained)
Recently, I've had someone pose a question to me about Isaiah:43:10 where it reads:
"10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me."
Some interpret this to mean that there is no one else in the GodHead or that the Godhead is not plural. Or that somehow this disqualifies the standard, Biblical teachings that indeed there IS a Godhead made up of God The Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost as explained in the Doctrine and Covenants.
(D&C 20:28, the Father and the Son have bodies of flesh and bone, the Holy Ghost is personage of spirit, D&C 130:22)
THIS may be a bit lengthy but it's food for good thought. At least you'll know why we believe what we do and that at least it's plausible based on these Bible Passages...
We believe in the Godhead, as taught in the Bible and other evidences as found in the Bible to support the belief. It is also important to read scriptures in context. They are, after all, more than just words written on pages that take on certain meanings as they are read properly.
Genesis 1:26-27, 2:22
26 ¶And God said, Let US make man in OUR image, after our likeness: (Paraphrased...)
(If it was truly only one being up in heaven, then reading it like this with a few words changed is:
"And God said I will make man in my image and after MY likeness..."
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Ch 3: ¶And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of US, to know good and evil... (paraphrased)
We claim that we are literally sons and daughters of God as if He and heavenly parents would have trillions of Spirit Children as we know that we are.
(See also Job 38:4-7, Hebrews 12:9 and is fairly clear on who the Spirit Children of God is and who the father could be too. Even more so than Romans 8:15-18)
Also in Hebrews 1:2, we learn that "Jesus Christ" was appointed as an "Heir of All Things"
The usage of the word "Heir" makes sense that the Father has handed him all rights and powers as an Heir would be. This same "Heir" relationship between Us and the Father is spoken of in Revelations 1:5-6, 30:19-21) So who handed the "Father" all things? Can this chain be as old as eons and eternities without end. Who knows yet. It's not our worry to know all things yet. Just to be faithful in a FEW things...
Isaiah was referring to the "Law" and that only THROUGH the One True God and not the other Gods which may have been formed both in the minds or by the hands of other men. The Bible talks about those also.
Exodus 20:
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
(Again, Gods' that are formed by the hands or imaginations of men.)
and also how it agrees with Joshua 24:15 were we ALSO see...
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Before the God of Israel manifested himself again to a prophet, Moses, he YET existed as also the God of Adam, of Enoch, Noah, Abraham and so forth, are we on the same page still?
We do not interpret Isaiah 43:10 as to contradiction to Genesis or Exodus or Joshua or EVEN itself if not read in its entirety. Isaiah goes on to say, speaking for the Lord Jehovah, who we know to be Jesus Christ, the member of the Godhead mentioned in the Old Testament:
11 I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.
12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.
So we know that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between man and the father and only in and through him can mankind be saved and return to the presence of the Father...
As Jesus Said himself, we return home to that God who gave us life...
Jesus also is talking to the Father as if he were a different person than himself...
"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. - John 17:21 - and later mentions this, just to clarify, that he and the Father are two distinct beings, as he says to Mary,
"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." John 20:17 -
It wasn't until the New Testament came along where we learn that there are two other members of the Godhead not completely talked about in the Old Testament or not in much detail, anyhow.
(See Also Gen. 11:5–17; Ps. 110:1; Dan. 4:8; Dan. 5:14)
These things aren't HIDING... now you may interpret these verses differently than me but in the reading of them, surely you could see why we believe the Bible on this wise, correct?
Many people are only kept from the truth because the know not where to find it. Some are kept from the truth because of traditions or what others tell them the truth should be.
But don't take my word for it! Pray to learn for yourself the true nature of the Godhead and clarify what we are taught in the Bible. That's all I ask you to do, brother. (See James 1:5-6, 1 John 5:9)
The scriptures affirm that there is "One God" consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. A great debate in Christian history has been the nature of this oneness.
