What are Scriptures?
The scriptures are written records of God’s dealings with His children as recorded by prophets under the influence of the Holy Ghost.
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said and the Apostle John recorded it:
John 5: 39
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
The Apostle Peter, teaching about prophecy and how it comes to the world said this:
2 Peter 1: 20-21
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Holy men or prophets did not think up these things. The Holy Ghost moved upon them and taught them in their minds and heart what was to come. When they recorded these things, they become scripture.
We are here on earth with our memory of our former life in the Spirit world blocked off for the specific reason of learning to live by faith. We show our faith by studying, believing, and obeying God’s revealed word.
We knew our Heavenly Father there. Our spirit wants to remember our former life and so we have the urge to read and study to know the truth.
We also want to know our purpose here on earth like why we are here and what happens after death.
Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from God and comes through studying and living His word and His gospel.
The Prophet Nephi in the Book of Mormon was instructing his brothers from the scriptures or brass plates that they brought with them from Jerusalem:
1 Nephi 19: 22-23
22 Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren these things; and it came to pass that I did read many things to them, which were engraven upon the plates of brass, that they might know concerning the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old.
23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.
Scriptures that are available.
The approved scriptures and sacred books of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.
The Bible is the Word of God written by the Jews or the Tribe of Judah.
The Book of Mormon is the Word of God and Another Witness that Jesus is the Christ; written by the Tribe of Ephraim or Joseph from the time they left Jerusalem about 600 B.C. to the year 421 A.D. when the Prophet Moroni, son of the Prophet Mormon, being inspired by the Lord to bury the plates. The Lord would bring them forth in the Last Days to Restore the Fullness of His Gospel.
The Doctrine and Covenants are revelations given Today, from the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith in establishing His church on the earth for the last time before His Second Coming.
These revelations are instructions to all of us living today on how to live and what is coming and also restoring important information that have been lost in the translations of the Bible over the centuries.
They also tell us many of the mysteries of the kingdom and things which had never been revealed even from the time of Adam to now.
The Peal of Great Price have the Book of Moses which is a direct revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith on what was said to Moses about the creation of the earth and other things.
Another book in the Pearl of Great Price is called the Book of Abraham, which came from scrolls wrapped in a mummy that came from Egypt and was brought to Joseph Smith because of his fame in translating the Book of Mormon.
When Joseph Smith was translating the scroll, he said by inspiration, that the scroll was written by the hand of Abraham himself.
This Book of Abraham gave details on the planets and organization of the Heavens, the Great Council in Heaven where every soul who has lived or will ever live, which includes us, were in attendance and why we are here now.
Today this church has living Prophets and Apostles who receive revelations continually to build the kingdom and guide His children in getting the kingdom ready for His Son’s Second Coming.
For more information, go to www.lds.org
Monday, August 12, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
REVELATION - WHO RECEIVES IT AND WHY
What is Revelation?
Revelation is receiving divine truth through communications from the Heavens.
Revelation comes from God the Father to man in different appointed ways according to the laws ordained by the Almighty.
Depending on the person, how spiritually receptive he is, the Lord may talk to him in any of these ways.
He may appear personally, speak audibly by His own voice, angels are sent to administer to them, they may receive dreams or visions, but the most common ways He speaks is by a “Still Small Voice” to the mind and heart of man.
Who receives Revelation?
For the church.
Back in the ministry of the Savior, Jesus asked the Apostle Peter who he thought Jesus was. Peter answered:
Matthew 16: 15-18
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, (calling him by name) and upon this rock (How Peter received this knowledge, by Revelation from the God the Father) I will build my church; (the church and how it will be run in the last days is by Revelation) and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Jesus Christ has restored His church in these last days with prophets and apostles who receive revelation from Jesus Christ on the organization and guidance of the Kingdom in these last days.
The church that has been restored to the earth is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The person who receives revelation for the whole church is today, President and Prophet Thomas S. Monson.
Others of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles receive revelation in their appointed callings designated by the prophet.
Who else has responsibility to receive Revelation?
As designated by the Lord, the Prophet of this church receives revelation for the church and the world, if they would listen. The Lord said there would only be one prophet on the earth at one time with Authority to Speak for Him to the church and the world.
Revelation is received by those who have responsibility for a jurisdiction or area.
