So, according to Blogspot, my last entry was May 15th. I think it is lying, but I have no proof otherwise.
A lot has happened since then. I found I was moving to California, then found out I wasn't moving to California and had to rediscover a lot of things about myself. Through the ups and downs, I really didn't feel like writing...or much of anything else.
Enough feeling sorry for myself, let's do some writing.
God vs Family vs Country.
I don't see a conflict.
God commanded Adam and Eve to be fruitful and to multiply and replenish the earth. Essentially he commanded them to form a family. At the core of LDS beliefs is the fact that the family is the most important of societal units, and God has strict commandments on how this family is to be formed. Parents have a sacred obligation to teach their children the commandments of God and His principles. I believe that no other success can compensate for failure in the home. To serve God, I believe it begins in the family.
God vs Country. One of my favorite heroes in scripture is Captain Moroni, from the Book of Mormon. He was a soldier of whom it was said Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. During his life, while serving as Chief Captain of the Army, a wicked man sought to be king, and had acquired a strong following. In response to this he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole. This became known as the Title of Liberty. Serving his country, he was defending his right, and that of his people to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience. Serving his country, he was also protecting his family.
If one places God in His proper place in their lives, they will fulfill their obligations to family and country. Being in the service of your fellow man places you in the service of God.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Faith, a principle of action
But without faith it is impossible to pleas him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the Gospel. For, without faith, why would I seek Him or seek to emulate Him, or keep His commandments?
Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.
Faith in Christ is not a perfect knowledge of Him. Why would I require faith if I had an absolute knowledge? Faith in Christ is a hope that He not can, but will save me. Faith implies that if I keep his commandments, His grace is sufficient to save me. Faith is that spark that motivates me to righteousness.
How does one obtain Faith? Paul answers by asking How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? He starts out with the ultimate goal and works his way back. Faith is ultimately a gift from God. He must send messengers to preach the name of Jesus. There is then a seed that will begin to grow that will eventually lead us to prayer. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Another prophet, Alma, wrote if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
We are invited to experiment on his words. Jesus taught My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any many will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. The true test of any doctrine is to apply it.
Alma continues, Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves-It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown to a perfect knowledge.
After having endured the test of time, and having had to time to work itself in you, the seed, he explains, continues to grow. It grows into a tree, and as it grows, your faith increases, and eventually will bear fruit, and progress to a perfect knowledge.
However, like all real trees, this one requires constant nourishment and care otherwise it will die. And we cannot blame the seed, for we have already proven it was a good seed.
Faith implies more than simply believing. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James then continues What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Our faith is shown by our actions. The devil believes in God, and look where he is.
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the Gospel. For, without faith, why would I seek Him or seek to emulate Him, or keep His commandments?
Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.
Faith in Christ is not a perfect knowledge of Him. Why would I require faith if I had an absolute knowledge? Faith in Christ is a hope that He not can, but will save me. Faith implies that if I keep his commandments, His grace is sufficient to save me. Faith is that spark that motivates me to righteousness.
How does one obtain Faith? Paul answers by asking How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? He starts out with the ultimate goal and works his way back. Faith is ultimately a gift from God. He must send messengers to preach the name of Jesus. There is then a seed that will begin to grow that will eventually lead us to prayer. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Another prophet, Alma, wrote if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
We are invited to experiment on his words. Jesus taught My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any many will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. The true test of any doctrine is to apply it.
Alma continues, Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves-It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown to a perfect knowledge.
After having endured the test of time, and having had to time to work itself in you, the seed, he explains, continues to grow. It grows into a tree, and as it grows, your faith increases, and eventually will bear fruit, and progress to a perfect knowledge.
However, like all real trees, this one requires constant nourishment and care otherwise it will die. And we cannot blame the seed, for we have already proven it was a good seed.