Main article: Godhead and the Trinity
Protestant critics do not like the fact that Latter-day Saints reject the nonbiblical Nicene Creed, which teaches a oneness of substance. Latter-day Saints believe that God is one, but accept the Biblical witness that this is a oneness of purpose, intent, mind, will, and love, into which believers are invited to participate (see John 17:22-23). Thus, it is proper to speak of "God" in a singular sense, but Latter-day Saints also recognize that there is more than one divine person—for example, the Father and the Son.
This is not a contradiction; it merely demonstrates that the Latter-day Saints do not accept Nicene trinitarianism.
http://en.fairmormon.org/Latter-day_Saint_scripture/Supposed_contradictions/Multiple_versus_single_creators
"10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me."
Some interpret this to mean that there is no one else in the GodHead or that the Godhead is not plural. Or that somehow this disqualifies the standard, Biblical teachings that indeed there IS a Godhead made up of God The Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost as explained in the Doctrine and Covenants.
(D&C 20:28, the Father and the Son have bodies of flesh and bone, the Holy Ghost is personage of spirit, D&C 130:22)
THIS may be a bit lengthy but it's food for good thought. At least you'll know why we believe what we do and that at least it's plausible based on these Bible Passages...
We believe in the Godhead, as taught in the Bible and other evidences as found in the Bible to support the belief. It is also important to read scriptures in context. They are, after all, more than just words written on pages that take on certain meanings as they are read properly.
Genesis 1:26-27, 2:22
26 ¶And God said, Let US make man in OUR image, after our likeness: (Paraphrased...)
(If it was truly only one being up in heaven, then reading it like this with a few words changed is:
"And God said I will make man in my image and after MY likeness..."
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Ch 3: ¶And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of US, to know good and evil... (paraphrased)
We claim that we are literally sons and daughters of God as if He and heavenly parents would have trillions of Spirit Children as we know that we are.
(See also Job 38:4-7, Hebrews 12:9 and is fairly clear on who the Spirit Children of God is and who the father could be too. Even more so than Romans 8:15-18)
Also in Hebrews 1:2, we learn that "Jesus Christ" was appointed as an "Heir of All Things"
The usage of the word "Heir" makes sense that the Father has handed him all rights and powers as an Heir would be. This same "Heir" relationship between Us and the Father is spoken of in Revelations 1:5-6, 30:19-21) So who handed the "Father" all things? Can this chain be as old as eons and eternities without end. Who knows yet. It's not our worry to know all things yet. Just to be faithful in a FEW things...
Isaiah was referring to the "Law" and that only THROUGH the One True God and not the other Gods which may have been formed both in the minds or by the hands of other men. The Bible talks about those also.
Exodus 20:
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
(Again, Gods' that are formed by the hands or imaginations of men.)
and also how it agrees with Joshua 24:15 were we ALSO see...
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Before the God of Israel manifested himself again to a prophet, Moses, he YET existed as also the God of Adam, of Enoch, Noah, Abraham and so forth, are we on the same page still?
We do not interpret Isaiah 43:10 as to contradiction to Genesis or Exodus or Joshua or EVEN itself if not read in its entirety. Isaiah goes on to say, speaking for the Lord Jehovah, who we know to be Jesus Christ, the member of the Godhead mentioned in the Old Testament:
11 I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.
12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.
So we know that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between man and the father and only in and through him can mankind be saved and return to the presence of the Father...
As Jesus Said himself, we return home to that God who gave us life...
Jesus also is talking to the Father as if he were a different person than himself...
"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. - John 17:21 - and later mentions this, just to clarify, that he and the Father are two distinct beings, as he says to Mary,
"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." John 20:17 -
It wasn't until the New Testament came along where we learn that there are two other members of the Godhead not completely talked about in the Old Testament or not in much detail, anyhow.
(See Also Gen. 11:5–17; Ps. 110:1; Dan. 4:8; Dan. 5:14)
These things aren't HIDING... now you may interpret these verses differently than me but in the reading of them, surely you could see why we believe the Bible on this wise, correct?