For example, a Stake president receives revelation for the guidance of his stake. A Bishop receives for the guidance of his ward.
Fathers have the responsibility to receive revelation for the guidance of his family and most of all, each individual receives guidance for themselves for their lives.
As a Father, for example, if you feel in your heart and mind that you should have a supply of food and water or any other emergency supplies, act on it and get it. You may not have been thinking about it at the time and it just came to you, that is a Revelation.
How do we personally receive Revelation?
Every righteous person on earth has and does receive revelations from God.
Revelation is an inheritance of the faithful.
The Holy Ghost is a revelator. Those who receive Him, receives revelation from Him.
The Lord has told us that if you want or need something:
One: Study it out and research it and then:
Two: Pray to the Lord and ask if it is right.
If it is right, you will feel a warmth in your bosom and peace that it is right.
If it is wrong, you will Not get that feeling, you will have a stupor of thought or an uneasy feeling.
The key is to hear and obey that “Still Small Voice” that normally will come to each righteous person.
Speaking to the Prophet Joseph Smith and to the Saints individually, the Lord Jesus Christ said:
Doctrine and Covenants 42: 61
61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
The Lord also told the Prophet Joseph Smith in a Revelation on February 16, 1832 this:
Doctrine and Covenants 76: 5-10
5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.
6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.
7 And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
8 Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.
9 And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught.
10 For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power (Revelation) will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man.
Revelation Does Not assure Salvation.
Doctrine and Covenants 3: 4
4 For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.
Doctrine and Covenants 82: 3-5
3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.
4 Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors; and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law.
5 Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all: Watch, for the adversary spreadeth his dominions, and darkness reigneth;
Watch what you do with revelations you receive.
For more information go to www.lds.org
Comments are welcome.
Revelation is receiving divine truth through communications from the Heavens.
Revelation comes from God the Father to man in different appointed ways according to the laws ordained by the Almighty.
Depending on the person, how spiritually receptive he is, the Lord may talk to him in any of these ways.
He may appear personally, speak audibly by His own voice, angels are sent to administer to them, they may receive dreams or visions, but the most common ways He speaks is by a “Still Small Voice” to the mind and heart of man.
Who receives Revelation?
For the church.
Back in the ministry of the Savior, Jesus asked the Apostle Peter who he thought Jesus was. Peter answered:
Matthew 16: 15-18
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, (calling him by name) and upon this rock (How Peter received this knowledge, by Revelation from the God the Father) I will build my church; (the church and how it will be run in the last days is by Revelation) and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Jesus Christ has restored His church in these last days with prophets and apostles who receive revelation from Jesus Christ on the organization and guidance of the Kingdom in these last days.
The church that has been restored to the earth is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The person who receives revelation for the whole church is today, President and Prophet Thomas S. Monson.
Others of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles receive revelation in their appointed callings designated by the prophet.
Who else has responsibility to receive Revelation?
As designated by the Lord, the Prophet of this church receives revelation for the church and the world, if they would listen. The Lord said there would only be one prophet on the earth at one time with Authority to Speak for Him to the church and the world.
Revelation is received by those who have responsibility for a jurisdiction or area.
For example, a Stake president receives revelation for the guidance of his stake. A Bishop receives for the guidance of his ward.
Fathers have the responsibility to receive revelation for the guidance of his family and most of all, each individual receives guidance for themselves for their lives.
As a Father, for example, if you feel in your heart and mind that you should have a supply of food and water or any other emergency supplies, act on it and get it. You may not have been thinking about it at the time and it just came to you, that is a Revelation.
How do we personally receive Revelation?
Every righteous person on earth has and does receive revelations from God.
Revelation is an inheritance of the faithful.
The Holy Ghost is a revelator. Those who receive Him, receives revelation from Him.
The Lord has told us that if you want or need something:
One: Study it out and research it and then:
Two: Pray to the Lord and ask if it is right.
If it is right, you will feel a warmth in your bosom and peace that it is right.
If it is wrong, you will Not get that feeling, you will have a stupor of thought or an uneasy feeling.
The key is to hear and obey that “Still Small Voice” that normally will come to each righteous person.