Faith implies more than simply believing. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James then continues What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Our faith is shown by our actions. The devil believes in God, and look where he is.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Sermon on the Mount Part 1 of 3
In the beginning part of His mortal ministry, Jesus gave one of the most beautiful and moving sermons of all time. Only that of the Last Supper, in my opinion, can even compare. It is my desire to share some of my insights that I have gained and learned through my study of it. This is in no way comprehensive, and should be seen as anyone's opinion but myself. And allow me to throw in my standard hypocrite clause. I am not perfect, do not pretend to be perfect, so please feel free to brand me as a hypocrite if you feel I preach something that I could follow better. If perfection were the standard we held all preachers of righteousness to, only one Man would have ever taught. Sometimes you just have to make do with what you have.
Today, I simply wish to discuss Matthew 5. It can be broken into 4 logical parts.
Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
James E Talmage, in his book, Jesus the Christ, (a great read by the way, if anyone is interested in a 900 page book on the life and mission of Jesus Christ) states this about being the salt of the world.
Salt is the great preservative; as such it has had practical use since very ancient times. Salt was prescribed as an essential addition to every meat offering under the Mosaic law. Long before the time of Christ, the use of salt had been accorded a symbolism of fidelity, hospitality, and covenant. To be of use salt must be pure to be of any saving virtue as salt, it must be salt indeed, and not the product of chemical alteration or of earthly admixture, whereby is saltiness or “savor” would be lost; and, as worthless stuff, it would be fit only to be thrown away. Against such change of faith, against such admixture with the sophistries, so-called philosophies, and heresies of the times, the disciples were especially warned.
He then calls his disciples the light of the world, and commands that they allow others to see this light that others may want to follow their example and possess this light. What more effective tool is there than living the values Christ taught in such a way that others want to follow your example? I truly believe we will be held accountable for the souls we could have helped save if we had but lived righteously.
Jesus then explains his role in relation to the Law of Moses. This is an interesting back drop; the Giver of the Law himself explaining His role to the people that had been living it for the past 1200 years. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
He then contrasts His law to that of Moses (which He also gave). His law was superior in every way. Under the Law of Moses, it was unlawful to kill; under his Law, to even be mad at ones brother was to be in danger of jeopardy. We are to do everything in our power to be reconciled with our fellow man. He even explains if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remeberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. To be at peace with God, we must be free of any offense against our brethren.
Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Under the old law, adultery was forbidden. Under the law of Christ, to look upon a person with lust has committed adultery in their heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. He is not advocating self mutilation, in another, similar address he says this instead For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross than that ye should be cast into hell. What he is really referencing is removing the things from our lives that cause us to sin.
The Law of Moses required those that made oaths to follow through. Under the law of Christ, one’s man word was to be considered his bond. Why would we swear by the heavens, when we did not control them, God did? Our word alone should be our bond.
The law of Moses dictated an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. Jesus taught “whatsoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” He was not advocating that we do not defend ourselves, but I think that vengeance should not be the guiding force in our lives. We are to forgive and move on.
The heart of the Message, Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?
If you only love those that love you, how are you any different than those that are wicked? They do the same.
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
I have written on this before. To be perfect as the Father is something that simply will not happen in this life. To be perfect in this sense is to be complete, whole, fully developed. This life is a stage of learning. We need to exercise our faith in Christ, and be perfected in Him.
Today, I simply wish to discuss Matthew 5. It can be broken into 4 logical parts.
1. The Beatitudes
2. "Ye are the salt/light of the world"
3. Jesus and his relation to the Law of Moses
4. A comparison of His higher law to that of Moses
Jesus begins the Sermon with what is now known as the Beatitudes. He begins by saying "Blessed are the..." and names a group of people that are generally not thought of as blessed, and names a reward in contrast to their current state.1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
2. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted
3. Blessed are they that which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled
4. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy
5. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God
6. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
7. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
8. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.
Please note, that these blessings in their fullness will not be realized in this life. They will be given their full meaning in the Life to come. Those that are poor will inherit heaven; those that mourn, comfort; those that hunger, will be fed. God will recompense us many fold.Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
James E Talmage, in his book, Jesus the Christ, (a great read by the way, if anyone is interested in a 900 page book on the life and mission of Jesus Christ) states this about being the salt of the world.