Many people are only kept from the truth because the know not where to find it. Some are kept from the truth because of traditions or what others tell them the truth should be.
But don't take my word for it! Pray to learn for yourself the true nature of the Godhead and clarify what we are taught in the Bible. That's all I ask you to do, brother. (See James 1:5-6, 1 John 5:9)
The scriptures affirm that there is "One God" consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. A great debate in Christian history has been the nature of this oneness.
Main article: Godhead and the Trinity
Protestant critics do not like the fact that Latter-day Saints reject the nonbiblical Nicene Creed, which teaches a oneness of substance. Latter-day Saints believe that God is one, but accept the Biblical witness that this is a oneness of purpose, intent, mind, will, and love, into which believers are invited to participate (see John 17:22-23). Thus, it is proper to speak of "God" in a singular sense, but Latter-day Saints also recognize that there is more than one divine person—for example, the Father and the Son.
This is not a contradiction; it merely demonstrates that the Latter-day Saints do not accept Nicene trinitarianism.
http://en.fairmormon.org/Latter-day_Saint_scripture/Supposed_contradictions/Multiple_versus_single_creators
Friday, January 22, 2010
God calls messengers to represent him today.
"Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father." John 6: 46
God will choose whom he will and men will deny it. They will find reasons why not to believe them and their reasoning may be well thought out and logical but this does not change the plan in which God uses to reveal truth unto men. Jesus Christ, the greatest of them all, was still somehow found guilty of treason and heresy but there are few Christians today who would subscribe to such an idea. Having written that, there are many who have taken the role of the Jews and use their reasoning to condemn the things that they do not understand today. They pit the restored gospel up against their own knowledge and they consider their wisdom above the revealed word of God.
Isaiah saw a day when the wisdom of men would be proven folly.
"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." Isaiah 29:13-14
The precepts of men have prevailed for centuries. Ideas like the Nicene Creed would perish along with any other man made theory about the doctrines and gospel of Christ. We are living in a great time with the light of the gospel taught in its purity or neither you or I have the full story. Without prophets, both of us would be in error and neither of us would be correct... but the Lord has begun this mighty work... the stone which has been cut out of the mountain without hands continue to roll forth throughout the whole earth and will continue to do so with or without our consent.
I only prefer that I am found helping to push or pull this great stone foreseen by Daniel instead of watching it from the sidelines, arms folded, and wondering what all of the fuss is about.
43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
In other words, during the days of the many European Kingdoms as represented by the iron mixed with miry clay, would this kingdom of the Lord then be established. We just have to but track the kingdoms from the Babylonians on down the line until there were "many kingdoms" round the world. The Spaniards were not united with the English... the French were separate from the Portuguese... all in fine, were the kingdoms in which Daniel saw and it would be during the existence of these kingdoms that we would see this great work. If Christ had not set this great work up, it would be everlastingly too late for the prophecy in which Daniel saw should come forth. There are no longer many of those kingdoms. The stone has already begun to break these kingdoms up. This work has already begun.
45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
The prophecies of Daniel would come forth and all be fulfilled or he is not a prophet.
"How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints."
D&C 121:33
It is my desire that you no longer aim to prove these things to be false... but that you seek to learn from God in heaven that they are true. Be not like unto the Jews who continuously questioned Jesus and ultimately found him guilty of heresy. You will always find something that you don't agree with but it is not the labor of men to bend the will of God to their understanding of it... but the other way around.
I testify that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration... that Thomas Monson is the Lord's representative today. He is the steward of modern Israel and we continue to be directed by prophets. The Lord has chosen these men to be his representatives until the time in which Jesus Christ shall return. We look forward to the day when he does. There is much to do in the Lord's vineyard. It is my prayer that someday we will work along side one another in this great work.