Speaking to the Prophet Joseph Smith and to the Saints individually, the Lord Jesus Christ said:
Doctrine and Covenants 42: 61
61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
The Lord also told the Prophet Joseph Smith in a Revelation on February 16, 1832 this:
Doctrine and Covenants 76: 5-10
5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.
6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.
7 And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
8 Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.
9 And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught.
10 For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power (Revelation) will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man.
Revelation Does Not assure Salvation.
Doctrine and Covenants 3: 4
4 For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.
Doctrine and Covenants 82: 3-5
3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.
4 Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors; and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law.
5 Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all: Watch, for the adversary spreadeth his dominions, and darkness reigneth;
Watch what you do with revelations you receive.
For more information go to www.lds.org
Comments are welcome.
Friday, August 9, 2013
THE GREAT POWER OF FAITH
Faith - What is it?
In the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Alma talked about Faith.
Keep in mind that this was in the Western Hemisphere, about the year 74 B.C. (before Christ was born in Bethlehem) and written by a prophet of the Lord.
Alma 32: 21
21 And now as I said concerning faith—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.
Thanks to revelation to modern day prophets and apostles we know that the Apostle Paul wrote Hebrews where professors and scholars are not sure.
Paul wrote this after Christ’s ministry.
Hebrews 11: 1
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
In the Book of Mormon, around 400 to 421 A.D., the Prophet Moroni, son of the Prophet Mormon, talked about Faith.
Ether 12: 6
6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.In order to produce Salvation, your Faith must be centered in Jesus Christ.
The Lord has revealed Himself and His perfect character, possessing in their fulness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in Him without reservation.
Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith in Jesus Christ.
Miracles are only temporary and those converted because of a miracle will not be strong in faith.
Real strong faith is obtained by obedience to and living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If miracles come it will only confirm your faith.Faith is a principle of action and of power. With strong faith you can heal the sick, raise the dead and literally move mountains.
Ancient Prophets Knew Of Jesus Christ.
The Prophet Jacob in the Book of Mormon said this about 544 and 421 B.C. which proves the ancient prophets had knowledge of Jesus Christ long before His birth and ministry.
Jacob 4: 4-6
4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming;
and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.
5 Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.
6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.
Faith of Abraham.
Abraham had such faith and trust in God that he took his own son at the command of the Lord, to a high mountain to sacrifice him because the Lord commanded it.
Abraham had faith that the promise the Lord had given him that his seed would as the stars of heaven would come true even if he sacrificed his son.
He knew God had the power to raise him from the dead.
He was being tested to see if Abraham would do as He, God the Father, was going to do in the meridian of time and have His Son, Jehovah, come down to earth, and be known as Jesus Christ, and perform the Atonement for all mankind.
Even more important, by faith one obtains a remission of sins and eventually can stand in the presence of God.
To read about many of the acts done with faith, read the Whole of these two chapters.
Ether 12. Hebrews 11.
For more information, go to www.lds.org.
Comments are always welcome.
In the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Alma talked about Faith.
Keep in mind that this was in the Western Hemisphere, about the year 74 B.C. (before Christ was born in Bethlehem) and written by a prophet of the Lord.
Alma 32: 21
21 And now as I said concerning faith—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.
Thanks to revelation to modern day prophets and apostles we know that the Apostle Paul wrote Hebrews where professors and scholars are not sure.
Paul wrote this after Christ’s ministry.
Hebrews 11: 1
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
In the Book of Mormon, around 400 to 421 A.D., the Prophet Moroni, son of the Prophet Mormon, talked about Faith.
Ether 12: 6
6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.In order to produce Salvation, your Faith must be centered in Jesus Christ.
The Lord has revealed Himself and His perfect character, possessing in their fulness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in Him without reservation.
Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith in Jesus Christ.
Miracles are only temporary and those converted because of a miracle will not be strong in faith.
Real strong faith is obtained by obedience to and living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If miracles come it will only confirm your faith.Faith is a principle of action and of power. With strong faith you can heal the sick, raise the dead and literally move mountains.
Ancient Prophets Knew Of Jesus Christ.
The Prophet Jacob in the Book of Mormon said this about 544 and 421 B.C. which proves the ancient prophets had knowledge of Jesus Christ long before His birth and ministry.
Jacob 4: 4-6
4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming;
and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.
5 Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.
6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.
Faith of Abraham.