Salt is the great preservative; as such it has had practical use since very ancient times. Salt was prescribed as an essential addition to every meat offering under the Mosaic law. Long before the time of Christ, the use of salt had been accorded a symbolism of fidelity, hospitality, and covenant. To be of use salt must be pure to be of any saving virtue as salt, it must be salt indeed, and not the product of chemical alteration or of earthly admixture, whereby is saltiness or “savor” would be lost; and, as worthless stuff, it would be fit only to be thrown away. Against such change of faith, against such admixture with the sophistries, so-called philosophies, and heresies of the times, the disciples were especially warned.
He then calls his disciples the light of the world, and commands that they allow others to see this light that others may want to follow their example and possess this light. What more effective tool is there than living the values Christ taught in such a way that others want to follow your example? I truly believe we will be held accountable for the souls we could have helped save if we had but lived righteously.
Jesus then explains his role in relation to the Law of Moses. This is an interesting back drop; the Giver of the Law himself explaining His role to the people that had been living it for the past 1200 years. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
He then contrasts His law to that of Moses (which He also gave). His law was superior in every way. Under the Law of Moses, it was unlawful to kill; under his Law, to even be mad at ones brother was to be in danger of jeopardy. We are to do everything in our power to be reconciled with our fellow man. He even explains if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remeberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. To be at peace with God, we must be free of any offense against our brethren.
Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Under the old law, adultery was forbidden. Under the law of Christ, to look upon a person with lust has committed adultery in their heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. He is not advocating self mutilation, in another, similar address he says this instead For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross than that ye should be cast into hell. What he is really referencing is removing the things from our lives that cause us to sin.
The Law of Moses required those that made oaths to follow through. Under the law of Christ, one’s man word was to be considered his bond. Why would we swear by the heavens, when we did not control them, God did? Our word alone should be our bond.
The law of Moses dictated an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. Jesus taught “whatsoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” He was not advocating that we do not defend ourselves, but I think that vengeance should not be the guiding force in our lives. We are to forgive and move on.
The heart of the Message, Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?
If you only love those that love you, how are you any different than those that are wicked? They do the same.
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
I have written on this before. To be perfect as the Father is something that simply will not happen in this life. To be perfect in this sense is to be complete, whole, fully developed. This life is a stage of learning. We need to exercise our faith in Christ, and be perfected in Him.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
My Political Soapbox
I the Great State of Utah, I am very much in the political minority. I will read comments in forums in the local newspapers, and I just want to facepalm myself every time I read these. I don't mind if people disagree with me politically, please just be informed in your opinion.
Today, my vexes are "Anchor babies" and the 17th Amendment.
First of all, why are dehumanizing an innocent child by calling them "Anchor baby"? The child has done nothing wrong, and will ultimately suffer because of us. Currently, the 14th amendment states that anyone born on US soil (with the exception of children of Ambassadors) is a United States Citizen. No ifs, ands or buts. That is fantastic. Currently, there is a movement to repeal the 14th amendment. Why? I enjoy my citizenship because I was born here.
About a year ago, I read an article about a state senator in California that stated "It takes more than walking across the border to be a citizen, it takes soul"? Really? What part of being born here is "soul" because that is exactly how he got his citizenship, and I got mine. Heart and soul had no part in where I was born. I was lucky, and so was he.
Requiring that a parent be a citizen or a legal resident to pass citizenship on the child is punishing the child for the "sins of the fathers". Think about it, to prove your citizenship, you then have to prove your parents were citizens. So when my grandchild goes to register to vote, they would need to prove that my daughter was here legally when he was born.
The Scriptures claim this to be a land of promise, why are seeking to deny others the blessings of this land? We are a nation built on immigration and strengthened through our differences. Why are seeking to change what we know has worked in the past?
Now the 17th amendment. This has to be a Utah thing! There are people, I read them everyday, that are pushing to take away my right to vote for senator (not that it does me any good since everyone here votes Republican). They claim that the Founders intended the States to be represented, and this takes away their representation. What a load of....lies. Under James Madison, the States would have been done away with, and only the people represented! Look at the Preamble..."We the People" not "We the States". In this nation, the People are Sovereign, not the States.