God will choose whom he will and men will deny it. They will find reasons why not to believe them and their reasoning may be well thought out and logical but this does not change the plan in which God uses to reveal truth unto men. Jesus Christ, the greatest of them all, was still somehow found guilty of treason and heresy but there are few Christians today who would subscribe to such an idea. Having written that, there are many who have taken the role of the Jews and use their reasoning to condemn the things that they do not understand today. They pit the restored gospel up against their own knowledge and they consider their wisdom above the revealed word of God.
Isaiah saw a day when the wisdom of men would be proven folly.
"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." Isaiah 29:13-14
The precepts of men have prevailed for centuries. Ideas like the Nicene Creed would perish along with any other man made theory about the doctrines and gospel of Christ. We are living in a great time with the light of the gospel taught in its purity or neither you or I have the full story. Without prophets, both of us would be in error and neither of us would be correct... but the Lord has begun this mighty work... the stone which has been cut out of the mountain without hands continue to roll forth throughout the whole earth and will continue to do so with or without our consent.
I only prefer that I am found helping to push or pull this great stone foreseen by Daniel instead of watching it from the sidelines, arms folded, and wondering what all of the fuss is about.
43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
In other words, during the days of the many European Kingdoms as represented by the iron mixed with miry clay, would this kingdom of the Lord then be established. We just have to but track the kingdoms from the Babylonians on down the line until there were "many kingdoms" round the world. The Spaniards were not united with the English... the French were separate from the Portuguese... all in fine, were the kingdoms in which Daniel saw and it would be during the existence of these kingdoms that we would see this great work. If Christ had not set this great work up, it would be everlastingly too late for the prophecy in which Daniel saw should come forth. There are no longer many of those kingdoms. The stone has already begun to break these kingdoms up. This work has already begun.
45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
The prophecies of Daniel would come forth and all be fulfilled or he is not a prophet.
"How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints."
D&C 121:33
It is my desire that you no longer aim to prove these things to be false... but that you seek to learn from God in heaven that they are true. Be not like unto the Jews who continuously questioned Jesus and ultimately found him guilty of heresy. You will always find something that you don't agree with but it is not the labor of men to bend the will of God to their understanding of it... but the other way around.
I testify that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration... that Thomas Monson is the Lord's representative today. He is the steward of modern Israel and we continue to be directed by prophets. The Lord has chosen these men to be his representatives until the time in which Jesus Christ shall return. We look forward to the day when he does. There is much to do in the Lord's vineyard. It is my prayer that someday we will work along side one another in this great work.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
America - God's "Land of Liberty"
2 Ne. 1: 7
7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.
2 Ne. 10: 11
11 And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles.
7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.
2 Ne. 10: 11
11 And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Can the Children of God TRULY expect to reach their full potential: Being as our Heavenly Parents; even as God?
This blog entry is derived from a letter I wrote to a YouTube User; (remember this was derived from a letter between myself and another "YouTube" user; if you would like the context in which these things were written, do not suppose that this is directed towards all; I made very valid points but they were points made to someone else...
In John Chapter 16, Jesus Christ gives hints to his disciples about his divine calling; Jesus discourses on mission of Holy Ghost; He tells of his death and resurrection, announces his own divine Son-ship, and says he has overcome the world.
I like verses 14-15 because Jesus Christ promises to show us all things as they not only pertain to his glory but also of the Glory of the Father;
"He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you." John 16:14-15
The father intends to show us all things; if it be that we have entered into the covenant with the Father and have Christ be the advocate between ourselves and the Father. He has done more than just promise to show us his glory! He has invited us to be "heirs" to it and "joint-heirs" with Christ.
Sure; I'll tell him when he's ready to believe in the Bible;
I'll explain it out. It's in the BIBLE... Black and White and not even difficult to understand; I'll even provide "Dictionary References" so that the scriptures can even be understood;
You've read in the bible some, right? Romans; in the New Testament;
I just present the information; You Decide!