Abraham had such faith and trust in God that he took his own son at the command of the Lord, to a high mountain to sacrifice him because the Lord commanded it.
Abraham had faith that the promise the Lord had given him that his seed would as the stars of heaven would come true even if he sacrificed his son.
He knew God had the power to raise him from the dead.
He was being tested to see if Abraham would do as He, God the Father, was going to do in the meridian of time and have His Son, Jehovah, come down to earth, and be known as Jesus Christ, and perform the Atonement for all mankind.
Even more important, by faith one obtains a remission of sins and eventually can stand in the presence of God.
To read about many of the acts done with faith, read the Whole of these two chapters.
Ether 12. Hebrews 11.
For more information, go to www.lds.org.
Comments are always welcome.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
THE POWER OF THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST
What is
Sin?
17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do
good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Accountability.
Knowledge of God’s Laws is required before a
person can sin.
This tells us that
little children up to a certain age are not capable of sin.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ takes care of
original sin as it says here:
We believe that men will be punished for
their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
In modern revelation that age of
accountability is eight years old.
It is required that children be baptized at
eight years old.
Responsibility
of Parents.
This says to all parents that if they do not
teach their children to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and teach them the process of
repentance by the age of eight, the sins will be upon the heads of the parents.
God Has
Given Laws.
The Prophet Jacob in the Book of Mormon
states:
25 Wherefore, he
has given a law; and where there is no law given there is no punishment; and
where there is no punishment there is no condemnation; and where there is no
condemnation the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have claim upon them,
because of the atonement; for they are delivered by the power of him.
26 For the atonement satisfieth the
demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them, that
they are delivered from that awful monster, death and hell, and the devil, and
the lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment; and they are restored
to that God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of Israel.
27 But wo unto him that has the law
given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that
transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is
his state!
While
In This Earth Life Test.
While we are here on earth we have to learn
about God, our Eternal Father and the laws he has given to the prophets of old
and that have come down to us in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
Once we learn them we must obey them so we
will have claim on all the blessings He has for us.
This life is a probation period away from God's
physical presence to prove ourselves to Him.
While we are doing that, we learn about
ourselves. We learn who we are and what
our capabilities are. We are here to
grow and experience good and evil and to learn how to tell the difference and
to choose the good.
If we choose the evil, repentance has been
given us to correct our mistakes and learn to choose good choices.
We have always had Free Agency even in the
spirit world before we came here and will always have it.
Because we have our Free Agency, and are using it here on
earth, we will be held accountable for how we have chosen.
We will not be able to say at Judgment, the devil made me do it. The devil can only tempt us and that is all. What we do comes from us.
If we repented of a sin and went through the
correct channels to do it, then at the Judgment Bar of Jesus Christ, that sin
will be gone. It will not exist.
Here is what is said about that sin:
42 Behold, he
who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember
them no more.
43 By this ye may know if a man
repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.
There is the key, they will confess them to
the proper authority and forsake them, which means they will not do them again.
31 For I the Lord cannot look upon sin
with the least degree of allowance;
32 Nevertheless, he that repents and
does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;
The Lord Jesus Christ came to the earth to perform
the Atonement and suffer for our sins if we would repent and follow His
commandments.
11 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.
12 And he hath risen again from the
dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.
Unless you have committed sin against the
Holy Ghost by shedding innocent blood, which is not forgivable in this world or
in the world to come, all other sins are forgivable.
For more information
go to www.lds.orgTuesday, August 6, 2013
ARTICLE OF FAITH 13 - THE BASIS OF A PRACTICAL RELIGION
The Thirteenth Article of Faith.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Living Your Religion In Daily Life.
The guiding principles each person should live in their everyday duties are proper respect for you and then love for your fellow men and devotion to God.
You cannot have religion without morality, professions of godliness without charity.
Membership in a church without responsibility as to your conduct in your daily life is like sounding brass and tinkling cymbals, music without noise, it means nothing.
JAMES 1: 27
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
The Comprehensiveness Of Our Religion.
A person needs to be active in their religion, doing good to others with honesty of purpose, integrity of the soul, have individual purity, freedom of conscience.
This is the fruits of the religion of Jesus Christ and this far exceeds the promulgation of theories and tenants.
The knowledge of things that are spiritual is founded on revelation from the Lord to His appointed servants on the earth.