The whole point of senators being chosen by their States in the first place was because the Founding Fathers did not trust the uninformed farmer to make a wise decision when voting. With today's technology, there is no excuse to be uninformed. More direct representation is a good thing, even if I disagree with the nutcakes my states seems to keep electing.
I mean really?
Today, my vexes are "Anchor babies" and the 17th Amendment.
First of all, why are dehumanizing an innocent child by calling them "Anchor baby"? The child has done nothing wrong, and will ultimately suffer because of us. Currently, the 14th amendment states that anyone born on US soil (with the exception of children of Ambassadors) is a United States Citizen. No ifs, ands or buts. That is fantastic. Currently, there is a movement to repeal the 14th amendment. Why? I enjoy my citizenship because I was born here.
About a year ago, I read an article about a state senator in California that stated "It takes more than walking across the border to be a citizen, it takes soul"? Really? What part of being born here is "soul" because that is exactly how he got his citizenship, and I got mine. Heart and soul had no part in where I was born. I was lucky, and so was he.
Requiring that a parent be a citizen or a legal resident to pass citizenship on the child is punishing the child for the "sins of the fathers". Think about it, to prove your citizenship, you then have to prove your parents were citizens. So when my grandchild goes to register to vote, they would need to prove that my daughter was here legally when he was born.
The Scriptures claim this to be a land of promise, why are seeking to deny others the blessings of this land? We are a nation built on immigration and strengthened through our differences. Why are seeking to change what we know has worked in the past?
Now the 17th amendment. This has to be a Utah thing! There are people, I read them everyday, that are pushing to take away my right to vote for senator (not that it does me any good since everyone here votes Republican). They claim that the Founders intended the States to be represented, and this takes away their representation. What a load of....lies. Under James Madison, the States would have been done away with, and only the people represented! Look at the Preamble..."We the People" not "We the States". In this nation, the People are Sovereign, not the States.
The whole point of senators being chosen by their States in the first place was because the Founding Fathers did not trust the uninformed farmer to make a wise decision when voting. With today's technology, there is no excuse to be uninformed. More direct representation is a good thing, even if I disagree with the nutcakes my states seems to keep electing.
I mean really?
Friday, April 29, 2011
Who are you?
We are the offspring of God
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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.
You are a literal child of God. That is why we call Him our Heavenly Father. Humanity enjoys that uniqueness of all creation, we are the only creation that can claim Him as our Father.
Think about being an heir of God. To be an heir is to receive an inheritance. To be a joint-heir with Christ. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. To be a joint-heir in that. Think about that for a moment.
You have a divine heritage, and have limitless potential. The only thing that stands in your way, is whatever you allow. I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me. Jesus himself said With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Take a few moments and look at the stars. Think of everything God has created. The created this world, the sun, the moon, the stars, the very Universe itself, and yet, you, you are worth more than all of them combined.
Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. Jesus loved YOU that He have His life that you could realize your potential.
For behold, this is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Our Father's every thought, His drive, His focus is on your progression. This whole world, and everything that goes with it was created with you in mind. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
Bottom line, you are the child of a King, and that makes you royalty.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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.
You are a literal child of God. That is why we call Him our Heavenly Father. Humanity enjoys that uniqueness of all creation, we are the only creation that can claim Him as our Father.
Think about being an heir of God. To be an heir is to receive an inheritance. To be a joint-heir with Christ. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. To be a joint-heir in that. Think about that for a moment.
You have a divine heritage, and have limitless potential. The only thing that stands in your way, is whatever you allow. I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me. Jesus himself said With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Take a few moments and look at the stars. Think of everything God has created. The created this world, the sun, the moon, the stars, the very Universe itself, and yet, you, you are worth more than all of them combined.
Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. Jesus loved YOU that He have His life that you could realize your potential.