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (We are either children of God or we're not. We can forge alliances with Satan and no longer be considered children of God but the potential of man is an always will be to grow up and become like his or her heavenly parents)
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
And how can we be heirs? Only if we enter into a covenant with Jesus Christ through baptism and other saving ordinances. We enter into a covenant that Jesus Christ will purge us from our sins and wash us clean through the atonement; (Revelations 1:5-6)
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:16-18
And Paul is exactly right! In this life, we fall short of the glory of God. We are not worthy of this glory on our own. Only through the merits of Jesus Christ can one hope to attain sanctification; a process which will last for eternities of time until we finally perform all things with perfection;
Paul also best explains how the children of the covenant should perform if they are to attain the blessings of exaltation in the kingdom of our heavenly father;
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13: 20 and 21)
It is important to know that while members of the "everlasting covenant" that we do well with what we know and that we perform the will of the Lord and makes our lives pleasing in his sight then Jesus Christ will show us all things, just as he has promised; we give glory to him forever and ever, being the first fruits of the resurrection, we should only follow after him in his footsteps to also obtain eternal life and everything which is defined therein.
Back to Paul's letter to the Romans. And this is the Biblical translation in the King James Version but I've used www.dictionary.com to derive the true meaning of the word "Heir" which is the word Paul had chosen to describe the fates of those who endure in the covenant and serve the Lord until we leave this mortal realm...
Dictionary definition to the word, "Heir"
(NOT a bible dictionary; I'll provide a link) and I'll explain it in Lay Man's terms; Men are invited to get all God's stuff!
1: a person who inherits or has a right of inheritance in the property of another following the latter's death. (Well we both know God can't die but it says something about property.)
What do you know about God's property? What exactly does God own? He owns stars right? Worlds without end? Galaxies? Worlds? Is there really ANY end to his dominion?
2. a) Common Law Inheritance
b) Civil Law Inheritance
3 a person who inherits or is entitled to inherit the rank, title, position, etc., of another.
What sort of rank does God have? Position? Title? Etc?
4. a person or group considered as inheriting the tradition, talent, etc., of a predecessor.
What sort of "Talents" does God seem to have? Have you admired his handiwork lately?
What could God's tradition be? Does he have a knack for creating worlds? Family? Children?
I have to assume that with these scriptures, we're not just going to "Tour Heaven" and see what things are like and then go find our "Harps" and only sing praises unto God or else the Bible would have told us these things?
"In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)
If we would be given "mansions" it would suggest that we would also have dominion over it. We would still be the children of God but he would have us in our own "Mansions" Amazing! It truly is!
If it was never the potential for the "Children of God" or "His Offspring" to become like the parent, then he would have said we'd only get to "SEE" the things of God, admire them, and then go find some tiny little shack somewhere to dwell... In Heaven, God has "Many Mansions" and they have been promised to the faithful!
John, the Revelator says more on the subject;
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" - Revelations 3:21
The word: "Throne"
1. the chair or seat occupied by a sovereign, bishop, or other exalted personage on ceremonial occasions, usually raised on a dais and covered with a canopy.
2. the office or dignity of a sovereign: He came to the throne by succession.
3. the occupant of a throne; sovereign.
4. sovereign power or authority: to address one's pleas to the throne.
5. an episcopal office or authority: the diocesan throne.
6. mourner's bench.
7. thrones, an order of angels. Compare angel (def. 1).
8. Facetious. a toilet.
I'm sure God isn't inviting us to use his "toilet" but these are words that define what a "Throne is" Sovereign power or authority, he wishes to invite us to have. In sitting upon the throne with him, we preside over something.
