What John The Revelator ACTUALLY Saw

Shocking new discoveries may change the way we view the Book of Revelation. Google "Revelation 12 + September 23, 2017" for added insight on what John the Revelator saw an what this means to those of "The House of Israel" and all who were adopted into this covenant be it Christian or otherwise... days of Tribulation are happening now. The great Tribulation is NOT yet but maybe 23 months away. Watch and be vigilant. (Revelation 16:15; 18:4)

To watch the Heavens preview from now till September 23, 2017, click this YouTube video below and continue watching. https://youtu.be/aH0SYG6OQXA?t=6h38m19s Start the space time lapse video, click: 1 day after Yom Teruah - "The Day of Trumpets" is the Revelation 12 sign (September 23, 2017) where many are now saying COULD be the beginning days of the "Great Tribulation" - the children of light will not be overtaken as a 'thief in the night." #greattribulation #rapture

The Laborers in the Vineyard - Elder Jeffrey R Holland

The Visitors Center @ The Portland, Oregon Temple Is Now Open

Like Us On Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/portlandvc

Physical Address

13600 SW Kruse Oaks Boulevard Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035-8602 United States

Mailing Address

13600 SW Kruse Oaks Blvd Lake Oswego, OR 97035-8602 Telephone: 503-639-7066 Fax: 503-620-8093 Distribution Services: 503-639-6359

Announcement: 7 April 1984

Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 20 September 1986 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Public Open House: 15 June–8 July 1989, Dedication: 19–21 August 1989 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Site: 7.3 acres.

Exterior Finish: White marble walls and slate roof.

Ordinance Rooms: Four ordinance rooms (stationary) and fourteen sealing. Total Floor Area: 80,500 square feet.

Temple Locale

Rising elegantly among towering Douglas-fir trees, the six spires of the marble-clad Portland Oregon Temple create a beautiful sight for motorists traveling Oregon's I-5, situated about 8 miles south of downtown Portland in Lake Oswego. On the east side of the temple is a serene reflection pool sitting at the base of the main spire. Visitors are welcome to walk among the gorgeous gardens that decorate the temple grounds and to obtain additional information at the public visitors' center that features films, displays, multimedia presentations, and a stunning reproduction of Thorvaldsen's Christus statue.

Temple Facts

The Portland Oregon Temple was the first temple built in Oregon. The Portland Oregon Temple sits on land originally purchased in the 1960s for a Church junior college. Later when that decision was reversed, 7.3 acres were retained for the temple. The two-story Celestial Room of the Portland Oregon Temple features three chandeliers, long wall tapestries, and a grand staircase.

On the top floor of the Portland Oregon Temple are a collection of sealing rooms with white marble altars and a large assembly hall. The floor plan created for the Portland Oregon Temple was adapted and used for the Las Vegas Nevada Temple.

On May 11, 1988, the gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni was set into place atop the 170-foot eastern spire to an audience of television cameras, newspaper photographers, and beaming Church members. A whopping 314,232 visitors toured the Portland Oregon Temple during its public open house. At the time, it was the fifth highest number of temple open house visitors in Church history.

President Ezra Taft Benson presided and offered remarks at the first three dedicatory sessions of the Portland Oregon Temple, though he extended the responsibility of offering the dedicatory prayer to his first counselor, Gordon B. Hinckley. In 1994, the Portland Oregon Temple was awarded first place by the Royal Rosarians of Portland, Oregon, in the category of commercial rose plantings. Portland is known as the "City of Roses."

On February 25, 2012, the Portland Oregon Temple Visitors' Center opened its doors to the public in the building adjacent to the temple that formerly housed Distribution Services—relocated a short distance away next to an operating Deseret Book store.

First Give Me The Heat, then I'll Add The Wood

Evidence before faith... sounds much like something I learned from Earl Nightingale when he would say about the man at the fire place, "First you give me heat and then I'll add the wood." Part of the process is faith. Faith is like putting the kindling, the fuel, and bringing the fire to the fire place.

We wouldn't begin to start building a fire if we did not have faith that it would warm us up once lit. All too often, critics of the church are asking us for the heat when if they intend to build their own fire, they must follow the steps that we did; so if we're warming up by what you think is a non existent fire, then I suppose you just don't know.

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche Suggested Reading: Alma Chapters 22, 32

My Children's Book is now an eBook - RTYEP in "The Last Eagle To Fly." $3.99

http://tinyurl.com/oadpggx - Thank you, #Authorhouse! http://tinyurl.com/oadpggx

Ralph, The Young Eagle Prince in The Last Eagle to Fly, By J.R. Nelson / Illustrated by Jared Johnson

BOOK REVIEWS:

"What a phenominal book to teach our children and grandchildren the laws of life. The story of Ralph is inspiring and we should all want to have our families read this series of books in our homes.We believe that these books will be read to children around the world for years to come. This is an absolute home run!"

Reid and Yvonne Nelson

"As parents to 11 children, we have read many books to young people. One of the joys of a parent is being able to read a book to a child. The "Ralph" series may just be the next book that America falls in love with. J.R. Nelson might be the next Dr. Seuse."

Dave and Valerie Johnson "Business owners"

"Kids love the idea of flying. They have this inner universe, exploring all possibilities in their mind. To them flying is as much reality as is swimming, just that you do that in the air."