This is the sign that the True Church of Jesus Christ is on the earth.
To the honest investigator with an open mind the true principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will be seen in the lives of its members.
The following are a couple of things that the church follows, and many more could be listed if there were space.
The members of the church follow the commandment of tithing. They give one tenth back to the Lord knowing that this is all He commands them to do.
They know everything is His, but He only requires one tenth or 10 percent back, given to His church to build the kingdom.
They also give much to disasters and other situations that occur.
Fast offerings are given directly to the church for providing food and other assistance to those in need.
Free will offerings can be given to other areas that need them.
The majority of the church’s faithful members keep the Sabbath Day holy and attend their meetings and partake of the Sacrament weekly.
They observe the sanctity of the body by obeying the Word of Wisdom received by the Prophet Joseph Smith from the Lord giving His council on what was good or bad for the body.
Doctrine and Covenants 89. Word Of Wisdom.
God is no respecter of persons and will judge each person according to the deeds done in this earthly body according to Eternal Laws that have been revealed.
Benevolence is founded on love for our fellow men of Any Religion and Jesus Christ placed it as second only to love for God.
MATTHEW 22: 36-40
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
In other words, “Thou shalt love.”
Many members ask themselves, “If Jesus was here, what would He do?”
Then they would try to do it.
For more information go to www.lds.org
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Living Your Religion In Daily Life.
The guiding principles each person should live in their everyday duties are proper respect for you and then love for your fellow men and devotion to God.
You cannot have religion without morality, professions of godliness without charity.
Membership in a church without responsibility as to your conduct in your daily life is like sounding brass and tinkling cymbals, music without noise, it means nothing.
JAMES 1: 27
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
The Comprehensiveness Of Our Religion.
A person needs to be active in their religion, doing good to others with honesty of purpose, integrity of the soul, have individual purity, freedom of conscience.
This is the fruits of the religion of Jesus Christ and this far exceeds the promulgation of theories and tenants.
The knowledge of things that are spiritual is founded on revelation from the Lord to His appointed servants on the earth.
This is the sign that the True Church of Jesus Christ is on the earth.
To the honest investigator with an open mind the true principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will be seen in the lives of its members.
The following are a couple of things that the church follows, and many more could be listed if there were space.
The members of the church follow the commandment of tithing. They give one tenth back to the Lord knowing that this is all He commands them to do.
They know everything is His, but He only requires one tenth or 10 percent back, given to His church to build the kingdom.
They also give much to disasters and other situations that occur.
Fast offerings are given directly to the church for providing food and other assistance to those in need.
Free will offerings can be given to other areas that need them.
The majority of the church’s faithful members keep the Sabbath Day holy and attend their meetings and partake of the Sacrament weekly.
They observe the sanctity of the body by obeying the Word of Wisdom received by the Prophet Joseph Smith from the Lord giving His council on what was good or bad for the body.
Doctrine and Covenants 89. Word Of Wisdom.
God is no respecter of persons and will judge each person according to the deeds done in this earthly body according to Eternal Laws that have been revealed.
Benevolence is founded on love for our fellow men of Any Religion and Jesus Christ placed it as second only to love for God.
MATTHEW 22: 36-40
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
In other words, “Thou shalt love.”
Many members ask themselves, “If Jesus was here, what would He do?”
Then they would try to do it.
For more information go to www.lds.org
Monday, August 5, 2013
ARTICLE OF FAITH 12 - OBEYING, HONORING AND SUSTAINING THE LAW
The Twelfth Article of Faith.
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
Wholesome Influence of the Members.
Religion, to be of service, must be wholesome in the lives of its members in religious and in temporal affairs.
Among the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints should be to impress the duty of a law-abiding course to its members in being citizens of a nation and of a community in which they live.
Civil Authority.
In a revelation given by the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith on 1 August 1831 he said:
Doctrine and Covenants 58: 19-23
19 For verily I say unto you, my law shall be kept on this land.
(Speaking to the Prophet Joseph Smith, this means America.)
20 Let no man think he is ruler; but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will, or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat.
21 Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.
22 Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet.
23 Behold, the laws which ye have received from my hand are the laws of the church, and in this light ye shall hold them forth. Behold, here is wisdom.