For behold, this is my work and my glory-to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Our Father's every thought, His drive, His focus is on your progression. This whole world, and everything that goes with it was created with you in mind. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
Bottom line, you are the child of a King, and that makes you royalty.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Master Healer
About 120 years before the birth of Christ, a prophet wrote of him: "For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases. And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men."
Just look at the list of what it was said He would do. I wish to focus on Him healing the sick.
Early in His ministry, a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus and he said to the man "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." Obviously this man had done something to receive the fate he had, but also note He had not physically healed this man. The people hearing this accused Jesus of blasphemy, for only God could forgive sins. Jesus replied "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether it is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?"
For Jesus, one was just as easy as the other. But he continues "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (the saith he to the sick of the palsy) Arise, take up the bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house."
Which was the greater miracle? The forgiving of sins, or the restoration of the ability to walk? The restoration of the ability to walk was only done to prove He could forgive sins. He can heal us inside and out.
But what does innocent Jesus, who never sinned, know of a broken family? What does He know of battles with drugs, or alcoholism? What does He know of feeling inadequate, and not being "good enough"? How can an omnipotent being understand me?
It has been written "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the sicknesses if his people...and he will take upon him their infirmities" Even though Jesus never sinned, he still felt the same temptations that come with being human. He also took upon him our sicknesses? Why? "that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."
So the whole point of his taking our sicknesses and infirmities upon Him was so he could learn how to better aid us? What love He has.
"the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance." So He took our sickness, weaknesses, and our sins upon Him. In a very literal sense, Jesus knows exactly what you are going through, because He too lived through it! He can do far more than heal a physical sickness! He can heal the sickness of not thinking you are good enough (He would not have given his life if you weren't), He can heal the sickness of Drug addiction, or the sickness of a broken family!
When Moses was leading the Israelites through the wilderness, they were attacked by serpents, and many were sick. The Lord commanded Moses to "Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live."
A serpent being raised upon a pole has since become the symbol for medicine throughout history. But it also has a symbolism of Jesus on the cross. Look to Him, and live!
Does this mean all one has to do is simply pray and expect to be healed? By no mean. God has blessed us in this day and age with advances in medicine, psychiatry, and other means of counseling. I believe God wants us to use ALL of our resources available, in addition to our prayers. Faith in God must be shown in our works.
If you are depressed, please seek help. As you seek help, God will bless you with healing. If you feel like suicide is an answer, please seek help. While prayer is a powerful tool, please call a friend. God often answers prayers through other people. There is no situation so bad, that God cannot heal. There is no pain He is unfamiliar with.
He has healed me, several times. I have been a tool used to help heal. He is a God of Miracles!
Just look at the list of what it was said He would do. I wish to focus on Him healing the sick.
Early in His ministry, a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus and he said to the man "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." Obviously this man had done something to receive the fate he had, but also note He had not physically healed this man. The people hearing this accused Jesus of blasphemy, for only God could forgive sins. Jesus replied "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether it is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?"
For Jesus, one was just as easy as the other. But he continues "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (the saith he to the sick of the palsy) Arise, take up the bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house."
Which was the greater miracle? The forgiving of sins, or the restoration of the ability to walk? The restoration of the ability to walk was only done to prove He could forgive sins. He can heal us inside and out.
But what does innocent Jesus, who never sinned, know of a broken family? What does He know of battles with drugs, or alcoholism? What does He know of feeling inadequate, and not being "good enough"? How can an omnipotent being understand me?
It has been written "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the sicknesses if his people...and he will take upon him their infirmities" Even though Jesus never sinned, he still felt the same temptations that come with being human. He also took upon him our sicknesses? Why? "that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."
So the whole point of his taking our sicknesses and infirmities upon Him was so he could learn how to better aid us? What love He has.
"the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance." So He took our sickness, weaknesses, and our sins upon Him. In a very literal sense, Jesus knows exactly what you are going through, because He too lived through it! He can do far more than heal a physical sickness! He can heal the sickness of not thinking you are good enough (He would not have given his life if you weren't), He can heal the sickness of Drug addiction, or the sickness of a broken family!