Lydia Proschinger, Success Coach www.myspace.com/JaneInSerendipity

"It is about time that a childrens book with subject matter as important as this is presented to children and their parents. It is an easy read that also teaches children some very profound vocabulary words and their deep meanings. A highly recommended book for young developing minds." GerryRobert.com http://theldslife.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-childrens-book-is-now-ebook-rtyep-in.html

Open debate Between "AreZee Isme" vs "TheLdsLife"

YouTuber "AreZee Isme" writes:

Date:07/19/13 Message:

I understand your position. What you fail to realize is that Christians have made a covenant with Christ to make disciples of all men. To fail to spread the true gospel means failing to keep their covenant. LDS are fine people. Exemplary citizens. What Christians want is for LDS to realize their beliefs are heretical. We want to see you in Heaven. Would you have us stand idly while believing you are headed to perdition? That would be more than merely "rude". Eternity is at stake. Your missionaries try to lead others into accepting the false teachings of Joseph Smith. Christians cannot stand by and let that happen without at least trying to lead you back into the fold of orthodox belief. It is out of great love and concern for you that Christians must and will continue witnessing to LDS of the true faith in Crust.

Rebuttal:

Above all, know this: that, Truth is truth even if nobody believes it. Just ask Noah and his family... but I digress.

While appreciate your concern which seems so plausible especially when one listens to the way their pastors makes us sound or perhaps what another YouTube'r has had to say about us, it should always and more directly be about to which source are we getting our information. All must walk the path of discovery however it is usually the path least traveled that makes all of the difference.

When Joseph Smith went to a grove, he asked God about which church he should join and not "how can I help you establish the true one." I know by the power of the Holy Spirit that this did happen and so can you.

Just as Samuel the boy prophet did become so, so did our modern hero just as in the days we read about from the Bible. And as the Apostle Stephen surely saw God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ in a vision so did Joseph Smith. I know this apart from any man's opinion, apart from my father's words or the words of his father before him.

While you may have been given carefully crafted sermons on "how to reach out to your Mormon brethren" be the more you spend time with actual members of the church, the more the Ed Decker's or the Shawn McCraney's of the world appear to be 1 card short of a deck of cards.

You're welcome to listen to their witness alone, which is your choice, or the witness that we LDS give to all men but between you and I, I think John's words on the matter help to illuminate any mis-understood concept that may exist between how we interpret the scriptures and how others in the remaining 20,000 different sects of Christianity choose to interpret them. (1 John 5:9)

One must not need suppose that because we LDS differ in how we interpret or understand the scriptures that ours is much less permissible than the rest of main stream Christianity.

Questions for All:<i>What think y'all of the words in 1 John?

Can we men truly become objective thinkers enough to seek a witness from God above that of all other men?

It could be the opinions of men that a man who was born blind must have sinned before coming to the earth or perhaps his parents had sinned.

Wouldn't we need a great clarifier to know the truth behind this and any other matter?

Are Mormons damned to hell, in your minds, simply because this is something you are told about us?

If you use scriptures to support yours or their ideas about us, how much greater are you than they who used the "law" or the scriptures that were available to them in their day to condemn Jesus and crucify him?

A lot of damage can be and was done anciently in the name of God, using his scriptures as a weapon. Can we agree at least on this? They TOO thought that their behavior was justified in the scripture.

God desires that we should be prudent and to thoroughly seek him out APART from the opinions and ideas of other men, I should think. Question for AreZee Isme:

How much of what others tell you has helped you form your opinion about the Mormons?

He Has Already Paid The Price

By BY ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Adapted from an address given at a June 2001 mission presidents’ seminar in Provo, Utah. "Christ’s atoning sacrifice was for “all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” (original article found at http://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/04/the-atonement-and-faith?lang=eng)

The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Without this faith, the prophet Mormon said we are not fit to be numbered among the people of His Church (see Moroni 7:39). The first commandment Jehovah gave to the children of Israel was “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). We should always put the Savior first. This powerful idea—that we must have faith and put the Lord first in our lives—seems simple, but in practice many find it difficult.

The scriptures teach us that faith comes by hearing the word of God. The word of God, which comes to us by scripture, by prophetic teaching, and by personal revelation, teaches us that we are children of God the Eternal Father. It teaches us about the identity and mission of Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten Son, our Savior and Redeemer. Founded on our knowledge of those things, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a conviction and trust that God knows us and loves us and will hear our prayers and answer them with what is best for us.

Faith in the Lord is trust in the Lord. We cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord’s will and in the Lord’s timing. As a result, no matter how strong our faith is, it cannot produce a result contrary to the will of Him in whom we have faith. Remember that when your prayers do not seem to be answered in the way or at the time you desire. The exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is always subject to the order of heaven, to the goodness and will and wisdom and timing of the Lord. When we have that kind of faith and trust in the Lord, we have true security and serenity in our lives.

We look first to our Savior Jesus Christ. He is our model. Our model is not the latest popular hero of sports or entertainment. Similarly, our most precious possessions are not the expensive toys and diversions that encourage us to concentrate on what is temporary and to forget what is eternal. Our model—our first priority—is Jesus Christ. We must testify of Him and teach one another how we can apply His teachings and His example in our lives.