And if we are "heirs of God" we are then invited to preside over ALL that the father has; not that we replace God or preside in his stead but we as Children of God; God in Embryo, preside over our own kingdom... for the father has promises his children MANY mansions! He has invited us to sit on his throne as though we should one day become like him; not as an act of a "Tour Group" getting to set there for a moment. He desires that we become like him just as our earthly parents wish that we should become "Parents" of our own kids as well and become "Full Fledged" adults independent of their help. It will take us eons and eternities to go from Embryo to the state in which our father in heaven is at but make no mistake about it! We are his children; he will always be "our God!" and he will forever be teaching us the mysteries of life and of the cosmos; the home and life in which God now lives.
Why would we be invited to sit in his throne? What does it mean to sit on a throne? Sitting on a throne = presiding over those who are not Kings; Presiding as "Heirs to a King." sealing our fate as "Potential" Heirs to God's dominion and talents.
These things are promised to all those who do the "works" of the Lord and endure to the end. I don't know where you will be regarding all of this. I suggest if you are humble, and are a possessor of Charity in the last day, it might be well with you!
Did God make any children or are we not his children?
If inheriting the things of God also includes the ability to procreate, would this mean we could also do this in heaven? Why not? If God says he will give us "ALL THAT HE HATH" then what does "ALL" mean to you? If you do not believe these things, then you really don't believe the Bible and neither do anyone else in your sphere of influence if they're not teaching u these things.... do they?
We as latter-day saints don't believe in a "foreign" set of beliefs! All our beliefs come from the Bible. What separates us from others, is we believe the Bible 100%; all of it! Every Jot and Tittle and we deny them not!
We know who will NOT inherit the things of God is fairly well outlined;
1 Cor. 6: 9-10,
(See: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_cor/6 )
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/heir
In John Chapter 16, Jesus Christ gives hints to his disciples about his divine calling; Jesus discourses on mission of Holy Ghost; He tells of his death and resurrection, announces his own divine Son-ship, and says he has overcome the world.
I like verses 14-15 because Jesus Christ promises to show us all things as they not only pertain to his glory but also of the Glory of the Father;
"He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you." John 16:14-15
The father intends to show us all things; if it be that we have entered into the covenant with the Father and have Christ be the advocate between ourselves and the Father. He has done more than just promise to show us his glory! He has invited us to be "heirs" to it and "joint-heirs" with Christ.
Sure; I'll tell him when he's ready to believe in the Bible;
I'll explain it out. It's in the BIBLE... Black and White and not even difficult to understand; I'll even provide "Dictionary References" so that the scriptures can even be understood;
You've read in the bible some, right? Romans; in the New Testament;
I just present the information; You Decide!
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (We are either children of God or we're not. We can forge alliances with Satan and no longer be considered children of God but the potential of man is an always will be to grow up and become like his or her heavenly parents)
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
And how can we be heirs? Only if we enter into a covenant with Jesus Christ through baptism and other saving ordinances. We enter into a covenant that Jesus Christ will purge us from our sins and wash us clean through the atonement; (Revelations 1:5-6)
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:16-18
And Paul is exactly right! In this life, we fall short of the glory of God. We are not worthy of this glory on our own. Only through the merits of Jesus Christ can one hope to attain sanctification; a process which will last for eternities of time until we finally perform all things with perfection;
Paul also best explains how the children of the covenant should perform if they are to attain the blessings of exaltation in the kingdom of our heavenly father;
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13: 20 and 21)
It is important to know that while members of the "everlasting covenant" that we do well with what we know and that we perform the will of the Lord and makes our lives pleasing in his sight then Jesus Christ will show us all things, just as he has promised; we give glory to him forever and ever, being the first fruits of the resurrection, we should only follow after him in his footsteps to also obtain eternal life and everything which is defined therein.
Back to Paul's letter to the Romans. And this is the Biblical translation in the King James Version but I've used www.dictionary.com to derive the true meaning of the word "Heir" which is the word Paul had chosen to describe the fates of those who endure in the covenant and serve the Lord until we leave this mortal realm...
Dictionary definition to the word, "Heir"
(NOT a bible dictionary; I'll provide a link) and I'll explain it in Lay Man's terms; Men are invited to get all God's stuff!