When Moses was leading the Israelites through the wilderness, they were attacked by serpents, and many were sick. The Lord commanded Moses to "Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live."
A serpent being raised upon a pole has since become the symbol for medicine throughout history. But it also has a symbolism of Jesus on the cross. Look to Him, and live!
Does this mean all one has to do is simply pray and expect to be healed? By no mean. God has blessed us in this day and age with advances in medicine, psychiatry, and other means of counseling. I believe God wants us to use ALL of our resources available, in addition to our prayers. Faith in God must be shown in our works.
If you are depressed, please seek help. As you seek help, God will bless you with healing. If you feel like suicide is an answer, please seek help. While prayer is a powerful tool, please call a friend. God often answers prayers through other people. There is no situation so bad, that God cannot heal. There is no pain He is unfamiliar with.
He has healed me, several times. I have been a tool used to help heal. He is a God of Miracles!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Is he real, or a fraud?
This is very personal for me. That being said, I also welcome comments, being in agreement, or disagreement with what I am about to write, I will not be offended.
Everything I believe can be traced back to one man. Everything I believe about God, life, my employment, the way I view my family, the standards to which I hold myself, can be traced back to one man. Joseph Smith Jr.
"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it."
That is a very, very bold claim. And it is my intent to defend that claim in this posting.
First of all, I wish to make something very clear. I do not worship the man. My worship is reserved for my God only. Joseph Smith was nothing more, or less than His messenger. I hold a very deep reverence for the man, but he was a man just like you or me. It is through his work I am able to know my Savior and use the gift he so freely gave mankind.
Just as there can be no neutrality on whether or not Jesus is the Savior, or just a man who taught pretty things; there can be no neutrality on whether or not Joseph Smith was His messenger for our time.
When he was just 17 years old he was told by an angel "that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people."
Why? Why didn't this man simply fade into obscurity after his martyrdom? Why didn't the movement he started just fizzle out as so many had that started the same time as "Mormonism"? Why do people try so vehemently to discredit the man, as people try so vehemently to share his glorious message?
Simply put, if he's right they are wrong. It is as black and white as that. If Joseph Smith was God's messenger, then every other church is lacking the power to save souls. If he is wrong, then the LDS Church is one of the biggest cons and frauds of all time.
I have made some bold claims, I better start to back them up.
Let me start first with his claim to the power and authority to act in the name of God. Let that set in for a moment. The power and authority to act in the place of God. That's huge. Who has this power, or is it something that everyone who believes gets?
Let me illustrate this point. If I were a better person, I would keep a diary, or journal. If someone were to read this, they would learn a lot about me. They would learn what I like, what I dislike, much of my history (maybe not a bad idea that I don't keep one on second thought). Just based on the fact that someone could learn everything about me, would that authorize them to grab my check book and write checks in my name, even if they thought it would be something they thought I would approve of? No, that's ridiculous.
Let me carry this into a real world setting. God does have a journal of sorts, many would know it as the Bible. So would reading this Bible, learning it very well even, authorize me to start doing things in the name of God? No, of course not.
So here's the problem, who then, if anyone has this authority? And how does this relate to Joseph Smith?
During His mortal ministry, Jesus gave his Apostles the power to act in His name. "I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" Basically, Peter whatever you say and do, Heaven will recognize, full Power of Attorney. (Matthew 16:19) And before His Ascension "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" So, one needs the power to act in God's name to baptize.
Jesus, explicitly gave Peter this power. It wasn't something that was just assumed. This point is important, and I will return to it later. That it was His intent this pattern continue is evident in the first chapter of Acts. In this chapter, the 11 apostles are trying to figure out who God intended to replace Judas Iscariot, after his death, among the 12 apostles. After prayer, they chose a man named Matthias (Acts 1:24-26).
Shortly after, these 12 apostles realized that the Church was growing to large for just the 12 of them to manage. They then choose 7 men to assist them in managing the Church so they could dedicate themselves to preaching. And these men, too were given power to act in the name of God. The New Testament records others, like Paul and Stephen.