The Savior Builds Us Up President Brigham Young (1801–1877) gave us some practical advice on how to recognize Him whom we follow. “The difference between God and the Devil,” he said, “is that God creates and organizes, while the whole study of the Devil is to destroy.” 1 In that contrast we have an important example of the reality of “opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11). Remember that our Savior Jesus Christ always builds us up and never tears us down. We should apply the power of that example in the ways we use our time, including our recreation and our diversions. Consider the themes of the books, magazines, movies, television shows, and music we in the world have made popular by our patronage. Do the things portrayed in our chosen entertainment build up or tear down the children of God? During my lifetime I have seen a strong trend to set aside entertainment that builds up and dignifies the children of God and to replace it with portrayals and performances that are depressing, demeaning, and destructive. The powerful idea in this contrast is that whatever builds people up serves the cause of the Master, and whatever tears people down serves the cause of the adversary. We support one cause or the other every day by our patronage and by our thoughts and desires. This should remind us of our responsibility to support what is good and motivate us toward doing this in a way that will be pleasing to Him whose suffering offers us hope and whose example gives us direction.

Suffering Is Part of Repentance The central idea in the gospel of Jesus Christ—its most powerful idea, along with the universal Resurrection—is the Atonement of our Savior. We are His servants, and it is critical that we understand the role of the Atonement in our own lives and in the lives of those we teach. Essential to that understanding is an understanding of the relationship between justice and mercy and the Atonement, and the role of suffering and repentance in this divine process. The awful demands of justice upon those who have violated the laws of God—the state of misery and torment described in the scriptures—can be intercepted and swept away by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This relationship between justice on the one hand and mercy and the Atonement on the other is the core idea of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon teaches that the Savior does not redeem men in their sins: “The wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death” (Alma 11:41). The Savior came to redeem men from their sins upon the conditions of repentance (see Helaman 5:11).

One of those conditions of repentance is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, including faith in and reliance upon His atoning sacrifice. As Amulek taught, “He that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption” (Alma 34:16). This obviously means that the unrepentant transgressor must suffer for his own sins. Does it also mean that a person who repents does not need to suffer at all because the entire punishment is borne by the Savior? That cannot be the meaning because it would be inconsistent with the Savior’s other teachings.

What is meant by Alma 34:16 is that the person who repents does not need to suffer even as the Savior suffered for that sin. Sinners who are repenting will experience some suffering, but because of their repentance and the Atonement they will not experience the full, exquisite extent of eternal torment the Savior suffered for those sins. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), who gave such comprehensive teachings on repentance and forgiveness, said that personal suffering is a very important part of repentance. “One has not begun to repent until he has suffered intensely for his sins. … If a person hasn’t suffered,” he said, “he hasn’t repented.”

Lehi taught this principle when He said the Savior’s atoning sacrifice was for “all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered” (2 Nephi 2:7). The truly repentant sinner who comes to Christ with a broken heart and a contrite spirit has been through a process of personal pain and suffering for sin. He or she understands the meaning of Alma’s statement that none but the truly penitent are saved. Alma the Younger certainly understood this. Read his accounts in Mosiah 27 and in Alma 36. President Kimball said, “Very frequently people think they have repented and are worthy of forgiveness when all they have done is to express sorrow or regret at the unfortunate happening.” There is a big difference between the godly sorrow that worketh repentance (see 2 Corinthians 7:10), which involves personal suffering, and the easy and relatively painless sorrow for being caught, or the misplaced sorrow Mormon described as “the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin” (Mormon 2:13).

We Must Make a Mighty Change Why is it necessary for us to suffer on the way to repentance for serious transgressions? We tend to think of the results of repentance as simply cleansing us from sin, but that is an incomplete view of the matter. A person who sins is like a tree that bends easily in the wind. On a windy and rainy day, the tree bends so deeply against the ground that the leaves become soiled with mud, like sin. If we focus only on cleaning the leaves, the weakness in the tree that allowed it to bend and soil its leaves may remain. Similarly, a person who is merely sorry to be soiled by sin will sin again in the next high wind. The susceptibility to repetition continues until the tree has been strengthened. When a person has gone through the process that results in what the scriptures call “a broken heart and a contrite spirit,” the Savior does more than cleanse that person from sin. He gives him or her new strength. That strengthening is essential for us to realize the purpose of the cleansing, which is to return to our Heavenly Father. To be admitted to His presence, we must be more than clean. We must also be changed from a morally weak person who has sinned into a strong person with the spiritual stature to dwell in the presence of God. We must, as the scripture says, become “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord” (Mosiah 3:19). This is what the scripture means in its explanation that a person who has repented of his sins will forsake them. Forsaking sins is more than resolving not to repeat them. Forsaking involves a fundamental change in the individual. King Benjamin’s congregation described that mighty change by saying that they had “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2). Persons who have had that kind of change in their hearts have attained the strength and stature to dwell with God. That is one definition of what we call being saved. Repentance has been the message in every dispensation. The risen Lord emphasized this to the Nephites in explaining what He called “the gospel which I have given unto you” (3 Nephi 27:13): “Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day” (3 Nephi 27:20). In modern revelation, the Lord explained, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, they who believe not on your words, and are not baptized in water in my name, for the remission of their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, are damned, and shall not come into my Father’s kingdom where my Father and I am” (D&C 84:74).

Forgiveness Is Certain I conclude with a message of hope that is true for all but especially needed by those who think that repentance is too hard. Repentance is a continuing process needed by all because “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Repentance is possible, and then forgiveness is certain. President Kimball said: “Sometimes … when a repentant one looks back and sees the ugliness, the loathsomeness of the transgression, he is almost overwhelmed and wonders, ‘Can the Lord ever forgive me? Can I ever forgive myself?’ But when one reaches the depths of despondency and feels the hopelessness of his position, and when he cries out to God for mercy in helplessness but in faith, there comes a still, small, but penetrating voice whispering to his soul, ‘Thy sins are forgiven thee.’” When this happens, we have the fulfillment of the precious promise that God will take away the guilt from our hearts through the merits of His Son (see Alma 24:10). How comforting the promise in Isaiah 1:18 that “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” How glorious God’s own promise that “he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42). I testify that these words are true, that this message is the doctrine of Jesus Christ, the plan of God our Eternal Father, of which our Savior Jesus Christ is the author and finisher. I testify of Jesus Christ and of His prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and of the Restoration of the gospel in these latter days through the instrumentality of Joseph Smith.