1: a person who inherits or has a right of inheritance in the property of another following the latter's death. (Well we both know God can't die but it says something about property.)
What do you know about God's property? What exactly does God own? He owns stars right? Worlds without end? Galaxies? Worlds? Is there really ANY end to his dominion?
2. a) Common Law Inheritance
b) Civil Law Inheritance
3 a person who inherits or is entitled to inherit the rank, title, position, etc., of another.
What sort of rank does God have? Position? Title? Etc?
4. a person or group considered as inheriting the tradition, talent, etc., of a predecessor.
What sort of "Talents" does God seem to have? Have you admired his handiwork lately?
What could God's tradition be? Does he have a knack for creating worlds? Family? Children?
I have to assume that with these scriptures, we're not just going to "Tour Heaven" and see what things are like and then go find our "Harps" and only sing praises unto God or else the Bible would have told us these things?
"In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)
If we would be given "mansions" it would suggest that we would also have dominion over it. We would still be the children of God but he would have us in our own "Mansions" Amazing! It truly is!
If it was never the potential for the "Children of God" or "His Offspring" to become like the parent, then he would have said we'd only get to "SEE" the things of God, admire them, and then go find some tiny little shack somewhere to dwell... In Heaven, God has "Many Mansions" and they have been promised to the faithful!
John, the Revelator says more on the subject;
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" - Revelations 3:21
The word: "Throne"
1. the chair or seat occupied by a sovereign, bishop, or other exalted personage on ceremonial occasions, usually raised on a dais and covered with a canopy.
2. the office or dignity of a sovereign: He came to the throne by succession.
3. the occupant of a throne; sovereign.
4. sovereign power or authority: to address one's pleas to the throne.
5. an episcopal office or authority: the diocesan throne.
6. mourner's bench.
7. thrones, an order of angels. Compare angel (def. 1).
8. Facetious. a toilet.
I'm sure God isn't inviting us to use his "toilet" but these are words that define what a "Throne is" Sovereign power or authority, he wishes to invite us to have. In sitting upon the throne with him, we preside over something.
And if we are "heirs of God" we are then invited to preside over ALL that the father has; not that we replace God or preside in his stead but we as Children of God; God in Embryo, preside over our own kingdom... for the father has promises his children MANY mansions! He has invited us to sit on his throne as though we should one day become like him; not as an act of a "Tour Group" getting to set there for a moment. He desires that we become like him just as our earthly parents wish that we should become "Parents" of our own kids as well and become "Full Fledged" adults independent of their help. It will take us eons and eternities to go from Embryo to the state in which our father in heaven is at but make no mistake about it! We are his children; he will always be "our God!" and he will forever be teaching us the mysteries of life and of the cosmos; the home and life in which God now lives.
Why would we be invited to sit in his throne? What does it mean to sit on a throne? Sitting on a throne = presiding over those who are not Kings; Presiding as "Heirs to a King." sealing our fate as "Potential" Heirs to God's dominion and talents.
These things are promised to all those who do the "works" of the Lord and endure to the end. I don't know where you will be regarding all of this. I suggest if you are humble, and are a possessor of Charity in the last day, it might be well with you!
Did God make any children or are we not his children?
If inheriting the things of God also includes the ability to procreate, would this mean we could also do this in heaven? Why not? If God says he will give us "ALL THAT HE HATH" then what does "ALL" mean to you? If you do not believe these things, then you really don't believe the Bible and neither do anyone else in your sphere of influence if they're not teaching u these things.... do they?
We as latter-day saints don't believe in a "foreign" set of beliefs! All our beliefs come from the Bible. What separates us from others, is we believe the Bible 100%; all of it! Every Jot and Tittle and we deny them not!
We know who will NOT inherit the things of God is fairly well outlined;
1 Cor. 6: 9-10,
(See: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_cor/6 )
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/heir
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