At a later date, 6 August 1833 the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith this:
Doctrine and Covenants 98: 4-7
4 And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.
5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.
Doctrine and Covenants 124: 49-50
49 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings.
50 And the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and commandments I will visit upon the heads of those who hindered my work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord God.
Duty in Community Life.
A large part of our course of education in this school of mortality or earth life is to interact with our brothers and sisters and perform our righteous duty in community life.
We are not here to sit back and let others do the work of community public service but to live in a state of helpfulness together and work to better our state and local communities.
It is necessary that laws be established among all of us for our general governance and that every member of society obeys the laws established for our society.
This world would be a better place if more men and women carried the principles of their religion into business, politics, and statesmanship.
Not to try and convert anyone to their beliefs but to treat everyone else decent with love and kindness.
Loyal citizenship is a test and a characteristic of a person’s religion and it is their civil duty that the voice of the people be expressed through the established channels that are set up.
For more information, see www.lds.org
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
Wholesome Influence of the Members.
Religion, to be of service, must be wholesome in the lives of its members in religious and in temporal affairs.
Among the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints should be to impress the duty of a law-abiding course to its members in being citizens of a nation and of a community in which they live.
Civil Authority.
In a revelation given by the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith on 1 August 1831 he said:
Doctrine and Covenants 58: 19-23
19 For verily I say unto you, my law shall be kept on this land.
(Speaking to the Prophet Joseph Smith, this means America.)
20 Let no man think he is ruler; but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own will, or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth upon the judgment seat.
21 Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.
22 Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet.
23 Behold, the laws which ye have received from my hand are the laws of the church, and in this light ye shall hold them forth. Behold, here is wisdom.
At a later date, 6 August 1833 the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith this:
Doctrine and Covenants 98: 4-7
4 And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.
5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.
Doctrine and Covenants 124: 49-50
49 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings.
50 And the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and commandments I will visit upon the heads of those who hindered my work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord God.
Duty in Community Life.
A large part of our course of education in this school of mortality or earth life is to interact with our brothers and sisters and perform our righteous duty in community life.
We are not here to sit back and let others do the work of community public service but to live in a state of helpfulness together and work to better our state and local communities.
It is necessary that laws be established among all of us for our general governance and that every member of society obeys the laws established for our society.
This world would be a better place if more men and women carried the principles of their religion into business, politics, and statesmanship.
Not to try and convert anyone to their beliefs but to treat everyone else decent with love and kindness.
Loyal citizenship is a test and a characteristic of a person’s religion and it is their civil duty that the voice of the people be expressed through the established channels that are set up.
For more information, see www.lds.org
TO ALL PEOPLE ON EARTH - THIS IS YOUR POTENTIAL AND DESTINY
Most people on the Earth Do Not know this, Read Carefully.
We are all sons and daughters of God and because we are children of Heavenly Parents, we all have a touch of divinity within us.
We have been educated for eons of time before being born on this earth and we knew the purpose of this earth trial or test that we were going into and are now in.
Why are we here?
First, we are here to gain a physical body for our spirit. God made us as spirits in His image with arms, legs, feet, heart, lungs, head and a brain. This is how we are made in His image. Male and female are all the same generally with little differences.
There is gender here on earth and so it is also in Heaven. We all knew it when we were there and knew it would be the same on earth.
Second, we are to be tested on what we had learned in the Spirit World and have brought to earth within us and we are to continue use our Free Agency in choosing between good and evil here.
What we do here on earth, in our final test, will determine what our destiny will be in the eternities. There are No Retakes, No Reincarnation.
Our Eternal Potential.
The Spirit World was our First Estate and Earth life is our Second and last Estate of this testing period.
Because we are sons and daughters of Heavenly Parents, because they made our spirit bodies so we have the potential to be like Him.
This test was made to show the Father and to ourselves, if we are worthy to be allowed to continue on, after this life, and eventually become like our Heavenly Parents.
Our Earthly Potential.
We have the potential to be like our Earthly parents because we have the bodies that they made for us so we are part of them and we have their traits and have been taught by them.
So it is with our Heavenly parents.
To become like them is called Eternal Life and Exaltation.
Our Heavenly Father revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith what He had said to Moses, this is God speaking:
Moses 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
Immortality.
Immortality has been accomplished for every person on earth by the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ.