However, the Church continued to grow. Due to the limitations in transportation, it was difficult to keep the doctrine pure. Paul had even prophesied of a falling away of the Church. In his epistle to the Thessalonians Paul writes to calm fears that the 2nd Coming of Jesus was imminent. To them he writes "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, expect there come a falling away first..." Jesus was not to return until the Church had fallen away. And with the Church being gone, so was this authority to act in the name of God. With no authority to act in the name of God, there could be no baptisms.
Suddenly, around 90 AD the Bible ends. God had been revealing his word since the days of Adam, and suddenly stops? Or did his authority disappear as prophesied?
So if it disappeared, what claim does Joseph Smith have to any? The answer is simple, God had to restore it, or authorize people again to act in His name.
While translating the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and his scribe, Oliver Cowdry, came across passages about baptism and the authority needed for it. They naturally wondered about this, and decided to ask the Lord about it. On May 15, 1829 they prayed on the banks of the Susquehanna River, near Harmony Pennsylvania. In answer to their prayer, John the Baptist, the very same person who baptized Jesus Christ, only know a resurrected being, came down from Heaven and said
Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.
A few weeks later they received the Higher Priesthood (priesthood is the power to act in God's name, not necessarily a group of clergy) and the power to bestow the The Gift of the Holy Ghost or baptism by fire as referred to in the New Testament. This power was then given to others, and today, every worthy male in the Church is given this power.
So here is the black and white part. Either the events happened as he described and these beings visited him, or they did not. There is no gray. If they did, he had this authorization to act in God's name, and this power is found no other place. If he didn't, then he is a fraud.
So, how do we know this happened? After all, Jesus warns "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." However, in the next verse He states "Ye shall know them by their fruits...even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."
What fruit does Joseph Smith have? The biggest and most obvious is the Book of Mormon. If it be true, then he was God's messenger. Again, another black and white. That Book cannot be God's word and be of the devil. It is one or the other.
So how does this shape who I am or what I believe? I understand I do not have all of the answers. However, if I know that Joseph Smith was God's prophet, and restored His Church, I know that God continues to call prophets even today. I know that what I am taught is true. Some would call this blind faith, but I have put much study, much prayer to know that of what I speak, and it is not blind. I have knowingly placed my trust where it is.
The best part of this message is you do not have to take anyone's word for it. You can find out and receive your own witness. The job of the Holy Ghost is to testify of truth. You can receive your own witness, it requires study and prayer, but you can learn for yourself. If you wish to here more of my experiences with this, ask me, and I will be happy to talk one on one with anyone.
Everything I believe can be traced back to one man. Everything I believe about God, life, my employment, the way I view my family, the standards to which I hold myself, can be traced back to one man. Joseph Smith Jr.
"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it."
That is a very, very bold claim. And it is my intent to defend that claim in this posting.
First of all, I wish to make something very clear. I do not worship the man. My worship is reserved for my God only. Joseph Smith was nothing more, or less than His messenger. I hold a very deep reverence for the man, but he was a man just like you or me. It is through his work I am able to know my Savior and use the gift he so freely gave mankind.
Just as there can be no neutrality on whether or not Jesus is the Savior, or just a man who taught pretty things; there can be no neutrality on whether or not Joseph Smith was His messenger for our time.
When he was just 17 years old he was told by an angel "that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people."
Why? Why didn't this man simply fade into obscurity after his martyrdom? Why didn't the movement he started just fizzle out as so many had that started the same time as "Mormonism"? Why do people try so vehemently to discredit the man, as people try so vehemently to share his glorious message?
Simply put, if he's right they are wrong. It is as black and white as that. If Joseph Smith was God's messenger, then every other church is lacking the power to save souls. If he is wrong, then the LDS Church is one of the biggest cons and frauds of all time.
I have made some bold claims, I better start to back them up.
Let me start first with his claim to the power and authority to act in the name of God. Let that set in for a moment. The power and authority to act in the place of God. That's huge. Who has this power, or is it something that everyone who believes gets?