We cannot have true faith in the Lord without also having complete trust in the Lord’s will and in the Lord’s timing. The truly repentant sinner who comes to Christ with a broken heart and a contrite spirit has been through a process of personal pain and suffering for sin. The state of misery and torment described in the scriptures can be intercepted and swept away by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When a person has “a broken heart and a contrite spirit,” the Savior does more than cleanse that person from sin. He gives him or her new strength.

Thy Faith, © by Judith A. Mehr Above: Detail from Godly Sorrow, by Douglas M. Fryer. Right: Detail from Christ in Gethsemane, by Heinrich Hoffman, courtesy C. Harrison Conroy Co. Inc.Christ in a Red Robe, by Minerva Tiechert, courtesy Church History Museum

You can ask Heavenly Father in prayer to increase your faith. You can help your faith grow by reading the scriptures (see Romans 10:17; Helaman 15:7-8). Your faith will increase as you strive to live the teachings of Jesus Christ (see Alma 32:28-29).

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!"

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

The Church's Official Position on "Gays and Lesbians."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement through a spokesman following the delivery of a petition by the Human Rights Campaign (broadcast quality video (.mov) and audio (.mp3) is available for media use. A YouTube version can be viewed or embedded here) : My name is Michael Otterson. I am here representing the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to address the matter of the petition presented today by the Human Rights Campaign. While we disagree with the Human Rights Campaign on many fundamentals, we also share some common ground. This past week we have all witnessed tragic deaths across the country as a result of bullying or intimidation of gay young men. We join our voice with others in unreserved condemnation of acts of cruelty or attempts to belittle or mock any group or individual that is different – whether those differences arise from race, religion, mental challenges, social status, sexual orientation or for any other reason. Such actions simply have no place in our society. This Church has felt the bitter sting of persecution and marginalization early in our history, when we were too few in numbers to adequately protect ourselves and when society’s leaders often seemed disinclined to help. Our parents, young adults, teens and children should therefore, of all people, be especially sensitive to the vulnerable in society and be willing to speak out against bullying or intimidation whenever it occurs, including unkindness toward those who are attracted to others of the same sex. This is particularly so in our own Latter-day Saint congregations. Each Latter-day Saint family and individual should carefully consider whether their attitudes and actions toward others properly reflect Jesus Christ’s second great commandment - to love one another. As a church, our doctrinal position is clear: any sexual activity outside of marriage is wrong, and we define marriage as between a man and a woman. However, that should never, ever be used as justification for unkindness. Jesus Christ, whom we follow, was clear in His condemnation of sexual immorality, but never cruel. His interest was always to lift the individual, never to tear down. Further, while the Church is strongly on the record as opposing same-sex marriage, it has openly supported other rights for gays and lesbians such as protections in housing or employment. The Church’s doctrine is based on love. We believe that our purpose in life is to learn, grow and develop, and that God’s unreserved love enables each of us to reach our potential. None of us is limited by our feelings or inclinations. Ultimately, we are free to act for ourselves. The Church recognizes that those of its members who are attracted to others of the same sex experience deep emotional, social and physical feelings. The Church distinguishes between feelings or inclinations on the one hand and behavior on the other. It’s not a sin to have feelings, only in yielding to temptation. There is no question that this is difficult, but Church leaders and members are available to help lift, support and encourage fellow members who wish to follow Church doctrine. Their struggle is our struggle. Those in the Church who are attracted to someone of the same sex but stay faithful to the Church’s teachings can be happy during this life and perform meaningful service in the Church. They can enjoy full fellowship with other Church members, including attending and serving in temples, and ultimately receive all the blessings afforded to those who live the commandments of God. Obviously, some will disagree with us. We hope that any disagreement will be based on a full understanding of our position and not on distortion or selective interpretation. The Church will continue to speak out to ensure its position is accurately understood. God’s universal fatherhood and love charges each of us with an innate and reverent acknowledgement of our shared human dignity. We are to love one another. We are to treat each other with respect as brothers and sisters and fellow children of God, no matter how much we may differ from one another. We hope and firmly believe that within this community, and in others, kindness, persuasion and goodwill can prevail.

His Hands - Make Your Hands Like The One From Galilee !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYcXBwTTUGA His hands tools of creation stronger than nations power without end and yet through them we find our truest friend his hands sermons of kindness healing men's blindness halting years of pain children waiting to be held again his hands would serve his whole life though showing man what hands might do giving, ever giving, endlessly each day was filled with selflessness and i'll not rest until i make up my hands what they could be 'til these hands become like those from galilee his hands lifting a leper warming a beggar calling back the dead breaking bread, five thousand fed his hands hushing contention pointing to heaven ever free of sin then bidding man to follow him his hands would serve his whole life though showing man what hands might do giving, ever giving, endlessly each day was filled with selflessness and i'll not rest until i make up my hands what they could be 'til these hands become like those from Galilee. His hands clasped in agony as he he lay pleading, bleeding in the garden while just moments away other hands betray him out of greed, shameful greed and then his hands are trembling straining to carry the beam that they've been led to as he stumbles through the streets heading towards the hill on which he died he would die they take his hands, his mighty hands, those gentle hands and then they pierce them, they pierce them he lets them, because of love from birth to death was selflessness and clearly now i see him with his hands calling to me and though i'm not yet as i would be he has shown me how i could be i will make my hands like those from Galilee. Read more at http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/148684/#T5cstkosaW9JakLT.99

Q & A with SolomonSpamming

@ THELDSLIFE
Did you know the mormons did not allow non-whites into their priesthood until 1978 when the gov't threatened to take their tax-exempt status?