He had suffered for the sins of the world and has been resurrected.
All of us will be resurrected to Immortal Beings, including those who have been good and those who have been evil.
1 Corinthians 15: 40-42
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
This way, all of us will be able to stand before Jesus Christ at the Judgment Bar and answer for what we have done in the body and receive the consequences for our actions.
We will not be able to say the devil made me do it because we had our Free Agency. The devil cannot force us to do evil, only our own decision can do that.
All the devil and his angels can do is tempt us.
Eternal Life and Exaltation.
The Restored Gospel is the New and Everlasting Covenant.
Those who accept the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and are baptized into His church and follow His teachings will be qualified for the Celestial Kingdom.
If he follows His commandments and then qualifies to enter the Holy Temple with his companion, will be married for the time they will be on the earth, but also for all Eternity, which qualifies them for Eternal Life and Exaltation.
Eternal marriage qualifies the couple to continue to be married after death and be authorized in having spirit children of their own and to progress on into eternity as a family. They will be following in the footsteps of Heavenly Parents.
The Prophet Joseph Smith when talking about the principles of Exaltation said:
“But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil (death) before you have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 348)
Line upon line, little by little, we progress into eternity.
The Choices we make.
Our life is a series of choices.
Our lives are seldom determined by great, life altering decisions, but our lives are determined by the many small, day to day choices that track our path.
For more information, go to www.lds.org
We are all sons and daughters of God and because we are children of Heavenly Parents, we all have a touch of divinity within us.
We have been educated for eons of time before being born on this earth and we knew the purpose of this earth trial or test that we were going into and are now in.
Why are we here?
First, we are here to gain a physical body for our spirit. God made us as spirits in His image with arms, legs, feet, heart, lungs, head and a brain. This is how we are made in His image. Male and female are all the same generally with little differences.
There is gender here on earth and so it is also in Heaven. We all knew it when we were there and knew it would be the same on earth.
Second, we are to be tested on what we had learned in the Spirit World and have brought to earth within us and we are to continue use our Free Agency in choosing between good and evil here.
What we do here on earth, in our final test, will determine what our destiny will be in the eternities. There are No Retakes, No Reincarnation.
Our Eternal Potential.
The Spirit World was our First Estate and Earth life is our Second and last Estate of this testing period.
Because we are sons and daughters of Heavenly Parents, because they made our spirit bodies so we have the potential to be like Him.
This test was made to show the Father and to ourselves, if we are worthy to be allowed to continue on, after this life, and eventually become like our Heavenly Parents.
Our Earthly Potential.
We have the potential to be like our Earthly parents because we have the bodies that they made for us so we are part of them and we have their traits and have been taught by them.
So it is with our Heavenly parents.
To become like them is called Eternal Life and Exaltation.
Our Heavenly Father revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith what He had said to Moses, this is God speaking:
Moses 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
Immortality.
Immortality has been accomplished for every person on earth by the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ.
He had suffered for the sins of the world and has been resurrected.
All of us will be resurrected to Immortal Beings, including those who have been good and those who have been evil.
1 Corinthians 15: 40-42
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
This way, all of us will be able to stand before Jesus Christ at the Judgment Bar and answer for what we have done in the body and receive the consequences for our actions.
We will not be able to say the devil made me do it because we had our Free Agency. The devil cannot force us to do evil, only our own decision can do that.
All the devil and his angels can do is tempt us.
Eternal Life and Exaltation.
The Restored Gospel is the New and Everlasting Covenant.
Those who accept the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and are baptized into His church and follow His teachings will be qualified for the Celestial Kingdom.
If he follows His commandments and then qualifies to enter the Holy Temple with his companion, will be married for the time they will be on the earth, but also for all Eternity, which qualifies them for Eternal Life and Exaltation.
Eternal marriage qualifies the couple to continue to be married after death and be authorized in having spirit children of their own and to progress on into eternity as a family. They will be following in the footsteps of Heavenly Parents.
The Prophet Joseph Smith when talking about the principles of Exaltation said:
“But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil (death) before you have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 348)
Line upon line, little by little, we progress into eternity.
The Choices we make.
Our life is a series of choices.
Our lives are seldom determined by great, life altering decisions, but our lives are determined by the many small, day to day choices that track our path.
For more information, go to www.lds.org
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