Let me illustrate this point. If I were a better person, I would keep a diary, or journal. If someone were to read this, they would learn a lot about me. They would learn what I like, what I dislike, much of my history (maybe not a bad idea that I don't keep one on second thought). Just based on the fact that someone could learn everything about me, would that authorize them to grab my check book and write checks in my name, even if they thought it would be something they thought I would approve of? No, that's ridiculous.
Let me carry this into a real world setting. God does have a journal of sorts, many would know it as the Bible. So would reading this Bible, learning it very well even, authorize me to start doing things in the name of God? No, of course not.
So here's the problem, who then, if anyone has this authority? And how does this relate to Joseph Smith?
During His mortal ministry, Jesus gave his Apostles the power to act in His name. "I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" Basically, Peter whatever you say and do, Heaven will recognize, full Power of Attorney. (Matthew 16:19) And before His Ascension "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" So, one needs the power to act in God's name to baptize.
Jesus, explicitly gave Peter this power. It wasn't something that was just assumed. This point is important, and I will return to it later. That it was His intent this pattern continue is evident in the first chapter of Acts. In this chapter, the 11 apostles are trying to figure out who God intended to replace Judas Iscariot, after his death, among the 12 apostles. After prayer, they chose a man named Matthias (Acts 1:24-26).
Shortly after, these 12 apostles realized that the Church was growing to large for just the 12 of them to manage. They then choose 7 men to assist them in managing the Church so they could dedicate themselves to preaching. And these men, too were given power to act in the name of God. The New Testament records others, like Paul and Stephen.
However, the Church continued to grow. Due to the limitations in transportation, it was difficult to keep the doctrine pure. Paul had even prophesied of a falling away of the Church. In his epistle to the Thessalonians Paul writes to calm fears that the 2nd Coming of Jesus was imminent. To them he writes "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, expect there come a falling away first..." Jesus was not to return until the Church had fallen away. And with the Church being gone, so was this authority to act in the name of God. With no authority to act in the name of God, there could be no baptisms.
Suddenly, around 90 AD the Bible ends. God had been revealing his word since the days of Adam, and suddenly stops? Or did his authority disappear as prophesied?
So if it disappeared, what claim does Joseph Smith have to any? The answer is simple, God had to restore it, or authorize people again to act in His name.
While translating the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and his scribe, Oliver Cowdry, came across passages about baptism and the authority needed for it. They naturally wondered about this, and decided to ask the Lord about it. On May 15, 1829 they prayed on the banks of the Susquehanna River, near Harmony Pennsylvania. In answer to their prayer, John the Baptist, the very same person who baptized Jesus Christ, only know a resurrected being, came down from Heaven and said
Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.
A few weeks later they received the Higher Priesthood (priesthood is the power to act in God's name, not necessarily a group of clergy) and the power to bestow the The Gift of the Holy Ghost or baptism by fire as referred to in the New Testament. This power was then given to others, and today, every worthy male in the Church is given this power.
So here is the black and white part. Either the events happened as he described and these beings visited him, or they did not. There is no gray. If they did, he had this authorization to act in God's name, and this power is found no other place. If he didn't, then he is a fraud.
So, how do we know this happened? After all, Jesus warns "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." However, in the next verse He states "Ye shall know them by their fruits...even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."
What fruit does Joseph Smith have? The biggest and most obvious is the Book of Mormon. If it be true, then he was God's messenger. Again, another black and white. That Book cannot be God's word and be of the devil. It is one or the other.
So how does this shape who I am or what I believe? I understand I do not have all of the answers. However, if I know that Joseph Smith was God's prophet, and restored His Church, I know that God continues to call prophets even today. I know that what I am taught is true. Some would call this blind faith, but I have put much study, much prayer to know that of what I speak, and it is not blind. I have knowingly placed my trust where it is.
The best part of this message is you do not have to take anyone's word for it. You can find out and receive your own witness. The job of the Holy Ghost is to testify of truth. You can receive your own witness, it requires study and prayer, but you can learn for yourself. If you wish to here more of my experiences with this, ask me, and I will be happy to talk one on one with anyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)