Response: What is the priesthood? Who held it historically? The authority to act in "Who's" name? Until you give me a clear definition of what the priesthood is, how can you explain who is to hold it?

Did you know that not even ALL Jews were allowed to hold the priesthood?
Did you know that until 34-100 A.D. Gentiles were not allowed to hold the priesthood? The Seven Churches that were written to by Paul and also John were ALSO churches where the Gentiles had established churches in their midst. Each of these churches had the priesthood authority apart from the presence of Paul, Peter, or John.

P.S. - The Tax-Exempt Status issue was and continues to be a "Non-Factor." Blacks had always been a part of the LDS church and none were denied entrance, baptism, or helping with meaningful callings within the church. You got to get your facts straight! Furthermore, in our doctrine, the gospel of Christ is available to ALL men.

2 Nephi 26: 33 "...for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."


Your words:
Did you know the mormons teach that you will go to hell if you are not mormon?
Joseph Smith - When asked, "Will all be damned but Mormon?" he replied, "Yes, and a great portion of them unless they repent and work righteousness" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 119)

Answer: Unless ALL men repent... makes sense. All must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, show fruits for repentance, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (These things are all in the Bible) - This baptism must be performed by one with authority to do so. A counterfeit baptism will not work. In order to enter in at the straight gate, a man must be baptized. If baptism is a Key and there are MANY out there offering that key, then one should BE SURE that the key they hold onto helps get them past the "Pearly Gates."
There will be many, if not all, that will have the chance to choose "Eternal Life" between now and the end of the Millennium.

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." - 2 Nephi 2:27

Did you know there are many INVERTED PENTAGRAMS on LDS temples?

What do the symbols on the Temple mean to you?
Do you even see evil inverted pentagrams?
Is there something wrong with an actual pentagram?

"Inverted Pentagram
The pentagram may be inverted with one point down. The implication is of spirit subservient to matter, of man subservient to his carnal desires. The inverted pentagram has come to be seen by many pagans as representing the dark side and it is abhored as an evil symbol.
Fundamental christians, indeed, see any form of pentagram as such. However, these are recent developments and the inverted pentagram is the symbol of Gardnerian second degree initiation, representing the need of the person to learn to face the darkness within so that it may not later rise up to take control. The centre of a pentagram implies a sixth formative element - love/will which controls from within, ruling matter and spirit by Will and the controlled direction of sexual energies...

Protection against evil...

The pentagram has long been believed to be a potent protection against evil, a symbol of conflict that shields the wearer and the home. The pentagram has five spiked wards and a womb shaped defensive, protective pentagon at the centre. (Yes, protection against Evil is also Evil, eh?)

Here is a comprehensive look at temple symbolism and what those symbols really mean.

http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/

Also where symbols are placed and the number of each is also important.
Symbols have their meanings... perhaps one day, people will look back at the
"Symbol of the Stop Light" and wonder why we would ALL stop before it and pay it reverence.
Perhaps the Stop Light is Evil! HAHAHAHAHA...

Finding Strength And Hope Through Christ

The Work of Righteous Women

The work of righteous women ought never to be discounted or ignored. Their roles as Queens and Priestesses unto the most high God ought never to be forgotten. The role of Mother and Wife is the most important one in our heavenly father's plan for all of his children.

Joseph Smith from a "Mason's" Perspective

"In matters of religion and matrimony I never give any advice; because I will not have anybody’s torments in this world or the next laid to my charge." Lord Chesterfield(1694–1773), English statesman, man of letters. Letter, 12 Oct. 1765
(published in Lord Chesterfield’s Letters to His Godson, no. 73, Appendix, ed. by Earl of Carnarvon, 1890).

Those who fall into the category of 'Religious Intolerant' seem to have significant problems with the Mormon faith and its adherents. Whether by trickery or force, they make strong efforts to convert Mormons to their particular brand of salvation, generally attempting to defame the Mormon Church in any way possible. Many of those who are anti-Mormon are also, interestingly, anti-Mason as well despite the fact that one is a religion and the other, a fraternity. It's also curious that several of the most outspoken anti-Masons of today are also the most outspoken anti-Mormons.

Mormon founder, Joseph SmithA brief history: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, sometimes seen abbreviated as LDS, was organized by Joseph Smith after he experienced a series of visions from 1826 to 1830 that called him to restore true Christianity. Smith translated the Book of Mormon from gold plates that he said the angel Moroni revealed to him. His new religion drew converts rapidly but they were severely prosecuted by outsiders. They fled from New York to Ohio and Illinois where a mob, suspicious of the economic and political power of the Mormons as well as the Mormon practice of polygamy (having more than one wife), killed Smith and his brother Hyrum in Carthage, Illinois in 1844.

Much is made, primarily by 'religious intolerants', of supposed similarities between certain religious rites of Mormons and the ceremonies of Freemasonry. Conveniently overlooked is the fact that such similarities exist in many other institutions also. Freemasonry, as the oldest fraternity in the world, certainly had its ceremonies and forms copied either consciously or unconsciously throughout the past three centuries. Likewise, its forms and ceremonies did not arrive 'fully-formed' and have elements from institutions, beliefs, and societies well before their own existence. Whether any of this 'proves' that Joseph Smith was not a Prophet or that Mormonism is a false religion is specious at best and is irrelevant to the discussion from a Masonic perspective.

There is both a past and a present when discussions relative to Freemasonry and Mormonism occur. We'll begin with the past:

Freemasonry became acquainted with the Latter Day Saints at Nauvoo, Illinois in the 2½ years between March, 1842 and October, 1844. Although Freemasonry had been in Illinois since 1805, it's presence there was tenuous and a Grand Lodge formed in 1823 expired very shortly thereafter due to (according to Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia) poor administration. It was not until 1840 that another Grand Lodge was formed but it too met great difficulties, being soon after the Morgan Affair and encountering some jurisdictional disputes over lodges chartered by Missouri.

Joseph Smith had been expelled from Missouri as well and in 1839, settled in Commerce, soon renamed Nauvoo. The population of that location increased from almost nothing to somewhere between 8,000-10,000 souls. In another three years, it was the largest city in Illinois and second only to St. Louis in the whole Northwest. In 1841, Bodley Lodge at Quincy was asked to approve a body of petitioners for a charter at Nauvoo but refused. (There was at this time in many areas a requirement that a new lodge forming in the 'territory' of an established lodge ask permission to do so.) Later in the same year, Grand Master Jonas issued a dispensation and personally instituted the lodge at Nauvoo on March 15, 1842. Some Masonic scholars have indicated that Jonas might have done this for his own personal motives.

In any event, Joseph Smith was initiated the day the lodge was instituted and became a Master Mason the next. Bodley Lodge subsequently charged that the Grand Master had violated Masonic Law in the handling of certain matters surrounding this and on August 11, 1842, the Grand Master suspended the dispensation which had allowed the Lodge at Nauvoo to work.

In a period of less than 6 months, in excess of 250 Masons had been created - an extraordinary number for ANY lodge anywhere at any time. Additional lodges related to that at Nauvoo were 'springing up' in the area without following proper Masonic protocol and there were investigations into the Grand Master's conduct by the Grand Lodge which ordered that the spurious lodges be closed. Those orders were disobeyed and at the Grand Lodge communication of 1844, all Mormon lodges were declared clandestine and all their membership suspended. Coil's Masonic Encyclopedia says:

"These lodges might have continued as clandestine bodies had not the Mormons got into other difficulties. In 1844, a revolt which had been smoldering in the Mormon church broke out, resulting in considerable violence and in the flight of both Joseph and Hyrum Smith. In a few days, the Smiths returned, submitted to arrest and were jailed at Carthage, Ill., where on the afternoon of June 27, 1844, they were lynched and murdered by a mob."

(Masonicinfo Note: Historical accounts indicate that actual death occurred by shooting although apparently lynching was the original intent....)

Myth and legend claims that Joseph Smith used a uniquely Masonic 'signal' to garner assistance from the Masons at the time of his death. These reports persist to this day but were unsubstantiated at the time and remain so now. Additionally, there were conflicting statements from those closest to him physically when his murder occurred. What really happened is obscured by the frenzy of the mob activity, the motivations of the person recounting the story, and the passage of time.

Thereafter, the Mormons made their long and arduous trek across the barren plains and desert, seeking asylum. Brigham Young succeeded to the presidency of the Mormon Church and in the Great Salt Lake Valley, he set his exiled people to work with order and industry, building what was probably the first large-scale system of irrigation in the West.

Because, however, of the stigma of the events in Illinois as well as the moral outrage felt by Masons over the issue of polygamy which the Mormons were then practicing, Grand Lodges in both Nevada and Utah banned Mormons from Masonic membership en masse for several decades thereafter.

Salt Lake City TempleToday, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are free to become Masons and vice-versa without any hindrance whatsoever. A common 'threat' made by some religious intolerants is that Mormons are not able to advance in their Church or its rites if they are known to be Masons. Many Masons who are of that faith will readily attest to the fallacy of this statement.

Regardless of whether there exist similarities between certain Mormon Temple Rituals and Freemasonry (or with anything else for that matter), it is not a concern of Freemasonry. Using this argument against Freemasonry is but another 'red herring' employed by those who seek to defame the fraternity and divert the discourse. Persons with common sense realize that what the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or any other religious body does or does not do has no effect whatsoever on the functioning of a totally separate and different organization.

Masonicinfo Note: The material above has been necessarily brief. It has been prepared for those who might have heard of some 'link' between the LDS and Freemasonry and were curious. It does not attempt to describe the entire history of Mormonism nor the entire history of Freemasonry during that period but instead is intended as a capsule summary, fairly (we hope) presenting events and circumstances. We trust you have found it unbiased and interesting.

http://www.masonicinfo.com/mormons.htm



As a Mormon and Master Mason, I can say you have done a fine job with this presentation. It's about time people quit being hysterical about both organizations. The one thing.... THE **ONE*** thing, first and foremost amongst Masons is the building up of good men, helping them become better men. That, above all else, is the serious motto of Masonry. "TheBackyardProfessor"


"What the critics blithely ignore are the many instances when God's appointed prophets used tools to accomplish their work: Moses using his staff to divide the Red Sea, Moses hitting the rock with his staff to bring forth water, Aaron's rod, etc., even Jesus used a mud plaster to heal a blind man's eyes. It's pretty obvious to me that God does allow the use of tools in his works. Then again, many of our critics are allergic to the idea of works having anything to do with salvation, so why would anybody need tools. Of course, I've noticed also from my work in apologetics, amateur though I be, that some of the critics blithely skip over the Old Testament, feeling that it isn't as relevant as the New Testament, especially the writings of Paul. I guess that might be one reason they feel the Book of Mormon isn't relevant, either.

Well, anyway, great video. Keep up the good work! And now you know where I'm coming from, too. :)" Youtube User; Arklyn

Find out what Masons think about Joseph Smith or the Mormons go to http://www.masonicinfo.com/mormons.htm

The Official Website for FreeMasonry http://freemasonry.org/
For an article about Joseph Smith and his involvement with the freemason's,

click this link; http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith...
For questions about "Temple Symbolism" visit http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltl...

The official website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Mormon Church, visit http://www.lds.org or http://www.mormon.org

Proving Colossians - Scriptures are not meant for "Private Interpretation" or to be read out of Context

On one of my YT video threads, I had just a Book, Chapter and verse to review. I'm not criticizing him for leaving the scripture. It's a wonderful verse but it, in kind, is an example of 'scripture mining' and reading them out of context. In this blog entry, I attempt to bring this scripture to life as it was left on my comment thread as still born.

Take Col 2:8 for example; let me give you a full and complete background for it.

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Col 2:8

Who: Paul is writing. To whom? The Church in Colossae, or the Colossians.
Why? Or what problems were they facing in that early church?

The warning was written to the saints or members of the church as Colossians and in this verse, he counsels them to avoid the traditions of their day; from the article, "Unearthing Ancient Colossae in Southern Turkey: theology and archaeology in dialogue." by Michael Tanner, we learn,

"Some Colossian Christians had become very attracted to the ascetical and religious practices of local folk religions. The exact nature of these practices is uncertain though it is clear that they contained a mixture of pagan elements and Jewish ascetical practices, combined with the worship of local and foreign deities."
(ie, Roman or Greek Gods... Zeus, Jupiter, etc...)

Let's apply this apples to apples comparison to our day;

What Paul warned the the Colossian Church about could very well equate to our celebration of Christmas and Easter. Now I like both Christmas and Easter but not for the reasons we see them portrayed.

Christmas = Family and Presents ... or it is a time to reflect on Jesus Christ; his birth, life and resurrection.

Easter = A bunny who hides eggs for the world to find?
or we take time out to reflect on Christ's suffering for our sins, his death, and resurrection on the 3rd day.
Or we celebrate this to the "Letter of the Law" like Orthodox Christians do and reject it altogether... but I see no harm in having special days of the year to reflect on the life of Christ...

In addition:
The thinkers who lived in Colossae were into philosophy, science, astronomy and all manner of intellectual thinking. Paul wrote this letter to the church in order to help them fortify against the ideas that were espoused by those men of the City which did not support God as being the supreme being.
They thought they knew of themselves and their wisdom of the cosmos trumped the understanding of God's people and his prophet, Peter... or the 12 Apostles, as well.

Such "Theorists" of Evolution, "Big Bang" and other non-creationist ideas prevail in our world today compare to the "great thinkers" in Colossae and is an "Apples to Apples comparison."

However, the more powerful the "telescope," the more support through evidence proves that the universe is "Galaxies without End" and denotes the hand of a "Great Creator" vs a big bang.

http://www.compassreview.org/summer02/8.html

Conclusion;
Scriptures are not meant for private interpretation. They are not just words you can apply as a "Blanket CoverAll" over things that disagree with your assessment of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I invite you to read scriptures in context. As I've said before, they are not just words to interpret. It was written for the church and canonized in scripture. Canonization does not mean blanket cover over all themes based on the understanding of the "reader." You were neither alive during their day nor are you a member of Paul's congregation. The Church of Jesus Christ of "Latter-day Saints" claims to be a modern counterpart to the early church & of the same organization. Just because your understanding of the gospel differs from Latter-day Prophets does not mean that we are not a modern extension of the early church.

I could do the same thing for you about Galatians 1:6-9... just about any other with proper preparation and study into the "context." What happens when people actually read the scriptures in the proper context, is they lean towards accepting the "True Gospel of Jesus Christ." as it is taught by modern prophets because those folks quickly realize that understanding prophecy is beyond them and an accurate understanding of the scriptures were best held by the prophets who wrote them. Those people yearn for the understanding of the prophets and imagine what it was like to sit down at Peter's feet to learn doctrine... and then they question to themselves, "Could those guys [Mormons] really have a prophet or not? But as long as you rely on your own understanding, which is limited to the understanding of men, it's a never ending cycle of "I know better because this verse says this..." or "My pastor says this..." never putting your own credentials or the credentials of others in check.

But if you interpret them privately or accept the private interpretations of your pastors and colleagues, they are just words that are hoped to befuddle or debunk the LDS church given without power or precedent. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only church on the face of the earth that claims revelation from God through his prophets. I testify that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of the Lord and the prophet of the restoration. That Thomas S. Monson is a prophet and the current steward in Zion. I know that I learn the Gospel at the foot of prophets and I testify that priesthood authority is held by those men as well as myself, being an Elder in this church... the same sort of Elder found mentioned of in James 5:14

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Standard Erected - Our message to the world, even an ensign to all nations!

Well our peaceful message is simply this;

God wants to call prophets. Because he loves us, he wants us to know his son, Jesus Christ, and the atonement he has made for men so that we too may be healed and washed clean from our sins. God wants all to be partakers of eternal life with him in the kingdom of his father, which is also our father.Our message is that he does and that he did again in the final days before his return. The only true way to understand the will of the Lord is by knowing it through his prophets.

Even Isaiah has said,

"For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts." - Isaiah 28:8-9

Vomit meaning "partially consumed word of God spewed out having been influenced by men's interpretation." Filthiness = (blushes) erm... well, yeah. (Poop) Digested food or digested word of God. Even excrement has SOME un-digested nutrients left in it. God's word with lost meaning or lost in translation. Who is up for Poop Soup? Apparently much of the world is.
Wouldn't you and I rather take our nourishment from Mother's breast?

Most Christians consider us [Mormons] as a lesser version of Christianity because they assume that our gospel looks different than the one the way they understand it. Mainstream Christians only understand the gospel based on the source in which they draw forth living waters. What we claim, as Latter-day Saints, is access to these living waters from the "Rock," or a pure stream of living water. Just as Moses smote the rock and water came out to replenish the children of Israel, modern prophets do this for us today. [Compare Numbers Chapter 20]

Our water definitely looks different than water that has traveled downstream, picking up sediments and other influences of the earth as it travels across the ground heading towards the oceans and seas... but how can one know whether we are "Main Spring" Christians or not? We don't just say, "Hey, we're LDS! Hear and believe our message." by means of "Scriptural or Doctrinal Knowledge"
We're not converted by spiritualism either...

The Lord has promised that we could know for assurance that we have living prophets today by testing the fruits of that prophet responsible for the restoration. One way to do so is to read the Book of Mormon and ask God if this work comes from him and then subsequently, had chosen Joseph to be a prophet.

Moroni, the last steward to the Book of Mormon therein gives us a promise;

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
Moroni 10:3-5

The experiment has been set forth in the realm of human learning and in the laboratories of our minds. What most folks now have permission to do is simply discover for themselves. Men can ignore it altogether by whatever reason they can imagine; they can listen to the opinions of others and choose not to test these things out. They can also just be disaffected by the whole thing and never get around to it. But Christ has promised great blessings to those who become,
"As a little child..." For theirs is the kingdom of heaven and always has been. But none can say that the opportunity was not provided them who now live on the earth and come into contact with it.

The question on my mind is; Who will humble themselves enough to test these things out? Satan has been busy hardening hearts even since the days of Jesus when he speaks to his disciples saying,

"He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." John 12:40

My prayer for all men is that they soften their hearts to make the experiment, setting aside all previous opinions had by men about this book or the church that preaches from it.

If Einstein had conceded to the previous concepts written about the Universe; most of which, were made by Newton his hero, he might not ever have pushed through that barrier of understanding enough to test his theory of general relativity. In like manner, regardless of your previous understanding of things, I would exhort you, as Moroni did, that you test these things out for yourself.

My prayer is that you rely on God alone to know this "Marvelous work and a wonder" long prophesied by Isaiah should come about in our day. (Isaiah 29:11-14) That you may be the fruit harvested in the Lord's vineyard as well as a laborer in the vineyard, as the days of the Lord's return draw ever so close; even in the 11th hour does he call laborers to help lay up fruit against the season.

Josh Nelson

P.S. We believe we have a living prophet today just as God continued calling prophets after Moses. Joseph Smith was a modern day Moses for the contemporary gathering of Israel and in like manner, we have a prophet on the earth today. We have had modern day versions of Joshua, and Samuel and Isaiah and more. Thomas S. Monson is the current prophet and by him, we better understand the mission of Jesus Christ and how to be saved in the kingdom

From Malachi to Joseph; the Prophecies of Malachi have been and are becoming fulfilled

http://en.fairmormon.org/Temples/Elias_and_Elijah_at_the_Kirtland_Temple



Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Malachi 4:5-6

What do we know about Malachi's prophecy about Elijah coming back? The Jews suggest that he is still supposed to return by setting an extra plate at their table during the "passover." ... but only one Church has recorded a visit from this prophet as he came to the temple in Kirtland, Ohio to visit the prophet Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith was the promised messenger also mentioned by Malachi!

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:1, 2-5)

Some suggest that this messenger was John the Baptist but they do not understand the scriptures;
Nahum and Malachi used the same words to describe the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" which we know as the second coming;

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. (Nahum 1:6)

This prophecy of Malachi indeed is a "latter-day" prophecy for he used words such as,
"Who shall abide the day of his coming?" and "Who shall be able to stand?" in reference to the massive destruction predicted shall happen shortly before the return of the Messiah.

The full account of Jesus Christ coming to the temple and the visitation of Elijah is as follows;
Doctrine and Covenants Section 110

The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.
2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.
3 His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
4 I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.
5 Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.
6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.
7 For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.
8 Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house.
9 Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the ablessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this house.
10 And the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people. Even so. Amen.
11 After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north.
12 After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed.
13 After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:
14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—
15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—
16 Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.

...he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Acts 3:20-25

Joseph Smith is that "said prophet" which should come to prepare the way of the Lord; This restitution of all things has been under way for decades. Malachi 3:1-2 This latter-day work has moved forward and continues to fill the whole earth.
(See also Daniel Chapter 2)